POP by Gordon Korman

Truman Nominee 2011-2012

What would you do if a middle-aged man decided to play football with you in the park?  Had Marcus ever heard of "Stranger Danger?" 

Mark has just moved to town.  He is a football player, and he is looking to improve his game so that he could make the team.  He sets his own practice field up in Three Alarm Park.  Before long he has attracked the attention of Charlie Popovich.  There is something about Charlie that isn't quite right.  But Charlie begins showing Marcus the "in's and out's" of playing the game.

What Marcus has discovered is that Charlie is sometimes living in the past, reliving his good ole football days, and his days as a prankster.  Suddenly Marcus is pulled into his activities, and finds himself in trouble.  Can he really "tell" on a man who is well loved by the town?

For information on Gordon Korman and his other books,

Check out his website @

http://www.gordonkorman.com/



Invisible Lines by Mary Amato

Mark Twain Nominee

2011-2012

Opening lines:  If there's one thing I'm good at it's making people laugh because when I'm standing up I'm what you call a stand-up comedian, and when I'm sitting down, I'm just plain funny.

Invisible lines, these are the lines that we sometimes trip up us in life. Trevor has a sense of humor and he neeeds it for all of the things that seem to be going wrong in life.  His mother has just moved him and his brother and sister into an apartment building where crime is just away of life. And everyone is a victim.  Trevor doesn't want to be apart of that, he wants to make a name for himself.  The only place to do this is at school where he crosses that invisible to participate in a gifted class (he has never been there before) and the world of the rich and famous. 


Read the book and look for those invisible lines.

Great Art Work, Fun Fungi Facts, a Feel Good Type of Book!
Mrs. Amato's website:  http://www.maryamato.com/about-me

Do you like to write books, check out Mrs. Amato's 3 min. video on the writing process.

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson

By James Patterson--Children's Choice Author of the Year

I have to admit--James Patterson is also one of my favorite authors.  The stories are good, there is always alot of action, a good twist to the story, and believable characters.  Oh, and the chapters are usually two to three pages for those who read in short spurts.  If you want to feel you have accomplished alot of reading, you are on Chapter 10 before you know it.

Back to this story--One of the best graphic novels that I have seen.  The drawings are great!  The story is funny, and I think the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" fans will love the book as well.

Warning:  The stunts pulled in this book will get you in trouble!  Please do not do them at school!!!

Rafe is out to make school interesting this year--His goal is to break every rule in the  HVMS Student Code Book.  The outcome--You'll Just have to read the book!!!



Bullyville by Francine Prose

Bullyville

This story comes from the victim's eyes.  Once called the Miracle Boy, Bart is now call Fart Strangley when he enters his new school, Bailywell.  Bart is having a hard time dealing with the death of a father and the near death of his mom.  And when the prestigious school Bailywell offers him a scholarship to attend, Bart's mom wants him to go.  Despite the many rumors of it being a school for Bullies, Bart makes his mother happy by attending.  I'm sure you can guess what happens next.

This is not a happy book in the least, yet there is one golden moment in the events that unfold.

Not  your typical story.

Emma -Jean Lazarus Fell out of a Tree

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell out of a Tree

by Lauren Tarshis




Emma-Jean is not your normal 7th grade student, and that is okay with her. She likes to watch the people around her, until one day when someone asks her for help.
She is more then ready. Only her help is different.
Emma is like most students, she really wants to belong.

Author Website: http://www.laurentarshis.com/
Kid's Read Review: http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0803731647.asp