Yes! I'm Still reading

The school year is going at a racing speed.  It looks like I haven't ready anything since August.  But I have, I just need to remember to blog immediately after I read.  My other challenge has been starting a book, and then recommending it to students.  Today I have an older title by an awesome, well-known, author Gary Paulson. 

Not knowing anything about the book--I randomly picked it off the shelf.  O.k. maybe not randomly, I was looking for something short.  All of the other books I've been reading have been over 300 pages.  I needed something short to get me going.  Anyway, enough about me.

I thought that the book would be funny.  There are a few funny parts, but not like I expected. This books is about relationships.  How to start one, how to keep one going, and how to live with the good and bad things that tend to happen. The main character, Finn, gets a new neighbor, Johanna who is dealing with breast cancer.  Finn, Matthew (friend), and Dylan (the dog with the notes) help Johanna deal with her cancer.  Johanna helps them to discover themselves, especially Finn, who doesn't like talking with others.

Best Advice from the book:  Keep a Journal--Each day write the best thing that happened to you on that day.

First Line:  Sometimes having company is not all that it is cracked up to be.

Favorite Quote:  The truth always reveals itself, and usually in mysterious ways.

To Learn More about Gary Paulsen:  http://www.garypaulsen.com/

Bull Rider by Suzanne Morgan Williams

Truman Nominee 2011-2012

In this story, Cam's brother, Ben comes home from Iraq.  Once the High School Champion Rider, Ben badly hurt, and will no longer be able to ride the Bulls.  Cam is trying his best to keep up Ben's Spirits and willingness to move on.  Will Cam be able to do that?

 

The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler

Truman Nominee 2011-2012

    Yum! Yum!  What could be more fun than living on a beach, designing your own cupcakes, and meeting a cute guy.  Nothing!  Unless your parents are getting divorce, your working for your mother, and the cute guy is sitting with your biggest enemy.  You think you have problems?  Travel through Hog's Hollow with Penny and her friends.



A Farwalker's Quest by Joni Sensel

Truman Nominee 2011-2012

  From Fool to one of the most valuable folks around--A Farwalker, and she is the only one left alive.  So what can a farwalker do that someone else can't.  It seems that Ariel has many talents--She has a bead that will help her light the darkest corners of a cave.  She has the skills of a healtouch.  She has the courage to move forward in danger.  She has power when she needs it.  She has the skills communicate with the dead (o.k. so far just one dead person).  When she can't do something she has friends that can help help.  What else do you need for a journey.

I found myself with her, every step of the way.  From the time she began her Naming Test, to being kidnapped for a dart.  I mean a telling dart with secret message.  It is this message that tends to bring the Finder's looking for her.  They are not coming to help her out!

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

If a movie is based on a book, my friend prefers to read the book first--There is some logic to this--You get the whole story and not just a part.  Unfortunately the movie is never better than the book according to me anyway.  The movie lacks plot, or the character I envisioned is not the same as the movie makers vision, or I think that my imagination is better....whatever the case, I've read the book first. 
I Am Number Four, like all of the others I've read before it....is a heart thumping experience that doesn't end.  Yes folks, here's the spoiler, there will be another book to follow as well as another movie.  I'm not jumping in to see the movie just yet.  I'm kind of cheap, I'll wait for it to show at the dollar show, or come on television or netflix.  I would like to see what the special effect folks do with the powers and the monsters...

By the way the book will be on the shelf soon.

Favorite quote from the book:
From Henri to John Smith
 "It's the last thing to go.  When you have lost hope, you have lost everything.  And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope."

One other quote:  "Those things that are most obvious are the very things that we're most likely to overlook."

So who is Pittacus Lore?????

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.

The Graveyard by Neil Gaiman

ScarY????  Yes and No.  However for my middle school friend that wanted a murder that started the book, here it is!  As Bod's parents were killed, he had slipped from his crib, went down the stairs ( 3 or 5 flights), out the door, up the hill and into the graveyard.  He is granted full use of the graveyard from his friends and new family--the Owens.  So what is it like to live among the dead?  find out in this award winning book!

Don't forget to check out the Book Trailer

As Simple as it Seems

  As Simple As It Seems,

Have you ever wished that you were someone else?  Vebena gets the chance and takes it.

This short novel talks about how we see ourselves...and those things that influence what we see about ourselves.

Maybe I should mention that there is a reason that Vebena is wanting to be someone else...Vebena finds out that she is  adopted.  She also finds out that her real mother was an alcoholic. The main part of the story though, is on her life with her adoptive parents and the adventure she has during the summer.

What do a curse, a murder, and a snowboard have in common?

You will enjoy reading Tor's adventure as he tries to solve this curse that could  ruin his life.

Snowboarding anyone?

Boost by Kathy Mackel

Calling all Girl Athletes!  Here is a Book Just for you!

Guys, you will like also!

If you want to be the best at anything not just sports, you need to "Boost" your game.

This is the first book that I have personally read that deals with girl athletes.  (Oh, I remember that there was a soccer player in the Traveling Pants series)

 The story is about Savvy, an 8th grade basketball player,  and her friendships, her trials with making a select team, her family troubles, school, and her relationship with her sister.

The story begins with Savvy and her family moving from New Mexico to Rhode island.  Savvy is trying out for basket ball.  She's got the talent and skills to easily make the team.  But she also likes to challenge herself, and with her new friend Gonzo, they try out for the 18 and under select league.

Occassionally, I was lost due to the basketball terms, but then I'm not a basketball player or sports announcer. However, I was able to tell if the team was winning or not, and I could get a glimps of what was happening and I did enjoy the different plots.

There is also a message about steroids that is very important for athletes!

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