ZebraFish by Peter H. Reynolds

I know--I just don't have many graphic novels in the library.  This one is really good.  It is a fast read (not many words to read) and it has a message.  If you are someone who wants to make a difference in the world, this maybe the book you would like to try first.

check out the book screening at here!

Interested in making a difference?  Let's see what we can do!

You may also want to check this site out:

http://www.generationcures.org/

Is It Night or Day? by Fern Shumer Chapman

Need a good historical fiction book?  This is one of the best that I have read in a long time (It made the Top 10 Historical Fiction for Teens list by Booklist) . The story starts in Germany in 1938.  Children are being sent to safety by their parents.  Many of these children do not know why.  This is the story of a separation of a young girl (age 12) and her family.  This is the beginning of the end, the Holocaust.  Edith's parents were able to collect enough money and find a sponsor to take their daughter in America.  This is her story of the travels, the people she meets on they way, and dealing with the world around her.  Although this is a historical fiction, it is based on the story of the author's mother.  I think kids will find this book just as moving as the story of Anne Frank.

For more information on the author and book:
http://www.fernschumerchapman.com/

The Kane Chronicles, Book One: The Red Pyramid

Another book trailer.  Since this book company is owned by Disney, I wonder if we will be seeing a movie in the future!

Ali Sparkes Frozen in time

Wow...I love the Book Trailer.  I'm hoping that this will work for my readers.  If it does--Wow!

Time Travel Challenge

Frozen In Time

by

Ali Sparkes

This fall, I will be offering a couple of book challenges to my 7th and 8th grade classes.  More will be said about the challenges in the fall.  One book could fit in a couple of the challenges would be this one (Time travel challenge, Reading Around the World, or Reader's Choice).

Frozen in time takes place in 2010 in London.  Two of the characters, Freddy and Polly's story actually begins in 1956.  Imagine how life can change in 54 years.  The mystery is ... who did this to them, where is the father, is he still alive, and will they be able to make the survive after 54 years in a tank.

This book is a little challenging due to the fact that it is written by a British author, but I think that you will enjoy the story.

Challenge:  Interview someone about 50 years older than you, and find out about some of the differences in music, television, past-times, manners, roles of girls and boys! 

Check out Ms. Sparkes website:

http://www.alisparkes.com/

Rick Riordan Fans

I've decided to start my summer with an award winning author Ric Riordan.  Have you finished with Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods? I've heard that the movie wasn't very good if you had read the books.  Mr. Riordan has started a new series with his new book the Red Pyramid.  Now we mix the mortal world with the world of pharoes and magicians of Ancient Egypt. The story is told by two narrators, Carter and Sadie who are brother and sister.  The mystery revolves around the death of their parents and the ending of the world as we know it. 

OMG! you've go to see the website--it has a book trailer (like the movie trailers you see in theaters), it has a special game that if you solve it you can mee the author or win a gift package.  It has character cards to help you keep track of the good guys versus the bad...It looks like lots of fun.  Check it out for yourself. 
                                                     http://www.thekanechronicles.com/

Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

Mark Twain Winner for 2009-2010

Although we no longer participate in the Mark Twain Award nominees, I still keep several of the books on the shelf.  So as I was leaving the library Friday, I decided to take this home to read.  (She is one of my favorite ghost story writers.)  And like many of the other books that I have read of hers, this one fits it's title.  I could not put this one down. 

In this book, two moms are suffering for things in the past, and their two daughters try to discover the secrets.

I don't want to spoil the story, so I will say no more!  :)

Don't forget to check out her website: http://www.marydowninghahnbooks.com/

Oh no!  There are books on the list that I haven't read. Well I guess I know what I'll be doing for the summer.