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

Seer of Shadows by Avi

The "Scariest book that I have read in a long time!" Imagine that each time you take a photo an unknown item begins to appear. In each picture that image becomes clearer. So clear that it begins to come to life, and seek revenge. It's more than just moving things around. This ghost wants a life for a life....

Don't forget to check the Avi's web site at http://www.avi-writer.com/

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

Creating Peace One School at a Time

What an amazing story! Can you imagine climbing a mountain, in another country, and getting lost? Imagine being cold and hungry, in a place where you don't even know if people exist. This is the story of one man who returns the kindness he has been shown. He provides this village with a school, something they would really needed in this village. Of course there are problems on the way...like getting the supplies to the right place, building a bridge, ect. And of course, what you do for one group of people, you are asked to do for others. Don't forget to look at his photo's and read the interview with his daughter at thend of the book.

Read more about Dr. Greg and learn how you can help by going to the Three Cups of Tea web page at http://www.threecupsoftea.com/

The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood by Barb Bentler Ulman

Mark Twain Nominee

In this intergenerational story (young and old unite), Willa with so many worries becomes a "soul sister" with Hazel an elderly neighbor. What they have in common--a glen with a stump. A stump that seems to provide it's own comforting magic. See how "Change is like a storm. It's all windy and upsetting, but the sun has to come out eventually."(beginning of the story)

Another favorite quote from the story (May is speaking to a nutfolk): "Act the way you want to be, and soon you''ll be the way you act." Really gives you something to think about.

Tell me your thoughts about the quote, or share your favorite quote, scene, character, or ideas about the book.

Author's Website: http://barb.bentler.us/index.htm

All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall

Truman Award nominee

This books is how four different students come together to accomplish a world breaking record with tetrahedron pyramid. The books is written from the point of view of the students, teacher, and parents. This one project changes the lives of those who are involved.

If you are interested in making your own tetrahedron check out this pattern at http://www.korthalsaltes.com/cube_tetra.html.

Or try making a kite: http://mathandecon.ncee.net/35/visuals/lesson7_activity.pdf

Don't forget to tell me about your favorite (or least favorite) character or scene of the book!!

Author's Website: http://www.shelleypearsall.com/

The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett

Mark Twain Nominee

This is more than a mystery and adventure story of three kids trying to save a historical home. It is a puzzler. There are different puzzles scattered through out the book, with more places to investigate in the back of the book.

Follow Petra, Calder, and Tommy as they try to stop a murder by solving the mysteries of the Frank Lloyd Wright's "Robie House."

Let me know what you think! Food for thought: Which character are you most like?

Author Site: http://www.scholastic.com/blueballiett/

Challenge make your own set (see beginning of book) or play online Pentomino at this site:

http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/pentominoes.htm

A Small White Scar by K.A. Nuzum

Mark Twain Nominee

Will has a goal, and he has taken all the steps needed to become the overall winner of a rodeo. It is this rodeo that will make him a man, but free him from his past. There are just a few things holding him back, a brother and the father who needs him to help run the ranch. Will needs to make a decision and it won't be easy.

Share your thoughts on this story.