
Friday, March 28, 2008
UNDONE by Brooke Taylor

Although their friendship is just beginning, compared to Serena's other friend relationships, Kori has had an amazing amount of influence on Serena. Just to look at them, one would think they were sisters. Serena has changed her hair style and color and the way she dresses since meeting Kori. She now sports a pierced tongue, and a tattoo is probably not far behind. After meeting Kori, Serena's confidence increases. She is more able to deal with her unpredictable mother and the absence of a father she never knew.
There is something mysterious about Kori, and yet Serena feels Kori understands her better than anyone else ever has. They both have family issues involving parents who don't really "get" them, and school is a place of discomfort for both of them. Serena manages to score high marks while Kori's grades are terrible. But it's not classwork; it is the social scene with the perky, blonde cheerleader types and the muscle-bound jocks that frustrate the girls.
The more Serena gets to know Kori, the more she realizes she doesn't know. When a tragic accident takes Kori's life, Serena is determined to find some answers and at the same time complete a list of tasks Kori created as a classroom assignment. While completing the task list, Serena learns not only Kori's secrets, but also a few of her own.
This is a first novel by Brooke Taylor,and if this is any indication of her talent, she is sure to go far.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
THE PILLAR OF LIGHT by A. L. Travis

The complete title of this work is THE PILLAR OF LIGHT: The Legends of Milana. It begins the adventures of Nani val Dynia and the six pillars in a strange and mysterious land.
Nani's story begins when a tall stranger brings her to the home of Doc and Ruth Miller. They are missionaries in Brazil, and are stunned when the stranger arrives carrying the injured and bound Nani. He tells them only her name and hands them a mysterious necklace. Then he asks them to keep Nani and necklace safe and leaves as mysteriously as he came.
Nani becomes part the missionary couple's life over the next three years. She is welcomed by the natives and learns their ways. When a group of high school students arrives, Nani volunteers to take them to a nearby village. Their trip is uneventful until Nani makes a sharp turn on the road and nearly runs into the tall stranger standing in the middle of the road. She swerves to avoid him, sending the truck over a cliff.
When the teens awaken from the crash, they discover they are no longer in Brazil and perhaps not even on the planet Earth. They wander in the forest until they are found by a man named Kalin. He takes care of them and begins to explain the strange world they have landed in. It soon becomes obvious that Nani is really from this world, and she holds a secret that could save those living there.
THE PILLAR OF LIGHT is the start of a new series sure to be a success with readers of fantasy and science fiction. Nani and her friends will be returning to continue their adventures as they solve the mysteries of the remaining five pillars.
Monday, March 17, 2008
VISIT FROM PATRICK JONES...
I just had the pleasure of listening to Patrick Jones, author of THINGS CHANGE, NAILED, and CHASING TAIL LIGHTS, speak to a group of students at our public library. He was fantastic!
Patrick mentioned last fall that he would be visiting Michigan in March, and he agreed to come to our small, southeast Michigan community. At a population of only 2200, our venue is much smaller than most places he visits. The audience consisted of mostly high school students and a few 8th graders.
Most interesting to me was his description of how he arrived at the idea for each of his books. He gave examples of the thought processes used to create his characters and story-lines. Now I need to re-read his books to better understand what he discussed.
As a teacher, I appreciate that he involved the students and made them feel that he valued their opinions and concerns. I'm sure they will be talking about his visit for some time.
Thanks to Patrick for his willingness to share his time with a small town and its teens.
Patrick has two new books coming out in 2008. CHEATED will be released April 1, and another book is due out in October.
Patrick mentioned last fall that he would be visiting Michigan in March, and he agreed to come to our small, southeast Michigan community. At a population of only 2200, our venue is much smaller than most places he visits. The audience consisted of mostly high school students and a few 8th graders.
Most interesting to me was his description of how he arrived at the idea for each of his books. He gave examples of the thought processes used to create his characters and story-lines. Now I need to re-read his books to better understand what he discussed.
As a teacher, I appreciate that he involved the students and made them feel that he valued their opinions and concerns. I'm sure they will be talking about his visit for some time.
Thanks to Patrick for his willingness to share his time with a small town and its teens.
Patrick has two new books coming out in 2008. CHEATED will be released April 1, and another book is due out in October.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
SWINDLE by Gordon Korman

Griffin Bing always had a plan. This time it involved a sleepover at the Old Rockford House. It was scheduled to be demolished the next day. Griffin had invited just about everyone and was very disappointed that only his best friend, Ben, showed up.
A group of the kids had the idea that the city could build a skate park on the property when the creepy, old house was torn down, but the city officials had other ideas. They thought a museum was a better idea. Griffin had organized the sleepover hoping to get the attention their plan deserved. Instead, all he got was a night in his sleeping bag listening to his friend Ben snore.
Not wanting to leave without a little adventure, the boys did a little exploring before they left. Griffin accidentally discovered a secret drawer, and tucked in that drawer was a card – an old baseball card with a picture of Babe Ruth. He was sure it was valuable and would help solve his parents’ financial problems.
After a narrow escape from the wrecking ball, Griffin and Ben hurry to Palomino’s Emporium of Collectibles and Memorabilia to get the opinion of an expert. Much to their disappointment, S. Wendell Palomino gives them bad news. The card is a reproduction and worth very little. He offers them $120, and they take the money and run.
Imagine their surprise and fury when the nightly news is carrying the story of one S. Wendell Palomino and his incredible discovery of a valuable baseball trading card valued at $1,000,000. What follows is Griffin’s new plan to get back the card he believes is rightfully his.
Gordon Korman has once again created a story sure to captivate middle grade audiences. His adventurous characters, great use of humor, and non-stop action make SWINDLE great fun to read.
A group of the kids had the idea that the city could build a skate park on the property when the creepy, old house was torn down, but the city officials had other ideas. They thought a museum was a better idea. Griffin had organized the sleepover hoping to get the attention their plan deserved. Instead, all he got was a night in his sleeping bag listening to his friend Ben snore.
Not wanting to leave without a little adventure, the boys did a little exploring before they left. Griffin accidentally discovered a secret drawer, and tucked in that drawer was a card – an old baseball card with a picture of Babe Ruth. He was sure it was valuable and would help solve his parents’ financial problems.
After a narrow escape from the wrecking ball, Griffin and Ben hurry to Palomino’s Emporium of Collectibles and Memorabilia to get the opinion of an expert. Much to their disappointment, S. Wendell Palomino gives them bad news. The card is a reproduction and worth very little. He offers them $120, and they take the money and run.
Imagine their surprise and fury when the nightly news is carrying the story of one S. Wendell Palomino and his incredible discovery of a valuable baseball trading card valued at $1,000,000. What follows is Griffin’s new plan to get back the card he believes is rightfully his.
Gordon Korman has once again created a story sure to captivate middle grade audiences. His adventurous characters, great use of humor, and non-stop action make SWINDLE great fun to read.
Friday, March 14, 2008
THE GAME OF MY LIFE: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph, and Growing Up Autistic by Jason "J-Mac" McElwain

THE GAME OF MY LIFE is about Jason McElwain, the high school senior who scored six three point shots for his basketball team. You may remember having heard about him on the news back in 2006. It wouldn't have been so unusual, except he was just the team manager not a regular player, and he suffered from autism.
Diagnosed with severe autism as a toddler, many people never expected Jason to communicate with others or even attend public school, let alone possibly break a high school basketball scoring record. He tells his unique story with the help of author Daniel Paisner.
The book is written in Jason's clear, direct, and inspiring voice. His story is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about autism, especially those interested in hearing a story about success in coping with this complicated and often misunderstood condition.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
MARCH BOOK SUGGESTIONS courtesy of some interesting 8th grade readers...
Once again I asked my students for a list of the titles they would recommend. So without further ado, here are their suggestions.
TWILIGHT series by Stephenie Meyer
NOVEMBER BLUES by Sharon Draper
GET WELL SOON by Julie Halpern
GYM CANDY by Carl Deuker
GAME by Walter Dean Myers
THINGS CHANGE by Patrick Jones
NAILED by Patrick Jones
(Patrick Jones is visiting our local public library on March 17th. We are very excited!)
STONER & SPAZ by Ron Koertge
BLACK AND WHITE by Paul Volponi
THE RIFLE by Gary Paulsen
TEEN ANGST... NAAH by Ned Vizzini
GRIND by Eric Walters
SKATE by Michael B. Harmon
VAMPIRE KISSES series by Ellen Schreiber
Happy reading!
TWILIGHT series by Stephenie Meyer
NOVEMBER BLUES by Sharon Draper
GET WELL SOON by Julie Halpern
GYM CANDY by Carl Deuker
GAME by Walter Dean Myers
THINGS CHANGE by Patrick Jones
NAILED by Patrick Jones
(Patrick Jones is visiting our local public library on March 17th. We are very excited!)
STONER & SPAZ by Ron Koertge
BLACK AND WHITE by Paul Volponi
THE RIFLE by Gary Paulsen
TEEN ANGST... NAAH by Ned Vizzini
GRIND by Eric Walters
SKATE by Michael B. Harmon
VAMPIRE KISSES series by Ellen Schreiber
Happy reading!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
NOVEMBER BLUES by Sharon Draper

If you are like me, a long-time Sharon Draper fan, be sure to check out NOVEMBER BLUES, the sequel to THE BATTLE OF JERICHO.
Both Jericho and November have been through a lot. Both of them are just trying to get through their junior year without crumbling under the weight of the loss of their friend. After the tragic and sensless accident that took Josh's life and changed their lives forever, they have tried to be there to support each other and find a way to move on.
For Jericho it means giving up his trumpet and the music that meant so much. He decides the hard-hitting contact of the football team might help ease his pain. His split with Arielle hasn't helped matters much either, but focusing on this new pastime, November, and Olivia, his friend from band, is better than moping around at home.
November is dealing with an entirely different situation. After months of feeling sad and depressed, she finally admits there might be something more causing her physical pain. A pregnancy test reveals the truth - she's going to have Josh's child. Her mother is furious one minute and disappointed the next. Her future college plans are looking dim at best. Did she even love Josh enough to consider changing her life and taking on the responsibility of raising their child alone?
Sharon Draper is at her best as she takes readers back into the world of November and Jericho. It only took a few chapters to literally suck me back into their lives so that I could hardly turn the pages fast enough. Draper paints a realistic picture of the terrible tragedy of the earlier book and the new painful reality of a resulting teen pregnancy and lives that must move forward. There is just the right mix of gritty truth and future hope to satisfy most readers. Be sure to get your hands on a copy soon.
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