Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

Just finished Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris this morning.  I've been wanting to read his modern-day Aesop-like fables for a while now.  Found it at Books-a-Million and picked up a copy for myself instead of borrowing it from the library.  (A little Happy 40th Birthday present to me!)  This is definitely an adult book, so please take my advice and if you're not at least 21, don't read it.  ;)  You probably wouldn't get the tongue-in-cheek humor anyway.  And that's what makes Sedaris such a humorist...his subtlety. And I love Ian Falconer's illustrations.  You may recognize him from the Olivia children's books.  I've included two of the illustrations from this book below.  They are perfect!

I'll definitely treat myself to another of his books. 

This marks the 86th book I've read this year.  I'm disappointed that I've let "life" distract me from reaching my goal of 100.  I've decided that I'll catch up in 2012.  Which means, that my resolution is to read 113 books in 2012.  Whew!  Better get started!

Happy Reading!  And Happy New Years to you all.
RC

Good News!

Good News #1

Fans of The Maze Runner Trilogy will be excited to hear that James Dashner has announced plans to release the prequel to the trilogy, The Kill Order, in August 2012.  According to Dashner, this story is older than the Maze Runner!  Why didn't he just start with this story? (That's what I'd like to ask him...)  To learn more about this amazing series, simply go to the  Official James Dashner Blog!





Good News #2

Lots of new reading material will soon be released for fans of The 39 Clues Series. Follow this LINK to the Scholastic blog site for all the details. I'm particularly interested in the short stories released between December 25th and the 31st.  If you like games, try the new one posted at this site as well.


Until I have more good book news!
Happy Reading,
RC

DEADLINES!

With the Christmas Season upon us, I'm feeling the stress of all kinds of deadlines!  I absolutely hate to procrastinate, so I'm attempting to meet my reading goal of 100 books earlier than midnight on December 31st. I've read 3 books with Emma that I'm counting towards my goal due to the fact that they're young adult, I read them aloud to her and they are over 100 pages.  So this is my official posting for books #83, 84 and 85 on my list.  That leaves 15 to read before the end of the year.  I can do it!

#83 - Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney
#84 - Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
#85 - Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

Until the next book is read...
Happy Reading!
RC

The Death Cure

Book #82

Will finish the third installment in James Dashner's Maze Runner Trilogy tonight.  (I have to pick up the pace to finish all 100 by December 31st.)  I am enjoying it so far, but am anticipating some major surprises in the plot based on what one of my 8th grade students told me yesterday.  He's about 50 pages ahead of me and bless his heart he knew better than to ruin it for me!  Love it!



Here's a link to the youtube video for The Death Cure.  Enjoy!
Death Cure Trailer
If you want to know more about the trilogy, visit the author's website.  He has a great blog that I enjoy following.  James Dashner
Happy Reading!
RC

Crossed

Book #81

Crossed by Allie Condie is the second in a trilogy that is quite popular among our 8th grade girls. The first book, Matched, is one of the most appropriate romance novels written for young adults that I've read in a long time.  Today's ya lit is often peppered with crude language and mature content.  This series, written to satisfy the gaping hole in the romance genre, satisfies this library media specialist completely.

Although, I wish I'd reread Matched before reading Crossed.  I had forgotten too many details. 

Happy Reading!
RC

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, was a pleasure to read.  This refreshing story has something for every reader, mystery, time travel, romance... I was pleasantly surprised to find the photos used throughout (including the cover art) were authentic and inspirations for this story. 

I had to place this book on our library's restricted shelf due to mature phrasing.

If you're interested, this book makes a beautiful gift.  The photographs are intriguing and you can look at them before you read the book without fear of spoilers!

Here's what GoodReads.com has to say about this book:
A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
*This makes book # 80 for me.
Happy Reading!
RC

The Traveler's Gift

Absolutely loved The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews.  Recommended to me by a reading friend, I saved this book for the vacation drive.  So glad I did!  I was able to share the story with my husband and kids...we had a blast trying to guess who the main character, David, would meet next on his adventure.

I took some notes while reading about David, a corporate investor who suddenly finds himself middle-aged, with a sick child and no job.  We can all relate to that "panicky" feeling we parents sometimes get when we're faced with reality.  The basis of the story is that David gives in to his suicidal thoughts and allows himself to become a victim of an icy bridge.  He doesn't die, rather he journeys to 7 different locations where he meets 7 people from history who pass on 7 decisions for success.  Although I didn't care for the ending, I appreciated the wisdom shared in these lessons and applied them to my life as best I can.  Here are my notes:

Destination 1- 1945, Germany...meets President Harry S. Truman right before his infamous meeting in which he decides to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.  The lesson..."The buck stops here."

Destination 2- King Solomon's Temple...witnesses the hearing of the two women with the baby...learns to seek wisdom.

Destination 3- Gettysburg battlefield...meets Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Union Army...learns to be a person of action.

Destination 4- Sitting atop the Santa Maria with Christopher Columbus the day before he sights land...learns to have a dedicated heart.

Destination 5- Sits with Anne Frank in Amsterdam and learns to "choose to be happy."

Destination 6-  Has a long talk with President Abraham Lincoln right before he gives the Gettysburg Address...learns to forgive himself.

Destination 7-  Gabriel leads him through the hall of things that were about to be delivered (prayers) but weren't because the person stopped praying and working for them.

Won't give away the ending, but this could have ended soooo much better.  Perhaps I'm just not "getting it" like so many of my students have stated to me this week...perhaps this is what "that" feels like.  Kinda frustrating...

All in all, I liked this book...very creative story.  Mediocrity is apparantly the enemy to this author and he attempts to convince the reader (ME) to expect more from my life.  Not from God, from me.

Happy Reading!  (This makes book 79 for me!)
RC

I Am Potential

Book # 78

 I'm reading I Am Potential by Patrick Henry Hughes and highly recommend it to anyone who feels like they're getting the winter blues early (like me).  I just can't get enough sunshine these days!  A reading pal heard I was just 25 books away from my goal and graciously brought two of her books for me to read.  And this book was right on time...

The "Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams" are inspirational.  How can I possibly feel sorry for myself after reading this book?  Here are the eight lessons listed just in case you're interested...
1.  When life gives you lemons, accept them and be grateful.
2.  Do all you can to change what you can.
3.  Pursue your passion as if your life depends on it. (My favorite quote from this chapter is on page 53, which describes Dad attempting to soothe Patrick's infant cries.  He places him on top of the piano and softly played a lullaby.  Patrick's cries stopped immediately.  "It was a miracle! The angels in heaven were probably looking down at (Dad) and laughing out loud, saying, "I knew that thick-headed young man would figure it out sooner or later."  Wonder how many times the angels have laughed at me?  LOL  Another great quote that spoke to me comes along on page 70.  "Sometimes it feels as if your passion has dried up and disappeared, when life seems to be just another day:  up in the morning, stumbling through the routine, then falling into bed at night." Believe me, every parent knows how this feels.  It's just nice to see it in print.  LOL
4.  Be the YOU your mother would be proud of.  
5.  The best personal heroes can be found close to home.
6.   Set your course, then burn the map. The idea of testing your limitations sticks with me from this chapter.  Patrick Henry says on page 138, "The important thing is to figure out what your TRUE limitations are. You can't know until you keep on trying to reach past them."
7.   Love, given freely, multiplies and returns.
8.  Live each day like the last day of summer vacation.  

If you have the opportunity to read this memoir, do so.  It's humbling and inspirational.
I'm so glad it was provided at a time in my life when I needed reminding that we all struggle with adversity in our own way.  
To learn more about Patrick Henry Hughes, go to the  book's website.

Happy Reading!   
RC 

An Acquaintance with Darkness

Book #77, An Acquaintance with Darkness by Ann Rinaldi, was a nice weekend read.  I was pleased with the writing style of this author once again.  She does a great job of keeping young readers engaged.  Her historical facts are subtle enough within the plot that young readers learn much about our history without knowing it or without feeling bogged down by facts.  

This story takes place near the end of the Civil War.  President Lincoln has only weeks to live...John Wilkes Booth and other conspirators are working on a plan to kidnap the president.  The main character, Emily Pigbush, has taken a leave from school to care for her dying mother.  Washington D.C. is divided...many families are Secesh.  (Now, I'll be honest.  I had to look that up...it was a term used for someone who supported the South's secession from the Union.)  Emily's father, although many years dead when the book opens, left a legacy of advice for her through stories and nursery rhymes.  "Miss Muffet" was his pet name for her.  I love how the author wove the story of Emily with Lincoln's assassination.  I know the students enjoy learning about the body snatching that took place so frequently during this time as well.

I'm wondering how the students will react to the movie, "The Conspirator", when we watch it together in November?  

Until the next book...
Happy Reading!
RC 

Catching up...

Now is the time to catch up my reading record to reflect the Fall Book Frenzy books I read in preparation for that event.  I chose not to leave an individual post on each book, I wanted to simply list them so those students who are participating would not have my opinions muddying theirs. 

This officially gets me to 75 books of the 100 I planned to read in 2011.  I am probably off either way by 1 or 2 books, but I'm going to stick with this number.  75
These are all great reads...depending on your personal reading preferences, of course.

75.  A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (Reread this...it's just as good as I remembered.)
74.  Playing for Pizza by John Grisham (sports fiction, mystery)
73.  No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman (Love this author!  He has 3 books on the FBF list!)
72.  The Crimson Cap by Ellen Howard (historical fiction)
71.  Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord (We've picked up a few more Lord fans with this one!)
70.  The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne  (realistic fiction)
69.  The Rivalry: Mystery at the Army/Navy Game by John Feinstein (sports fiction/mystery)
68.  Scrawl by Mark Shulman (This is also a Kentucky Bluegrass Nominee!)
67.  Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor (horror, humor)
66.  The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman (realistic fiction)
65.  The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer (one of my all-time favs)
64.  Finally by Wendy Mass (Lots of our girls can relate to this one!)
62. and 63..  Devastation by Gloria Skurzynski (Two books bound together.)
61. Countdown by Deborah Wiles  (Such a neat book!  Love the primary sources included.)
60.  Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson (A good author.  A great book.  Couldn't believe it ended so abruptly, though!  I don't have time to read the next book right now!  LOL)
59.  The Cardturner by Louis Sachar (Precious story about inner beauty and what's really important in life.)
58.  Bullyville by Francine Prose (Mean kids reminded me of the teens from Gone.)
57.  Boost by Kathryn Mackel (girl sports fiction)

Okay, so that should catch me up...I'm going to try to include the number with each post.  Hopefully, that will keep me from having to go back through ALL OF MY POSTS and try to figure out where I left off with my counting.  Ugh!  Why must I always do everything the hard way?!

Happy Reading (and counting!)
RC

The Likeness

Good Morning!
This is probably the most unorganized post for a book I've ever written, but I can't care at this time!  Don't have time for editing, so just try to hang on!!!  LOL

Finished the second book in Tana French's murder mystery trilogy...I enjoyed The Likeness much more than In the Woods.  I'm pleased with the direction the author took Cassie in this book and the plot was original.  Still thinking about that book, after two weeks, so that tells you it was a great read! (Need to remind you that this is an adult read.)

In this second Irish murder case installment, we are reunited with Cassie, who has left the murder department for the domestic violence unit of the squad.  She doesn't get to recuperate long, though, because an old colleague contacts her with an urgent need for her to reenter the undercover world!  A girl has been found dead...she looks exactly like Cassie...has identification on her that is the same as one Cassie created to bust a drug dealer many years ago.  Something is just not right!  So Cassie enters the girl's world...and that's where the story really gets interesting. 

The murder is solved and I have fewer questions than I did with the first book.  Thank goodness!  Actually looking forward to getting to read the third book.  But for now, I'm working my way towards a big book event here at North Middle in late October and my evenings have been spent sleeping instead of reading.  I miss my books so much!

So let me just record that (I think) this is book #56 for the year, not counting the Fall Book Frenzy books I've read and not counted or blogged about yet. I was keeping a running tally on my laptop, but then it crashed and I lost everything for the second time.  (No, I didn't back up to an external hard drive.) So, I've had to count the books I've read in between blogging and not-blogging.  Ugh!  So instead of rounding up or rounding down, I'm sticking with the magical number 56!  I'm running out of time!  I have to read 100 before December 31st!  This is the first New Year's resolution I've managed to keep.  I'll turn 40 this year and I know it sounds pitiful that I haven't had the willpower to keep a resolution yet.  Oh well, no time like the present!  Guess old dogs can learn new tricks after all!

I have a feeling I'll be reading on New Year's Eve.  ;)
Happy Reading!
RC

Historical Fiction

(font enlarged for teaching purposes)
In historical fiction, setting is the most important literary element. Because the author is writing about a particular time in history, the information about the time period must be accurate, authentic, or both. To create accurate and authentic settings in their books, authors must research the time period thoroughly. They must know how people lived, what they ate, what kinds of homes they had, and what artifacts were a common part of their lives.  Usually, historical fiction is set at least 30 years in the past.

Historical fiction may have characters who are either imaginary or who actually lived during the time period. Settings also may be real or imaginary. The plot events may be documented historical events or they may be fictional. If they are fictional, it means that the author created the events for the telling of the story. The fictional characters, settings, and plot events must be portrayed authentically, as if they actually could have happened.

All of our school's fabulous reading teachers read at least one historical fiction novel with their students each year.  Shown in this post are some of those novels read in the past.

Some of my favorite historical fiction includes Crispin: the cross of lead by Avi.  It was my all-time favorite young adult novel until I became the library media specialist and became exposed to so many more authors.  Now, I count it among my favorites.  I also adore Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis, Penny from Heaven by Jennifer L. Holm, and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.  I have an interest in the Tudor History of England, so when I choose adult historical fiction, I look for books that are set in that time period and include characters like King Henry VIII or Queen Elizabeth.  I do not enjoy reading about US History, so when I'm asked to read historical fiction that is set in America, I preview very closely.  I especially loved Coal Black Horse, by Robert Olmstead, which depicts life of soldiers during the Civil War, especially on the Gettysburg battlefield.  I was pleasantly surprised by the story, which took several plot turns and twists.  However, could it be I was more entertained by the gruesome details of the battlefield?  Who knows.  This book is so vivid in it's description of death and despair that I was probably shocked by the bluntness.  I keep this book on the restricted shelf of our library due to the graphic violent content.  The story is amazing. The book Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham looks like one of those historical novels that will surprise me.  I'm not completely blown away by the blurb or the synopsis, but because my peers chose it as the historical fiction nominee for this year's Kentucky Bluegrass List, I have a feeling this book will blow me away.  I'll definitely let you know!

We have many historical fiction novels available for checkout in our general collection.  Something for everyone.  I hope that as our students read about previous times in our world's history, they'll come to understand just how fortunate they are to have many of the modern conveniences, like clean water and medicine.  Our ancestors struggled to survive.  I'm thrilled that our reading teachers are using historical fiction to help our students connect with a character they probably have very little in common with...

Happy (Historical) Reading!
RC

"Order up!"

I've received a request to post a blog entry concerning the order of James Patterson's popular young adult series, Maximum Ride.  A few years ago, the publishing company Little, Brown and Company republished the series and caused quite a lot of confusion among our middle school students.  They essentially broke the series up into two parts, labeling the first three books "The Fugitives books 1,2,3" and the next books in the series "The Protectors books 1,2,3".  This makes for one confused reading community!!!  It's been difficult to convince our voracious readers that the book cover is in fact, not representing the true order of the series.  So, to set the record straight once and for all, here's the title list if you'd like to start this outstanding series about a group of genetically-enhanced kids who fight not only to stay alive, but to eventually save the entire world.  It's worth the confusion, believe me!  If you look for these books in book stores, you may see different covers than I have displayed here and you may also find the Manga series...trust the title, not the number on the book. And please, preview every book before you purchase (or checkout)!!!
1.  The Angel Experiment
2.  School's Out Forever
3.  Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
4.  The Final Warning
5.  Max
6.  Fang
7.  Angel
8.  The End (not yet released)

You'll want to read the first book right away, if you're the least bit interested, because the movie will be released in 2013! 

Happy Reading!
RC

I finished this book in 1 day...no lie!

What an amazing amount of reading time I had this past weekend!  After taking my baby girl to the doctor for an ear infection, I sat and held her in my lap and (don't tell her this part) propped the book up on her back.  Why would I spend my free time reading this book when there's obviously a lot of disinfecting to do at my house?  Well,  as any avid reader knows,  it's important to take every reading opportunity.  Now you know that I took precious time to read the book...let me fill you in on the reason!

Fibble, the fourth book in a series by Dale E. Bayse, is a book full of sarcasm, puns, allusions and humor.  I couldn't help laughing out loud as I read about Marlo and Milton Fauster's adventures in the afterlife.  You see, Fibble is a location in Heck, where the bad kids go.  Those kids who lie get to spend eternity covered in shirts made of "little white lice" that feed off of their fibs.  The vice-principal of Fibble is the infamous P.T. Barnum, ringmaster for the "greatest show on earth", the circus.  He's such a liar, that his pants are continuously on fire!  One of the many internal conflicts the characters deal with is whether or  not it's ALWAYS a good idea to tell the truth.  Haven't you ever told a little white lie to spare someone's feelings?  By the end of the book, not even the author has resolved this conflict! 

As in all the other books in this series, good overcomes evil and we're left with the foreshadowing of more adventures to come.  The next book is due out in May and it's called, Snivel.  Apparently, this location in Heck is reserved for whiny kids!  I'm predicting that book will get on my nerves as I cannot stand whining!

As with many other titles in our library's restricted collection, this book is not for anyone who doesn't understand dark humor or who wouldn't be mature enough to catch the pop culture references.  (If you don't know what that means, then that's a pretty good indication this series is too mature for you.)

Always preview a book carefully before checking it out...books are like snowflakes, no two are alike!

Happy Reading! (And always tell the truth!)
RC





 

Former Navigator Afternoon in November

In November, Mrs. T and I will be gathering together those current 8th grade students who read Ann Rinaldi's An Acquaintance with Darkness .  We'll offer popcorn, soft drinks and show The Conspirator, a newly released movie that ties in with the book.  I'm taking names now for those students who read this book as a Navigator while in Mrs. T.'s reading classes.  Students who wish to attend are encouraged to check the book out again and scan through it to familiarize themselves with the plot. 

Free movie, free food...We're so excited about this event!!  
Happy Reading,
RC

WELCOME, GALAXY STUDENTS!!

Welcome to the MNMS Library blog which serves as a forum (place for discussion) about everything related to books.  Today, I'd like you to answer one of the questions below.  You'll know your comment has been posted successfully when the blog site gives you the positive feedback, "Your blog post has been received and is waiting approval."


Question #1
What would you say if you were the character, Total, from Maximum Ride?

Question #2
If you were cast in the upcoming movie, The Hunger Games, which character would you want to portray and why?

Question #3
In Lawn Boy, by Gary Paulsen, the main character has earned a lot of money by the book's end.  What would you do with a million dollars?

Remember to leave your answer as a comment!  Please include your first and last name. 
Happy Reading!
RC

It's FALL BOOK FRENZY TIME!

YES!  It's finally time to sign up for the 2011 Fall Book Frenzy event!!!  The bulletin board will go up tomorrow, teachers will finish signing up on Wednesday and then my 7th and 8th graders begin sign-ups on Thursday!  This is always such an exciting time for us here in the library.  We get so excited when it's time to celebrate good books, good authors and good readers!

If you don't know what I'm talking about, refer to an earlier blog post introducing this event...there's no way I'm writing all of that again!  HA! 

There are a few events I get excited about here at work...and this is one of them!

Can't wait to post pictures and lots of good stories about the event. 

So sorry you'll have to wait a while...the event doesn't happen until October 26th.  (Gotta give these kiddos time to read the books!)

Happy Reading!
RC

QR Codes

QR Codes...What are they?  Why would I need to know?  QR (short for Quick Response) is a new way of communicating information efficiently.  I'm sure you've seen them...the code to the right happens to be the code for the URL for this blog!  I plan on creating bookmarks for our middle school library with this code and an advertisement for the blog!  Can't say it was an original idea...one of my librarian peers from somewhere in KY shared it with the listserve.  But I love it!  Kids are always looking for the newest technology and we've got to keep up in this library!

For those of you who don't know how to use QR codes, here are some simple instructions for use with an iPhone or iPad.

1.  Using an iPhone or iPad, visit the App Store and download a QR Reader.
2.  Use the app to scan any QR code you find. (They're everywhere!)
3.  Your phone should then either take you to a website, show you a document or share a picture. 
4.  The app I have on my phone gives you lots of options once you have scanned the code successfully.  I'm not really sure how useful these codes are yet, but they're lots of fun.

If you'd like to generate your own code, there are lots of good generators on the web.  Just Google "QR generators" and have fun.  I squealed out loud when mine worked!!!

And for those of you who already knew all about QR codes, here's one to scan.

Happy Reading! (and scanning)
RC

The Scorch Trials

Just finished The Scorch Trials, book 2 of James Dashner's series.  I thought the first book was good...with the plot twists and character development in the second book, I can only imagine how good book 3 will be!  Just when you thought you knew who were the enemies, Dashner surprises you.  Who is the good guy?  Who is the bad guy?  And how in the world did this book end up scaring me as much as the movie, I Am Legend?  I didn't know there would be zombies...I hate zombies.  YUK!  (And these zombies want to eat your noses!  That is so sick!)  Dashner sure knows how to write detail!  I could almost smell the rot...

This is a fan-made poster which shows Thomas, Brenda and one of the Cranks who chased them in The Underneath.  Dashner wrote this scene well.  Thomas and Brenda hid in a wall while the Crank waited patiently for them to reveal themselves.  Yes, you guessed it.  He reaches into the wall for them...I screamed out loud when I read that scene!

After all the characters endure, it wouldn't surprise me if the main character woke up in a mental institution and was declared a schizophrenic!  That's how wild this book is!  I mean, in the last chapter, the characters are chased by faceless, hairless, pock-marked, lightbulb-covered giants!  How much weirder can it get?

Here's the synopsis just in case you're interested: 
Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.  In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.  Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal. The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And  WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

Have you ever read a book that kept throwing you a curve ball?  If so, share. 

Books like this really keep me on my toes.

I stand behind my original statement in The Maze Runner post that this is a book for boys.  
Now on to something a little less vomit-inducing.  LOL
Happy Reading!
RC 

Time for school!

It's the weekend before school starts and I'm thinking many of you are dreading the end of summer.  I completely understand.  So, to brighten our mood on this rainy day, let's take a look at the events planned this fall in our library...
 
1.) August =  7th and 8th graders who bring their completed summer reading records back to the reading teacher will be entered in a drawing for free stuff!!
     *6th graders from CCES didn't receive the summer reading records this past spring like the Bremen and Longest students did...next year I'll include the 6th graders in the drawing.  I promise.

2. )  September = Library Aides begin work.  (1 student from the Discovery and Galaxy Teams will be chosen.  Be on your best behavior and prove you're the one who deserves this privilege!)  7th and 8th graders can sign up for the Fall Book Frenzy.  (Forgive me 6th graders, I have a good reason for not including you in this event.  Will explain later.)  Chess begins on Wednesday, September the 7th!  I'll have a meeting during school to hand out info sheets and answer any questions about chess club.


3. )  October = Fall Book Frenzy on the 26th! Held after school from 3:45-5:00.  Info provided to 7th and 8th graders later.  This event was the favorite last year and will be even bigger and better this year!  You don't want to miss it.


4.)  November =Might be attending the Kentucky Book Fair on November 12th in Louisville.  It's the 30th anniversary.  I waiting for them to release the attending authors list to make my decision.  Would like to take the "readers of the month" for August, September, and October to this event if they're interested.  If not, we'll find something else that's literary and unique to do!


5.)  December = Our Scholastic Book Fair!  This is our only fundraiser of the year.  We need to make $2500 to make any profit.  We need this fair to be a success so that we can purchase more books!  You want the latest and greatest releases, right?!  Let's have a great fair!

So as you can see, I've planned something every month to keep us engaged and enthused about reading.  Getting up early and working on homework may be just three days away, but we're getting closer to those fun events planned above and MORE!

I'm excited to meet the new 6th graders and welcome back the 7th and 8th graders!  
See you soon...

Happy Reading!
RC

FEAR THIS!

Thanks to a heads-up from one of my former students, I am able to show you the latest book cover in Michael Grant's deliciously scary series.  FEAR:  A Gone Novel is the latest installment in one of the top ten most popular book series among our middle schoolers.  I'm going out on a limb here, but I am going to say that I have more Gone fans than Hunger Games fans at North Middle.  I can personally attest to liking the Gone series more...it's intense AND full of unexpected events. 

If the cover intrigues you, you'll need to start at the beginning.  I would also visit the author's website. Click here... Author's Website
Read the books in this order:
1.  Gone
2.  Hunger
3.  Lies
4.  Plague
5.  Fear
There are supposed to be 6 books slated for this series.  I could seriously read them again...they're that good.

I would love to see this movie made.  It would be so gory and gross that it would receive an R rating, but oh my, what a great story!  Here's what the author has to say about the possibility of a movie.  MOVIE

This book is supposed to drop April 3rd, 2012.  I know what I'm reading for Spring Break!

Happy Reading!
RC

Have you ever?

Have you ever stayed up late at night to finish a book?  If so, share with me which book and try to give me a reason why you just couldn't put the book down.  I KNOW I'm not the only person up at 2:00 am reading.

Reason for this post:  I stayed up way too late last night to finish The Maze Runner by James Dashner.  Incredible plot twists, extraordinary character development and the author's definitive writing style kept me intrigued until the early hours of the day.  And then, I was so excited about the new plot developments and the foreshadowing present at the end of the first book, that I had to immediately grab the second in the series, The Scorch Trials, and read at least the first chapter.  (I had to promise myself not to read more than that.)  Teachers (and mothers) need their sleep.    Although I enjoy Dashner's writing style, I feel he really stepped up the drama and fed me exactly what I needed as a reader in the last fourth of the book.  Way to go, Dashner, I'm a hard reader to impress.

Can't wait to hear what has kept you up at night!

Happy (LATE NIGHT) Reading!
RC

James Patterson's new books released soon!

Popular adult (and young adult) author, James Patterson has two new titles releasing soon.  Although I don't read Patterson's adult novels, I know many of my friends do, so here's the cover and some information for them.
Kill Me If You Can drops on August 29th.  Here's the review found on Amazon.com...

"Matthew Bannon, a poor art student living in New York City, finds a duffel bag filled with diamonds during a chaotic attack at Grand Central Station. Plans for a worry-free life with his gorgeous girlfriend Katherine fill his thoughts--until he realizes that he is being hunted, and that whoever is after him won't stop until they have reclaimed the diamonds and exacted their revenge.

Trailing him is the Ghost, the world's greatest assassin, who has just pulled off his most high-profile hit: killing Walter Zelvas, a top member of the international Diamond Syndicate. There's only one small problem: the diamonds he was supposed to retrieve from Zelvas are missing. Now, the Ghost is on Bannon's trail--but so is a rival assassin who would like nothing more than to make the Ghost disappear forever. From "America's #1 storyteller" (Forbes) comes a high-speed, high-stakes, winner-take-all thrill ride of adrenaline-fueled suspense."

And here's the fourth in the Daniel X series, Game Over. If you're unfamiliar with this series, I've included Amazon's description of it as well.  This title drops on September 19th.

"When Daniel X discovers that a duo of evil extraterrestrials is plotting to control kids around the world through videogames, he's determined to take them both out of commission. This pair of wicked game masters wants to destroy the human race by turning brainwashed videogamers into an unstoppable army of doom! They're also running an endangered species hunting club on the side, and their next target is none other than Daniel. He'll have no choice but to turn to the aliens' rebellious son who needs help to stand up to his malicious parents. But can Daniel trust the progeny of this treacherous twosome? Or will it be "Game Over" for the alien hunter?" 

This series is popular among our middle school boys.  I thought the first book was enjoyable, with Patterson's typical short chapters and action-packed adventure.  I know this will be one book that will be checked out constantly this year!

Happy Reading!
RC

The Maze Runner

My newest literary obsession is with James Dashner's The Maze Runner Trilogy...oh my goodness, what a great read!  I'm completely drawn into the story and it's definitely one of those books that has a life of it's own.  (When I'm not reading it, I'm wondering what the characters are doing...I'm not psychotic, it's just good writing on Dashner's part!) The last time I felt this excited about a series, I had just finished Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games Trilogy and was absorbing everything written by her that I could get my hands on.  So I read all of the books in the Gregor the Overlander Series, and then found myself craving more.  Okay, so enough gushing about this book...here are some interesting facts and enough info that hopefully you'll be hooked!  Is it a coincidence that this book received the 2011 Kentucky Bluegrass Award for high school?  No, I think not.  If Kentucky's high school teenagers loved it enough to vote, don't you know my middle school kids are gonna want to read it?  You got that right!

What's this book about?   Here's an excellent synopsis from the official website.  I'm too excited to write my own...afraid I'll leave something out! 

"When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind."

.

First of all, this is a book for boys...any boy.  But especially those boys who love gross descriptions, scary plot lines, rough-talkin' characters, male-bonding scenes, etc... Even your boys who say they hate reading will love sharing this book.  This is definitely a book you'll want them to lean over the aisle with and say, "Hey, check this out!" Normally, I discourage students from sharing the gross bits because it can show immaturity, but not this time.  I'M SHARING THE GROSS BITS!  Enthusiasm for reading is contagious.  What a better side effect from sharing a book full of fantastic writing techniques than enthusiasm?


Secondly, the book is being made into a movie.  Catherine Hardwicke (yes, the Twilight director) has signed on the direct the first movie and it's slated for release in 2012.  I absolutely cannot wait.  The cast of characters will bring to the big screen lots of young male actors who have an opportunity to steal the spotlight from the Cullen Vamps, Bella and Jacob.  I'm serious.  The Hunger Games movie will come out before The Maze Runner, and it's a good thing because I'm not so sure Collins' story beats Dashner's. (I can't believe I typed that sentence!)  But isn't it a great trend that young adult books have caught on and so many movies are being made?  Kids are reading more than ever!


To see an award-winning book trailer, go to this movie trailer link. 
Random House rewarded this fan with the Kirkus 2009 Book Video Award .


To read James Dashner's blog, go to his blog

This is where you'll find accurate information on the book/movie.

To visit the Maze Runner website, go to the Random House Site. 

Spoiler Alert!:  This site may reveal more about the first book than you're ready for! So, visit AFTER reading the first.

Here are the three covers, just in case you're ready to run out and find these books...

Book 1

Book 2

Book 3- to be released in 71 days!

To listen to a clip from the audio version, click here!

Gotta get back to the book...only a few more chapters and I'm ready for The Scorch Trials.
Now, if the laundry fairy would come I'd be able to finish faster!  LOL

Happy Reading!
RC