Fall Book Frenzy List 2011

If MNMS 6th and 7th grade students would like to get a jump start on reading books for the Fall Book Frenzy Event, they may choose from the books listed below.  For those who don't know how this event works, here are the basics:  Seventh and eighth graders volunteer to read a book from the list.  They sign up for as many as they'd like and then once all students have signed up, I match each student with the book and faculty member I think will make for the best discussion.  The main priority is for the student and adult to love the book and want to talk about it.  Students are officially invited to attend in September and are given one month to complete the book.  Adults prepare discussion questions and/or activities for the late October event.  We meet in the cafeteria for 1 1/2 hours.  The time flies!  Last year, the Family Resource Director provided snack tables and the principal provided about 20 door prizes.  Each student leaves with a book goodie bag complete with bookmarks, coupons to use in the library, candy, etc...  The event was such a huge success last year that we have made it an annual event AND the teachers and students are already asking for book titles.  So with all that said, (whew!) here's the list.  Be cautioned that some titles may change. 


Oh!  Some may ask why I don't involve 6th graders...the main reason is because I don't know them well enough as readers yet.  I wouldn't be sure which book and which adult they'd feel most comfortable with.  Additionally, we love reading at MNMS so much, that if I included the sixth graders, I would have HUGE discussion groups.  Their reading teachers do a great job of motivating them to read!  Plus, my seventh and eighth graders feel pretty special and this gives sixth graders something to look forward to. 


Enjoy!  There's something here for everyone.  I've included topic tags in case you're wondering what the book is about.  And, this should be self-explanatory, but the B and G tags are for BOY or GIRL book.  The E stands for EVERYONE. 

1.  The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson (concept of identity) G
2.  Boost by Kathryn Mackel (girls' sports ethics) G
3.  Brand New Emily by Ginger Rue (mean girl cliques) G
4.  Bullyville by Francine Prose (bullying) B
5.  The Cardturner by Louis Sachar (inner beauty) E
6.  Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson (historical fiction American Revolution) G
7.  The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod by Heather Brewer (pressures of middle school) E
8.  Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby (triumph over adversity) E
9.  Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper (historical fiction slavery) E
10.  Countdown by Deborah Wiles (1960s culture) E
11.  Devastation by Gloria Skurzynski (futuristic, earth preservation) E
12.  Fight Game by Kate Wild (similar to The Outsiders) B
13.  Finally by Wendy Mass (tween life) G
14.  Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith (historical fiction, WWII, African American female pilots) G
15.  The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer (futuristic, genetic cloning, value of human life) E
16.  The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman (juvenile delinquent issues) B
17.  Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor (horror, humor) E
18.  The Maze Runner by James Dashner (comparable to The Hunger Games, adventure, survival) E
19.  Night Fires by George Edward Stanley (historical fiction, race relations, Ku Klux Klan, 1920s) B
20.  Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen (cancer) E
21.  Plus by Veronica Chambers (weight issues, body image) F
22.  The Rivalry: Mystery at the Army-Navy Game by John Feinstein (sports mystery) B
23.  Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers (war) B
24.  The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by Erin Dionne (hi/lo) G
25.  Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord (dealing with change/expectations) E
Recently added:
26.  Dark Life by Kat Falls (futuristic society, sci-fi) E

Believe it or not, I will read each and every one of these books.  Have started already!  My next post will be a quick review of Flygirl (#14).  If I feel that kids just aren't going to be able to connect with any of these books, they will be removed.  We want this to be an enjoyable reading experience for everyone involved.  This shouldn't feel like homework!  

But if you're looking for books to purchase for your tween kiddos or relatives, any of these books would be great!

Until my next post,

Happy Reading!

RC