The Seventeen Second Miracle

Okay, it's confession time...

I just started reading this book, The Seventeen Second Miracle by Jason F. Wright and not because I've been dying to read it...I really never thought I'd have to read it all the way through.  I've read excerpts as I previewed it for inclusion in book events and I've taken my teachers' word for it.  However, I must have misunderstood something or someone along the way because I thought this was a work of nonfiction.  A memoir.  Wrong.  It's a novel.  Do you know how many students I've given wrong information?!  Crudola.  Yep.  I goofed.  

One of my teachers dropped by to pick up some reading material for an unexpectedly warm weekend.  She picked up this book and a conversation began between her and one of my library aides who has read the book.  I commented that it was a true story.  Nope.  It's not.  So I did what any self-respecting lms would do and I checked out a copy to myself and made this my next read.  It's a novel, but in my defense it doesn't read like one!  haha

Seriously, this is a great story.  So far, I'd highly recommend it.  It's realistic fiction alright.  So realistic, in fact, that I have to keep reminding myself it's a novel.  I know that the main character holds annual small discussion groups with high school students chosen by their principal.  They meet at his wife's book store.  They have no idea why they've been invited and the main character has no idea why they were specifically chosen.  I don't know yet either!  :)

But I'm sure that the story will have the same effect on me that it's had on all other readers... it should inspire me to take advantage of any opportunity to make this world a better place.  Apparently, it only takes 17 seconds.

And if the prologue was any indication, I should expect to be hooked soon.

Happy inspirational Reading!
RC

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Wow.  Just finished reading John Boyne's acclaimed fable, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.  It's a haunting tale of the Holocaust told through the eyes of innocence.  Bruno, the 9 year old son of a Nazi commanding officer, moves with his family to "Out With" (Auschwitz), where he spends a little more than a year getting to know Schmuel, a young Jewish boy who surprisingly shares his birthday.  They become fast, secret friends.  And Bruno learns more about life during that one year than he ever could in Berlin. 

The author states that he intended to write a story that could span any war, any era, any prison camp.  And I believe it does.  Bruno shows us the cruelty of war and prejudice, yet never quite understands it himself.  The author wanted this story to be considered a fable, with the lesson of "complacency is dangerous" being the moral of the story.  Throughout, this moral is expressed, such as the talk Marie has with Bruno about just doing nothing and accepting the situation.  Wise advice or not?  

The 6th grade class that is reading this book now has had many important discussions about complacency already.  They plan to finish the book soon and watch the movie.  It was important to me to read this along with them so that I could be an additional resource should they want to discuss it further.  Their social studies teacher is teaching a lesson on the geography and history of Germany, so this worked perfectly.  

I love it when God steps in and shows me that He knows best.  I had a burning desire for this team to read this book...and now I know why.  The reading teacher had never read the book, but had seen the movie, so she knew her class would love the story.  They're enjoying it so much more than I dreamed they would.  I always hope a book I recommend can be that "one" book for a student...the one that changes him/her as a reader forever.  

This moral is a life lesson.  For everyone, especially during our modern world when our news reminds us daily that we're all losing touch with one another and hatred is driving decisions in many lives.  

Just as it did in the 1940s...

Happy Reading everyone.
RC

Cinder

Reading a great piece of young adult science fiction.  Cinder, by Marissa Meyer is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles and I can't put it down!  The main character, Linh Cinder, is such a "kick-butt" girl!  Love her!  She's strong, independent and driven.  She's smart, compassionate and generous.  She's also a cyborg.  And although I'm only halfway through, I predict she is someone extremely important to the rest of the world... I'm thinking she's the lost princess Selene. 

My students will love the fairy tale, Cinderella, entwined into the futuristic world formally known as Earth.  Cinder lives in what I think is Beijing, China.  It's called New Beijing.  There are lots of references to "Africans" and "Europeans".  No mentions of the "Americas".  It appears that people are now identified by which continent they were born to.  The handsome prince, Kai, will inherit the emperor's throne when his father dies of the Blue Plague, a terrible pandemic that threatens to wipe out all human life.  Cinder appears to be immune.  Wonder what that's about?  She has an evil stepmother and two stepsisters, who are supported by Cinder's mechanic business.  As a matter of fact, Cinder isn't allowed to attend the ball because she has to repair her stepmother's hovercraft instead.   She's the best machinist in the city.  I'm still wondering who will emerge as her fairy godmother...she has a robot named Iko that does seem rather protective.  Her glass slipper has yet to make an appearance, but in the first chapter she did get a new foot!  ha!

My students will also love the science fiction elements, such as the Lunars (those who live on the moon) and the Star Wars-like robots that exist right alongside the humans.  They'll be able to identify prejudice and malice towards cyborgs. They'll like the action-packed scenes and the techno-talk.  I'll admit it was a little tough to get used to at first, but now that I'm over 100 pages in, I'm hooked.

With that said, I wish we could just sit outside today and read.  It's going to be a balmy 80 degrees here in Kentucky and the first really pretty day of Spring... guess I'll have to settle for reading during lunch again.  Perhaps, like Cinder, I can make the best of the situation and eat my lunch outside!  Ingenuity...that's her secret!  And I will definitely be reading book 2!

Happy Reading!
RC

Lincoln's Last Days

Although I don't enjoy reading nonfiction books about United States history, I am finding that Bill O'Reilly's writing style will appeal to many of my "historically studious" students.  Those history buffs will appreciate O'Reilly's voice as he counts down to President Lincoln's assassination.  The book details events beginning six weeks before John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln.  It's an interesting way to share familiar information.  However, I did learn something new... 

1. Richmond, Virginia was destroyed not by the Union Army, but by it's own "sons"...the Confederacy.  They attempted to destroy supplies and arms to keep them out of the enemy's hands, but they lost control.  The city was devastated!  
2. I also never knew that Lincoln never fought in battle.  I assumed he was a soldier.  Instead, he was a politician.  Pure and simple.  
3. And I had no idea that Booth was in communications with Jefferson Davis, president of the confederacy.  I also learned that the president didn't die right away.  He was virtually brain dead and his body died slowly after.  (There's a detailed account by the attending physician.) 
4.  Did you know the actress who performed on stage that night asked to hold the dying president's head in her lap so she would get her name in papers around the world?!  
5. And I had no idea that after Mary Surratt was executed, her son fled to England, served in the Pope's infantry in the Vatican City and was even rumored to be in Egypt for a while.   Wow...

The book is filled with primary documents... worn, black and white photos, maps, illustrations depicting what a photographer could not.  And, I especially like the Afterword, glossary of military terms, and follow up on all the main historical figures.

Can't wait to booktalk this to my 8th graders!
Happy Reading!
RC

Chomp

Reading more realistic fiction today... Chomp by Carl Hiaasen, an author known for writing young adult novels with environmental themes.  I was pleasantly surprised with Scat, one of his previous novels, and so didn't question when my peers suggested we take a look at one of his newest, which takes place in the Florida Everglades.  Basically, this book is about Wahoo, a teenage boy whose father runs a wildlife refuge.  When a reality star comes to town and mysteriously disappears into the wild, it's up to Wahoo and his friend, Tuna, to find him.  Of course, the wildlife, namely the alligators, take center stage just as they do in all Hiaasen fiction... endangered ground-nesting owls (Hoot), raw sewage-endangered water creatures (Flush), habitat-endangered panthers (Scat).  The author's opinion is quite clear throughout his books...land development is a serious issue.  I'm sure you'll easily pick up on the environmental themes prevalent in this book and enjoy the friendship between Wahoo and Tuna as well.  Tuna is a likeable character.  She pulls at your heartstrings.  And Wahoo is definitely the brave protagonist.  Taking on reality tv is perhaps as important as the environmental challenges he faces!  LOL  

Hope you enjoy this book as much as I am.  Currently about halfway through and excited to share with my students.  They love the Hiaasen covers.  Very attractive.  It's the stories they're always so surprised with...who knew they could love a novel with environmental themes?!  Who knew??

Happy (Responsible) Reading!
RC

Guitar Notes

If I can possibly find time to read this weekend, this will be the fifth book I've finished this week.  Whew!  I'm not familiar with this author, but the blurb intrigued me.  Plus, several of my peers are making sure this is part of their collection.  I enjoyed visiting the author's website for Guitar Notes and listening to some of the original songs featured within the story.  What a great idea!  A soundtrack for a book!  No movie required!  ;)

Here's a blurb and link to the website in case you're also interested in reading some good quality young adult realistic fiction.  

http://www.maryamato.com/tag/guitar-notes 

Blurb taken from book jacket:
"On odd days, Tripp Broody uses a school practice room to let loose on a borrowed guitar.  Eyes closed, strumming that beat-up instrument, Tripp escapes to a world where only the music matters.  On even days, Lyla Marks uses the same practice room.  To Tripp, she's trying to become even more perfect--she's already a straight-A student and an award-winning cellist.  But when Lyla begins leaving notes for him in between the strings of the guitar, his life intersects with hers in a way he never expected.  What starts as a series of snippy notes quickly blossoms into the sharing of interests and secrets and dreams, and the forging of a very unlikely friendship.  Challenging each other to write songs, they begin to connect, even though circumstances threaten to tear them apart."

Sounds great, right?
Happy Reading!
RC

Fourmile...a controversial new read?

I'm a fan of Watt Key, a young adult author who writes realistic fiction for boys.  And not just any boys...boys that tend to make interesting choices.  Boys that are a little rough around the edges.  Boys with issues.  And boy, do I have plenty of those who visit the library!  With that said, I was surprised to learn of controversy surrounding his new book, Fourmile.  Since putting Alabama Moon, his debut novel, on my shelves a couple of years ago, I didn't hesitate to provide my students access to Dirt Road Home, the companion novel.  I purchased this newest title, without one bit of hesitation.  However, I've been privy to discussions among my lms peers who have opinions that span the appropriateness spectrum.  One peer fights for it and wanted it added to the new middle grades KBA list.  Another threatened to remove his affiliation with the KBA panel if the book was considered!  So, that sent my radar into overdrive!  Uh-oh!  If he doesn't feel comfortable, what's wrong?  Okay, I admit I hadn't planned on previewing this book, for I knew I could sell it on the author's rep alone.  But now, it's my job to read it and provide my students and teachers with my professional opinion.  I have a responsibility to my community of readers to provide them with books that I feel represent them and/or challenge them.  I can't expose them to a book based on reviews alone.  I can't expose them to certain topics based on our culture's changing ideals alone.  I have to take my community's temp with each title and base my purchase upon their readiness.  It's a tricky thing...I'll be completely honest.  As a conservative Christian woman with school-age kids of her own, I'm hesitant to purchase certain titles.   I simply have to "see" certain readers within the books and "know" that I'm adding the book to the collection for "that" part of the population.  Not one book is good for all.  (Except the Holy Bible, of course).  :)  So with all that said, here's my personal review after reading the book:

At first, I notice the author has included rough language, but not the forbidden 2 that I avoid.  The main character, Foster, makes some bad choices in the beginning, but nothing too upsetting.  It's understandable based upon the situation.  And he apologizes.  So that's redeeming.  I absolutely despise Dax, the mother's boyfriend.  (Why are some women attracted to complete losers?!  Maybe that's another blog post... recurring maternal characters who choose their trash boyfriend over their children?!)  I'm immediately attracted to Gary, the mysterious stranger who walks onto the scene early... I know my boys will love that he's a soldier with tats!  

As I ventured deeper within the story, I found myself wondering what in the world could be coming within the plot to make my fellow lms restrict this book?  The answer didn't present itself until the end.  Spoiler alert!  Foster threatens Dax with a pistol.  He almost fires it.  He doesn't.  Gary intervenes just in time to rescue them all.  Gary really is a hero in this story.  He's Foster's hero.  But to many who have veterans in their family, they may be offended by the fact that Gary is also a military deserter and thus his reasons for secrecy and hitchhiking.  So, hmmm... 

Now I have a decision to make.  And it's a tough one.  Borderline dangerous having a character pick up his father's pistol and attempt to use it on an adult who is threatening his mother.  But if you had read the story, you'd know that Foster was trained to use a gun.  Both his father and Gary show him how to protect himself and his mother on the farm.   Foster is responsible around guns throughout the entire story...staying away from his father's pistol and Gary's.  He has access to two guns throughout the entire story and respects them enough to leave them alone.  Until he deems it necessary to protect his mother.  What would you do?  

I've decided to leave this book on the shelf.  I feel that the author addressed all concerns a reader may have.  However, I will make sure that my reading teachers understand the content.  

After all is said and done, this is a fantastic story.  Watt Key knows his audience.  My boys will love this book.  Especially my Gary Paulsen fans and those who are good ole country boys at heart.  Just like Foster.

Happy Reading!
RC

Novels in verse...the new #1 request

Within the past year, I've noticed an increase in the requests made by my students for novels in verse.  At first, I suspected that they liked them because they appeared shorter and easier to read.  But once I sat down and talked with my students about the complex plots and characters, I realized they not only love the format, but the authors' abilities to connect with them using fewer words.  Several students are able to use those reading skills that require them to "read between the lines".  Thank goodness!  

Yes, I have students who choose them because they look easy and short.  It's a double-edged sword, really.  I let them check them out even though I know they're attempting a shortcut.  However, I'm placing high-quality novels in their hands regardless of the format.  If I can expose them to these wonderfully talented authors who have life lessons to share with my students, then so be it.  I am forever in debt to these authors who continue to inspire my students to read.  I just wish they'd write more because once a reluctant reader latches on to this format, I can hardly get them to read anything else!  LOL

Here's a list of some favorites among the MNMS students.  If you have a reluctant reader, you may want to try a novel in verse.  It's truly less intimidating and still a good, quality read.  :)


I plan on creating a display of all the titles we own (shown below) once I return from Spring Break.  I predict the table will be empty in less than two days.  

*The first novel in verse I read and my favorite thus far...   
                       Trash by Sharon Darrow
*A novel read by one of our 7th grade teams each year...
                       Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
*Witness by Karen Hesse
*Aleutian Sparrow by Karen Hesse
*An old favorite...  Hate that Cat by Sharon Creech
*Love that Dog by Sharon Creech 
*Heartbeat by Sharon Creech
*A new favorite...  Hard Hit by Ann Turner
*Newbery Honor book...  Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

*A tween girl favorite... I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Shroeder
*And another... Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Shroeder
*Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff
*All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg 
*Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate
*Call Me Maria by Judith Ortiz Cofer
*Addie on the Inside by James Howe
*Shakespeare Bats Clean Up and Shakespeare Make the Playoffs by Ronald Koertge
*The Voyage of the Arctic Tern by Hugh Montgomery
*May B by Caroline Starr Rose 
*Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell
*Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli
*Reaching for Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Happy Reading (something in verse!)
RC

2013 Newbery Winner and Honor Books

I can't believe I forgot to blog about the Newbery books!  Released in January each year, the Newbery books are among our reliable choices at the MNMS Library.  I purchase at least one copy of each book, each year, if we don't already have them (which we usually do!  Go me!).  But this winter, for whatever reason, I neglected to post!  To save time, I've borrowed the blurbs from the official Newbery website, sponsored by the American Library Association.  I'll read them all eventually...  Enjoy!  And remember, you can always count on the Newbery selections to be unique.  I don't always love them, but they are timely, reflect our current culture, or are simply a new voice in young adult literature.  Personally, I find Applegate to be a challenging author for most tweens.  Would read the winner right along with a small group or a class.  She usually fills her stories with beautiful imagery I don't want young readers to miss. 

2013 Medal Winner

The 2013 Newbery Medal winner is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, published by HarperCollins Children's Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers
Ivan’s transformative emergence from the “Ape at Exit 8” to “The One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback,” comes to life through the gorilla’s own distinct narrative voice, which is filled with wry humor, deep emotion and thought-provoking insights into the nature of friendship, hope and humanity.
“Katherine Applegate gives readers a unique and unforgettable gorilla’s-eye-view of the world that challenges the way we look at animals and at ourselves,” said Newbery Medal Committee Chair Steven Engelfried.

2013 Honor Books

Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz, published by Candlewick Press
Lizzie Rose, Parsefall and Clara are caught in the clutches of a wicked puppeteer and a powerful witch in this deliciously dark and complex tale set in Dickensian England, where adventure and suspense are interwoven into nuanced explorations of good versus evil.


Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin, published by Flash Point, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press.

Balancing intersecting threads of scientific discovery, political intrigue and military strategy, “Bomb” is a riveting historical nonfiction drama. Sheinkin’s engaging narrative explores the complex series of events that led to the creation of the ultimate weapon and introduces many memorable personalities involved in the pursuit. 

 

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.

In the rich tradition of Southern storytelling, rising sixth-grader Mo LoBeau leads the eccentric residents of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, on a rollicking journey of mystery, adventure and small-town intrigue as she investigates a murder and searches for her long-lost mother.

Happy Reading!

RC

One for the Murphys

Just finished Lynda Mullaly Hunt's debut novel, One for the Murphys, a realistic novel about a 12 year-old who finds herself thrown into foster care after her mother's piece-of-trash boyfriend nearly kills her and her mother.  Carley's voice is unique and unexpected.  It was touching to watch her evolve from a hard-nosed street kid to a young lady who finally understands what it means to be a part of a family.  My gut literally ached for this little girl who battles an internal struggle to love and to accept love.  

I know my students will love it.  At first, I thought only my girls would like it, but now I know that I can sell it to my boys because of the basketball content and Daniel's story line.  It's a blend of Call Me Hope by Larson and Runaway by Van Draanen, but it's also it's own story...a perspective unlike I've read before.  Usually, we assume kids like Carley are starved for affection and will appreciate anything we can do for them.  We forget that accepting the love is tough for them.  And, that there's guilt involved.  And sometimes life is simply...unfair. 

You have to read this if you work with tweens.  You have to read this is you're considering fostering or caring for someone else's child.  You have to read this if you have a teenager of your own who acts completely strange when you try to love them.  I applaud the author for her insight into the creature know as "tween".  Her experience as a teacher shines through.  And may I just say, thank God for nurturing foster parents.  I won't give the ending away, but I'll say that I cried big, fat tears.  

Happy (or enlightening) Reading!
RC

Wardrobe staples

Love my book tees!  Wardrobe staples!  I have become addicted to them.  I try to wear them everywhere!  LOL  And they're all my favorites!  Love this 1984 by George Orwell one a lot.  It's a heavier tee and so perfect for this unseasonal cool weather.  yuck.

Seriously, I love being able to wear something artistic that reflects who I am and what I love... a librarian in love with books.  I've limited myself to only purchasing them during the summer break.  That way, I'm not wearing out my pocketbook...but I am tempted to order "The Great Gatsby" tee in honor of the movie releasing soon.  I can't believe I didn't order the "Wizard of Oz" tee to wear when I took Em to see the recent release of "Oz".  What's wrong with me?  haha

Anyhow, www.outofprintclothing.com is my source for great book tees that highlight out of print classics.  Gotta love em!

Happy Reading and Wearing of the Tee!
RC

Stoke Books to the rescue...

A few weeks ago, I was invited into a conversation that I'll never forget.  An 8th grader had cornered their reading teacher and was basically having an "Aha" moment with them.  The reading teacher was so stunned, that she called me over to offer my "expertise" as a library media specialist.  You'll understand my shock and awe after reading the script below.  Let me preface this by saying that I'm glad I was asked to join the conversation and that I'm even more excited to say that progress has been made and the student is feeling successful.  Win/win.  But that afternoon, I left work in tears.  Ashamed that he had fallen through the cracks and I hadn't noticed or cared.  (Student name changed for obvious reasons.)

John- "I'm tired of abandoning books."
Me- "Then don't abandon them.  Try to finish them.  Maybe you need to make a different choice.  Choose a shorter book, perhaps?"
John- "But I want to read what my friends are reading." 
Me- "I see.  But you realize that you have a diagnosed reading issue that keeps you from comprehending lengthy passages, right?  And this is why I've asked you to choose shorter books.  You can't handle the complex plots yet."
John- "You think I don't want to read, but I do.  You think I have a bad attitude about reading, but I'm just frustrated."
(OUCH--yes, that one hurt because it's truth.)
Me- "You're absolutely right.  Over the past two years you have developed a negative attitude about reading and coming to the library.  I don't think either one of us has paid much attention to what you've been checking out because you and I both knew subconsciously that you wouldn't finish it anyway.  And for that, I apologize."
John- "So what am I gonna do?"
Me- "You'll have to trust me.  I want you to take a look at a new batch of books I received today.  They're called Stoke Books, after the publisher.  I have all genres.  I know you like science fiction, so we'll start with that.  But, the books are short.  Shorter than any I have in this library.  75 pages at most.  And I know that's not okay with you.  So, therefor, the trust."
John- "I'll try it if you think I'll be able to remember the story.  I can't keep up with a lot of details.  I forget."
Me- "All we can do is try.  These books are designed for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other issues that stand in the way of reading comprehension."
John- "Okay"

And so began his journey into the Stoke collection.  I purchased 13 titles and he's read about 5 of them so far.  He remembers what he's reading.  He loves them.  And he wants more.  After he reads about 8 or 9 of them, I'll run out of "boy" books and so I'm prepared to level-up with him.  He absolutely loved Chris Wooding's title for this collection, Pale. He was able to return the book and give me a book-talk that rivaled any of his peers.  That gave him self-confidence as a reader.  He's devouring them.  He's always wanted to read Poison by Wooding, so that's what I checked out for him at his last library visit.  I encouraged him to read 30 pages of the full-length novel and then come back to me and booktalk it.  Take it in parts.  Break it up.  Then, we'll put it all together.  

Here's what author Chris Wooding had to say about writing a book for this collection (taken from his blog)... 

"The hawk-eyed among you, or those who spend every free moment on Amazon googling my name (bless your little hearts), might have spotted the curious fact that, like, there’s this book out by me that I’ve barely even mentioned. Well, here’s the lowdown: I wrote PALE a while ago for an imprint called Barrington Stoke, who produce books targeted at reluctant and struggling readers or kids with dyslexia. I haven’t really talked about it much because I thought it was mainly going to be sold to schools and such, and also because I didn’t want it  to be confused with my usual output, since it’s a very different kind of book. But since it’s out there in the big wide world now, it’s time for Pale to take a bow.
Now listen y’all. This book was written for a specialist market. It’s very short, and the language and story are much, much simpler than the books you’re used to reading from me. If you’re curious, or if you’re a completist, or if there’s someone you know who’s a struggling reader and might like this sorta thing, then by all means pick it up; it’s a creepy little sci-fi tale that may tickle your fancy. But if you’re expecting something in the vein of Malice or Alaizabel, you’ll be disappointed. I wouldn’t want anyone spending their hard-earned readies and then being gutted because of the content." --Chris Wooding via http://www.chriswooding.com/pale/


I know this is not a long-term solution.  I know I haven't fixed his problem.  But I am able to offer him a few months of success at MNMS.  And his honesty and frustration jerked me up and set me back on my feet as a professional.  By blogging about it, I've preserved this lesson for myself and others.

Happy Reading everyone!
RC

 

MNMS KBA Winner

It's my extreme pleasure to announce the MNMS Kentucky Bluegrass favorite for the 2012-2013 school year..... 

Michael Vey:  Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans!  

Over 35 students read and voted for the book.  Considering our school's population and the fact that I only have 5 copies, that's an outstanding number!  I attribute some of the popularity to the free press the book received thanks to it's inclusion in our Fall Book Frenzy and to the sequel's inclusion in the Winter Book Frenzy.  The adult leader, LT's husband, did a great job advertising the book.  Thanks to the author for writing a character our middle school students could connect with, even though none of them were born with electrical powers.  ;)  

As always, I've tabulated all votes and submitted them to Eastern Kentucky University, where they will join all other votes from across the state.  The state winner will be announced soon.  And of course, I'll announce it here!  To learn more about the book, visit http://www.michaelvey.com/

If you like science fiction, pick up a copy of this series...go ahead and buy books 1 and 2.  I haven't read the sequel, but my students tell me it's even better than the first.  And of course, I've already done my homework...yes, there will be a third.  

Happy Sci-fi reading!
RC

The Ghost of Graylock

I'm not much of a ghost story fan, but I do love a suspenseful story and Dan Poblocki has provided my young adult readers with a well-rounded, suspense-filled ghost story with The Ghost of Graylock. There's just enough of the horror film "spook" factor to keep my reluctant readers glued to the page. I admit my heartbeat increased a little with their first encounter with the ghost.   However, my avid readers will find themselves immersed in not only the intrigue of the Graylock ghost, but also Neil and Bree's very real issues with their parents' recent divorce and mental health issues.  Bravo, author, for understanding that middle school students can handle complex plots and characters.  I'm so thrilled to be able to offer a book that not only has a fabulous cover, but holds a fascinating story within.  

To read the blurb and prologue, visit the Scholastic link here...The Ghost of Graylock blurb and excerpt  Once there, you'll need to click on "Read an Excerpt" and will be taken to a pdf document to read the prologue.  

Happy Spring Break Reading!  I'm currently on my 3rd book since the break started!  And I believe, if my math is accurate, that this makes my 57th book!  Whoo!

RC