The Lions of Little Rock by Kristen Levine
It's August 1958 and the high schools in Little Rock aren't opening due to the recent battles regarding integration. Marlee Nisbett has her own battles to fight in middle school. She's so painfully quiet that everyone either thinks she's mute or tries to control her every move, like bossy Sally and cute JT who uses her for math homework. Then she meets the new girl, Liz, who not only helps Marlee find her voice, but also herself. Unfortunately, Liz is battling her own problems and one day, suddenly stops coming to school. When Marlee discovers the truth behind Liz's identity, she must decide what she truly stands for and how far she'll go to make her voice finally heard.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Book 30: On Etruscan Time
On Etruscan Time by Tracy Barrett
When Hector's mom's is recruited to help on an archaelogical dig in Italy, he has no choice but to tag along. His summer is officially ruined. Even worse is that the adults seem busy with their own conversations and no one seems to notice or listen to him. To help him pass the long, hot days, Hector starts helping on the dig--where he uncovers an old stone that looks like an eye. He realizes the eye has special powers, and Hector finds himself on a quest between two different worlds. It's up to him to save an Etruscan boy named Arath from a horrible fate. Can he find what he needs in the past before it's too late?
When Hector's mom's is recruited to help on an archaelogical dig in Italy, he has no choice but to tag along. His summer is officially ruined. Even worse is that the adults seem busy with their own conversations and no one seems to notice or listen to him. To help him pass the long, hot days, Hector starts helping on the dig--where he uncovers an old stone that looks like an eye. He realizes the eye has special powers, and Hector finds himself on a quest between two different worlds. It's up to him to save an Etruscan boy named Arath from a horrible fate. Can he find what he needs in the past before it's too late?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Book 29: Bluefish
Bluefish by Pat Schmatz
Travis Roberts has just moved from the only home he's known to a new place in town and a new school. He had to leave behind his "place" at the swamp, and most importantly, his best friend, a dog named Rosco. His parents are gone, and his grandpa isn't around much between work and AA meetings. Travis struggles in school, knowing that the secret he's keeping won't be one for long. Then he meets a teacher named Mr. McQueen who gives him a new hope for his future and a girl named Vida, a.k.a. Velveeta, who has some struggles of her own. Together, the two lean on each other, and end up saving themselves.
Travis Roberts has just moved from the only home he's known to a new place in town and a new school. He had to leave behind his "place" at the swamp, and most importantly, his best friend, a dog named Rosco. His parents are gone, and his grandpa isn't around much between work and AA meetings. Travis struggles in school, knowing that the secret he's keeping won't be one for long. Then he meets a teacher named Mr. McQueen who gives him a new hope for his future and a girl named Vida, a.k.a. Velveeta, who has some struggles of her own. Together, the two lean on each other, and end up saving themselves.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Book 28: The Night She Disappeared
The Night She Disappeared by April Henry
Gabie, Drew, and Kayla have nothing in common except that they all work at Pete's Pizza. Gabie is the quiet, rich girl whose parents are doctors, Drew is the average C student whose mom struggles with a drug addiction, and Kayla is the pretty, popular girl that everyone adores. One night on a pizza delivery, Kayla is kidnapped. Drew is the one who took the kidnapper's order over the phone, and he can still hear the guy's voice in his head. Even worse, Gabie discovers that she is the one the kidnapper truly wanted. As the days pass, the police struggle with leads, and Drew and Gabie try to hold onto hope that Kayla is not only alive, but okay. Will they find her before it's too late?
Gabie, Drew, and Kayla have nothing in common except that they all work at Pete's Pizza. Gabie is the quiet, rich girl whose parents are doctors, Drew is the average C student whose mom struggles with a drug addiction, and Kayla is the pretty, popular girl that everyone adores. One night on a pizza delivery, Kayla is kidnapped. Drew is the one who took the kidnapper's order over the phone, and he can still hear the guy's voice in his head. Even worse, Gabie discovers that she is the one the kidnapper truly wanted. As the days pass, the police struggle with leads, and Drew and Gabie try to hold onto hope that Kayla is not only alive, but okay. Will they find her before it's too late?
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Book 27: First Light
First Light by Rebecca Stead
Peter's parents are scientists, so when they decide to move the family from New York to Greenland to conduct research, he tags along for what will surely be the adventure of a lifetime. The conditions are tough and Peter quickly finds that he's not used to the brutal cold. He is also keeping a secret: severe headaches that cause him to experience confusing visions. Meanwhile, under the ice, an entire civilization has been established in a place called Gracehope. Thea wants nothing more than to travel to the surface, despite the dangers she has been taught. Finally, their two worlds collide and it turns out that Peter's secret is only the first of many that will affect them.
Peter's parents are scientists, so when they decide to move the family from New York to Greenland to conduct research, he tags along for what will surely be the adventure of a lifetime. The conditions are tough and Peter quickly finds that he's not used to the brutal cold. He is also keeping a secret: severe headaches that cause him to experience confusing visions. Meanwhile, under the ice, an entire civilization has been established in a place called Gracehope. Thea wants nothing more than to travel to the surface, despite the dangers she has been taught. Finally, their two worlds collide and it turns out that Peter's secret is only the first of many that will affect them.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Book 26: The Raft
The Raft by S.A. Bodeen
Robie lives on Midway Island, an Pacific island past Hawaii, where she is currently visiting her aunt, A.J. When business suddenly calls A.J. to leave for Los Angeles, she allows Robie to stay by herself until next week when Robie's parents are expecting her home. But then Robie gets scared and decides to head back to Midway on a small supply plane, a flight she often takes back and forth to her island. This trip, however, is anything but typical as the plane goes down and Robie finds herself alone in a raft with Max, one of the pilots. No one knows that she was on the plane, and she soon realizes that she'll have to rely on a total stranger to survive at sea.
Robie lives on Midway Island, an Pacific island past Hawaii, where she is currently visiting her aunt, A.J. When business suddenly calls A.J. to leave for Los Angeles, she allows Robie to stay by herself until next week when Robie's parents are expecting her home. But then Robie gets scared and decides to head back to Midway on a small supply plane, a flight she often takes back and forth to her island. This trip, however, is anything but typical as the plane goes down and Robie finds herself alone in a raft with Max, one of the pilots. No one knows that she was on the plane, and she soon realizes that she'll have to rely on a total stranger to survive at sea.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Book 25: Soccerland
Soccerland by Beth Choat
When she's not helping out on her family's Maine potato farm, Flora Dupre lives, eats, and breathes soccer. Before her mom died, Flora promised her that she would play for a national team. Then she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: to train at the International Sports Academy in Colorado. It's everything Flora has ever wanted--the first step to making it on a national team. But camp is tough, and Flora's not used to the level of talent or the attitudes of other players. She has to deal with a coach who seems to hate her, a group of girls who want nothing more than to see her fail, and then a phone call from home with tragic news. Can Flora overcome everything to make the team, or will she return to the potato farm and her family?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
When she's not helping out on her family's Maine potato farm, Flora Dupre lives, eats, and breathes soccer. Before her mom died, Flora promised her that she would play for a national team. Then she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: to train at the International Sports Academy in Colorado. It's everything Flora has ever wanted--the first step to making it on a national team. But camp is tough, and Flora's not used to the level of talent or the attitudes of other players. She has to deal with a coach who seems to hate her, a group of girls who want nothing more than to see her fail, and then a phone call from home with tragic news. Can Flora overcome everything to make the team, or will she return to the potato farm and her family?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Book 24: Wonder
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
August Pullman is like most middle school boys. He has an older, moody sister starting high school, a dog named Daisy whom he adores, and a love for all things Star Wars. The only difference is that Auggie has been home-schooled his entire life--he's never attended a "real" school. Until now. It's hard enough to fit in, to figure out the "right" lunch table, to know who to trust in class. But there's one more difference that makes middle school tough for him. August Pullman was born with multiple birth defects that have left his face severely deformed. What's it really like to see the world through Auggie's eyes? And what happens when his world suddenly collides with others'?
August Pullman is like most middle school boys. He has an older, moody sister starting high school, a dog named Daisy whom he adores, and a love for all things Star Wars. The only difference is that Auggie has been home-schooled his entire life--he's never attended a "real" school. Until now. It's hard enough to fit in, to figure out the "right" lunch table, to know who to trust in class. But there's one more difference that makes middle school tough for him. August Pullman was born with multiple birth defects that have left his face severely deformed. What's it really like to see the world through Auggie's eyes? And what happens when his world suddenly collides with others'?
Monday, September 10, 2012
Book 23: The Grimm Legacy
The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
Elizabeth Rew has a new part-time job. But just not any job. After a referral from her social studies teacher, Elizabeth is a library page at the New York Circulating Material Repository where patrons can check out a variety of objects and collections. As if that's not strange enough (Elizabeth was expecting a library to check out books), a giant bird creature has been seen hovering around the repository, a former page has disappeared, Elizabeth can see her boss's freckles dance around on his face, and there are a lot of secrets regarding the repository's most special collection: The Grimm Collection. When Grimm objects start disappearing, it's up to Elizabeth and the other pages to figure out what's going on. Will she survive to live "happily ever after?"
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Elizabeth Rew has a new part-time job. But just not any job. After a referral from her social studies teacher, Elizabeth is a library page at the New York Circulating Material Repository where patrons can check out a variety of objects and collections. As if that's not strange enough (Elizabeth was expecting a library to check out books), a giant bird creature has been seen hovering around the repository, a former page has disappeared, Elizabeth can see her boss's freckles dance around on his face, and there are a lot of secrets regarding the repository's most special collection: The Grimm Collection. When Grimm objects start disappearing, it's up to Elizabeth and the other pages to figure out what's going on. Will she survive to live "happily ever after?"
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Book 22: Scrawl
Scrawl by Mark Shulman
Tod Munn is a bully. He breaks kids' glasses, forces classmates to hand over their lunch money, and steals things that aren't his. He has recently been busted at school with his friends, or "droogs" as he calls them. The other guys are outside on trash duty after school. Tod is in detention with his guidance counselor, Mrs. Woodrow. His punishment: to write every day in a journal about his life. He writes about the house he lives in, the teachers who gang up against him, and the secrets he carries every day. There's more to Tod Munn than everyone thinks, but is it too late for him to prove himself?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Tod Munn is a bully. He breaks kids' glasses, forces classmates to hand over their lunch money, and steals things that aren't his. He has recently been busted at school with his friends, or "droogs" as he calls them. The other guys are outside on trash duty after school. Tod is in detention with his guidance counselor, Mrs. Woodrow. His punishment: to write every day in a journal about his life. He writes about the house he lives in, the teachers who gang up against him, and the secrets he carries every day. There's more to Tod Munn than everyone thinks, but is it too late for him to prove himself?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Book 21: The Heist Society
The Heist Society by Ally Carter
Katarina Bishop is finally on her own. She has left the family "business" of thievery to attend a private school and start a new life. But suddenly, she is kicked out of the academy and her father is blamed for a huge art heist that, for once, he didn't do. Before she knows it, she's thrown back into the family circle where she has two weeks to prove her father's innocence. The quest will take her all over the world, where she uncovers more secrets, surprises and clues. Will it be enough to save her father? And will Kat find everything she's looking for, including her own happiness?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Katarina Bishop is finally on her own. She has left the family "business" of thievery to attend a private school and start a new life. But suddenly, she is kicked out of the academy and her father is blamed for a huge art heist that, for once, he didn't do. Before she knows it, she's thrown back into the family circle where she has two weeks to prove her father's innocence. The quest will take her all over the world, where she uncovers more secrets, surprises and clues. Will it be enough to save her father? And will Kat find everything she's looking for, including her own happiness?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Book 20: Girl, Stolen
Girl, Stolen by April Henry
It's no big deal for Cheyenne Wilder to stay in the back seat of the car while her stepmom runs into the pharmacy. But then someone steals the car, without realizing that Cheyenne is in it. The fact that she is blind is only her first problem. Can Cheyenne figure out how to get away when she can't see? What will her kidnappers do with her? And what other secrets are they hiding?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
It's no big deal for Cheyenne Wilder to stay in the back seat of the car while her stepmom runs into the pharmacy. But then someone steals the car, without realizing that Cheyenne is in it. The fact that she is blind is only her first problem. Can Cheyenne figure out how to get away when she can't see? What will her kidnappers do with her? And what other secrets are they hiding?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Friday, July 6, 2012
Book 19: After Ever After
Wow, I am BEHIND! Who knew that summer would be busier than the school year! I gotta get going!!!
After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
Jeffrey Alpers has a lot on his plate: he's starting his eighth grade year, a new (hot) girl named Lindsey has moved to town, his brother has left suddenly to "find himself" in Africa, and there's a new high-stakes state test coming up that will determine if he goes to high school. It would be a lot of pressure for any kid, but for Jeffrey, a state test is even harder since his chemotherapy treatments affected his brain. Together he and his best friend Tad (also a cancer survivor) will push each other to do things they've never done before, and ultimately, face challenges that will change them forever.
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
Jeffrey Alpers has a lot on his plate: he's starting his eighth grade year, a new (hot) girl named Lindsey has moved to town, his brother has left suddenly to "find himself" in Africa, and there's a new high-stakes state test coming up that will determine if he goes to high school. It would be a lot of pressure for any kid, but for Jeffrey, a state test is even harder since his chemotherapy treatments affected his brain. Together he and his best friend Tad (also a cancer survivor) will push each other to do things they've never done before, and ultimately, face challenges that will change them forever.
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Book 18: Something Like Fate
Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Lani likes working her summer job at the berry farm, saving the Earth, and reading her horoscope. She knows that the stars can predict her every move, and that everything happens for a reason. So one afternoon, it's only natural to have her palm read with her best friend, Erin. The fortune teller seems to see everything in Lani's future, including "a new boy who will change her life forever." Then she meets Jason, with whom she shares a special connection. Suddenly, she realizes this is the soulmate she is destined to fall in love with. The only problem is that he also happens to be Erin's new boyfriend.
Lani likes working her summer job at the berry farm, saving the Earth, and reading her horoscope. She knows that the stars can predict her every move, and that everything happens for a reason. So one afternoon, it's only natural to have her palm read with her best friend, Erin. The fortune teller seems to see everything in Lani's future, including "a new boy who will change her life forever." Then she meets Jason, with whom she shares a special connection. Suddenly, she realizes this is the soulmate she is destined to fall in love with. The only problem is that he also happens to be Erin's new boyfriend.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Book 17: Promise the Night
Wow. End of school + beginning of summer = 1 VERY behind librarian. But I'll catch up. Promise!
Promise the Night by Michaela MacColl
In 1936, Beryl Markham was the first person to fly across the Atlantic from England. But before that, she is Beryl Clutterbuck, a ten year old girl growing up in British East Africa with her father, an industrious horseman, who tries in vain to keep his daughter safe. It's not an easy task when Beryl chooses to live alone in a mud hut, tracks down the leopard who hurt her beloved dog, and insists on joining the nearby Nandi tribe on a sacred lion hunt. She refuses to be the proper British lady that everyone expects, and yet as a white girl, she doesn't fit with her best friend, Kibii, and his tribe either. Can she balance the two very different worlds of her childhood and stay true to her own self?
Promise the Night by Michaela MacColl
In 1936, Beryl Markham was the first person to fly across the Atlantic from England. But before that, she is Beryl Clutterbuck, a ten year old girl growing up in British East Africa with her father, an industrious horseman, who tries in vain to keep his daughter safe. It's not an easy task when Beryl chooses to live alone in a mud hut, tracks down the leopard who hurt her beloved dog, and insists on joining the nearby Nandi tribe on a sacred lion hunt. She refuses to be the proper British lady that everyone expects, and yet as a white girl, she doesn't fit with her best friend, Kibii, and his tribe either. Can she balance the two very different worlds of her childhood and stay true to her own self?
Monday, May 7, 2012
Book 16: Unforgettable
Unforgettable by Loretta Ellsworth
Baxter Green has recently moved from California to Minnesota, where he hopes to not only win the love of his former childhood sweetheart, but also put the past behind him. His father is dead, his mother is barely holding it together, and her ex-boyfriend has just gotten out of jail after Baxter testified against him. It's not easy being on the run from Dink or being the new kid in school. And it's even harder trying to be someone you're not--because while Baxter would love to reinvent himself, his photographic memory won't let him forget who he truly is.
Baxter Green has recently moved from California to Minnesota, where he hopes to not only win the love of his former childhood sweetheart, but also put the past behind him. His father is dead, his mother is barely holding it together, and her ex-boyfriend has just gotten out of jail after Baxter testified against him. It's not easy being on the run from Dink or being the new kid in school. And it's even harder trying to be someone you're not--because while Baxter would love to reinvent himself, his photographic memory won't let him forget who he truly is.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Book 15: The Amazing Adventures of John Smith, Jr. AKA Houdini
The Amazing Adventures of John Smith, Jr. AKA Houdini by Peter Johnson
John Smith Jr., aka Houdini, has decided to write a book about his life. There are several characters: his best friends, Jorge and Lucky; his brother, Franklin, who is fighting in Iraq; Jackson, a local Vietnam vet, who has an evil dog named Da Nang; and of course, the "villian," a kid named Angel who is out to get everyone. As the story unfolds, Houdini and his friends find themselves with a new job in town, as his parents struggle with theirs. And then news from Iraq comes, and Houdini learns that his book, and the people in it, have bigger stories to tell than he ever realized.
John Smith Jr., aka Houdini, has decided to write a book about his life. There are several characters: his best friends, Jorge and Lucky; his brother, Franklin, who is fighting in Iraq; Jackson, a local Vietnam vet, who has an evil dog named Da Nang; and of course, the "villian," a kid named Angel who is out to get everyone. As the story unfolds, Houdini and his friends find themselves with a new job in town, as his parents struggle with theirs. And then news from Iraq comes, and Houdini learns that his book, and the people in it, have bigger stories to tell than he ever realized.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Book 14: Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip
Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick
Peter Friedman is a baseball player. That is, until an injury sends him to the sidelines the summer before he starts high school. Without baseball, he's not sure where he fits in--especially with his best friend, AJ, the other pitcher on the team. On the first day of school, Peter finds himself in a photography class with a girl named Angelika, and together they work on finding the "perfect" shot. But then his grandfather, a famous photographer, suddenly gives Peter all of his camera gear and Peter knows there's something wrong. Can he hide his grandfather's secret and admit his own secret before baseball season rolls around?
Peter Friedman is a baseball player. That is, until an injury sends him to the sidelines the summer before he starts high school. Without baseball, he's not sure where he fits in--especially with his best friend, AJ, the other pitcher on the team. On the first day of school, Peter finds himself in a photography class with a girl named Angelika, and together they work on finding the "perfect" shot. But then his grandfather, a famous photographer, suddenly gives Peter all of his camera gear and Peter knows there's something wrong. Can he hide his grandfather's secret and admit his own secret before baseball season rolls around?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Book 13: Dark Life
Dark Life by Kat Falls
Ty loves his life on the ocean floor. To those on land, it might be odd to live underwater and need Liquigen at times to breathe, but it's the one place where Ty's family can have their own home, not to mention acres and acres of land. One day a "Topsider" named Gemma shows up with a desperate request: she needs help finding her brother. To complicate matters, a gang of outlaws has started attacking the settlers' homesteads and no one knows when they'll strike next. Can Ty help Gemma find her brother and stop the Seablite Gang? As he uncovers the secrets of the deep sea, can he finally find peace with the secret he's been keeping?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Ty loves his life on the ocean floor. To those on land, it might be odd to live underwater and need Liquigen at times to breathe, but it's the one place where Ty's family can have their own home, not to mention acres and acres of land. One day a "Topsider" named Gemma shows up with a desperate request: she needs help finding her brother. To complicate matters, a gang of outlaws has started attacking the settlers' homesteads and no one knows when they'll strike next. Can Ty help Gemma find her brother and stop the Seablite Gang? As he uncovers the secrets of the deep sea, can he finally find peace with the secret he's been keeping?
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Book 12: Dead End in Norvelt
Dead End in Novelt by Jack Gantos
It's 1962 and Jack doesn't have a care in the world as summer vacation begins in his little town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania--well, except the fact that his nose gushes blood every time he gets excited, worried, or upset. But then his parents ground him and he's stuck at home. His only escape is to help Miss Volker, an elderly woman with arthritis who needs a scribe while she dictates an obituary for the most recent Norvelt death. For being grounded, his summer is a busy one. Between digging a fake bomb shelter for his father who swears the town is full of "Commies" and going to the funeral home to see the latest casualty (the town's mortician is his best friend Bunny's father), there is little time left to dodge the Hell's Angels who have invaded Norvelt or to solve a mystery that rocks the little town. Through it all, Jack learns the role of history in his own life--and even manages to have a few less nosebleeds.
It's 1962 and Jack doesn't have a care in the world as summer vacation begins in his little town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania--well, except the fact that his nose gushes blood every time he gets excited, worried, or upset. But then his parents ground him and he's stuck at home. His only escape is to help Miss Volker, an elderly woman with arthritis who needs a scribe while she dictates an obituary for the most recent Norvelt death. For being grounded, his summer is a busy one. Between digging a fake bomb shelter for his father who swears the town is full of "Commies" and going to the funeral home to see the latest casualty (the town's mortician is his best friend Bunny's father), there is little time left to dodge the Hell's Angels who have invaded Norvelt or to solve a mystery that rocks the little town. Through it all, Jack learns the role of history in his own life--and even manages to have a few less nosebleeds.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Book 11: The Gardener
The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen
Mason doesn't know anything about his father, other than the one video of his dad reading a bedtime story. He hates seeing his mom struggle; there's never enough money, she spends numerous evenings at the local bar, and she has a dead end job at the town's nursing home. Then Mason meets a girl who's different from every other girl he's met--and he tries to ignore that she doesn't appear to need food or water. . . He begins to uncover secrets that his mom has been hiding and soon realizes that the past isn't what he thought it was--and his future may not be what he wants either.
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Mason doesn't know anything about his father, other than the one video of his dad reading a bedtime story. He hates seeing his mom struggle; there's never enough money, she spends numerous evenings at the local bar, and she has a dead end job at the town's nursing home. Then Mason meets a girl who's different from every other girl he's met--and he tries to ignore that she doesn't appear to need food or water. . . He begins to uncover secrets that his mom has been hiding and soon realizes that the past isn't what he thought it was--and his future may not be what he wants either.
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Book 10: Revolver
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
Sig's father, Einar, has taught him how to shoot a Colt revolver--according to him, the most beautiful symbol of perfection known to man. Sig never dreams that he'll need it, especially not after he discovers his father's frozen body in the broken ice of a nearby lake. He waits at home with the body while his sister and stepmother get help, but a stranger appears at their cabin door, claiming that Einar has gold that belongs to him. Sig has never known his father to have any gold, and as the stranger tells his tale, Sig discovers that it isn't the only secret his father kept from the family. As Sig is held hostage, he realizes that the only way out is to get Einar's revolver--which is hidden in the cabin's back storeroom. Can he get his hands on it before the stranger shoots his own gun, silencing Sig forever?
Sig's father, Einar, has taught him how to shoot a Colt revolver--according to him, the most beautiful symbol of perfection known to man. Sig never dreams that he'll need it, especially not after he discovers his father's frozen body in the broken ice of a nearby lake. He waits at home with the body while his sister and stepmother get help, but a stranger appears at their cabin door, claiming that Einar has gold that belongs to him. Sig has never known his father to have any gold, and as the stranger tells his tale, Sig discovers that it isn't the only secret his father kept from the family. As Sig is held hostage, he realizes that the only way out is to get Einar's revolver--which is hidden in the cabin's back storeroom. Can he get his hands on it before the stranger shoots his own gun, silencing Sig forever?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Book 9: Jefferson's Sons
Jefferson's Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Most of us know Thomas Jefferson as the third President of the United States, the Founding Father who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Few know that after his wife died, he fell in love with his slave, Sally Hemings, and had seven children with her. This is the story of the four children who lived: Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston. Based on true facts, Bradley explains the hardships of growing up as both a slave AND Master Jefferson's children: the disappointments of never having a "father," the special treatment not extended to other Monticello slaves, and the constant battle to define oneself in a world that had already labeled them. Were they the President's children or slaves? And was it possible to be both?
Most of us know Thomas Jefferson as the third President of the United States, the Founding Father who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Few know that after his wife died, he fell in love with his slave, Sally Hemings, and had seven children with her. This is the story of the four children who lived: Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston. Based on true facts, Bradley explains the hardships of growing up as both a slave AND Master Jefferson's children: the disappointments of never having a "father," the special treatment not extended to other Monticello slaves, and the constant battle to define oneself in a world that had already labeled them. Were they the President's children or slaves? And was it possible to be both?
Friday, March 9, 2012
Book 8: Paranormalcy
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Evie is used to her not-so-normal life. Her best friend is a mermaid, her former love is a faerie, and her tutor is a werewolf. She works for IPCA, International Paranormal Containment Agency, with a special gift: she can see paranormals' true identities through their "glamours." She travels through faerie doors, "tags and bags" vampires, and meanwhile, watches episodes of her favorite teen drama, wishing she could go to high school like a normal girl. But then a creature like nothing she's seen before ends up in the Center, and suddenly, something is mysteriously killing paranormals. It's up to Evie to figure out what's happening, and she learns that her own identity isn't quite what she once believed.
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Evie is used to her not-so-normal life. Her best friend is a mermaid, her former love is a faerie, and her tutor is a werewolf. She works for IPCA, International Paranormal Containment Agency, with a special gift: she can see paranormals' true identities through their "glamours." She travels through faerie doors, "tags and bags" vampires, and meanwhile, watches episodes of her favorite teen drama, wishing she could go to high school like a normal girl. But then a creature like nothing she's seen before ends up in the Center, and suddenly, something is mysteriously killing paranormals. It's up to Evie to figure out what's happening, and she learns that her own identity isn't quite what she once believed.
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Monday, February 27, 2012
Book 7: Saint Louis Armstrong Beach
Saint Louis Armstrong Beach by Brenda Woods
There are three things Saint Louis Armstrong Beach (yes, his real name) loves--1) the neighborhood dog he's adopted and named Shadow, 2) playing his clarinet for the tourists (he's going to Juilliard someday) and 3) the girl next door named MonaLisa, also known as Money. Life is good for a boy growing up in New Orleans during the summer of 2005. But that's before Hurricane Katrina hits in August. . . and Saint realizes that his beloved New Orleans may never be the same.
There are three things Saint Louis Armstrong Beach (yes, his real name) loves--1) the neighborhood dog he's adopted and named Shadow, 2) playing his clarinet for the tourists (he's going to Juilliard someday) and 3) the girl next door named MonaLisa, also known as Money. Life is good for a boy growing up in New Orleans during the summer of 2005. But that's before Hurricane Katrina hits in August. . . and Saint realizes that his beloved New Orleans may never be the same.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Book 6: Cloaked
Cloaked by Alex Flinn
Johnny Marco isn't anything special. During the day, he works in his family's shoe store repairing shoes for the rich and famous of Miami; by night, he goes home to an apartment without electricity because his mother can't afford the bills since his dad walked out on them. But that all changes when a famous princess shows up in Miami. . . . with an odd request for Johnny: find her brother, the prince, who has disappeared. . . oh, and he's also been turned into a frog. Johnny's quest to the Florida Keys leads him to a magic cloak, six talking swans, two giants, a fox needing a favor, and a witch who plans to ruin everything. What will it take for Johnny to live "happily ever after?"
Johnny Marco isn't anything special. During the day, he works in his family's shoe store repairing shoes for the rich and famous of Miami; by night, he goes home to an apartment without electricity because his mother can't afford the bills since his dad walked out on them. But that all changes when a famous princess shows up in Miami. . . . with an odd request for Johnny: find her brother, the prince, who has disappeared. . . oh, and he's also been turned into a frog. Johnny's quest to the Florida Keys leads him to a magic cloak, six talking swans, two giants, a fox needing a favor, and a witch who plans to ruin everything. What will it take for Johnny to live "happily ever after?"
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Book 5: Ruby Red
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
Gwenyth Shepherd is a typical teenage girl in present day London--except that she's just discovered she has inherited a family gene that allows her to travel into the past. All of a sudden, her world is turned upside down as she realizes that the story of her birth is not at all what she once believed, and she is thrust into a dangerous mission into the past. She is accompanied by Gideon, another time traveler who just happens to be stunningly handsome, and as they make their way to different time periods, it becomes more and more obvious that nothing can prepare them for the mysteries of the secret society to which they now belong. And as she travels back in time, what secrets of her own past will be revealed?
Gwenyth Shepherd is a typical teenage girl in present day London--except that she's just discovered she has inherited a family gene that allows her to travel into the past. All of a sudden, her world is turned upside down as she realizes that the story of her birth is not at all what she once believed, and she is thrust into a dangerous mission into the past. She is accompanied by Gideon, another time traveler who just happens to be stunningly handsome, and as they make their way to different time periods, it becomes more and more obvious that nothing can prepare them for the mysteries of the secret society to which they now belong. And as she travels back in time, what secrets of her own past will be revealed?
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Book 4: Bruiser
Bruiser by Neal Shusterman
Tennyson isn't happy when his sister, Bronte, starts dating Brewster Rawlins, the quiet loner at school better known as "Bruiser" and voted by the yearbook staff as "Most Likely to Die by Lethal Injection." A guy like that can't be good news, right? After spying scars and bruises on Bruiser's back, Tennyson follows him home and thinks he has the answers to Bruiser's troubled life. But he soon realizes the shocking truth about Bruiser and learns a valuable lesson about the pain and suffering we must all endure.
***A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Tennyson isn't happy when his sister, Bronte, starts dating Brewster Rawlins, the quiet loner at school better known as "Bruiser" and voted by the yearbook staff as "Most Likely to Die by Lethal Injection." A guy like that can't be good news, right? After spying scars and bruises on Bruiser's back, Tennyson follows him home and thinks he has the answers to Bruiser's troubled life. But he soon realizes the shocking truth about Bruiser and learns a valuable lesson about the pain and suffering we must all endure.
***A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013
Monday, January 23, 2012
Book 3: Epitaph Road
Epitaph Road by David Patneaude
It's 2097 and Kellen Dent is a minority--because he's male. Ninety seven percent of the male population has been wiped out by Elisha's Bear, a virus that strikes without warning and only takes males as its victims. Women are in control, and problems of the past such as crime, violence, and prison overcrowding have also been eliminated. It seems to be the perfect world. . . until Kellen overhears his mother and aunt talking about a new outbreak--one that will affect his father living on his own in the wild. Kellen's journey to warn him leads to the truth about Elisha's Bear--and other secretive plans for the world's future. What is Kellen willing to risk to expose everything? And at what cost?
It's 2097 and Kellen Dent is a minority--because he's male. Ninety seven percent of the male population has been wiped out by Elisha's Bear, a virus that strikes without warning and only takes males as its victims. Women are in control, and problems of the past such as crime, violence, and prison overcrowding have also been eliminated. It seems to be the perfect world. . . until Kellen overhears his mother and aunt talking about a new outbreak--one that will affect his father living on his own in the wild. Kellen's journey to warn him leads to the truth about Elisha's Bear--and other secretive plans for the world's future. What is Kellen willing to risk to expose everything? And at what cost?
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Book 2: Okay for Now
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
It's 1968 and Doug Swieteck has an abusive father who drinks too much, one brother who's always in trouble, another brother fighting in Vietnam, and a mother whose beautiful smile helps Doug get through it all. Then they move to "stupid" Marysville, New York, and Doug discovers a book of Audubon's work in the public library. He starts drawing each bird under the guidance of Mr. Powell, realizing a hidden talent he never knew he had. Before long, he realizes that he's doing much more than drawing. As he makes his rounds as a delivery boy on Saturday mornings and attends Washington Irving Junior High School during the week, he encounters numerous people whose lives are all reflected through Audubon's works. He reveals painful secrets, realizes that nothing is as it seems, and discovers that maybe, just maybe, Marysville isn't that stupid after all.
It's 1968 and Doug Swieteck has an abusive father who drinks too much, one brother who's always in trouble, another brother fighting in Vietnam, and a mother whose beautiful smile helps Doug get through it all. Then they move to "stupid" Marysville, New York, and Doug discovers a book of Audubon's work in the public library. He starts drawing each bird under the guidance of Mr. Powell, realizing a hidden talent he never knew he had. Before long, he realizes that he's doing much more than drawing. As he makes his rounds as a delivery boy on Saturday mornings and attends Washington Irving Junior High School during the week, he encounters numerous people whose lives are all reflected through Audubon's works. He reveals painful secrets, realizes that nothing is as it seems, and discovers that maybe, just maybe, Marysville isn't that stupid after all.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Book 1: Virals
Virals by Kathy Reichs
Tory Brennan has had some serious bad luck. Her mother has just died, she's had to move in with a father she didn't know existed, and she now lives on a remote island off the coast of Charleston where she doesn't fit in with the elite students at her new school. The only good thing she's got going is discovering that she's the great niece of Temperance Brennan, the world famous forensic scientist, which explains her knack for exploring and digging for evidence. One day Tory is doing just that with her three island buddies when she stumbles across an old military dog tag. The foursome decides that the only way to determine its owner is to break into the local research institute. They are hoping to just clean the dog tag. That's it. They don't plan on finding a research project that will forever alter their DNA. They don't plan on trying to solve a forty year old murder. They don't plan on running for their lives and not knowing who to trust. Looks like Tory's bad luck just became worse. . .
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013.
Tory Brennan has had some serious bad luck. Her mother has just died, she's had to move in with a father she didn't know existed, and she now lives on a remote island off the coast of Charleston where she doesn't fit in with the elite students at her new school. The only good thing she's got going is discovering that she's the great niece of Temperance Brennan, the world famous forensic scientist, which explains her knack for exploring and digging for evidence. One day Tory is doing just that with her three island buddies when she stumbles across an old military dog tag. The foursome decides that the only way to determine its owner is to break into the local research institute. They are hoping to just clean the dog tag. That's it. They don't plan on finding a research project that will forever alter their DNA. They don't plan on trying to solve a forty year old murder. They don't plan on running for their lives and not knowing who to trust. Looks like Tory's bad luck just became worse. . .
**A Truman Nominee for 2012-2013.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)