Contaminated

This is for those of you who love zombie books! This quick read, Contaminated, by Em Garner is about strong Velvet Ellis who has been left to raise her little sister, Opal, when their parents are affected by an epidemic that alters peoples' genes. The epidemic was first thought to be caused by contaminated water used in a popular protein-based weightloss drink. The beginning of the story finds Velvet looking for her mom at a kennel - a place the contaminated zombie-like people called Connies are held until a family member claims them. All Connies released back into public are fitted with a collar that is supposed to shock them into calmness so they don't get violent. The general public is unaccepting of the released Connies; thus, Velvet and Opal soon find themselves kicked out of their government-aided housing unit. Everything appears to be hopeless as Velvet continues to face adversity until her mom starts to show signs of understanding and Velvet meets a caring teen who is determined to help them. Definitely see a book two coming...

The Knife of Never Letting Go

I was familiar with author, Patrick Ness, from reading A Monster Calls – which had me sobbing into endless amounts of Kleenex. You can read my review in a previous post. I just started this fall as the Librarian of a high school. My students are very busy with required reading and research, but the ones reading for pleasure all told me that I had to read his Chaos Walking trilogy starting with The Knife of Never Letting Go. I love student recommendations more than anything – they always know the next book to read. Although this book is 479 pages long, it is a quick read. In this futuristic world in Prentisstown, although there are many men, there is only one boy, Todd, who will turn into a man in a month. All the women and girls have been killed by the germ released by the Spackles, enemies encountered when humans discovered the New World. The germ not only killed the females, but left all the males able to hear the thoughts of each other and all animals. There is endless NOISE created from the thoughts of men that takes all peace away until Todd and his dog, Manchee, discover the quiet in the forbidden swamp. Todd is given a book written by his mother and told to run away from Prentisstown. He leaves knowing that everything he has been told his entire life is uncertain. He discovers the quiet is actually a girl orphaned by an accident. The townsmen want both of them and are leading an army to attack. The hardest part for me was reading the misspellings in the text which Ness did to assert Todd’s lack of education. This book was so suspenseful – my students were right, it is a must read! I can’t wait to read Book 2 – The Ask and the Answer. The author answers questions about his Chaos Walking trilogy in the video below.

Why We Broke Up

You probably know the author of Why We Broke Up – Daniel Handler is popularly known by his pen name, Lemony Snicket. This YA Printz Honor Award-winning novel is about a relationship between theater-loving Min Green and popular basketball star Ed Slaterton. I tried listening to this book on audio and am so happy that I decided to read the book instead. You miss so much of the story if you listen to it as it is creatively illustrated by talented Maira Kalman. The pictures reveal so much of the story. The reader knows from the very beginning that Min and Ed are no longer together. She slowly reveals the timeline of important events in their short relationship. My favorite part of this book is the lesson learned by Min…hopefully, reading the story will forewarn many innocent girls so that they do not make the same mistake that she did. Watch the video below which features the author himself.

Eleanor & Park

I absolutely loved, savored, and now treasure Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park. The book takes place in the 80’s and is told from both characters’ points of view. Eleanor, an ivory-skinned overweight new girl, happens to sit by the Asian boy on the school bus. Park, the comic-reading half-Korean boy, who can’t help but like the new girl who reads his comic books as she sits beside him on the bus. Two totally different teens who at first do everything to not like each other, but ultimately cannot stop the chemistry that builds between them. Unbeknownst to Park, Eleanor has deep family secrets that she cannot share with anyone. How could she explain to anyone that she and her much younger siblings are controlled by an abusive stepfather? Will Eleanor ever trust and believe in the love that Park has for her? This is a must read! Click on the student made book trailer video below to learn more. Can’t wait to read Rainbow Rowell’s newest novel – Fangirl.

Siege and Storm

Leigh Bardugo’s debut novel, Shadow and Bone, was my favorite fantasy read of 2012 and I have been eagerly awaiting book 2 – Siege and Storm. Once again Bardugo brings to life the dark and magical “World of Grisha”. Alina and Mal have left their homeland to hide out from the Darkling and to keep her amplifier (Morozova’s collar) hidden so others will not realize that she is the Sun Summoner. Rather quickly, the Darkling returns and takes them captive. Bardugo introduces us to new characters...ones we grow to like, but do not whole-heartedly trust. The Darkling now has the power to be with Alina without others seeing him. Alina’s powers seem to take over her sense of judgment– to the point that her relationship with Mal is jeopardized. Readers will be surprised as to how this second novel in the trilogy goes...the last half was difficult to put down. Hardest part for me is waiting for book 3 – Ruin and Rising – coming in 2014!

Shatter Me

 

The most exciting part of starting my new job at a wonderful high school is the opportunity to read YA and Adult books for my job! Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is a dystopic novel about a seventeen-year-old girl named Juliette who has been imprisoned because her touch has the power to kill people. She is surprised when a soldier is sent to watch over her and he is someone that she loved as a young girl. Adam volunteered for the position so he could protect her. The leader who has imprisoned her plans to use her power to defeat others. When Adam and Juliette break out, she discovers that Adam is immune to her deadly touch. The two are not safe for long and must learn to trust each other and a friend from Adam's past. This is a quick read that will leave readers wanting to immediately pick up book 2, Unravel Me. Book 3 will be published in February 2014.

The Last Dragonslayer

Young adult literature fans are so excited that Jasper Fforde has started writing for them. The Last Dragonslayer is the first in a trilogy. The story is narrated by Jennifer Strange who is the acting manager of Kazam - a job agency for magicians. She took on the role when the popular when the most powerful wizard became disgraced. Today's magicians must find menial jobs as their abilities have faded over the years. For the past four hundred years, dragons and humans have been separated by lands in an agreement made by both parties. Dragons had stipulations they had to follow in order to be protected. There is now only one dragon left and there are visions of his death at a certain time by the last dragonslayer. Jennifer soon learns that she is being called upon to end the dragon's life. This causes great turmoil as different kingdoms plan to fight over the forbidden land. She becomes an instant celebrity, but wants to have nothing to do with killing the dragon. Will Jennifer accept her given role? Will war break out once the dragon is killed? Read this entertaining fantasy to find out!Look for the second book in the trilogy - The Song of the Quarkbeast - coming to the US on Sept 3, 2013.

Smart Girls Get What They Want

Sarah Strohmeyer’s Smart Girls Get What They Want is on the Texas Lone Star Reading List 2013-14. This novel is about three friends (Bea, Gigi, and Neerja) who are at the top of their sophomore class. They have always looked up to Neerja’s older sister who attends Princeton. They have an eye-opening experience when they realize that Neerja’s sister’s academic success came with huge repercussions – no one in her high school knew anything about her, except that she was the smartest girl at school. The trio decides they must turn things around before it is too late – start eating in the cafeteria, join extracurricular groups that interest them, and ultimately become more social. When Gigi is accused of cheating along with a jock named Mike, she faces being rejected by the college of her dreams. She is given a chance to turn things around, but must face her deeply rooted fear of public speaking first. This novel has just the right amount of humor, romance, and drama – finally a book that recognizes the angst felt by many overachievers.

The Spindlers

Lauren Oliver’s middle grade novel, The Spindlers, is a spooky fantasy that will leave readers on the edge of their seat from start to finish. Liza knows that her little brother’s soul has been taken by The Spindlers. She learned about these evil spider-like creatures from her babysitter and knows that she must stop them before it is too late. She must go Below to a new land full of secret forests and mosses. Her only assistant is a female rat who dresses up with makeup. The two encounter many frightening obstacles. I love that Oliver had so many fantastical creatures in her story – it made it read like a movie – a movie I would love to see. She also adds a touch of humor to a frightening story line. This is a great recommendation for Harry Potter and Percy Jackson fans. Listen to Oliver in the video below explain her inspiration for writing The Spindlers. This is going on my 6th grade Reading List next year.

True Legend

I must say that True Legend has become my new favorite Mike Lupica book…and I am a huge fan of all of his books. This story is about a high school basketball player named Drew that everyone calls, “True”, because he is the real deal. He is so talented that an agent moved him and his mother from the East coast to the West coast to play in his own facility. Drew knows that he gets by in life because others look out for him. Everyone knows he is on his way to stardom. His best friend, Lee, a teammate that isn’t as talented as Drew even helps with all of his school assignments. Things begin to change when Drew notices an old guy playing ball amazingly on an outdoor court really late at night. The guy takes off once Drew lets him know he has been watching him. At an extremely important game, with seconds left on the clock, Drew makes the arrogant decision to take the game winning shot when Lee was wide open and would’ve made it without a doubt. Drew misses – the old guy is at the game and shows Drew his disappointment. Drew is determined to find out who this guy is – why did this guy not make it in the big league? Will Drew learn what it really takes to become a legend before it is too late? The video clip below is an interview of Mike Lupica on the Today Show.

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The Encyclopedia of Me

The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers is written just as the title suggests – in encyclopedia format. The main character, 8th grader Isadora (nicknamed Tink), tells the reader about all her life by writing an encyclopedia with personal terms from A to Z. She describes the challenges she has faced in being biracial and by having a brother who is autistic. She also describes the hurts feelings she encounters when her best friend begins to exclude her after years of friendship. Things become more complicated when she begins a relationship with her new neighbor, a skater boy named Kai. Readers will totally relate to Tink (especially the girls) – family drama, first kiss, and mean girls. This book is both touching and funny – a must read for middle school! Check out the 60 Sec Recap video...

Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - The World's Most Dangerous Weapon

Steve Sheinkin’s Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon is receiving many accolades including Newbery Honor Book and The Robert F. Sibert Informational Medal 2013. I gained so much new knowledge about World War II and espionage after reading this very informative book. Wow! I had no idea how close other countries were in developing the atomic bomb during that time period. Readers will learn the vital roles intelligent physicists played in the outcome of World War II. This nonfiction text at times read like a spy novel as the different methods of transferring private messages between secret agents were revealed. This is a must read – definitely going on my 8th grade reading list in the fall.

Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a Town

This amazing true story will touch your heart. It is about one person making a difference in the lives around her. It is about our nation which is made up of many diverse cultures. It is a story about how the sport of soccer brought boys from different war-torn countries together as a team and their Jordanian female coach who led them to victory. Outcasts United by Warren St. John takes readers to Clarkston, Georgia - a place for many refugees to relocate in the United States after suffering many horrible situations in their own country. Luma, a young woman from Jordan who loves soccer, decided to create a soccer team for youth in an at-risk area. Little did she know that these kids would need much more than just a soccer coach - they needed support for their families who spoke very little English, they needed extra academic help to catch up to their American classmates, and they needed discipline to become better athletes and better men. I appreciate that St. John told the players' stories - we need to be reminded of others' circumstances. This inspiring story will make you ask yourself - What can I do to make a difference for others?

Animals Welcome: A Life of Reading, Writing, and Rescue

I am sure every middle school librarian will agree - our students love Peg Kehret's books! They have read ALL of them and keep asking for more. I was so happy to read Animals Welcome: A Life of Reading, Writing, and Rescue as this talented author takes her readers into the latest part of her life. She shares her and her late husband's love of animals, her inspirations for writing particular characters, and the raw emotions of life changing events in her world. Each animal rescue or encounter is written in their own chapter. I was most amazed at her patience during the most trying times of rescuing some animals that seemed impossible to help. Now when I read a Peg Kehret book, I will think about the warm-hearted woman who loves writing, nature, and, most of all, animals. Thank you to Ms. Kehret and her late husband for making a difference in their area - one rescue at a time.

Sophia's War: A Tale of the Revolution

Avi does it again - captures a time in history for readers to enjoy and learn from - in Sophia's War: A Tale of the Revolution. The story begins in 1776, in British-occupied New York City and is narrated by a fictional strong young woman named Sophia who is twelve-years-old. She and her mother witness Nathan Hale's hanging and the horors of this war are forever with her. Her parents are forced, like others in the city, to house a British soldier. Unbeknownst to the new Lieutenant John Andre, Sophia has an older brother who is fighting with George Washington for the patriots. Andre gives Sophia a lot of attention and she believes he genuinely cares for her. When she finds out her brother is wounded and being held under deplorable conditions in a prison, she asks Andre for help. He turns his back on Sophia’s request and leaves without a second glance. Sophia will stop at nothing to help her brother. It is now 1780, and Sophia is given the dangerous job of spying for the patriots while serving in the house of a now married Major Andre. Read Sophia’s War to find out the roles John Andre and Benedict Arnold played in the American Revolution. Great read that is definitely going on my 8th grade reading list in the fall.

Three Times Lucky

Sheila Turnage’s first mystery novel for upper elementary and middle school is already getting great awards including the Newbery Honor Book. She successfully draws her readers in this tale of mysterious beginnings, suspicious murders, kidnappings, ransoms, and hurricanes. Mo (short for Moses), a sixth grader, narrates the story. She describes how she was found after a devastating hurricane wrapped in the arms of The Colonel who suffered memory loss and has no idea who he was before the storm. With the help of an eccentric woman named Miss Lana, The Colonel has raised Mo for the past eleven years. Lately Mo has been searching for her “upstream mother” by sending out messages in bottles. Mo and her best friend, Dale, help out at Miss Lana and The Colonel’s café. One day a detective from another area comes to the café asking questions concerning a mysterious death in his city. The little town turns upside down when a local man, Mr. Jesse, is murdered and Dale is the last person presumed to have seen him alive. Soon The Colonel is missing, next Miss Lana. It is up to Mo and Dale to solve the mystery before it is too late. The problem is that a hurricane is headed their way and no one can be trusted. Read Three Times Lucky – you won’t be disappointed!

Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World

I am so fortunate to have had one of my smart book club members (a 7th grader) who loves nonfiction tell me that I should read Sy Montgomery’s Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World. I learned so much about the amazing woman who gave the world answers to what it feels like to live in an autistic world. She, also, gave animals going to slaughter a comfortable end to their lives by designing systems that are cruelty-free. I appreciate the way Temple Grandin describes her connection to animals as a result of the way her brain processes information. She describes her mind as being made up of photographic images. I learned so much from this book and can’t wait to share it with my students. The video clip below is an introduction to the HBO movie of Temple Grandin’s life – many of the scenes are in this book.

The Always War

Margaret Peterson Haddix’s stand alone novel, The Always War, will appeal to sci-fi fans. In this dystopia, a war has dragged on and on between the east and the west. Gideon, a pilot, refuses to accept his military honor for courage. He is devastated to find out how many innocent lives were destroyed when he bombed the enemy. His neighbor, Tessa, is determined to help Gideon feel better about his situation. She follows him one day and notices someone else is after him. She must warn him. She follows him onto a redesigned aircraft that is headed to the place he bombed to apologize. They have another unwanted passenger on the aircraft. The problem – when they land at the place of the casualties – it looks like untouched forest land. Read the book to find out why the Always War exists and who is in control. Each chapter ends with the reader determined to find out what happens in the next. Other great books by Haddix include The Shadow Children series, Double Identity, The Missing series, and Running Out of Time.

The Raft

S.A. Bodeen’s most recent novel, The Raft, keeps her readers on the edge. Robie is trying her best to get back home to a small island called Midway a little early. When she boards the small plane she finds out there is the regular pilot and a substitute co-pilot named Max. The plane ultimately crashes into the waters in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The only survivors are Robie and Max and they have to endure the harsh conditions of floating on a yellow raft under the hot sun and cool nights. Their biggest threats are starvation and the dangerous sharks that lurk in the ocean. Will their arrival onto the island make things better? Read The Raft to find out. I could not put this one down! I loved The Compound so I couldn't wait to read this one.

A Girl Named Faithful Plum

Richard Bernstein describes his wife’s younger years in A Girl Named Faithful Plum: The True Story of a Dancer from China and How She Achieved Her Dream. In 1977, Zhongmei was an eleven-year-old growing up in a small farm town in China. She loved to dance and was determined to audition in the big city of Beijing for their elite dance company. Her family had to make huge sacrifices for her to travel days just to try out for this prestigious dance troupe. She quickly realizes the prejudices she must face because she is not a cultured city girl with connections. She works hard each and every day to learn how to be the best. She is forced to grow up quickly, just to fit in. The author does an excellent job of describing the government changes during that time period and how the big cities differed from the rural areas of China. I appreciate how far Zhongmei came from her humble beginnings with loving siblings to the exalted stage. I am placing this book on my 6th grade reading list next year – what a great tie in to World Cultures. Watch the video clip below to see Zhongmei’s dances.

A Girl Named Faithful Plum-Dance Excerpt from zhongmei li on Vimeo.