St. John, Lauren. WHITE GIRAFFE

Today we look at the last of the nominees for the NH Great Stone Face award. This one takes place in South Africa and involves a child who is orphaned and sent with a grandmother who does not really want her there. Add a legend of the white giraffe and you have a story that kids will be drawn to.


St. John, Lauren. WHITE GIRAFFE

The Africans have a legend, which says that the child who can ride a white giraffe will have power over all the animals….
Orphaned by the terrible fire that claimed her home and her parents, Martine has been sent from England all the way to a wildlife reserve in South Africa to live with her only living relative---a grandmother she never knew existed, and who doesn’t seem at all pleased to be taking on the care of a granddaughter. Struggling to adjust to her new home, new school, and new life, Martine is determined to find answers to her questions: why had she never been told about her grandmother? How did her grandfather die? What special ‘gift’ did the African wise woman detect in her? And finally, the most fascinating questions of all--are the stories about a white giraffe really true?—and did she really see one outside her bedroom window? Join Martine, and delve into the mysteries of Sawubona Game Reserve---you’ll encounter amazing wildlife, ruthless poachers, friends and enemies in unexpected places, and just maybe….the White Giraffe. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/stjohn_white.mp3

Landy, Derek. SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT

Landy, Derek. SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT

On an ordinary day, in an ordinary town, an ordinary girl is about to make an extraordinary acquaintance----- She turned. When his hat had come off, his hair had come off, too. In the confusion, all she had seen was a chalk-white scalp, so she turned expecting to see a bald albino, maybe. But, no. With his sunglasses gone and his scarf hanging down, there was no denying the fact that he had no flesh, he had no skin, he had no eyes, and he had no face. All he had was a skull for a head. When Stephanie inherits her eccentric uncle’s estate, little does she know she’s inheriting something along with it: a life-or-death battle between good and evil. Fortunately for Stephanie, she also inherits a friend and ally that just might help her make it out of this alive---Skullduggery Pleasant. With his dashing fashion sense, snappy wit, and fire-throwing abilities, Skullduggery is just the guy to have along in fight---so who cares if underneath the designer clothes, he’s just a skeleton??? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/landy_skulduggery.mp3

Ursu, Anne. THE SHADOW THIEVES

Ursu, Anne. THE SHADOW THIEVES

Something extraordinary is about to happen to Charlotte Mielswetzski, a decidedly ordinary girl…and it has everything to do with Greek mythology and her creepy English teacher, Mr. Metos. Peculiar, yellow- eyed men in tuxedoes have begun to follow her everywhere. And the sudden arrival from London of her cousin Zee, who believes he is the cause of a mysterious sickness affecting his friends in Britain, serves to thicken the plot. Can these odd strangers in tuxedos really be stealing people’s shadows and taking them to the Underworld through an obscure door at the shopping mall? The cousins must get down to into Hades and across the River Styx to get to the bottom of this …they must save the world from THE SHADOW THIEVES (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/ursu_shadow.mp3

Two+ podcasts to mention

Yesterday I blogged about a student presentation and never mentioned what book was being podcast on my site. So today I will mention yesterday's book and today's book. And just to add a few more of my students' presentations, here is a link to all the podcasts: http://www.concord.k12.nh.us/new/rms.asp?fcpath=conferences/rms-www/studentproductions

I am getting to the end of the NH Great Stone Face book nominees. Schooled by Gordon Korman is a book about a young man who had been raised on an isolated commune who has been thrust into modern society. I love this kid!!

Korman, Gordon. SCHOOLED

This book is the story of Capricorn Anderson, who goes by the name of “Cap”. It is the story of a 14 year old boy raised on a farm commune by his hippie grandmother named Rain. He is home schooled by Rain and the two of them are the only ones left on the Garland Farm Commune. Cap has never watched TV, tasted pizza, been around kids his age, and has absolutely no idea what a “wedgie” is. When his grandmother falls while picking a plum, she is hospitalized and her broken hip requires her to spend weeks in rehab. Cap is then temporarily placed in the home of a social worker with a teenage daughter who thinks he is very weird. While living with the Donnelly family, Cap attends Claverage Middle School (dubbed “C Average” by the students). Find out what is in store for Cap in the new and foreign land of the place called “middle school”. Read SCHOOLED by Gordon Korman. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/korman_schooled.mp3

Pam Munoz Ryan's book also looks at a child who is out of place in new surroundings. Similar to Korman's book, the young girl has been raised by her grandmother in a very unusual setting. The death of the grandmother forces the relocation of the girl.

Ryan, Pam Munoz. PAINT THE WIND

Maya has lived a very rigid life with her grandmother since she was five years old. She feels like a prisoner in her own home. Her grandmother's unexpected death reveals shocking secrets. Her mother's family is one of “them” and Maya is going to live with her mother’s family. She moves from California to Wyoming where a new life awaits her. Horses, ranch life and family are there for her, but can she accept them as her own? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/ryan_paint.mp3

Clements, Andrew. NO TALKING

Yesterday I realized that my day book is missing. Of course it has all my important dates and information I need. Yes, that was me going through the trash looking for it. I have no idea where it could be. I had it on Wednesday and then it was gone. I have a bet with my kids when/if it will show up. I have to believe it will but in the meantime I am trying to reconstruct the information.

Today's podcast is about a bet also. It is a bet between the girls and boys on who can stay quiet the longest. This could be any teacher's dream -- or nightmare. Clements' books are always a hit with the middle crowd. The stories are just so on target. He just really gets these kids. And this one is no exception. No Talking is on the nomination list of several state book awards.

Clements, Andrew. NO TALKING
Shhhhhh! No one’s talking. The teachers are confused, what has happened to the once vibrant and chaotic school? Competition. Boys against Girls. Which group will be able to stay silent the longest? The goal: 48 hours. How will they avoid talking to the teachers for that long without getting into trouble? Join in the adventure that unfolds as the students create rules and guidelines to challenge all the adults both in school and at home in their quest for No Talking. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/smith_elephant.mp3

Bowe, Julie. MY LAST BEST FRIEND

Last night on twitter, I read a tweet about social networking. A library student commented that librarians do not necessarily go into the profession to be social. That is why social networking may be uncomfortable for them. I got to thinking about that. We do not all embrace Web 2.0 and social networking simply because we are librarians. There are so many aspects to librarianship that we aren't all cut from the same cloth. I love being a librarian because of that. I get to do so many different things. And to come in contact with so many interesting things that I would not ordinarily in my everyday life. I get to help kids learn about ancient civilizations and I get to help teachers learn how to help the kids. I get to explore and learn. I play with the latest technology and the tried and true. I think it is the best job because of all the different directions I go in each day. Other librarians may not enjoy that and want to concentrate on just one aspect. I spent many years as an academic cataloger and I enjoyed doing that. But I wanted (needed) to get out and be challenged by people. To be introduced to subjects and concepts that I had never encountered.

So what does any of that have to do with today's podcast? Well, Bowe's book deals with a shy little girl who has to deal with her only friend moving away. Now she must decide if she wants to remain friendless or try to make friends with someone new. This takes her out of her comfort zone and can lead to new and interesting adventures. Contact with people can do that to you.

Bowe, Julie. MY LAST BEST FRIEND

Ida May is quiet, shy and has one best friend. That is until her friend moves away. Determined never to be hurt again, Ida May stays to herself. Along comes the new girl, Stacey, who seems nice. However, bossy Jenna takes over to become Stacey's new best friend. Yet, Ida May's intuition tells her perhaps Stacey doesn't want to be the new best friend. Taking her chances, Ida May secretly sends a note to Stacey. Surprised at the response, Ida May journeys into the realm of a secret friendship. Will Stacey discover who her secret writing friend is? If so, will she still want to be friends with Ida May? Discover the adventures in My Last Best Friend by Julie Bowe. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/bowe_my.mp3

Wilson, N. D. LEEPIKE RIDGE

While I was at ALA, I got to attend a preview showing of Journey to the Center of the Earth. It opens today and I know several people who will be running off to the cinema to see it. It was so good and is getting good reviews. And I just love Brendan Fraser!! It is not the book itself but the book features prominently in it. It is a great sci fic story as well as a great survival story.

Today's podcast is for Leepike Ridge -- a great survival story. This is yet another nominee for New Hampshire Great Stone Face award. I am pretty sure it will be popular with the kids.


Wilson, N. D. LEEPIKE RIDGE

Tom and his mother have always lived near Leepike Ridge. He just never thought he'd end up underneath it. Tom uses a slab of foam to start a ride on a quiet stream. The water turns deadly and Tom is pulled underwater into a cavern underground. There is no light, no food and no way out, and Tom is trapped. How can he survive? How can he get out! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)


http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/wilson_leepike.mp3

Lorey, Dean. NIGHTMARE ACADEMY

Yesterday, I attended a memorial service for my lovely niece Brandee who passed away in March. Her mother and I were talking about how it still doesn't seem real that Brandee is gone. It's like a nightmare that you can't wake up from. Some days you wake up and forget that Brandee is gone. But then you remember. And the pain starts again.

Today's podcast is about nightmares that you can't wake up from. Nightmare Academy by Dean Lorey is about a young boy whose nightmares become real.

Nightmare Academy by Dean Lorey

When Charlie Benjamin sleeps, his nightmares become real. You see, Charlie's nightmares open portals to the netherworld where terrible monsters live. Fortunately, there's a place for people like Charlie, nightmare academy. This is a place that can train Charlie to fight the monsters that come out when the lights go out. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)




http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/lorey_nightmare.mp3

Shafer, Audrey. THE MAILBOX

Thunderstorms are predicted for tonight. That should end this terrible heat we are suffering through. On a night like this, it is always good to curl up with a good mystery book. Today's podcast is for THE MAILBOX by Audrey Shafer. There's a death, a missing body, and a kid trying to figure it all out. And, of course, the mailbox!

Shafer, Audrey. THE MAILBOX

Imagine being shuffled from one foster home to another. That is the life of 12 year old Gabe. Gabe's life takes a turn when he finds himself moving in with Uncle Vernon, whom he never knew existed. As Gabe adjusts and settles into his life, things suddenly change again. Returning home from school, Gabe discovers his uncle's dead body in the house. Afraid of being sent back into foster care, he covers the body and tries to continue in school the next day. However when he returns home again, the body has disappeared. Where could the body be? Who would have taken it and what does this mean for Gabe? Discover the answers when you open The Mailbox! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)


http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/shafer_mailbox.mp3