Vega, Denise.
CLICK HERE (TO FIND OUT HOW I SURVIVED THE SEVENTH GRADE)
Meet Erin. Going into 7th grade and finding out her best friend will not be in the same classes. Erin and Jilly have been best friends since Kindergarten and Erin has never really had to faced any situation without Jilly's input. Erin begins to keep an electronic blog to write down her feelings. Of course, she will not publish it. She just keeps it on disk and shares her most secret thoughts. But 7th grade doesn't turn out so bad after a rough start. Erin makes new friends and gets involved in the school's new Intranet Club. She finds that people even come to her with problems when it comes to computer code. But the boy she likes choses Jilly over her and things start going wrong. Through a series of errors, Erin's life is about to get a whole lot worse.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Thursday, March 17, 2005
The Shadows of Ghadames
Stolz, Joelle. THE SHADOWS OF GHADAMES
Life at the end of the nineteenth century Libya is one of separation of the sexes. Malika is on the verge of adolescence and she begins to see how things are changing for her and her brother. While she is restricted more and more to the home, her brother is now banned from sharing the women's space and must now work with his uncle.
The childhood play is over. This is a world that may seem very strange to us in the 21st century but it is a world that makes sense to Malika's mother. But the arrival of a wounded young man makes Malika begin to question her limited opportunities.
Life at the end of the nineteenth century Libya is one of separation of the sexes. Malika is on the verge of adolescence and she begins to see how things are changing for her and her brother. While she is restricted more and more to the home, her brother is now banned from sharing the women's space and must now work with his uncle.
The childhood play is over. This is a world that may seem very strange to us in the 21st century but it is a world that makes sense to Malika's mother. But the arrival of a wounded young man makes Malika begin to question her limited opportunities.
B for Buster
Lawrence, Iain. B FOR BUSTER
For 16 year old Kak, joining the air force was a good way to escape his abusive father. He had dreams of flying and being a hero in the war. Stationed in England in 1943, Kak soon found himself flying ops over enemy territory. But it was not as exciting as he had believed. It was down right terrifying. He didn't know how he could go on flying. Surely no one else was as frightened as he was. But then he met an unusual man. Bert was the keeper of the
homing pigeons that were used to send messages back to base from the airplanes that went on the missions. Bert seemed to understand what Kak was feeling and was a source of strength for him. Join Kak as he learns that war is not all he had imagined it to be.
For 16 year old Kak, joining the air force was a good way to escape his abusive father. He had dreams of flying and being a hero in the war. Stationed in England in 1943, Kak soon found himself flying ops over enemy territory. But it was not as exciting as he had believed. It was down right terrifying. He didn't know how he could go on flying. Surely no one else was as frightened as he was. But then he met an unusual man. Bert was the keeper of the
homing pigeons that were used to send messages back to base from the airplanes that went on the missions. Bert seemed to understand what Kak was feeling and was a source of strength for him. Join Kak as he learns that war is not all he had imagined it to be.
Bollywood Babes
Dhami, Narinder.
BOLLYWOOD BABES
The Dhillon sisters are back with a new adventure. Forced to participate in endless school fundraisers due to the alleged indescretion of the principal, the girls are excited to help with the latest idea. The school is hosting a Bollywood party. Both Auntie and Mr. Arora are working on the planning. But the girls get a great idea. They have found out that Molly Mahal is living nearby. She was big in the 1980s but hasn't done any Bollywood films in a long time. But the girls can't help but think what a big draw a real Bollywood start would be. So off they go in search of Molly Mahal. What they find is not at all what they expected. Actually, nothing goes as expected.
BOLLYWOOD BABES
The Dhillon sisters are back with a new adventure. Forced to participate in endless school fundraisers due to the alleged indescretion of the principal, the girls are excited to help with the latest idea. The school is hosting a Bollywood party. Both Auntie and Mr. Arora are working on the planning. But the girls get a great idea. They have found out that Molly Mahal is living nearby. She was big in the 1980s but hasn't done any Bollywood films in a long time. But the girls can't help but think what a big draw a real Bollywood start would be. So off they go in search of Molly Mahal. What they find is not at all what they expected. Actually, nothing goes as expected.
I'm a grandmother again!
My daughter just had her second baby. I am so thrilled! It's another boy -- and another red head. Now she has two little red headed boys! His name is Jordan Everett and his big brother Aiden is not too sure about it but he'll adjust.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
New book is out!
My newest book has just been published! Using literature in the middle school classroom is published by Linworth and came out this past week. I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think!
March update uploaded
I have uploaded the March update to Booktalks. I haven't indexed it yet but that is coming. I've been working on the manuscript for my new book and that has taken most of my extra time. Now the manuscript is just about finished so I should have time to do other things -- like read!! I have hundreds of books waiting for me to read and it has been hard letting them lie there are I spent hours on the new book. But with the help of a few snow days, I've done what needed to be done and have time to get to those new books!
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Tiger by Jeff Stone
Stone, Jeffrey S.
TIGER
New York : Random, 2005.
IL 5-8
ISBN 0375830715
Set in 17th century China, the first of the Five Ancestors series follows five young monks who are schooled in various forms of kung fu. The young monks live at the Cangzhen Temple with thier revered Grandmaster who has taught them the animal kung fu. But a former student has left the temple and vowed to kill the Grandmaster. When Ying returns, the Grandmaster successfully protects the brothers but the temple is destroyed and valuable scrolls are stolen. Young Fu, a twelve year old monk who has mastered tiger kung fu is separated from his brothers but will do anything to retrieve the scrolls and extract revenge on Ying.
TIGER
New York : Random, 2005.
IL 5-8
ISBN 0375830715
Set in 17th century China, the first of the Five Ancestors series follows five young monks who are schooled in various forms of kung fu. The young monks live at the Cangzhen Temple with thier revered Grandmaster who has taught them the animal kung fu. But a former student has left the temple and vowed to kill the Grandmaster. When Ying returns, the Grandmaster successfully protects the brothers but the temple is destroyed and valuable scrolls are stolen. Young Fu, a twelve year old monk who has mastered tiger kung fu is separated from his brothers but will do anything to retrieve the scrolls and extract revenge on Ying.
Girls in pants
Brashares, Ann.
GIRLS IN PANTS : THE THIRD SUMMER OF THE SISTERHOOD
New York : Delacorte, 2005.
IL YA
ISBN 0385909195
This is the last summer before the Septembers are off to college. And they want to make it a great one. In the Fall, they will be heading off to Brown, NYU, RISD and Williams. They'll be close but not close enough to see each other a lot. So for the summer, Bridget is off to be a counselor at soccer camp. Tibby is working in a movie theatre. Of course, Lena will do anything rather than work in the restaurant. And Carmen has taken the unlikely job of taking care of Lena's Greek grandmother. But they make a plan to have one weekend at the beach at the end of the summer just for the girls. The summer brings change to each of the girls but what this means for each of the girls is very different.
GIRLS IN PANTS : THE THIRD SUMMER OF THE SISTERHOOD
New York : Delacorte, 2005.
IL YA
ISBN 0385909195
This is the last summer before the Septembers are off to college. And they want to make it a great one. In the Fall, they will be heading off to Brown, NYU, RISD and Williams. They'll be close but not close enough to see each other a lot. So for the summer, Bridget is off to be a counselor at soccer camp. Tibby is working in a movie theatre. Of course, Lena will do anything rather than work in the restaurant. And Carmen has taken the unlikely job of taking care of Lena's Greek grandmother. But they make a plan to have one weekend at the beach at the end of the summer just for the girls. The summer brings change to each of the girls but what this means for each of the girls is very different.
Tumble Books
This past month I have been working with Tumble Readables to create quizzes for many of the Orca Soundings books. This has been a double treat for me. First, I read many of the Orca Soundings books. If you haven't read of these, I would recommend them. They are geared to reluctant high school readers. They each have a powerful story but told in a quick read. I will be posting booktalks for many of them on the site this month. Some are already on the site as I have already posted in the past. And, I would recommend you check out Tumble Books on the web. The URL for the Orca books (and more) is http://www.tumblereadables.com. These are full text ebooks that allow the reader to control the size of the type. Great for those kids who have trouble with small type. Check it out.
A Negro League Scrapbook
Weatherford, Carole Boston.
A NEGRO LEAGUE SCRAPBOOK
Honesdale, PA : Boyds Mills, 2005
IL 3-6
ISBN 1590780914
Can you imagine what it would be like if you were a fantastic baseball player but weren't allowed to play because of the color of your skin? You'd start your own baseball league, wouldn't you? That's just what the African American players did. In the early 1900s, some of the best players in the game were in the Negro League. Some of the names you may have heard of are Satchel Paige, Ernie Banks, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson. They all got their start in the Negro League. Come along and look through this scrapbook of this incredible league.
A NEGRO LEAGUE SCRAPBOOK
Honesdale, PA : Boyds Mills, 2005
IL 3-6
ISBN 1590780914
Can you imagine what it would be like if you were a fantastic baseball player but weren't allowed to play because of the color of your skin? You'd start your own baseball league, wouldn't you? That's just what the African American players did. In the early 1900s, some of the best players in the game were in the Negro League. Some of the names you may have heard of are Satchel Paige, Ernie Banks, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson. They all got their start in the Negro League. Come along and look through this scrapbook of this incredible league.
Molly McGinty has a really good day
Paulsen, Gary.
MOLLY MCGINTY HAS A REALLY GOOD DAY
Molly McGinty is a very organized young lady. Her notebook is the center of her world. She has everything she needs right inside of it. Her homework assignments of course. Her address book. Pertinent information about her friends - phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, pets, siblings. She had her lunch tickets in a special compartment. Emergency money. To-do reminders. You name it, she probably had it in her notebook. But now something is terribly wrong. Her notebook is missing! How will she get through the day? And what a day it is going to be. It is Senior Citizens Day at school and Molly's eccentric grandmother is coming to spend the day. Wow, little does Molly know what an unusual day it will be.
MOLLY MCGINTY HAS A REALLY GOOD DAY
Molly McGinty is a very organized young lady. Her notebook is the center of her world. She has everything she needs right inside of it. Her homework assignments of course. Her address book. Pertinent information about her friends - phone numbers, email addresses, birthdays, pets, siblings. She had her lunch tickets in a special compartment. Emergency money. To-do reminders. You name it, she probably had it in her notebook. But now something is terribly wrong. Her notebook is missing! How will she get through the day? And what a day it is going to be. It is Senior Citizens Day at school and Molly's eccentric grandmother is coming to spend the day. Wow, little does Molly know what an unusual day it will be.
Legend of Buddy Bush
Moses, Shelia P.
LEGEND OF BUDDY BUSH
New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004.
IL YA
ISBN 0689858396
In 1947 North Carolina, the rules are very different depending on the color of your skin. Twelve-year-old Pattie Mae understands this and longs to move north to Harlem with her brother and sister. She can't wait until she is old enough to leave. She loves her mother and her grandparents but the pull of the north is strong. Uncle Buddy has told her lots about life in Harlem. He spent many years there. So many that he sometimes forgets the rules in the south.
LEGEND OF BUDDY BUSH
New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2004.
IL YA
ISBN 0689858396
In 1947 North Carolina, the rules are very different depending on the color of your skin. Twelve-year-old Pattie Mae understands this and longs to move north to Harlem with her brother and sister. She can't wait until she is old enough to leave. She loves her mother and her grandparents but the pull of the north is strong. Uncle Buddy has told her lots about life in Harlem. He spent many years there. So many that he sometimes forgets the rules in the south.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Sad week here
I've been trying to do some reading this week but it's been really hard. I found out on Tuesday that my adorable 16 year old cock-a-poo was going to die. Her kidneys had shut down and her cancer had spread. The vet suggested I put her down but I just couldn't make that decision. So I brought her home to die with us nearby. She passed away peacefully on Thursday night so it wasn't a long drawn out death. I am absolutely heartbroken and I've been trying to lose myself in books. But it seems every book I pick up either has a dog who dies or a dog being mistreated or at least a dog in it. Funny how we don't notice those things unless it is really on your mind.
I have been doing some reading though and will be posting some booktalks soon. I just have to get the booktalks written up and posted. I have so many new books to read thanks to ALA in Boston and the publishers sending me their new titles. Everytime I get my "to read" list manageable, it gets added to. Not that I'm complaining!
It's Super Bowl Sunday and everyone around here is going nuts over the Patriots. I'm just counting the days until the Red Sox spring training starts up (11 days!). I just don't get football but I'm a Red Sox fan from way back. Oh well, GO PATS!
I have been doing some reading though and will be posting some booktalks soon. I just have to get the booktalks written up and posted. I have so many new books to read thanks to ALA in Boston and the publishers sending me their new titles. Everytime I get my "to read" list manageable, it gets added to. Not that I'm complaining!
It's Super Bowl Sunday and everyone around here is going nuts over the Patriots. I'm just counting the days until the Red Sox spring training starts up (11 days!). I just don't get football but I'm a Red Sox fan from way back. Oh well, GO PATS!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
February update is here
Wow, what a busy month. I went to ALA in Boston and I picked up lots of new ARCs. I have so much reading to do. What a chore :-) If only I didn't have to work, I'd have more time to read!!
I have uploaded the February update. Lots of books this month. Some of them are 2005 imprints!
I also posted the Pennsylvania children's choice nominees for 2005. Lots of great books there.
Back to the books -- later.
I have uploaded the February update. Lots of books this month. Some of them are 2005 imprints!
I also posted the Pennsylvania children's choice nominees for 2005. Lots of great books there.
Back to the books -- later.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Tsunami tragedy
I've been glued to the news for the past couple of days watching the horror play out in Asia. It is too hard to even imagine the scope of this tragedy. To see the children swept away is more than my heart can bear. Stories of mothers having to choose which child to save -- strangers risking their lives to help others -- the wail of a parent watching a child being buried in a mass grave. These are images I will never forget. There is very little I can do to help other than donate money to organizations who can help. I did donate and I urge everyone who reads this to donate as well. There is so much help needed and needed quickly.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Tofu and T. Rex by Greg Leitich Smith
Smith, Greg Leitich. TOFU AND T. REX New York : Little, Brown, 2005 IL 5-8 ISBN 0316777226
They're back. Those wonderful kids from Peshtigo School who we first met in Ninjas, Piranhas and Galileo. This time we meet militant vegan Frederika Murchison-Kowalski who has just been kicked out of another school. It has to do with setting the football field on fire but I won't go into that just yet. So her short-lived stint in Texas ends and she is sent back to Chicago and Pestigo. Her cousin, Hans-Peter, is applying to the school and really wants to make a good impression on the selection committee. His life at home has become more complicated now that Freddie has moved in but he really hopes that she can help him get into the school. I won't tell you too much about what goes on but let me just say it involves a life-size papier-mache tyrannosaurus rex head, some bull frogs and some sushi kielbasa!
They're back. Those wonderful kids from Peshtigo School who we first met in Ninjas, Piranhas and Galileo. This time we meet militant vegan Frederika Murchison-Kowalski who has just been kicked out of another school. It has to do with setting the football field on fire but I won't go into that just yet. So her short-lived stint in Texas ends and she is sent back to Chicago and Pestigo. Her cousin, Hans-Peter, is applying to the school and really wants to make a good impression on the selection committee. His life at home has become more complicated now that Freddie has moved in but he really hopes that she can help him get into the school. I won't tell you too much about what goes on but let me just say it involves a life-size papier-mache tyrannosaurus rex head, some bull frogs and some sushi kielbasa!
The Salem Witch Trials by Jane Yolen
Yolen, Jane. THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS New York : Simon & Schuster, 2004. IL 3-6 RL 6.4 ISBN 0689846207
Have you ever heard of witches? Sure you have. They are mentioned in fantasy stories all the time. Even the Harry Potter books have witches in them. But do witches really exist? Back hundreds of years ago, little girls in Salem, Massachusetts became ill. When no one could figure out what was wrong with them, it was decided that witches had cast spells on them. That started a witch hunt that resulted in many deaths. What really happened? It is a mystery to this day about what really went on in Salem. But here are all the clues you will need to decide for yourself what happened.
Have you ever heard of witches? Sure you have. They are mentioned in fantasy stories all the time. Even the Harry Potter books have witches in them. But do witches really exist? Back hundreds of years ago, little girls in Salem, Massachusetts became ill. When no one could figure out what was wrong with them, it was decided that witches had cast spells on them. That started a witch hunt that resulted in many deaths. What really happened? It is a mystery to this day about what really went on in Salem. But here are all the clues you will need to decide for yourself what happened.
Predator's Gold by Phillip Reeve
Reeve, Philip. PREDATOR'S GOLD New York : Eos, 2003 IL YA ISBN 0060721944
Tom and Hester have escaped about their airship but now find themselves pursued. When they manage to avoid capture they turn their ship north and come across the city of Anchorage. One of the earliest traction city, Anchorage is one of the few non-predator cities. But the city is in bad shape. Most of the inhabitants have been killed and the few that remain are being led by a young girl who has been thrust into the role of leader with the death of her parents. Unsure of how to rule the city and knowing that they are being hunting by the fierce predator city Arkangel, Freya makes a bold decision. Anchorage will navigate towards the Dead Continent. Freya has read Professor Pennyroyal's books about America and she believes that there is hope there. When Tom, Hester and Professor Pennyroyal arrive on Anchorage, she is convinced that this is the correct course for her beloved city. Little does she know that it will not be as easy as she thinks. They still have to outrun Arkangle and actually find America. Non-stop action and the introduction of some new and interesting characters will delight fans of the Hungry City Chronicles.
Tom and Hester have escaped about their airship but now find themselves pursued. When they manage to avoid capture they turn their ship north and come across the city of Anchorage. One of the earliest traction city, Anchorage is one of the few non-predator cities. But the city is in bad shape. Most of the inhabitants have been killed and the few that remain are being led by a young girl who has been thrust into the role of leader with the death of her parents. Unsure of how to rule the city and knowing that they are being hunting by the fierce predator city Arkangel, Freya makes a bold decision. Anchorage will navigate towards the Dead Continent. Freya has read Professor Pennyroyal's books about America and she believes that there is hope there. When Tom, Hester and Professor Pennyroyal arrive on Anchorage, she is convinced that this is the correct course for her beloved city. Little does she know that it will not be as easy as she thinks. They still have to outrun Arkangle and actually find America. Non-stop action and the introduction of some new and interesting characters will delight fans of the Hungry City Chronicles.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
More Christmas books
Here are more Christmas books for the season. Enjoy your holidays!
Numeroff, Laura Joffe. IF YOU TAKE A MOUSE TO THE MOVIES New York : Laura Geringer, 2000. IL K-3, RL 1.5 ISBN 0060278684
"If you take a mouse to the movies, he'll ask you for some popcorn. When you give him the popcorn, he'll want to string it all together." And so it goes. The little mouse is back making his demands. And we just know that one thing will lead to another. Join the mouse in this Christmas tale.
Palatini, Margie. MOOSELTOE New York : Hyperion Books for Children, 2000 .IL K-3, RL 3.2 ISBN 0786805676
Moose is getting ready for Christmas. And he wants everything perfectly perfect. He makes lists and has everything down that needs to be done. And then he starts doing everything on his list. Check, check, check. Everything is done. Or is it? Has Moose forgotten anything? Will it be a perfectly perfect Christmas in the Moose household?
Tafuri, Nancy. COUNTING TO CHRISTMAS New York : Scholastic, 1998. IL K-3, RL 1.3 ISBN 0590271431
When December comes, we know it is just a few days before Christmas. Do you do anything special on the days leading up to the big day? Do you bake cookies? Or wrap presents? Or write to Santa? This counting book tells the story of a little girl who is counting the days until Christmas.
Walsh, Vivian. OLIVE, THE OTHER REINDEER New York : Chronicle Books, 1997. IL K-3, RL 3.5 ISBN 0811818071
Olive the dog was listening to the radio. It was almost Christmas so there was lots of Christmas music playing. Olive heard on the radio "All of the other reindeer" but she misunderstood and thought they said "Olive the other reindeer". Oh no. Now she is on her way to the North Pole to join Santa and his reindeer. What will happen to Olive?
Numeroff, Laura Joffe. IF YOU TAKE A MOUSE TO THE MOVIES New York : Laura Geringer, 2000. IL K-3, RL 1.5 ISBN 0060278684
"If you take a mouse to the movies, he'll ask you for some popcorn. When you give him the popcorn, he'll want to string it all together." And so it goes. The little mouse is back making his demands. And we just know that one thing will lead to another. Join the mouse in this Christmas tale.
Palatini, Margie. MOOSELTOE New York : Hyperion Books for Children, 2000 .IL K-3, RL 3.2 ISBN 0786805676
Moose is getting ready for Christmas. And he wants everything perfectly perfect. He makes lists and has everything down that needs to be done. And then he starts doing everything on his list. Check, check, check. Everything is done. Or is it? Has Moose forgotten anything? Will it be a perfectly perfect Christmas in the Moose household?
Tafuri, Nancy. COUNTING TO CHRISTMAS New York : Scholastic, 1998. IL K-3, RL 1.3 ISBN 0590271431
When December comes, we know it is just a few days before Christmas. Do you do anything special on the days leading up to the big day? Do you bake cookies? Or wrap presents? Or write to Santa? This counting book tells the story of a little girl who is counting the days until Christmas.
Walsh, Vivian. OLIVE, THE OTHER REINDEER New York : Chronicle Books, 1997. IL K-3, RL 3.5 ISBN 0811818071
Olive the dog was listening to the radio. It was almost Christmas so there was lots of Christmas music playing. Olive heard on the radio "All of the other reindeer" but she misunderstood and thought they said "Olive the other reindeer". Oh no. Now she is on her way to the North Pole to join Santa and his reindeer. What will happen to Olive?
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