Today's Podcast 12/31/2009

• Jablonski, Carla. PENDRAGON, BEFORE THE WAR : BOOK ONE OF THE TRAVELERS

  Jablonski, Carla. PENDRAGON, BEFORE THE WAR : BOOK ONE OF THE TRAVELERS
  New York : Aladdin Paperbacks, 2009
  IL 5-8, RL 4.3
  ISBN 141696522X
  OK, you read the Pendragon series and know all about Bobby Pendragon and the Travelers and the war. But what led up to this? What was going on before the war? In this prequel to the Pendragon series, we meet Kasha, Gunny and Vo Spader before they joined forces to defeat Saint Dane. We see Kasha playing the game of wippen. Gunny has solved the murder of his best friend. And Vo graduating from Aquaneer Academy and then fighting vicious water pirates. For lovers of the Pendragon series, this is a good to continue the fun.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 12/29/2009

• What makes you happy?

  Gownley, Jimmy. AMELIA RULES! 2 : WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
  New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009
  IL 3-6, RL 3.7
  ISBN 1416986057
  You probably already know 9-year-old Amelia Louise McBride from her previous book. She used to live in New York but when her parents got divorced, she was moved to a small town. She lives with her mom and her Aunt Tanner -- who happens to be a rock star -- literally. And now Amelia and her new friends, the Gathering of Awesome Super Pals (G.A.S.P.), try to find out what Aunt Tanner is hiding. Along the way, you just know Amelia is bound to have lots of adventures.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 12/28/2009

• THE WHOLE WORLD'S CRAZY

  Gownley, Jimmy. AMELIA RULES! 1 : THE WHOLE WORLD'S CRAZY
  New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009
  IL 3-6, RL 3.4
  ISBN 1416986049
  In the first book of the series, we meet 9-year-old Amelia Louis McBride. Her parents have gotten divorced and now she has had to move to a small town where she knows no one. She soon finds new friends and they form the Gathering of Awesome Super Pals or G.A.S.P. as they call it. Together they will take on school bullies and even gym class as well as learn about the
  sneeze barf!

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 12/27/2009

• Geiger, Beth. CLEAN WATER

  Geiger, Beth. CLEAN WATER
  New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 5.2
  ISBN 1596435771
  Have you heard the term global warming? Do you know what it means? How are you contributing to it? This book explains the need for clean water and why we can't take it for granted. There are places in this world that do not have an abundant supply of clean water. How are people working to change that? And did you know that there are things you can do to help this whole situation? Take a look.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 12/26/2009

• Happy holidays and may you have Dessert First!

  Durand, Hallie. DESSERT FIRST
  New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009
  IL 3-6, RL 5.1
  ISBN 1416963855
  Meet third grader Dessert Schneider. Well, her parents own a restaurant so it isn't too weird that they named her Dessert. But she surely lives up to her name. She loves desserts. When she finds her mother's new chocolate dessert in the refrigerator at the restaurant, she doesn't think anyone would notice if she just took a taste -- or a bite -- or ate just one -- or ate all of them!! Oh no. What is she going to do now?

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 12/25/2009

• Delsante, Vito. BABE RUTH : BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS

  Delsante, Vito. BABE RUTH : BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS
  New York : Aladdin Paperbacks, 2009
  IL 3-6, RL 2.6
  ISBN 1416950710
  Babe Ruth was one of the best baseball players of all time. He played for the Red Sox and the Yankees in the early part of the 20th century. Even though he passed away 60 years ago, his fame lives on. And this is the story of what his life was like before he became so famous. Told in graphic novel format, this is a fictionalized biography of the great Babe Ruth.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 12/23/2009

• Bruel, Nick. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAD KITTY

  Bruel, Nick. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAD KITTY
  New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2009
  IL K-3, RL 3.3
  ISBN 1596433426
  Bad Kitty is back. And today is her birthday. So, we'll give her a break if she is still a bit naughty. The guests arrive and just maybe we will see Bad Kitty having a great birthday party. Well, as you can imagine, the party is a disaster. And it turns into a whodunit when the presents start disappearing.

  tags: podcasts

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The decade in technology

Today's Podcast 12/22/2009

• Bridges, Andrew. CLEAN AIR

  Bridges, Andrew. CLEAN AIR
  New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 5.3
  ISBN 1596435763
  Why is clean air important? What is so special about it? Can't we live with a bit of pollution? The answers can be found in this new book. This is part of the Sally Ride Science series and simply and clearly explains pollution and global warming. If you have heard these terms and are not quite sure what it has to do with you.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 12/18/2009

• Armstrong, Jennifer. THE CENTURY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE : CHANGING AMERICA, 1961-1999

  Armstrong, Jennifer.
  THE CENTURY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE : CHANGING AMERICA, 1961-1999
  New York : Delacorte Press, 2009
  IL 5-8, RL 7.0
  ISBN 038590682X
  This is an adaptation of Peter Jennings' award winning documentaries on the 20th century. In the third book in the series, we look at the end of the century. During that time, the United States was involved in the unpopular Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, the Women's Lib movement, protests marches, and the computer revolution. The events are told through the eyes of the people who lived it. Let your imagination send you on a journey to our nation's past.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 12/11/2009

• MacHale, D. J. RAVEN RISE

  MacHale, D. J. RAVEN RISE
  New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008
  IL 5-8, RL 4.8
  ISBN 1416914188
  Raven Rise (Pendragon # 9) Bobby Pendragon remains trapped on Ibarra unaware that everyone is not as they seem. He is working to rebuild the village of Rayne which can’t happen overnight. Saint Dane has lost the battle, but is that the end of the war? Pendragon’s friends, Courtney and Mark return to Second Earth to discover a changed world, people who have green tattoos of a five-pointed star. Who are they? What does the tattoo represent? A charismatic cult leader has risen to power. Is this leader somehow connected to Saint Dane? The Convergence, Saint Dane’s final quest begins with Pendragon out of the picture and unable to communicate with his friends. Alder, Patrick, and eventually Bobby return to Second Earth to stop this cult from changing the future.
  Reviewed by Cindy Fiegenbaum for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 12/10/2009

• Sage, Angie. QUESTE

  Sage, Angie. QUESTE
  New York : Katherine Tegen Books, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 6.0
  ISBN 0060882077
  This fourth book in the series is engaging, energetic, and passionate, much like the first three. Sage’s humor is also evident in her prosaic continuing story. When the story opens, our hero Septimus, his brother Nicko, and girlfriend Snorri are all stuck in the past. While Jenna, Beetle, Merrin Meredith, and the formidable Marcia Overstrand, Extraordinary Wizard are in the present. Merrin Meredith, frustrated and angry begins to use Things to do his bidding and in doing so, he allows malevolent spirit Tertius Fumes into the world again. Because of this, Septimus must go on a Queste to solve the problem, save Nicko and Snorri, and put everything back in its proper order. On his journey, Septimus discovers why all the other Questes have failed, but the bigger question is can he succeed in his, and how many people he cares about will be with him in the end? This is a series where you must start at the beginning in order to fully understand and appreciate Queste.
  Reviewed by Tobye Ertelt for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 12/07/2009

• Cast, P. C. MARKED

  Cast, P. C. MARKED
  New York : St. Martin's Griffin, 2007
  IL YA
  ISBN 0312360266
  As if being a teenager wasn’t enough of a hassle, Zoey Redbird is Marked to become a vampire. Her best friend acts scared of her, her parents lock her in her room and call their prayer group, and her sort-of ex-boyfriend smells like a big mac to her. Zoey’s only ally on the outside world is her Grandma, who helps Zoey to the House of Night. There, Zoey meets her mentor Neferet, her roommate and new best friend Stevie Rae, and her arch nemesis Aphrodite. Zoey tries to adjust to being the new kid on campus, but her unusual mark, her quick wit and sarcasm, and the fact that Erik- Aphrodite’s ex- likes her causes her a lot of trouble. When she discovers that Nix has chosen her in particular to be a high priestess, Zoey finds that her true power lies not just inside her, but with her new friends as well. There is a great amount of humor and dry wit, typical teenager sarcasm, add in the intrigue and the reality that kids are kids, whether they are normal high schoolers, or third formers, there’s always a bully to have to overcome.
  Reviewed by Tobye Ertelt for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 12/06/2009

• Dessen, Sarah. LOCK AND KEY

  Dessen, Sarah. LOCK AND KEY
  Ruby’s life has suddenly gotten much easier. So, why is she having such a hard time dealing with it? After it was discovered that her mother had run off and left Ruby to get by on her own, Ruby has finally been reunited with her sister Cora who she has not seen in years. Ruby had hoped that no one would ever find out—at least not until she had already turned eighteen. But, that was not to be. Now she has to move to a nice house, attend a private school, and plan for college. Even Nate, the nice, good-looking boy next door is not enough to lighten Ruby’s spirits. As she finds friends in her new world and learns that a nicer environment does not mean that life is easier, Ruby comes to find that secrets need to be told and that she has to trust others if she is going to find true happiness.
  Reviewed by Kari Hagman for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 12/05/2009

• Funke, Cornelia. INKDEATH

  Funke, Cornelia. INKDEATH
  New York : Chicken House/Scholastic, 2008
  IL 5-8, RL 5.9
  ISBN 0439866286
  Inkdeath is the third and final novel in the Inkheart trilogy. If you haven’t read Inkheart and Inkspell, there is a good 4- page retelling of the plots of those two books in the front of this book. But you may want to read them first so that you can be drawn into this magical fantasy world.
  
  In this third book, the Inkworld is under siege and Meggie and her father Mo are in danger. Adderhead is evil and he seems to be in charge. There are bloody battles and terrifying threats.
  
  Cornelia Funke begins each chapter with a quote or a poem from a famous author. It is very interesting to try to tie that quote into the story as it unfolds in that chapter. The power of the written word, of the story, of the world that unfolds in a good book are evident here. When you finish the book, you’ll feel that you have been on a long trip to another world.
  
  Inkheart was written for ages 9-12, Inkdeath assumes that you have grown up a bit. This is a YA book.
  Reviewed by Karen Kargel for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 12/04/2009

• Mull, Brandon. FABLEHAVEN

  Mull, Brandon. FABLEHAVEN
  New York : Shadow Mountain, 2006
  IL 5-8, RL 5.0
  ISBN 1590385810
  Kendra and Seth are being forced to stay with their weird grandparents on their mysterious estate in the middle of no where. No TV, tons of rules, and their grandfather says if they break the rules they will be forced to stay in the nursery in the attic the ENTIRE visit. And Seth isn't so good at following the rules. Kendra notices the handyman, Dale, putting out trays of milk which the amazing insects - butterflies, dragonflies - all drink from. And she notices that those same insects are really interested in a mirror. And then she follows some clues to a note that says, "Drink the milk." (Note to presenter: Show in the book on the very last page, it says it there too.) So she does. Those butterflies aren't butterflies - they're fairies. Seriously. It's a fairy preserve. And then Seth breaks the worst rule of all and the adults are missing and the house is ruined and it's up to Kendra to save the world. Literally.
  Reviewed by Jenna Obee for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 12/03/2009

• Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

  Kinney, Jeff. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID
  Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal by Jeff Kinney is a hilariously funny account of Greg Heffley and his journey through middle school. The schemes he comes up with to be popular, or break out of his "station" at the middle school are hilarious. Whether it is trying out for the wrestling team, which he mistakenly believes is cool after looking at some new wrestling games, or running for student body treasurer, Greg’s misadventures bring a smile to your face. As do his attempts to work around actual work that he should be doing, or trouble he shouldn’t. Add in an older brother, Roderick, who is the typical terror to Greg, and the little brother, Manny, embarrassment is bound to follow Greg wherever he goes. Greg’s other misadventures include his best friend Rowley, who isn’t quite up to Greg’s scheming, and often ends up injured or in trouble because of it. In fact, that’s how Rowley learns an important lesson about friendship. I wish I could say the same for Greg, but somehow, I think he misses the whole picture. This book is delightfully worth reading, as Greg goes through his first year of middle school and kinda, sorta learns some lessons. This is the first book in a series that now has three novels and a do it yourself series as well.
  Reviewed by Tobye Ertelt for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 12/02/2009

• Carter, Ally. CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO SPY

  Carter, Ally. CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO SPY
  New York : Hyperion, 2008
  IL YA
  ISBN 1423100050
  
  Carmeron Morgan, AKA Chameleon, is 15, attends the Gallagher School for Girls, which looks like a school for high-class snobs, but is really a school for spies.
  
  This is the second novel in the "Gallagher Girls" series. It begins with sophomore Cammie being questioned about events which involved her former boyfriend, Josh, and occurred in the first book, I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d have to Kill You.
  
  Is a terrorist group going to take over the school? The prom? Can she and her classmates stop them? She knows 14 languages, she’s smart, and her mom is a top CIA operative, but underneath all that she’s just a girl with boyfriend troubles, a spy with a broken heart.
  
  The book, like Cameron, is funny and serious by turns, and is a fascinating look at a hidden world.
  Reviewer, Karen Kargel for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 12/01/2009

• Clare, Cassandra. CITY OF BONES

  Clare, Cassandra. CITY OF BONES
  Clary is 15 when she discovers that she can see creatures such as vampires, faeries, werewolves, and demons. After a strange encounter at the Pandemonium Club with a tattooed young Shadowhunter named Jace, Clary and her mundane friend, Simon, find that her house has been ransacked and her mother kidnapped. Clary is pulled into the world of the Shadowhunters as they battle to rid the world of demons. She gradually remembers enough to find the Mortal Cup sought by the evil Valentine, and ransom her mother. Fast paced adventures, love, inter-generational conflict, and the battles between good and evil make this a compelling read for fantasy fans.Booktalk by Marge Freeburn by Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award, 2010

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 11/30/2009

• Hopkins, Ellen. BURNED

  Hopkins, Ellen. BURNED
  New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006
  IL YA
  ISBN 1416903542
  
  Pattyn is a good Mormon daughter, 17 years old. She is good at school, happily wears homemade clothes, and takes care of her six younger sisters. But Dad is a drunk who beats up on Mom and Mom is literally only there to make babies. Dad had a family - a wife and two sons - once before but has lost them all and wants nothing more than a son. But he has seven daughters. Then Pattyn meets Derek. Derek teaches her to drink, to kiss, to feel pretty, and Derek almost - just almost - gets her virginity. Dad finds out and suddenly Pattyn is sent to her Aunt J's ranch in Nevada for the summer. Aunt J is strong, independent, and *not* Mormon. She teaches Pattyn to drink coffee, to drive a car, to wrangle cows, and all about real love. Pattyn grows up a lot that summer and likes who she has become. But then she has to go home, back into that abusive household where she'll never be good enough. In fact, things only get worse. How would you deal if you were in Pattyn's shoes?
  
  The main character of this novel written in verse is Pattyn Von Stratten the eldest of 8 sisters. Her parents are religious, and strict, but her father is an abusive alcoholic and her mother is a docile, unfocused, obedient, and always pregnant wife. Pattyn questions God, love, sex, and the church’s definition of "a woman’s role". Discovered dating a non-Mormon boy, Pattyn’s father banishes her to the Nevada wilderness to live with his sister for the summer. But time, Pattyn Aunt J welcomes and accepts her, she discovers her strengths, and finds her true love, Ethan. She learns of the effects nuclear weapons testing years earlier in the Nevada desert have had on Aunt J and her neighbors. Aunt J reveals the tragedy of her relationship with her brother, Pattyn’s father, and the story of her own struggle for independence and self-confidence. The story does not end happily, as Pattyn returns home to even greater unhappiness and moral dilemmas, and the reader is left

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 11/29/2009

• Riordan, Rick. BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH

  Riordan, Rick. BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH
  New York : Hyperion Books for Children, 2008
  IL 5-8, RL 4.1
  ISBN 1423101464
  
  In this fourth installment of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, Percy goes on a quest with his demigod friend Annabeth in search of Daedalus. They must find him and convince him to help the Olympians by preventing the demigod traitor Luke and the growing Titan army from invading Camp Half-Blood through the Labyrinth. Originally created by the mortal inventor Daedalus for King Minos, the Labyrinth, like Mount Olympus, has shifted locations and now continues to grow beneath the cities of the United States. Annabeth, a daughter of Athena, the Greek goddess of Wisdom, breaks the sacred rule of three and asks Percy, his Cyclops half-brother Tyson, and Grover, the satyr seeker, to accompany her on her quest. Along the way they encounter numerous monsters and mythological creatures that seek to impede their progress. Lord Kronos gathers strength and war between the Olympians and the evil Titans seems imminent.
  
  Author Rick Riordan has written a compelling episode that will continue to delight readers interested in Greek and Roman mythology. Percy is a likable hero who falls into unbelievable circumstances that are only possible in the world of fantasy. Although readers not familiar with the previous three novels in the series may have some initial questions, enough background is provided that permits novices to get caught up in the story and root for the heroes. All four novels are great companions for a mythology unit and bring the ancient world to life in contemporary American society. The Battle of the Labyrinth even features a scene set in our beautiful state of Colorado.
  Reviewed by Jenna Obee for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 11/28/2009

• Colfer, Eoin. ARTEMIS FOWL : THE LOST COLONY

  Colfer, Eoin. ARTEMIS FOWL : THE LOST COLONY
  
  Long ago, the fairy families fought a battle for Ireland. When it was apparent that they could not win, they went underground, all except the eighth family, the demons.
  
  Suddenly the demons are reappearing. If a human should catch one, all of the fairy families would be exposed to humans. To the rescue comes the fourteen year old, boy genius and millionaire, Artemis Fowl. He is the only one who can decipher the complicated equations to stop the demons from appearing. He goes to Sicily to capture the next demon to appear, but someone else has figured out the equations, Minerva Paradizo. Minerva as a twelve year old, seems to be Artemis Fowl’s equal in brains and guts. She has kidnapped the demon. Artemis and his companion Holly Short must find this demon, the last demon warlock, before the lost demon colony returns to Earth.Reviewed by Cindy Fiegenbaum for Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

  tags: podcasts, stateawards, colorado

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Today's Podcast 11/24/2009

• Knowles, Johanna. JUMPING OFF SWINGS

  Knowles, Johanna.
  JUMPING OFF SWINGS
  Cambridge : Candlewick, 2009
  IL YA
  ISBN 0763639494
  "Their words made me feel beautiful. Irresistible. Even powerful for that one brief moment before it was over. But I was none of those things. I was nothing" Ellie has learned the hard way that she can be used. She believed the boys when they lied but then saw them just leave when it was over. Even Josh. Ellie thought he was different. But he just left her in the car and went back to the party. She saw him through the window laughing with the other boys. Laughing at her. Her depression deepens when she finds there are more serious consequences to her actions than talk in the boys lockerroom.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 11/23/2009

• Frost, Helen. CROSSING STONES

  Frost, Helen.
  CROSSING STONES
  New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009
  IL YA
  ISBN 0374316538
  They've been best friends just about all their lives. Muriel and Ollie Jorgensen and Emma and Frank Norman. They've grown up on adjacent farms and have jumped over the stones in the brook many times to get to the other farm. But now Frank has enlisted to fight in World War I. He is leaving for Europe and he asks Muriel if she will be his girl so he'll have someone to come home to. Is that a good reason? And then Ollie lies about his age and enlists as well. Told from the four perspectives, we see how war effects those who fight and those who wait.

  tags: podcasts

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AASL 2009

Well, I am finally coming down from the high of AASL Charlotte. It was an amazing few days filled with excitement, information and the chance to hang with friends. The AASL Smackdown was a lot of fun. I got to be on the panel with some absolutely incredible librarians. Here I am with Nancy White. We co-presented Web 2.0 applications for reading promotion.

The final event was an evening at the Imaginon. This is the children's library of Charlotte. It is an amazing place. And was filled with amazing people. Here I am with Sara Kelly Johns at the party!

Today's Podcast 11/22/2009

• Patterson, James. WITCH & WIZARD

  Patterson, James.
  WITCH & WIZARD
  Boston : Little, Brown, 2010
  IL YA
  ISBN 0316036242
  Think it doesn't matter who is in charge of the country? Do you think that it is all the same if it Democrats or Republicans? Maybe you don't even pay attention to such things. Well, let's hope you never wake up to banging on your door in the middle of the night. Now that the New Order has taken over, things are changing rapidly. And the leader of the Order, The One Who Is The One, is trying to eliminate the children. And he really wants to get rid of Wisteria and Whitford Allgood. They don't understand why they are arrested and tortured. But when they are rescued by the resistance they learn the truth about their lives. And their destiny.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 11/16/2009

• Willems, Mo. NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED

  Willems, Mo.
  NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED
  New York : Hyperion Books for Children, 2009
  IL K-3, RL 2.9
  ISBN 142311437X
  OK, what do you think of when you hear the word "naked"? OK, it means not wearing any clothes, right? So naked mole rats don't wear any clothes, right? Right. What's a naked mole rat you ask? “1. They are a little bit rat. 2. They are a little bit mole. 3. They are all naked.” Except for one. Wilbur. He is very different from his friends. He likes to wear clothes. And he has lots of clothes to choose from. Now his friends want him stopped. What will the colony ruler do?
  
  

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 11/15/2009

• Westerfeld, Scott. BOGUS TO BUBBLY : AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE WORLD OF THE UGLIES

  Westerfeld, Scott.
  BOGUS TO BUBBLY : AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE WORLD OF THE UGLIES
  New York : Simon Pulse, 2008
  IL YA
  ISBN 1416974369
  Have you read Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series? Well, if not let me tell you a little about it. It takes place in the future when physical beauty is very important. As a matter of fact, everyone undergoes surgery to make them beautiful. Before then, they live together as a society of uglies. In the first book, we meet Tally who ends up not being sure that she wants to be like everyone else. The next 3 books follows the story through the end. This guide book is intended to be an overview of the world and help readers understand what is going on. You'll find out about the cliques. And the gadgets involved in the story. And so much more.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 11/12/2009

• Walsh, Chloe. FASHIONISTAS

  Walsh, Chloe.
  FASHIONISTAS
  New York : HarperTeen, 2008
  IL YA
  ISBN 0061370886
  Can you imagine what it would be like to get a job as an intern at a Vogue-like magazine. Wow, what a chance of a lifetime. The four girls in this story have done just that. Join them as they cover the teen fashion scene for the magazine.

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 11/09/2009

• Vega, Denise. GRANDMOTHER, HAVE THE ANGELS COME?

  Vega, Denise.
  GRANDMOTHER, HAVE THE ANGELS COME?
  Boston : Little, Brown, 2009
  IL K-3, RL 3.0
  ISBN 0316106631
  As we get older, we change. Our hair may get a bit whiter. Our eyesight dims a bit. It gets harder to hear. As a young girl asks her grandmother about these, her grandmother has wonderful answers. “Grandmother, Grandmother have the angels come and painted your hair?” “Yes, my darling granddaughter. / They have painted it white / so I may become more like the clouds.”

  tags: podcasts

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Hope to see lots of school librarians in Charlotte!!

GoAnimate.com: The Unconference@The Blogger's Cafe by gwyneth

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Animoto.com

Today's Podcast 10/19/2009

• O'Connor, Sandra Day. FINDING SUSIE

  O'Connor, Sandra Day.
  FINDING SUSIE
  New York : Knopf, 2009
  IL K-3, RL 3.9
  ISBN 0375941037
  Little Sandra is growing up in the Southwest near the desert. She really wants a pet but her parents don't think she could take care of one. When she finds a tortoise, her father lets her bring it home. But Sandra learns that tortoises don't make good pets. One after another, Sandra tries to find a pet. Will she every succeed?

  tags: podcasts

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Today's Podcast 10/14/2009

• Hewitt, David. UNCLE SAM'S AMERICA

  Hewitt, David. UNCLE SAM'S AMERICA
  New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008
  IL K-3, RL 2.9
  ISBN 1416940758
  Do you know who Uncle Sam is? Uncle Sam represents our country. In this book, we see Uncle Sam as he tells us about some of the important events in our history. From the revolutionary war, through the westward expansion and through the trip to the moon, he's seen it all.

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/12/2009

• Freedman, Russell. WHO WAS FIRST? : DISCOVERING THE AMERICAS

  Freedman, Russell. WHO WAS FIRST? : DISCOVERING THE AMERICAS
  New York : Clarion, 2007
  IL 5-8, RL 8.6
  ISBN 0618663916
  In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Have you ever heard that? Sure you have. We have all learned that Columbus discovered America. And you have probably heard of other European explorers who followed him. But was Columbus really the first "outsider" who came to America? Freedman looks at various claims to this honor including the Chinese explorer Zheng He who may have beaten Columbus. And what about the Vikings who may have settled in Newfoundland around the year 1000? Check out this book and then see who you think discovered America.

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/11/2009

• Franco, Betsy. BEES, SNAILS, & PEACOCK TAILS : PATTERNS & SHAPES -- NATURALLY

  Franco, Betsy. BEES, SNAILS, & PEACOCK TAILS : PATTERNS & SHAPES -- NATURALLY
  New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2008
  IL K-3, RL 5.4
  ISBN 1416903860
  Do you ever look for patterns in nature? Look at this beehive. Do you see the hexagonal chambers? What about the lacy lines of a spiderweb? Or the markings on snakes. This collection combines poetry and shapes to help us appreciate the world around us.

  tags: podcasts

• Dungy, Tony. YOU CAN DO IT!

  Dungy, Tony. YOU CAN DO IT!
  New York : Little Simon Inspirations, 2008
  IL K-3, RL 2.7
  ISBN 1416954619
  Tony Dungy, head coach of the 2006 Super Bowl champions, shares a story about believing in yourself. Little brother Linden always feels left out because everyone else seems to have a special talent. Even though his parents tell him to have faith and he will find his special talent, he feels that will never happen.

  tags: podcasts

• DiPucchio, Kelly S. GRACE FOR PRESIDENT

  DiPucchio, Kelly S. GRACE FOR PRESIDENT
  New York : Hyperion Books for Children, 2008,
  IL K-3, RL 2.0
  ISBN 0786839198
  Hilary Clinton almost made history in 2008. The United States has never had a female president and Clinton came very close to being nominated. When Grace's class begins their study of the presidential election, Grace is very upset to learn that they has never been a woman president. So she decides to change that.

  tags: podcasts

• Avi. SEER OF SHADOWS

  Avi. SEER OF SHADOWS
  New York : HarperCollins, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 6.1
  ISBN 0060000155
  Horace Carpetine, a photographer’s apprentice in New York City in 1874, discovers he has the ability to see ghosts in photographs. Sometimes an angel hovers, indicating a death in the future; other occasions, the ghost of a dead relative appears in the image. He manipulates theses photographs in the darkroom, erasing the ghostly figures. But Horace is troubled by these “shadows” he sees. Then Horace’s employer is hired to photograph the wealthy and recently bereaved Mrs. Von Macht. As Horace develops the photo the ghost of the von Macht’s dead daughter appears in the background, and this time everyone can see it. As Horace discovers the true story behind the girl’s death, the ghost gains strength and seeks vengeance. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/07/2009

• O’Connor, Barbara. GREETINGS FROM NOWHERE

  O’Connor, Barbara. GREETINGS FROM NOWHERE
  New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008
  IL 5-8, RL 6.2
  ISBN 0374399379
  Somewhere in The Great Smokey Mountains exists the Sleepy Time Motel. The run down, overgrown, motel has seen better days. What it hasn’t seen are many customers, until an odd combination of people who seem to have nothing in common end up together in this “nowhere” of a place. In alternating chapters, the lives of several families converge on the once thriving Sleepy Time Motel. Join the adventures, as these unusual groups of people, who are adrift in their lives, find friendship, acceptance and a place to belong. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/06/2009

• Stewart, Paul. CURSE OF THE NIGHT WOLF

  Stewart, Paul. CURSE OF THE NIGHT WOLF
  New York : David Fickling Books, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 6.8
  ISBN 0385751257
  Barnaby Grimes is a “tick-tock” lad, a speedy messenger who “highstacks” his way across the rooftops of London, leaping from chimney to chimney, roof to roof. One night, in the full of the moon, Barnaby runs afoul of a vicious wolf-like creature, and barely escapes with his life, dispatching the creature with his sharp wits and amazing agility. Shortly afterwards, his sickly friend Old Benjamin, a retired coach driver, mysteriously disappears. Barnaby discovers a message by his chair, reminding him of a missed appointment with a Doctor Theopholus Cadwallader… a Hartley Square physician who is rumored to have developed a miraculous tonic. Barnaby pays a visit to the good doctor, offering his services as a superior messenger, who can deliver notes to patients before it is too late. What ensues is very mysterious indeed… What is this sinister doctor all about, and what is his connection with a fashionable fur salon? Don’t miss this shivery, atmospheric tale, the first in the Barnaby Grimes series, created by the inimitable team responsible for the Edge Chronicles, and decorated throughout by Riddell’s fabulous signature line drawings. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

New Podcasts 10/05/2009 (p.m.)

• Stewart, Paul. CURSE OF THE NIGHT WOLF

  Stewart, Paul. CURSE OF THE NIGHT WOLF
  New York : David Fickling Books, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 6.8
  ISBN 0385751257
  Barnaby Grimes is a “tick-tock” lad, a speedy messenger who “highstacks” his way across the rooftops of London, leaping from chimney to chimney, roof to roof. One night, in the full of the moon, Barnaby runs afoul of a vicious wolf-like creature, and barely escapes with his life, dispatching the creature with his sharp wits and amazing agility. Shortly afterwards, his sickly friend Old Benjamin, a retired coach driver, mysteriously disappears. Barnaby discovers a message by his chair, reminding him of a missed appointment with a Doctor Theopholus Cadwallader… a Hartley Square physician who is rumored to have developed a miraculous tonic. Barnaby pays a visit to the good doctor, offering his services as a superior messenger, who can deliver notes to patients before it is too late. What ensues is very mysterious indeed… What is this sinister doctor all about, and what is his connection with a fashionable fur salon? Don’t miss this shivery, atmospheric tale, the first in the Barnaby Grimes series, created by the inimitable team responsible for the Edge Chronicles, and decorated throughout by Riddell’s fabulous signature line drawings. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/05/2009

• Warner, Sally. IT'S ONLY TEMPORARY

  Warner, Sally. IT'S ONLY TEMPORARY
  New York : Viking, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 6.4
  ISBN 0670061115
  Twelve-year-old Skye McPhee was banished from her home. After her older brother was almost killed in a car crash and now needs full-time care while he recovers from his brain injury, Skye is shipped off to her grandmother’s in California. She keeps telling herself, “It’s only temporary” so that she can cope with moving away from her friends and school. But as the months go by, Skye becomes comfortable in her new life until some kids at school tease and bully Skye and her friends.
  Find out what happens when the bullies and Skye’s group try to take revenge on each other. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

New Podcasts 10/04/2009 (p.m.)

• Warner, Sally. IT'S ONLY TEMPORARY

  Warner, Sally. IT'S ONLY TEMPORARY
  New York : Viking, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 6.4
  ISBN 0670061115
  Twelve-year-old Skye McPhee was banished from her home. After her older brother was almost killed in a car crash and now needs full-time care while he recovers from his brain injury, Skye is shipped off to her grandmother’s in California. She keeps telling herself, “It’s only temporary” so that she can cope with moving away from her friends and school. But as the months go by, Skye becomes comfortable in her new life until some kids at school tease and bully Skye and her friends.
  Find out what happens when the bullies and Skye’s group try to take revenge on each other. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/04/2009

• Woodruff, Elvira. FEARLESS

  Woodruff, Elvira. FEARLESS
  New York : Scholastic, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 6.3
  ISBN 0439677033
  It is the year 1703 in England and Digory Beale knew that his father was lost at sea. His nightmares of his father drowning made Digory afraid of the water and living in a fishing town made things even worse for Digory. He had to find out if his father was dead or alive so he traveled 100 miles to the city of Portsmouth, England. On the way he met an architect, Henry Winstanley, who built a wooden lighthouse near the treacherous Eddystone Reef… the same killer reef that claimed his grandfather’s life many years before. Digory became his apprentice and when a severe storm threatened to knock down the lighthouse Digory had to decide if he was brave enough to help Mr. Winstanley light the candle beacon that would be going out in the rain and wind. Ships would crash into the deadly reef without a light to guide them. Can Digory brave the fierce ocean storm and overcome his fear of drowning and save the lighthouse? Will he find his father? Read “Fearless” which is based upon a true story about Henry Winstanley and the Eddington Light. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

New Podcasts 10/04/2009 (a.m.)

• Woodruff, Elvira. FEARLESS

  Woodruff, Elvira. FEARLESS
  New York : Scholastic, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 6.3
  ISBN 0439677033
  It is the year 1703 in England and Digory Beale knew that his father was lost at sea. His nightmares of his father drowning made Digory afraid of the water and living in a fishing town made things even worse for Digory. He had to find out if his father was dead or alive so he traveled 100 miles to the city of Portsmouth, England. On the way he met an architect, Henry Winstanley, who built a wooden lighthouse near the treacherous Eddystone Reef… the same killer reef that claimed his grandfather’s life many years before. Digory became his apprentice and when a severe storm threatened to knock down the lighthouse Digory had to decide if he was brave enough to help Mr. Winstanley light the candle beacon that would be going out in the rain and wind. Ships would crash into the deadly reef without a light to guide them. Can Digory brave the fierce ocean storm and overcome his fear of drowning and save the lighthouse? Will he find his father? Read “Fearless” which is based upon a true story about Henry Winstanley and the Eddington Light. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/03/2009

• Weeks, Sarah. OGGIE COODER

  Weeks, Sarah. OGGIE COODER
  New York : Scholastic, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 5.1
  ISBN 0439927919
  Hi. My name is Oggie Cooder and I can charve. I can chew and carve any shape I want from a piece of cheese. This is also called charving. I can charve all 50 states. Here’s Texas. Watch. Most of the kids in school think I’m a little bit weird but when the “Hidden Talents” TV show comes to town looking for unusual talent, I suddenly became very popular after I win a guest appearance on the TV show. The girl who lives across the street from me is my manager, but my friends think that she is up to no good. I won’t tell you what happens. You’ll have to read my story to find out if I become the charving champion. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

New Podcasts 10/03/2009 (a.m.)

• Weeks, Sarah. OGGIE COODER

  Weeks, Sarah. OGGIE COODER
  New York : Scholastic, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 5.1
  ISBN 0439927919
  Hi. My name is Oggie Cooder and I can charve. I can chew and carve any shape I want from a piece of cheese. This is also called charving. I can charve all 50 states. Here’s Texas. Watch. Most of the kids in school think I’m a little bit weird but when the “Hidden Talents” TV show comes to town looking for unusual talent, I suddenly became very popular after I win a guest appearance on the TV show. The girl who lives across the street from me is my manager, but my friends think that she is up to no good. I won’t tell you what happens. You’ll have to read my story to find out if I become the charving champion. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/02/2009

• Gaiman, Neil. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK

  Gaiman, Neil. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK
  When Bod’s family is killed, he takes refuge in the graveyard. The deceased residents who live there adopt him and teach him all the things that dead people know. For Bod, safety is inside the graveyard, outside is danger. But Bod is a curious boy and he’s growing up. Can he learn all the skills he will need to live beyond the fence? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 10/01/2009

• Wood, Don. INTO THE VOLCANO : A GRAPHIC NOVEL

  Wood, Don. INTO THE VOLCANO : A GRAPHIC NOVEL
  New York : Blue Sky Press, 2008
  Two brothers, Duffy and Sumno Pugg, are sent to Hawaii to visit their mysterious aunt. Duffy is excited but Sumno is worried, he doesn’t know these so called relatives. The boys and their cousins are soon sent on an expedition to explore a volcano…. a dormant volcano that is waking up. The situation is dangerous when the expedition gets lost inside an erupting volcano. How will Duffy and Sumno escape? What will they find inside that volcano? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Riddell, Chris. OTTOLINE AND THE YELLOW CAT

  Riddell, Chris. OTTOLINE AND THE YELLOW CAT
  New York : HarperCollins, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 4.3
  ISBN 0061448796
  Ottoline Brown is a problem solver. She’s always looking for something to do - work on a puzzle or figure out a clever plan. When Ottoline and Mr. Munroe (her best friend) learn that lapdogs are missing all over town, their adventure begins. Find those lapdogs and watch that yellow cat! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 09/29/2009

• Burg, Shana. A THOUSAND NEVER EVERS

  Burg, Shana. A THOUSAND NEVER EVERS
  New York : Delacorte Press, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 5.6
  ISBN 0385734700
  Addie Ann Pickett has a big brother whom she adores, has just been left a television set in a will, and is nervous about starting Jr. High. But Addie lives in Mississippi in 1963 and her brother is accused of assault and is on the run from authorities. She can't use the television because her part of town doesn't have electricity and her Jr. High is a three mile walk one way in a different town due to segregation laws. Times have started to change, and Addie's town is beginning to stir. A wealthy old man who lived in the center of town with acres of land has left the property to be used as a community garden, for the whole community. His will says, "Together whites and Negros shall plant a garden". The sheriff pretends he never heard that part of the will and the white folk take over the land. Soon there is a mystery surrounding the garden. Addie is convinced her brother has been murdered and her uncle is accused of a crime as well. How can Addie help those she loves the most, how will she stand up against the injustice of her town? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 09/27/2009

• Prineas, Sarah. THE MAGIC THIEF

  Prineas, Sarah. THE MAGIC THIEF
  New York : Harper/Collins, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 4.5
  ISBN 006137587X
  
  Even in the shadows, the thing I’d stolen was darker than dark, and though it was small, a stone no bigger than a baby’s fist, it was heavier than the heart of a man on his way to the gallows tree. It was a magical thing. The wizard’s locus magicalicus. As I stared down at the wizardly stone, it started to glow.
  
  Connwaer is a young pickpocket living on the streets of the city of Wellmet. Stealing a wizard’s stone was a terrible mistake. By all rights, it should have killed him—but it didn’t. Now the wizard Nevery is offering to take Connwaer on as an apprentice, and to train him as a wizard in his own right. But the city’s supply of magic seems to be dwindling. There are dangers all around him and sometimes it’s hard to know whom to trust. Join Connwaer in this fast-paced adventure as he makes new friends and encounters powerful enemies while attempting to find out who’s behind the disappearance of magic in Wellmet. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Korman, Gordon. SWINDLE

  Korman, Gordon. SWINDLE
  New York : Scholastic Press, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 4.9
  ISBN 0439903440
  
  At the very back of the drawer, a flash of color caught his eye. He reached in and drew out an old faded card. There was a picture of a loaf of bread in the center, surrounded by the message: TOP DOG BAKERY PRODUCTS—FOR THE SANDWICH OF CHAMPIONS. He turned it over and examined the other side.There was a color drawing of a baseball player shouldering a bat. The image wasn’t detailed, but the face seemed familiar. Griffin read the name at the bottom:
  GEORGE HERMAN (BABE) RUTH
  
  During an unauthorized sleepover at the local “haunted house”, Griffin discovers an antique baseball card. With his family desperately in need of money, he decides to sell the card—only to find out later that the unscrupulous dealer only paid him a tiny fraction of what the card was worth.
  Now Griffin has a plan for righteous revenge---he’ll assemble a team of local talent from his school:
  Ben---best friend
  Savannah---dog whisperer
  Logan---actor
  Antonia---athlete
  Melissa---computer nerd
  Darren---muscle
  And together they’ll get that card back in time for the Annual Sports Memorabilia Auction.---they’re out to Swindle a swindler. What could go wrong??
  Read Swindle for the heartstopping answer! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee,
  2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Mass, Wendy. EVERY SOUL A STAR

  Mass, Wendy. EVERY SOUL A STAR
  
  Meet Ally: She’s lived at the Moon Shadow Campground for as long as she can remember and she never wants to live anywhere else. She loves her Mom, Dad and little brother, she loves being homeschooled, and she loves the natural world of trees, flowers and stars that surround her. So why have her parents decided to sell the campground and move them all to the city?
  
  Meet Bree: She feels like an outsider in her own family. Her Mom, Dad, and little sister think of nothing but schoolwork, learning, and the world of science. They have little appreciation for Bree’s love of Seventeen Magazine, shopping at the mall, and her ambition to become a professional model. How CAN they expect her to come along with them on their crazy move to a CAMPGROUND in the middle of nowhere?? As of this summer, her life is OVER…..
  
  Meet Jack: His life is continuing on the path he’s been on forever….he weighs too much, he has no friends, he’s given up on school, and he’s flunking science. But his science teacher is offering him a choice that just might change things---spend a month trying to make up the grade in summer school, or accompany Mr. Silver (as his assistant tour guide) on a camping trip to study a total eclipse of the sun. Read Every Soul a Star to find out what happens when three kids who have nothing in common are tossed together at the Moon Shadow Campground---when you’re on the verge of growing up, one summer can change your life forever… (New Hampshire Great
  Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Ibbotson, Eva. THE DRAGONFLY POOL

  Ibbotson, Eva. THE DRAGONFLY POOL
  New York : Dutton Children's Books, 2008
  IL YA
  ISBN 0525420649
  Tally is eleven and lives in London with her father who is a doctor. It is 1939, and war against Hitler is likely to come. Many children are sent away to the country from London to be safer. Tally is sent away to school at Delderton. At first Tally does not want to go away but finds life at Delderton to her liking. She reads about the country of Bergania and wants nothing more to visit this peaceful and beautiful place. When Tally discovers that the 1939 International folk dancing festival is to be held in Bergania she organizes a folk dance troupe at Delderton so that her school can participate. In Bergania she meets crown price Karil who wishes to have ordinary friends and would like to attend a school like Delderton. Karil’s father is killed by an assassin and Tally and her friends help Prince Karil escape from the Nazi’s. Will Karil get his wish of a normal life in England? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Haddix, Margaret Peterson. FOUND

  Haddix, Margaret Peterson. FOUND (S&S)
  A plane suddenly appears at an airport jetway. “Sky Trails” airlines employee Angela DuPre, peers down the jetway at the mysterious plane with the insignia that reads “Tachyon Travel”. There is no sound from the plane and the door is open. Ignoring airline procedure, she goes on board the plane. There is no sound. Is there no one aboard? Angela notices that there are 36 seats on the plane. Each one is taken. In each seat is a baby. Thirteen years later, thirteen-year-old Jonah receives a letter in the mail that reads: “You are one of the missing”. Jonah has always known that he was adopted but when the letter arrives just after telling his new friend Chip that he was adopted Jonah is suspicious. Chip is also adopted and receives the same letter. Is this a seventh grade prank? Then a second letter arrives: “Beware! They’re coming back to get you.” (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• French, Vivian. THE ROBE OF SKULLS

  French, Vivian. THE ROBE OF SKULLS
  Cambridge : Candlewick Press, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 4.7
  ISBN 0763635316
  Lady Lamorna envisions the gown of her dreams: rows and rows of little skulls sewn along the hem… spider webs interwoven with poison ivy on black velvet…blood-red petticoats! When she discovers that her coffers no longer contain the necessary gold to pay for such finery, the aging sorceress hatches an evil plot; she will kidnap all the princes and princesses in the kingdom and turn them into frogs. Surely their royal parents will pay her dearly to restore them to their former selves! This being a fairy tale, after all, a large cast of characters enter the mix… her hapless servant Gubble, a dimwitted troll; a brave little girl named Gracie Gillypot; Marlon, a wisecracking bat; and the usual assortment of wicked stepsisters, royal personages and old crones. This is a delightful, witty romp, the first book in the TALES FROM FIVE KINGDOMS series. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

New Podcasts 09/26/2009 (p.m.)

• Prineas, Sarah. THE MAGIC THIEF

  Prineas, Sarah. THE MAGIC THIEF
  New York : Harper/Collins, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 4.5
  ISBN 006137587X
  
  Even in the shadows, the thing I’d stolen was darker than dark, and though it was small, a stone no bigger than a baby’s fist, it was heavier than the heart of a man on his way to the gallows tree. It was a magical thing. The wizard’s locus magicalicus. As I stared down at the wizardly stone, it started to glow.
  
  Connwaer is a young pickpocket living on the streets of the city of Wellmet. Stealing a wizard’s stone was a terrible mistake. By all rights, it should have killed him—but it didn’t. Now the wizard Nevery is offering to take Connwaer on as an apprentice, and to train him as a wizard in his own right. But the city’s supply of magic seems to be dwindling. There are dangers all around him and sometimes it’s hard to know whom to trust. Join Connwaer in this fast-paced adventure as he makes new friends and encounters powerful enemies while attempting to find out who’s behind the disappearance of magic in Wellmet. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Korman, Gordon. SWINDLE

  Korman, Gordon. SWINDLE
  New York : Scholastic Press, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 4.9
  ISBN 0439903440
  
  At the very back of the drawer, a flash of color caught his eye. He reached in and drew out an old faded card. There was a picture of a loaf of bread in the center, surrounded by the message: TOP DOG BAKERY PRODUCTS—FOR THE SANDWICH OF CHAMPIONS. He turned it over and examined the other side.There was a color drawing of a baseball player shouldering a bat. The image wasn’t detailed, but the face seemed familiar. Griffin read the name at the bottom:
  GEORGE HERMAN (BABE) RUTH
  
  During an unauthorized sleepover at the local “haunted house”, Griffin discovers an antique baseball card. With his family desperately in need of money, he decides to sell the card—only to find out later that the unscrupulous dealer only paid him a tiny fraction of what the card was worth.
  Now Griffin has a plan for righteous revenge---he’ll assemble a team of local talent from his school:
  Ben---best friend
  Savannah---dog whisperer
  Logan---actor
  Antonia---athlete
  Melissa---computer nerd
  Darren---muscle
  And together they’ll get that card back in time for the Annual Sports Memorabilia Auction.---they’re out to Swindle a swindler. What could go wrong??
  Read Swindle for the heartstopping answer! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee,
  2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Mass, Wendy. EVERY SOUL A STAR

  Mass, Wendy. EVERY SOUL A STAR
  
  Meet Ally: She’s lived at the Moon Shadow Campground for as long as she can remember and she never wants to live anywhere else. She loves her Mom, Dad and little brother, she loves being homeschooled, and she loves the natural world of trees, flowers and stars that surround her. So why have her parents decided to sell the campground and move them all to the city?
  
  Meet Bree: She feels like an outsider in her own family. Her Mom, Dad, and little sister think of nothing but schoolwork, learning, and the world of science. They have little appreciation for Bree’s love of Seventeen Magazine, shopping at the mall, and her ambition to become a professional model. How CAN they expect her to come along with them on their crazy move to a CAMPGROUND in the middle of nowhere?? As of this summer, her life is OVER…..
  
  Meet Jack: His life is continuing on the path he’s been on forever….he weighs too much, he has no friends, he’s given up on school, and he’s flunking science. But his science teacher is offering him a choice that just might change things---spend a month trying to make up the grade in summer school, or accompany Mr. Silver (as his assistant tour guide) on a camping trip to study a total eclipse of the sun. Read Every Soul a Star to find out what happens when three kids who have nothing in common are tossed together at the Moon Shadow Campground---when you’re on the verge of growing up, one summer can change your life forever… (New Hampshire Great
  Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Ibbotson, Eva. THE DRAGONFLY POOL

  Ibbotson, Eva. THE DRAGONFLY POOL
  New York : Dutton Children's Books, 2008
  IL YA
  ISBN 0525420649
  Tally is eleven and lives in London with her father who is a doctor. It is 1939, and war against Hitler is likely to come. Many children are sent away to the country from London to be safer. Tally is sent away to school at Delderton. At first Tally does not want to go away but finds life at Delderton to her liking. She reads about the country of Bergania and wants nothing more to visit this peaceful and beautiful place. When Tally discovers that the 1939 International folk dancing festival is to be held in Bergania she organizes a folk dance troupe at Delderton so that her school can participate. In Bergania she meets crown price Karil who wishes to have ordinary friends and would like to attend a school like Delderton. Karil’s father is killed by an assassin and Tally and her friends help Prince Karil escape from the Nazi’s. Will Karil get his wish of a normal life in England? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• Haddix, Margaret Peterson. FOUND

  Haddix, Margaret Peterson. FOUND (S&S)
  A plane suddenly appears at an airport jetway. “Sky Trails” airlines employee Angela DuPre, peers down the jetway at the mysterious plane with the insignia that reads “Tachyon Travel”. There is no sound from the plane and the door is open. Ignoring airline procedure, she goes on board the plane. There is no sound. Is there no one aboard? Angela notices that there are 36 seats on the plane. Each one is taken. In each seat is a baby. Thirteen years later, thirteen-year-old Jonah receives a letter in the mail that reads: “You are one of the missing”. Jonah has always known that he was adopted but when the letter arrives just after telling his new friend Chip that he was adopted Jonah is suspicious. Chip is also adopted and receives the same letter. Is this a seventh grade prank? Then a second letter arrives: “Beware! They’re coming back to get you.” (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

• French, Vivian. THE ROBE OF SKULLS

  French, Vivian. THE ROBE OF SKULLS
  Cambridge : Candlewick Press, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 4.7
  ISBN 0763635316
  Lady Lamorna envisions the gown of her dreams: rows and rows of little skulls sewn along the hem… spider webs interwoven with poison ivy on black velvet…blood-red petticoats! When she discovers that her coffers no longer contain the necessary gold to pay for such finery, the aging sorceress hatches an evil plot; she will kidnap all the princes and princesses in the kingdom and turn them into frogs. Surely their royal parents will pay her dearly to restore them to their former selves! This being a fairy tale, after all, a large cast of characters enter the mix… her hapless servant Gubble, a dimwitted troll; a brave little girl named Gracie Gillypot; Marlon, a wisecracking bat; and the usual assortment of wicked stepsisters, royal personages and old crones. This is a delightful, witty romp, the first book in the TALES FROM FIVE KINGDOMS series. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 09/21/2009

• Mould, Chris. THE WOODEN MILE

  Mould, Chris. THE WOODEN MILE
  Roaring Brook Press, 2008
  IL 5-8, RL 5.8
  ISBN 1596433833
  The package, which mysteriously appears through the mail slot, is addressed to Stanley Buggles…inside is a large, heavy old key, accompanied by a letter. It seems that 11-year-old Stanley has inherited the estate of Candlestick Hall in the village of Crampton Rock. Stanley has never even met his great-uncle, Admiral Bartholomew Swift, who has perished in a “dark encounter with a fearsome werewolf”. As we look in on Stanley, the plucky lad treks the mile-long footbridge to the island alone. Little does he know what adventure lies in store: lurking pirates, a magical talking fish, and a local mystery that has the townsfolk quaking behind closed doors when darkness descends every night! Can it be that our Stanley is destined to be a hero? Read THE WOODEN MILE, the first in a wickedly goofy, marvelously illustrated series by Chris Mould. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

New Podcasts 09/20/2009 (p.m.)

• Mould, Chris. THE WOODEN MILE

  Mould, Chris. THE WOODEN MILE
  Roaring Brook Press, 2008
  IL 5-8, RL 5.8
  ISBN 1596433833
  The package, which mysteriously appears through the mail slot, is addressed to Stanley Buggles…inside is a large, heavy old key, accompanied by a letter. It seems that 11-year-old Stanley has inherited the estate of Candlestick Hall in the village of Crampton Rock. Stanley has never even met his great-uncle, Admiral Bartholomew Swift, who has perished in a “dark encounter with a fearsome werewolf”. As we look in on Stanley, the plucky lad treks the mile-long footbridge to the island alone. Little does he know what adventure lies in store: lurking pirates, a magical talking fish, and a local mystery that has the townsfolk quaking behind closed doors when darkness descends every night! Can it be that our Stanley is destined to be a hero? Read THE WOODEN MILE, the first in a wickedly goofy, marvelously illustrated series by Chris Mould. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 09/20/2009

• Paratore, Coleen. THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S SON

  Paratore, Coleen. THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S SON
  New York : Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers, 2008\
  OL 3-6, RL 3.7\n
  ISBN 1416935940\n
  "I spend a lot of time thinking about f-words. Food. Friends. Fun. And funerals. That's right, funerals." So begins 12-year-old Kip's story. Kip is the only "son" in "Campbell and Sons Funeral Home", the family business since 1875. The family lives above the funeral parlor, and everyone has specific duties to perform…his dad is the Arranger, Aunt Sally is the Cosmetician, and Mom runs the office. Kip's job is managing the parking situation, but he has another talent that makes him really special: the deceased communicate with him and tell him what can be done to ease their passing over to the great beyond. The only trouble is, Kip has no desire to be the 7th Christopher Campbell to run the family business, but can figure no way out. The answer lies in a deal he's made with the corpse of Billy Blye…what's the secret that's keeping old Cap'n Billy from crossing to the other side? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

New Podcasts 09/20/2009 (a.m.)

• Paratore, Coleen. THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S SON

  Paratore, Coleen. THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S SON
  New York : Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers, 2008\
  OL 3-6, RL 3.7\n
  ISBN 1416935940\n
  "I spend a lot of time thinking about f-words. Food. Friends. Fun. And funerals. That's right, funerals." So begins 12-year-old Kip's story. Kip is the only "son" in "Campbell and Sons Funeral Home", the family business since 1875. The family lives above the funeral parlor, and everyone has specific duties to perform…his dad is the Arranger, Aunt Sally is the Cosmetician, and Mom runs the office. Kip's job is managing the parking situation, but he has another talent that makes him really special: the deceased communicate with him and tell him what can be done to ease their passing over to the great beyond. The only trouble is, Kip has no desire to be the 7th Christopher Campbell to run the family business, but can figure no way out. The answer lies in a deal he's made with the corpse of Billy Blye…what's the secret that's keeping old Cap'n Billy from crossing to the other side? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today's Podcast 09/19/2009

• Gibson, Sarah P. THE TRUTH ABOUT HORSES, FRIENDS & MY LIFE AS A COWARD

  Gibson, Sarah P. THE TRUTH ABOUT HORSES, FRIENDS & MY LIFE AS A COWARD
  Marshall Cavendish Childrens, 2008
  IL 3-6, RL 5.3
  ISBN 0761454594
  Most girls love horses. However, Sophie Ballard isn’t most girls. Sophie’s Mom, hoping to give her family a great equestrian experience, arrives home with a horse for Sophie. Only the horse, isn’t really a horse, it’s a Shetland pony called “Really”. Really Mean that is. Really charges and bites her owners making Sophie even more terrified of horses. Sophie’s mom continues to collect other horses hoping to convince her that not all horses are bad. As Sophie delves into the world of horse psyche, she discovers much about herself, and friendships. Journey with Sophie, as she discovers the truth about horses, friends and life as a coward. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2009-2010)

  tags: podcasts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.