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Finneyfrock, Karen. THE SWEET REVENGE OF CELIA DOOR
Finneyfrock, Karen. THE SWEET REVENGE OF CELIA DOOR New York : Viking, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0670012750 Celia’s dark clothes match her dark mood. She once was a girl who had friends and a nice family. Now she is alone and her parents are separated. Add to that the horrible prank that mean girl Sandy Firestone played on her last year, things are looking pretty grim for freshman year. But the new boy in class takes an interest in Celia and the two become friends. Drake has some issues of his own and confides his secrets in Celia. Can the two of them come to terms with the past? Can Drake help Celia understand that sometimes friendship is more important than revenge?
Friday, May 10, 2013
Today's podcast 05/10/2013
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Today's podcast 05/09/2013
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Bachmann, Stefan. THE PECULIAR
Bachmann, Stefan. THE PECULIAR New York : Greenwillow Books, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 0062195182 In an alternative, steampunk England, we are introduced to two siblings who are living in Bath in the aftermath of the human-faery war. Bartholomew and Hettie are changlings, or peculiars who are half human and half faery. Hated by both the humans and the faeries, the two have been taught to stay in the background and don’t get yourself noticed or you’ll be hanged. When Hettie is kidnapped by a lady plotting against the changelings, Bartholomew teams up with another outcast to try to find her.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Today's podcast 05/08/2013
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Averett, Edward. CAMERON AND THE GIRLS
Averett, Edward. CAMERON AND THE GIRLS New York : Clarion Books, 2013 IL YA ISBN 054761215XFourteen year old Cameron is suffering from schizophreniform – a temporary form of schizophrenia. Medication helps but leaves him feeling flat and disconnected. When he doesn’t take the medicine, his inner companions include two male voices – one compassionate and logical, the other more dangerous who goads Cam into actions that may get him into trouble. And lately, there has been a third voice – a female who Cam is falling in love with. If he takes his meds, his inner voices are gone and so is the girl. But he finds a real life girl who has feelings for him. A rather unusual love triangle indeed. Cameron must decide which world to live in.
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Today's podcast 05/07/2013
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Condie, Ally. REACHED Dutton Books, 2012Concluding the Matched series, we gain a new perspective with Xander as a narrator. The passive struggle continues between the Rising and the Society. After a difficult fight to escape, Cassia is thrown back into the Society, undercover, and runs back in to Xander which complicates her choice with her match. She remains conflicted on how to best help the Rising and trying to figure out who she is supposed to be with. (Candace Skoff for the Colorado Blue Spruce Award, 2014)
Monday, May 06, 2013
Today's podcast 05/06/2013
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Brees, Drew. COMING BACK STRONGER
Brees, Drew. COMING BACK STRONGER Tyndale House Publishers, 2010 IL AD ISBN 1414339437 When Drew Brees, former quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, suffered a potentially career ending injury, everyone doubted his ability to ever play professional football again. Dropped by the Chargers, he worked harder than ever to build himself back up and was drafted to be the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints in 2006, just one year after the city had suffered the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Largely written off, both the city and the quarterback began the long process of rebuilding together. Inspiring his city, and the nation, Brees led the Saints to Super Bowl victory in 2009, proving to the world that not only can you get up after a great and terrible fall, you can come back stronger. (Tana Lucero for the Colorado Blue Spruce Award, 2014)
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Today's podcast 05/05/2013
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Wein, Elizabeth. CODE NAME VERITY
Wein, Elizabeth. CODE NAME VERITY New York : Hyperion Books, 2012 IL YA ISBN 1423152190 Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein tells the tale of Verity, a secret agent captured in enemy territory during WW II, who trades an intricately woven confession to her Nazi captors in hopes of prolonging her life. In flashbacks she tells the story of her friendship with Maddie, a pilot who is her best friend, whom she believes died in the wrecked fuselage of their downed plane. An experienced pilot herself, Elizabeth Wein creates a realistic portrayal of the relationship between Maddie Brodatt, a British civilian pilot during WW II and her best friend Queenie, a wireless operator and spy. In part one Queenie, code named Verity, has been captured by the Nazis and is trading a hand written confession including what she knows about the British war effort, in order to postpone her inevitable execution. Assuming that Maddie died in the crash of their plane over France, Queenie primarily writes about the development of their friendship. Part two is Maddie's "accident report." Unbeknownst to Queenie, Maddie survives the crash and spends the last part of the book attempting to rescue Queenie from her captors. Code Name Verity is a Michael L. Printz honor book. (Sharon Nehls for the Colorado Blue Spruce Award, 2014)
Saturday, May 04, 2013
Today's podcast 05/04/2013
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Clare, Cassandra. CITY OF LOST SOULS
Clare, Cassandra. CITY OF LOST SOULS New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2012 IL YA ISBN 1442416866 City of Lost Souls is the fifth book in The Mortal Instruments series, and the action picks up right where it left off in book four. Clary is once again met with difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas around every corner. The greater demon Lilith has been defeated, but that is just a catalyst for the beginning of a new and even more dangerous journey that Clary and her friends, Shadowhunter and Downworlder alike, must handle on their own. Without much help from the Clave, Clary is left with very few options when it comes to the rescue of the love of her life, Jace. She takes matters into her own hands, and seeks out her evil-minded brother, Sebastian, who holds Jace captive with a very powerful spell—one that joins their bodies and minds together, so whatever happens to Sebastian, Jace experiences the same fate. While Clary is working to gain knowledge of Sebastian’s new plan, Simon, Isabelle, Magnus, and Alec are back in New York trying to gain access to a weapon powerful enough to break the bond between Jace and Sebastian. Only an angel can craft a weapon that can sever the line and leave one of the two boys unharmed. The only problem is: to summon an angel is certain death for anyone bold enough to try.As the character’s relationships flourish and intensify, so do the mysteries and risks. This fast-paced series covers all the topics teens deal with and love to read about. From diverse romantic relationships and complicated friendships, to morally ambiguous decisions and terrifying situations, this book leaves readers with a lot to contemplate about our world, however “mundane” it might be compared to Clary’s. (Kate Farrell for the Colorado Blue Spruce Award, 2014 )
Friday, May 03, 2013
Today's podcast 05/03/2013
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White, Kiersten. PARANORMALCY New York : HarperTeen, 2010 IL YA ISBN 0061985848Evie swears she's a normal teen. Even though she's been working for the IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agency) ever since she was found wandering alone as child, and can see through the glamours that paranormals use to hide their true forms. She has the same ups and downs as regular teens. She's got problems with her faery ex-boyfriend, loves her pink bedazzled taser (she calls it tasey), is obsessed with a teenaged soap opera and has a newfound fascination for the incarcerated shape-shifter Lend. But Evie's normal life is about to become much stranger...paranormals across the world have begun turning up dead and their deaths seem connected to a prophecy that might be about her. (booktalk by Jocelyn Redel, Arlington Library for Evergreen Young Adult Book Award 2013)
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Today's podcast 05/02/2013
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Shusterman, Neal. BRUISER New York : HarperTeen, 2010 IL YA ISBN 0061134082 Tennyson and Brontë are twins, who (big surprise) are the children of literature professors. Their lives are just as comfortable and well off as you'd imagine.Brewster Rawlins lives with his eight-year-old brother Cody on their uncle's run down former farm in the middle of the suburbs.Not much is known about Brewster, except that because of his hulking size and quiet manner, everyone calls him Bruiser.Brontë decides that she wants to date Brewster and this sends her hot-headed brother into fits. But after confronting Brewster, Tennyson changes his mind, and decides to give him a chance, although he also wants to find out more about this mysterious kid in his class.It turns out that Brewster has a special ability. He can actually absorb the pain of someone he cares for. Up until now, Bruiser's power has been only been used to protect his little brother Cody from their uncle. Brewster has kept it all a secret by being quiet and never really having any friends.As Tennyson and Brontë's injuries start to mysteriously disappear, and their athletic abilities grow, they slowly realize just what Brewster can do. Tennyson and Brontë begin to draw Brewster out of his shell, thinking they're helping him, but Brewster's uncle has other ideas. His rage drives him to a frenzy that will change things forever.You'll hear each person's side of the story: bullying Tennyson, compassionate Brontë, poetic Brewster, and Cody's little kid voice.They say the ones you love the most are the ones who can hurt you worst. In Bruiser's case that's literally true. Find out what happens to him in Bruiser.(booktalk adapted from a book review by Shawn Crosby King County Library System for Evergreen Young Adult Book Award 2013)
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Today's podcast 05/01/2013
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Quick, Matthew. SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR
Quick, Matthew. SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR Boston : Little, Brown, 2010 IL YA ISBN 0316043524Amber explains, "Forget about peeing, unless you want to shiver your butt off --literally. And it's pretty lonely too." Abandoned by her dad and a string of her mother's bad boyfriends, Amber is homeless and living in a school bus with her dog Thrice B (Bobby Big Boy) and her alcoholic mom.How does she cope? She reaches out to other outcasts: the geek gang she plays computer games with at lunch, the elders at a local nursing home, a Vietnam vet, with PTSD, and the Korean women who are learning English at Father Chee's church.Amber is strong in many ways. She takes a stand on what she believes in. She loves people and the places they take her.A violent tragedy changes everything.This novel will touch your heart. It will make you laugh out loud and sob like a baby. This book is for all of you who live outside the edge of normal...............or not.This book may change your life. (booktalk by Donna Bartholomew Pine Lake Middle School Library for Evergreen Young Adult Book Award 2013)
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Today's podcast 04/30/2013
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McBride, Lish. HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER
McBride, Lish. HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER New York : Henry Holt, 2010 IL YA ISBN 0805090983Sam is just an average guy - happily living a slacker life, working at Plumpy's as a fry cook, and hanging out with his friends. His philosophy is that he may be a drop-out loser, but he's going to be the BEST dropout loser he can be. One afternoon after a game of potato hockey in the back parking lot, a strange man comes in. He grabs Sam, lifts him up by his shirt sending a bolt of cold electricity through Sam, and demands to know what he's is doing in Seattle without permission of the Council. Sam has no idea what he's talking about. Later that night on his way out of the restaurant, yet another man grabs him, sniffs him and says "you smell like the grave...and blood." When Sam's friend tries to run the creepy guy over with his car, creepy guy tears the bumper off! The next day a unexpected package is delivered to Sam's apartment. Inside is the disembodied head of his best friend, Brooke. That would be scary enough, but Brooke's head begins to TALK! But it's all good because she's kept her sassy personality even without her body. That's when things get really interesting!In another part of town, the hot daughter of the leader of Seattle's werewolf pack has been kidnapped and is being held in an iron cage. And Douglas, her captor, has Sam in his sights. You see, Sam's mother is a witch and Sam is a necromancer - someone with the ability to raise the dead. Sam is unaware of his powers, but once he is trained, he will be a threat to Douglas' powers. Douglas is out to eliminate the competition before it get out of hand.Sam's adventure on the dark side is a real roller coaster ride. Who knew that Seattle is inhabited all manner of paranormal creatures? The story of Sam and his friends (both human and not) is a funny, scary story (or a scary, funny) first novel by a young, quirky Seattle author. Be ready to laugh one minute and cringe the next. (booktalk Diane Ferbrache by Hazen High School Library for Evergreen Young Adult Book Award 2013)
Monday, April 29, 2013
Today's podcast 04/29/2013
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Clare, Cassandra. CLOCKWORK ANGEL
Clare, Cassandra. CLOCKWORK ANGEL New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2010 IL YA ISBN 1416975861 A chill is not all that awaits sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray in the damp fog of Victorian England as she arrives from New York City to look for her brother. Terrifying creatures lurk in the darkness of London's Downworld. Tessa is kidnapped and tormented by the sinister Dark Sisters until she unlocks her power to transform into other people. This ability, previously unknown to Tessa, makes her a coveted prize for their leader, the Magister. But, London and all its inhabitants do not go unprotected. Shadowhunters, including beautiful but angry Will and kind-hearted but doomed Jem, are duty bound to keep order. When Tessa's path crosses with the Shadowhunters she is saved, at least for the moment, and is allowed refuge at the Institute. There she struggles to figure out what she is, where her brother has gone and, perhaps most unsettling, why she is irresistibly drawn to both Will and Jem. These questions lead her down a dangerous path where the fate of the world and her heart are at stake. (booktalk by Kirsten Gunn Highline High School Library for Evergreen Young Adult Book Award)
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Today's podcast 04/28/2013
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Bacigalupi, Paolo. SHIP BREAKER
Bacigalupi, Paolo. SHIP BREAKER Nailer works as part of a disassembly crew for abandoned oil tankers on the US gulf coast, stripping out recyclable materials like copper wiring. If the dangerous conditions and low pay made him think of quitting, there are hundreds of kids begging for the same job. When he lucks out and discovers a windblown luxury yacht that has washed up on the shore with a "swanky" girl on board, it could be the biggest thing ever to happen to him, or it could cause his quick death. The other crews will want to control the yacht, as will his abusive, addicted father, who wouldn't hesitate to hurt Nailer to get what he needs. Soon Nailer and the girl are on the run, with only a beefy, nearly-indestructible, genetically engineered, dog-man named Tool for their companion. Nailer and his new crew must get to safety in the drowned city of New Orleans, or the brutal crews will catch up with them. (booktalk by Michael Fleming Pacific Cascade Middle School Library for Evergreen Young Adult Book Award, 2013)
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Today's podcast 04/27/2013
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Avasthi, Swati. SPLIT New York : Knopf, 2010 IL YA ISBN 0375863400 Sixteen year old Jace has less than $4.00 in his pocket, a busted face, and not much else, unless you count a long list of memories he'd really rather forget. After a marathon drive from Chicago to New Mexico, Jace has finally arrived at the only place he could think of to go, the only place where he might be safe: his brother's house. The only problem is, Jace hasn't seen his brother in five years, much less talked to him, so he doesn't know if Christian will even take him in. He'll definitely be turned away if Christian finds out what happened to make Jace leave town, which means it's time to start lying...Split is a compelling look at a family ruined by domestic violence, but it is also a rewarding book about trust, healing, and how two brothers learn to live life for themselves.(booktalk adapted from a review by Summer Hayes, King County Library System, for Evergreen Young Adult Book Award, 2013)
Friday, April 26, 2013
Today's podcast 04/26/2013
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Garcia, Kami. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
Garcia, Kami. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES Little, Brown, 2009 Ethan Wate has lived in Gatlin his whole life. His father has lived there his whole life. His Grandfather lived there his whole life… Get the idea. People live in Gatlin their whole lives and never leave, except that is exactly what Ethan wants to do. He hates the whole life in Gatlin, the families of popularity that keep the other families out, the same lessons taught in school, the same life as the Civil War. Ethan plans to leave as fast as possible after graduation and never look back.Then, Lena Duchannes arrives. She comes to live with the town’s Boo Radly, Old Man Ravenwood. Lena is a breath of fresh air and Ethan is drawn to her. Suddenly, Lena and Ethan are more than just attracted to each other, they are able to communicate with each other even miles away through telepathy. Ethan and Lena also share the same dark dreams of death and sadness. Through their journey to discover a way around the Duchannes curse and to solve the riddle of the dreams, Ethan discovers that Gatlin isn’t the town he thought he knew- and that there are many mysterious powers that live there. As Lena and Ethan travel down their road to discovery, danger lies in every direction and they discover it is hard to know who to trust when everyone has a secret.... (Tobye Ertelt for the Colorado Blue Spruce Award, 2014)
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Bacigalupi, Paolo. THE DROWNED CITIES
Bacigalupi, Paolo. THE DROWNED CITIES Boston : Little, Brown, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0316056243 A companion novel to Shipbreaker, here we meet Mahlia and Mouse. In a future America filled with violence and terror, the two children try to make their way to safety. Mahlia is the daughter of a Chinese diplomat but has been left behind when the peacekeepers gave up on Drowned Cities and went back to their homes. Mouse is a product of the violence and was living on his own until he met Mahlia. Actually, he saved her from the soldiers. She lost one hand in the confrontation but at least she is alive. The two team up with a half-man to find their way to safety. Will that road lead back into the Drowned Cities?
Monday, March 25, 2013
Today's podcast 03/25/2013
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Snyder, Laurel. THE LONGEST NIGHT : A PASSOVER STORY
Snyder, Laurel. THE LONGEST NIGHT : A PASSOVER STORY New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2013 IL K-3, RL 3.9 ISBN 037596942X This is the story of the Jews' exodus from Egypt. The story follows a young Jewish slave girl during the ten plagues and the exodus. She lives under bleak conditions under forced labor. When the strange epidemic happens, it doesn't affect the Jews. They are able to escape their captors and find their way to a new land with hope for a better future.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Today's podcast 03/20/2013
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Roche, Suzzy. WANT TO BE IN A BAND?
Roche, Suzzy. WANT TO BE IN A BAND? New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2013 IL K-3, RL 4.7 ISBN 0375968792 Have you ever watched a concert and thought "I could do that"? They make it look so easy. Just learn to play an instrument and sing. Wouldn't that be a great way to spend your time? But there may be some down sides to this. There are the achey fingers from practicing. The stage fright when you look out on all those faces. And all the gigs you need to play before you get famous. Do you think you can do it?
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Today's podcast 03/19/2013
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Losure, Mary. WILD BOY : THE REAL LIFE OF THE SAVAGE OF AVEYRON
Losure, Mary. WILD BOY : THE REAL LIFE OF THE SAVAGE OF AVEYRON Somerville, MA : Candlewick, 2013 IL 5-8 ISBN 0763656690 This is the true story of a young boy who lived a long time ago. He was found around the age of 7 and had no language and no social skills. It was believed he was raised in the wild with no human contact. But how could that be? Learn about the boy and the people who studied him like a science experiment. This is a fascinating story.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Today's podcast 03/17/2013
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Lichtenheld, Tom. E-MERGENCY New York : Chronicle Books, 2011 IL K-3, RL 3.2 ISBN 0811878988 Oh no. The letter E has had an accident. She is going to be OK but she needs to take it easy for awhile. She needs to have people stop using her so she can get better. But who can take her place? The other letters get together and try to come up with a plan. The letter O steps up and agrees to help out and take over. So now E can rost up and got bottor. But not ovorybody is following the rulos. Who is using lotter E?
Friday, March 15, 2013
Today's podcast 03/15/2013
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Heilbroner, Joan. A PET NAMED SNEAKER
Heilbroner, Joan. A PET NAMED SNEAKER New York : Beginner Books, 2012 IL K-3, RL 1.4 ISBN 0375971165 Sneaker is a snake who lived in a pet store. Day after day he watched as people came in and took the other animals home. Nobody wanted a snake. Until one day when a young boy came in and fell in love with Sneaker. They had lots of fun playing together. When the boy has to go to school, Sneaker hides in his backpack. What will happen when Sneaker is found at school?
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Today's podcast 03/13/2013
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Bernier-Grand, Carmen. PABLO PICASSO : I THE KING
Bernier-Grand, Carmen. PABLO PICASSO : I THE KING Las Vegas : Amazon Children's Publications, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 4.8 ISBN 0761461779 Told in verse, this biography of the painter Pablo Picasso, tells us of his childhood where he was so poor that he was forced to burn his paintings just to stay warm. Picasso's determination to work at his craft is clearly seen throughout his life. We share his attempts to develop his own style from his Blue Period through his creation of cubism. Enjoy this exploration of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Today's podcast 03/07/2013
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Reichert, Paul. THE LEMONADE RIPPLE : A SWEET STORY OF KINDNESS AND CHARITY
Reichert, Paul. THE LEMONADE RIPPLE : A SWEET STORY OF KINDNESS AND CHARITY New York : Better World Kids Books, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.4 ISBN 1616087013 Caroline's best day started when she fell out of a lemon tree. OK, it doesn't sound like a good thing but you will find out how this became a good thing. You see, Caroline's grandmother decided to take her to the doctor just to be on the safe side. You know how grandmothers are! At the doctor's, Caroline saw her friend Shannon. Shannon had been ill a few years ago and now uses a wheelchair to get around. Caroline noticed that the wheelchair was in really bad shape. Shannon explained that she needed a new one but they were very expensive and they just couldn't afford it yet. And that is when Caroline got her super idea that changed a whole town.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Today's podcast 03/06/2013
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Raab, Brigitte. MAMA, I CAN'T SLEEP
Raab, Brigitte. MAMA, I CAN'T SLEEP New York : Sky Pony Press, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.1 ISBN 1616089652 When a little girl has trouble sleeping, her mother tells her about the animals in the world and how they sleep. The leopards in the wild sleep in trees. When the little girl tries to sleep like that, she falls down. Dogs turn in circles to make their beds more comfortable. The little girl gets all worked up trampling around her bed. No matter what she does, she still can't sleep. Will her mother ever find a way to help her find asleep?
Monday, March 04, 2013
Today's podcast 03/04/2013
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Marshall, Linda Elovitz. THE PASSOVER LAMB
Marshall, Linda Elovitz. THE PASSOVER LAMB New York : Random House, 2013 IL K-3, RL 2.3 ISBN 0375971068 Miriam is so excited. It is Passover and this is the year she will sing the Four Questions at the seder. This is her first time and it is special. As she is feeding the sheep, she notices that one of them is acting strangely. She is moaning and seems to be in pain. She calls her parents and they agree that Snowball is probably going to have babies. And she does. Three of them! But she rejects one so it falls to the family to bottle feed the rejected lamb. So now they face the possibility of having the miss the family seder with the family.
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Bramsen, Carin. HEY, DUCK! New York : Random House, 2013 IL K-3, RL 1.0 ISBN 037596990X Duck wants a friend. And he has decided that the cat is actually a duck! As hard as Cat tries to convince Duck that he is not a duck, he just can't get it through his head. Finally, Duck gets mad and goes off to play on his own. Will Cat be happy now?
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Today's podcast 03/03/2013
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Kinch, Devon. PRETTY PENNY MAKES ENDS MEET
Kinch, Devon. PRETTY PENNY MAKES ENDS MEET New York : Random House, 2013 IL K-3, RL 2.9 ISBN 0375967354 Just as she is about to go to sleep, Penny hears a loud boom and goes to investigate. She and Bunny check around the house and find that the problem in in the basement. The basement is flooded! Bunny needs to call the plumber. But she is worried. There have been so many repairs needed on the house this month that there is no money left for the plumber. He needs $100 to make the repairs. Can Penny come up with a plan to help?
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Today's podcast 02/28/2013
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Lawlor, Joe. BULLY.COM Grand Rapids, MI : Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2013 IL 5-8 ISBN 0802854133 The first hint that Jun has that there is something wrong is a whispered threat during class. And then there are the kids pointing and whispering in the halls. What is going on here? When he gets called to the principal's office, he knows there must be some kind of misunderstanding. Kids like him are barely noticed in school. And they certainly don't get into trouble. When the principal tells him that someone hacked into the school webpage and posted awful pictures of one of the most popular girls in school, he thinks he understands. The principal must want him to use his computer skills to track down the cyberbully. But that is not it at all. The principal thinks Jun is the cyberbully.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Today's podcast 01/15/2013
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Snyder, Betsy. I HAIKU YOU New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.3 ISBN 0375967508 There are many ways to say I like you. And when you say it in a poem, it is extra special. This book is filled with poems written in a special style of poetry called haiku. And the poems tell of thing that make you happy -- like peanut butter and jelly: "you be my jelly, / i'll be your peanut butter-- / let's stick together!"
Monday, January 14, 2013
Today's podcast 01/14/2013
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Smith, Maggie. PIGS IN PAJAMAS
Smith, Maggie. PIGS IN PAJAMAS New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.8 ISBN 0375848177 Penelope Pig is having a sleepover and has invited all her friends. And what do you think they are going to do at the sleepover? Sleep?? No way. They will eat pizza, and peppermints. They will play with pianos and pinatas. What else do you think will happen? Why don't you put on your pajamas and join the fun?
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Today's podcast 01/13/2013
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Smith, Alexander Gordon. SOLITARY : ESCAPE FROM FURNACE
Smith, Alexander Gordon. SOLITARY : ESCAPE FROM FURNACENew York : Farrar Straus Giroux, 2010 IL YA ISBN 0374324921 In the first book of the series, we met Alex Sawyer, a teen who is framed for murder and sent to the Furnace. Life in the Furnace is brutal and not everyone survives. Alex and some friends thought they had found a way out of the prison and have escaped to an underground river where they believe they can find their way out. What they find is that they are now in an even more brutal environment. When they are recaptured, Alex is sent to solitary and his hopes for escape are gone. Until he is befriended by a strange boy who seems to know his way around the underground. Will Alex find a way out this time? Or will things get even worse?
Friday, January 11, 2013
Today's podcast 01/11/2013
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Sanders, Rob. COWBOY CHRISTMAS
Sanders, Rob. COWBOY CHRISTMAS New York : Golden Books, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.9 ISBN 0375869859 Three cowboys, Dwight, Darryl and Dub, are camped out on the range on Christmas. They have tried to make their camp look festive. But can a few tin cans tied to cactus bring the Christmas spirit. Even dressing the cows up as reindeer doesn't cheer up the cowboys. But then a very special visitor comes to the camp. Can he help the cowboys celebrate?
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Today's podcast 01/10/2013
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Rainfield, C. A. SCARS New York : WestSide Books, 2010 IL YAISBN 193481332X Kendra is sure she is being watched. How can that be? The man who abused her when she was really young is back. She doesn't see him but she get notes and messages from him. Don't tell. Don't tell or he will kill her. What he doesn't know is that she doesn't remember him. During sessions with her therapist, she tries to see his face but she is too scared to focus in. There is only one thing Kendra can do to help her stop the overwhelming fear. And she can't tell anyone about that either. Kendra finds some help with her therapist, her art teacher, and a new friend. But will it be enough?
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Today's podcast 01/09/2013
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Primavera, Elise. WHO NEEDS LOVE?
Primavera, Elise. WHO NEEDS LOVE? New York : Robin Corey Books, 2012 IL K-3, RL 31 ISBN 0375955852 What would you wish for if you were given any wish? What would you want that will last forever? In this tale, two children find a magic coin and they wish for something that they will soon regret. Is there any hope for them? And will you remember to be careful what you wish for? After all, it may come true in ways you don't think.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Today's podcast 01/08/2013
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Mora, Pat. THE BEAUTIFUL LADY : OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Mora, Pat. THE BEAUTIFUL LADY : OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE New York : Knopf, 2013 IL K-3, RL 3.4 ISBN 0375968385 Every December, Grandma tells Rosa the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Long ago, a villager saw a beautiful lady floating. When the man told the bishop about it, the bishop demanded proof. But what proof could the villager provide? After all, the woman was long gone. This is a beautiful tale of a miracle from years ago.
Monday, January 07, 2013
Today's podcast 01/07/2013
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Lu, Marie. PRODIGY New York : Putnam's, 2013 IL YA ISBN 0399256768 In the second book of the Legend trilogy, the action does not slow down at all. June and Day are off to join the Patriots in Las Vegas. There is nowhere else for them to go. Day is injured and needs help. What they find is a very different life then they have known. When the duo finally meets up with the Patriots, they find themselves in the middle of an assassination plot against the new leader of the Republic. How could things change so much?
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Today's podcast 01/06/2013
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Kinsey-Warnock, Natalie. TRUE COLORS
Kinsey-Warnock, Natalie. TRUE COLORS New York : Knopf, 2012IL 3-6, RL 5.1 ISBN 0375860991 Blue doesn't know anything about her family. She was left on a doorstep as an infant and Hannah has been taking care of her ever since. Hannah is a widow and it has always been just Blue and Hannah. But Blue dreams of finding her real mother and keeps looking. Blue doesn't have any real friends in this small Vermont town and looks forward to summers when a family from the city comes to spend the summer. Nadine and Blue spend the summers together and the two are best friends. But this summer is different. Nadine is different and Blue is afraid that their friendship may not be as important to Nadine as it is to Blue. This is a summer when things are going to change.
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Today's podcast 01/05/2013
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Kain, P. G. PICTURE PERFECT New York : Aladdin, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 7.1 ISBN 1416997873 Have you ever imagined being on television? Cassie is living the life. She loves filming television commercials. She loves everything about the life -- even the try outs. And she just loves the picture perfect sets that she can pretend to live in. Her real life is nothing like what it looks like on tv.
Friday, January 04, 2013
Today's podcast 01/04/2013
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Hills, Tad. ROCKET WRITES A STORY
Hills, Tad. ROCKET WRITES A STORY New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.8 ISBN 0375870865 Rocket loves to read. He has read so many books. Now he wants to write one of his own. But he doesn't know where to begin. A little bird tells him that he needs to look closely at the world around him and he will find his story. Rocket learns that it is not always easy to write your story. He needs to find the words and use the right ones. Will he be able to finish the story?
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Today's podcast 01/03/2013
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Halliday, Ayun. PEANUT New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 3.8 ISBN 0375965904 On her first day at a new school, sophomore Sadie Wildhack wants to come up with something that will make her more interesting. Now faking an allergy may not be the first thing anyone would think of but that is what comes to mind for Sadie. She tells the other kids that she has a very serious peanut allergy. OK, it is not like she lied about dying from cancer or anything. It is just a harmless lie about a common allergy. But you know what they say, lies have a way of catching up with you. And that just may happen to Sadie.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Today's podcast 01/02/2013
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Gal, Susan. DAY BY DAY New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 1.6 ISBN 037586959X A community is built brick by brick, day by day. A group of pigs head west and begin to lay bricks. The bricks become a home and then they begin their garden inch by inch. Then neighbors come and the pigs welcome them to their community. Day by day they help create a home and a community.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Today's podcast 01/01/2013
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Erdrich, Louise. CHICKADEE New York : Harper, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.3 ISBN 0060577908 This is the 4th book of the Birchbark House series. This series has been said to be the Native American counterpart to Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series. In this entry, Omakayas's son Chickadee is kidnapped and the family set off to find him. He manages to escape from the Ojibwe camp but he is not safe yet. He is taken in by a kind priest in an English settlement. But he finds that the rest of the village may not be so accepting. As his family searches for him, they must leave their old life behind and begin a new one.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Today's podcast 12/31/2012
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Edwards, Michelle. ROOM FOR THE BABY
Edwards, Michelle. ROOM FOR THE BABY New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL K-3 ISBN 0375870903 It won't be long before the new baby comes. But the boy is really nervous. There just doesn't seem to be any room for the baby. Mom is really good at recycling and reusing donated items from the neighbors. And they are all kept in the room that they plan to use for the new baby. The room is full of boxes of odds and ends, worn out clothes and leftover yarn. Is there anyway that the room will be ready for the baby in time?
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Today's podcast 12/30/2012
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Aguirre, Ann. ENCLAVE New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2011 IL YA ISBN 0312650086 Duece has been chosen to be a Huntress and help keep the Enclave safe. The Enclave is a small community that survives underground. It has been years since a plague wiped out everyone Topside. And now the only world Duece knows is Enclave and other small communities they trade with. There are monsters known as Freaks who live in the underground that attack the communities and the hunters protect the citizens of Enclave. But then the unthinkable happens. Duece and fellow hunter Fade are banished from Enclave. Fade says he used to live Topside and that is where they should go. But what is left there? Duece only knows what she has been told all her life. And she is not so sure that this is a good idea.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Today's podcast 12/27/2012
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Wright, Bil. PUTTING MAKEUP ON THE FAT BOY
Wright, Bil. PUTTING MAKEUP ON THE FAT BOY New York : Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2011 IL YA, RL 5.5 ISBN 1416939962 Carlos is 16 and he has all the confidence in the world. He is a wanna be make up artist who is working towards his goal. He lands a part time job at Macy’s and is sure that he is on his way to becoming famous. When a real star comes in and loves what Carlos can do he may just be on that road. But things are not going to be that easy for Carlos. He has a lot to deal with. His sister’s boyfriend is abusive, his boss’s jealousy of Carlos’ talent and his own crush on another boy at school.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Today's podcast 12/26/2012
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Welsh, M. L. HEART OF STONE New York : David Fickling, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.9 ISBN 0385752431 After defeating the Mistress in the first book of the series, Verity Gallant and her friend have been enjoying the summer sailing and relaxing. They thought the danger was over. But that is simply not the case. The Earth Witch is determined to come back and crush Verity and all the happy stories. Is Verity up to the challenge this time? She is determined to find a way. With lots of library research and some luck, she may just be able to defeat the Earth Witch.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Today's podcast 12/24/2012
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Watson, Renee . HARLEM’S LITTLE BLACKBIRD
Watson, Renee . HARLEM’S LITTLE BLACKBIRD New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL 3.5 ISBN 0375869735 Way back about 100 years ago, a little girl name Florence Mills was learning to sing. Her mother used to sing around the house and Florence loved to join in. It is said that she had an amazing voice. So amazing, that she was asked to sing professionally when she was only a teenager. But things were different back then. You see, Florence was black and only whites were allowed in the theater. That didn’t change Florence’s mind about wanting to be a famous singer. She traveled around Europe and did all she could to make her career. And Florence was successful. But she was much more than just a singer. Read about this incredible woman in Harlem’s Little Blackbird.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Today's podcast 12/23/2012
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Stone, Jeff. PHOENIX New York : Random House, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.7 ISBN 0375870180 This is the first book in a follow up series to Stone’s Five Ancestors series. In this book, we meet Phoenix, an orphaned teenager from Indiana. He loves trail bike racing and is pretty good at it. When he learns that his grandfather is actually almost 400 years old, things get interesting for him. He is soon off to China to get back the dragon bone that has been keeping his grandfather alive. More adventures await as he tries to get the dragon bone back from some super bad guys.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Today's podcast 12/22/2012
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St. John, Warren. OUTCASTS UNITED : THE STORY OF A REFUGEE SOCCER TEAM THAT CHANGED A TOWN
St. John, Warren. OUTCASTS UNITED : THE STORY OF A REFUGEE SOCCER TEAM THAT CHANGED A TOWN New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0385741944 This is the true story of a remarkable woman and the children she touched. When Luma emigrated from Jordan, she wasn’t sure what life in the United States would hold for her. Cut off from her family’s wealth, she needed to make it on her own. One thing she was sure of was her love of soccer and of coaching. Fate brought her to a small town in Georgia and to the parking lot of a run down apartment complex. Here she met the boys that would change her life. They were refugees from many nations bonded together by their love of soccer. Luma threw herself into their lives as a soccer coach, friend and advocate. Learn how this small refugee soccer team changed lives and a whole town.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Today's podcast 12/21/2012
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Stephens, John. THE FIRE CHRONICLE
Stephens, John. THE FIRE CHRONICLE New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 5.1 ISBN 0375868712 After saving the town of Cambridge Falls during their adventure in The Emerald Atlas (2011), Kate, Michael, and Emma are caught up between warring factions. Kate is stuck in 1899 in Manhattan. Michael and Emma are sent to Antarctica to find the next book. The children will face some magical places, and much adventure on their way to the next book.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Today's podcast 12/20/2012
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Spinner, Stephanie. ALEX THE PARROT : NO ORDINARY BIRD
Spinner, Stephanie. ALEX THE PARROT : NO ORDINARY BIRD New York : Knopf, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.9 ISBN 0375868461 “The bigger the brain, the smarter the creature.” At least that’s what scientists thought before they met an African Grey parrot who would change their thinking. Alex, short for Avian Learning Experiment, was raised by Irene Pepperberg. She bought Alex when he was just a year old. She believed that she could teach the bird to talk and perform mathematics. No one paid too much attention to this since most scientists believed that birds were not very smart. But Alex sure proved them wrong. Read about the incredible story of Alex and Irene.
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Spinelli, Eileen. COLD SNAP New York : Knopf, 2012 IL K-3, RL 5.0 ISBN 0375857001 What do you think about when you think of winter? Do you think of beautiful snow? Playing in the snow? Having a good time? Or do you think of bitter cold? In this story, the town is going through a cold wave. For a week, it gets colder and colder. We see the icicle on the statue of the town founder getting longer and longer as the cold goes on. And the townspeople go from playing in the snow, to trying to stay warm. But the mayor’s wife has a great idea. Can you guess what it may be?
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Today's podcast 12/18/2012
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Smiley, Jane. PIE IN THE SKY New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 4.0 ISBN 0375869689 Abby has been training her horse for competition. But True Blue isn’t responding to her training. Instead of going over the jumps, he just goes right through them and no one is impressed at his performance. But one of the judges reaches out to Abby to train one of his horses when a classmate stops riding. Pie in the Sky is a beautiful horse – and expensive. He has a mind of his own and will take some training in order to be a show horse. Is Abby up to the challenge?
Monday, December 17, 2012
Today's podcast 12/17/2012
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Shank, Marilyn Sue. CHILD OF THE MOUNTAINS
Shank, Marilyn Sue. CHILD OF THE MOUNTAINS New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.7 ISBN 0385740794 Growing up poor in West Virginia in the 1950s was hard for Lidia. She lives with her mother, brother and grandmother in the Appalachian Mountains. After Gran dies, it gets worse for them. Then Lidia’s brother dies from cystic fibrosis. Can things possibly get worse? They can’t believe that Lidia’s mother has been charged with killing BJ. There is no way that this can be happening. Send to live with an uncle , Lidia finds herself in a strange place with people she doesn’t know. The kids at school tease her about her homemade clothes and her hillbilly way of talking. Lidia knows that the only way to get back home is to prove her mother is innocent.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Today's podcast 12/16/2012
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Saunders, Kate. BESWITCHED New York : Delacorte Press, 2011 IL 5-8, RL 5.0 ISBN 0385740751 Flora is not exactly happy that her parents have decided to ship her off to boarding school. But there is nothing she can do about it. On the train to school something weird happens. Flora is magically transported to 1935! No cell phones or ipods. Not even a television. How can she possibly get by? But Flora is determined to understand her new life and try to figure out why she is there.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Today's podcast 12/15/2012
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Salm, Arthur. ANYWAY : A STORY ABOUT ME WITH 138 FOOTNOTES, 27 EXAGGERATIONS, AND 1 PLATE OF SPAGHETTI New York : Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.5 ISBN 1442429305 Twelve year old Max cannot believe his parents dragged him to this boring family camp. And plan to stay the whole summer! Max just has to do something to make this all tolerable. So he reinvents himself into Mad Max. He is not the bad boy of the camp. He is fearless and daring and cool. But can he keep this up?
Friday, December 14, 2012
Today's podcast 12/14/2012
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Rose, Caroline Starr. MAY B : A NOVEL
Rose, Caroline Starr. MAY B : A NOVEL New York : Schwartz & Wade Books, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.7 ISBN 158246393X Life on the frontier is certainly never easy but young May is going to find that things can get worse. Her parent ship her off to a remote farm where she is to work for the family. Her father promises her that he will come to get her before Christmas. But that is probably not going to happen. When the couple she is working for leaves, May is left alone in the remote house with little food and little fuel. The blizzards rage outside and the wolves howl in the night. May is alone and needs to find a way to survive. May’s story is told in verse.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Today's podcast 12/13/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. MISCHIEF NIGHT
Rivers, Phoebe. MISCHIEF NIGHT New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.8 ISBN 144245380X Sara is still trying to cope with all the paranormal activity in her New Jersey town. She would rather just be normal but can’t deny her psychic abilities. Especially with all these ghosts around. And now it is Halloween and there are more ghostly encounters than ever. When Sara unwittingly releases the ghost of a young boy, she might be in for more than she can handle.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Today's podcast 12/12/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. HAUNTED MEMORIES
Rivers, Phoebe. HAUNTED MEMORIES New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.1 ISBN 1442453818 Being a psychic may seem like a cool thing. But to Sara, it is most definitely not. She and her dad have moved to a town that seems to have more than enough ghosts in it. But Sara is determined to be normal. She has a vision of a really cute boy and she is sure that the two of them belong together. But when she meets him, she finds that he has a ghost attached to him. A ghost that doesn’t seem to want Sara in his life.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Today's podcast 12/11/2012
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Rivers, Phoebe. GHOST TOWN New York : Simon Spotlight, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 4.0 ISBN 1442440384 In the first book of the series, Saranormal, we meet 12-year-old Sara Collins. Sara is a pretty normal kid except for one thing. She is a psychic. She has been able to see ghosts for as long as she can remember. She doesn’t tell anyone about it because she just wants to be normal. But now she and her dad are moving to the coast of New Jersey. And this is a town with more than its share of ghosts.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Today's podcast 12/10/2012
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Potter, Ellen. THE HUMMING ROOM
Potter, Ellen. THE HUMMING ROOM New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2012 IL 5-8, RL 4.5 ISBN 0312644388 Roo is a 12-year old trying to keep it together. Her drug dealing father has been killed and now Roo is alone. Sent to live with an uncle she never knew, she is in for adventures big time. The uncle lives on an isolated island. Roo begins to explore the island and keeps hearing a humming sound. When she finally finds the source of the noise, she is shocked to find cousin Phillip. He is not what Roo expected to find. This book is inspired by the Secret Garden but stands on its own with a story of mystery and friendship.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Today's podcast 12/09/2012
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Oxley, Jennifer. THE CHICKEN PROBLEM
Oxley, Jennifer. THE CHICKEN PROBLEM New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL 2.6 ISBN 0375969896 When Peg and her cat have a bit of a picnic, they decide to share a piece of pie with one of the chickens. But they accidentally let out all the chickens. All 100 of them! Now they have to get them back into the chicken coop. All 100 of them! How will they know when they have all the chickens back? Do you think you could help?
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Today's podcast 12/08/2012
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Osborne, Mary Pope. A PERFECT TIME FOR PANDAS
Osborne, Mary Pope. A PERFECT TIME FOR PANDAS New York : Random House, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.8 ISBN 0375968261 Jack and Annie are off on another adventure. This time they end up in China at a panda reserve. How cool is that? This should be a fun adventure. But it just isn't meant to be that easy. What are the odds that they land in China the exact day that a major earthquake is about to hit. Is this the adventure where everything goes wrong?
Friday, December 07, 2012
Today's podcast 12/07/2012
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Nielsen, Jennifer A. ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR
Nielsen, Jennifer A. ELLIOT AND THE GOBLIN WAR New York : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2010 IL 3-6, RL 4.7 ISBN 1402240198"Only seven children who have read this book lived to tell about it." Are you brave enough to see if you will be a lucky reader? Elliot is out on Halloween and finds a girl in a goblin costume. She is being chased by goblins. It turns out that she is actually a brownie and this is a war between the brownies and the goblins. And Elliot finds himself right in the middle of it.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Today's podcast 12/06/2012
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Ness, Patrick. THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO
Ness, Patrick. THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO Cambridge : Candlewick Press, 2008 IL YA ISBN 0763639311 Has anyone ever told you they could read your mind? What if it was true. What if everyone could read minds? In this story, that is what happens. A virus has infected the population of a space colony and now all the thoughts are public. And you can't avoid them. It is a very noisy place. There are no women left and Todd is the only child in the colony. He is one month away from becoming a man and things are getting even stranger. He is told to run and leave the town. When he does, he finds something extraordinary -- a girl. And she has no noise. Now they are being pursued by the crazy preacher, they are on the run and Todd soon discovers the secrets of Prentisstown.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Today's podcast 12/05/2012
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Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds EMILY AND JACKSON HIDING OUT
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. EMILY AND JACKSON HIDING OUT New York : Delacorte, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 3.9 ISBN 0375989781 Emily and Jackson are happy living with Aunt Hilda. In the last book, Emily inherited $10 million and a bad guy try to steal it from her. But that is behind them now. The two orphans are happy living on the farm and the money is safely tucked away in the bank. But now someone else is trying to find a way to get Emily’s money. And she and Jackson are hiding out.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Today's podcast 12/04/2012
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Moser, Lisa. RAILROAD HANK New York : Random House, 2012 IL K-3, RL ISBN 0375868496 Railroad Hank is a “fine little train”. With a good heart. When he learns that Granny Brett is feeling blue, he rushes off to help her feel better. Along the way he gets advice from those he meets on how to cheer Granny Brett up. Follow along as he gets some unusual suggestions.
Monday, December 03, 2012
Today's podcast 12/03/2012
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Moore, Carley. THE STALKER CHRONICLES
Moore, Carley. THE STALKER CHRONICLES New York : Farrar Straus Giroux, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0374371806Cammie Bliss is trying to overcome her reputation as a stalker. She’s not like a crazy, dangerous stalker. She just has a tendency to go a bit overboard with her attention. Like slipping notes into lockers. Calling a lot and pretending to need homework help. Taking a few – ok lots – of photos of the boy. But that is all behind her. She is a sophomore now and oh so much more mature. But then she meets Toby. He’s the new boy in school and he seems to like Cammie. Will she end up going overboard again and ruin another relationship.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Today's podcast 12/02/2012
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Mone, Gregory. DANGEROUS WATERS : AN ADVENTURE ON THE TITANIC
Mone, Gregory. DANGEROUS WATERS : AN ADVENTURE ON THE TITANIC New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2012 IL 3-6, RL 5.2 ISBN 1596436735 Patrick is a 12 year old boy living in Belfast in the early 1900s. His brother has gotten a job on a luxury ship that is sailing to America. Patrick sneaks aboard the ship with stolen papers to try to work his way to America as well. But shoveling coal is just not the thing for Patrick. After he passes out, he is sent to work with the waitstaff. His job is to empty the big spittoons aboard the ship. In spite of this awful job, fortune finds Patrick in the form of a wealthy book collector who takes him under his wing. More adventure awaits him as he sails to America on the maiden voyage of the Titanic.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Today's podcast 12/01/2012
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Lowry, Lois. SON New York : Houghton Mifflin, 2012 IL YA ISBN 0547887205 Even if it has been a few years since you finished The Giver, you will be able to pick right up in this new book. During the Ceremony of Twelve, we meet Claire who has been chosen to be a Birthmother. When she gives birth to her first product, she has some difficulties and is deemed not fit to continue. She is reassigned but before she leaves her former assignment, she learns that she has given birth to a baby boy and she learns his number. She knows it is against all the rules to ever have contact with her son. He will be assigned parents at next year’s ceremony. Through a series of events, Claire meets her son and gets to spend time with him. She can’t tell anyone that this is her son or she will be in trouble and probably never see him again. He is a very active baby and screams most of the time. He is deemed not ready for parents at his first ceremony. After another year, he is still not ready so the elders make a decision that will change Claire’s life forever.