The Wizard, the Witch & Two Girls from Jersey

This was a "cute" book about two girls from NJ who are totally opposites, and find themselves stuck in a story. Veronica knows the story, because she has read the book. Heather, on the other hand, is a "Heather". She hasn't read a book in her life. Of course there are wizards, giants, and monsters.

I can't compare all fantasy literature with Harry Potter, but J.K. Rowling has really spoiled me when it comes to great characters and incredible writing. This was not terrible, but I guess I have to use that "cute" word again. Some of this was really funny, especially Heather's character. For a fun read this summer, check out this book by Lisa Papademetriou.

Swallowing Stones

The 7th and 8th grade AVID classes are deeply involved in the novel, Swallowing Stones by Joyce McDonald. As I read it aloud to them, they are engaged in some great discussions. Should Michael have gone to the police right away? What will Jenna do if she ever confronts Michael, knowing that he killed her father?

I chose a Joyce McDonald novel because she used to live out near me, in Hope, NJ, and when I heard her lecture, I was intrigued by the fact that she bases many of her stories on headlines from NJ newspapers.

Battle of the Books Grade 6

Maxson Middle School

Battle of the Books Grade 6
2008

1. Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
2. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
3. Holes by Louis Sachar
4. Rodzina by Karen Cushman
5. Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
6. Loser by Jerry Spinelli
7. Heaven by Angela Johnson
8. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos
9. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
10.The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

Battle of the Books 2008

Here are the book lists for each grade level. You can find these books in our Maxson Library, at the Plainfield Public Library, and of course online, at www.bn.com, or at www.amazon.com.

Grade 8
1. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher
2. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
3. The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushmany
4. Devil on My Heels by Joyce McDonald
5. Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
6. Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis
7. The Other Side of Truth by Beverly Naidoo
8. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
9. Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
10. Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez

A Wrinkle in Time

I finished a Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle this week. Actually, I listened to this book on an audio tape. To be honest, I was a little disappointed in this story. I am such a huge Harry Potter fan, and perhaps I measure all fantasy now against those wonderful books, but this story seemed a bit childish.

This is the story of Meg, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin. It is anadventure that moves through time and space, as they search for Meg's father who has been missing for over a year. This book was originally published in 1962, and it kind of shows its' age.