The Sacrifice

The Sacrifice by Diane Matcheck




During a very warm 4th of July summer afternoon, I finished an interesting book called The Sacrifice by Diane Matcheak. This book had been hanging around my office for over a year, and I finally cataloged it and decided to read it. I love books about the Native American experience, and so this was right up my alley.



The Indian girl has no name at the beginning of the story. She is considered an outcast among her people, because her mother is dead, her twin brother was killed in a raid, and her father, who was once a great warrior, is no longer important among his people. The girl has trained herself to become a great warrior, and wants to prove herself in her village.



The setting is out west in Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. Her people are Apsaalooka, or Crow, and although most girls did not become warriors, it was not forbidden to do so.



The ending was so exciting, I could not stop reading it until I was done. I heartily recommend this book--really--give it a chance!



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Rikers High

Rikers High by Paul Volponi

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a revealing tale of what it's like to be a young man behind bars.

The author, Paul Volponi knows of what he writes, because he was a teacher of incarcerated teens.

The language and action are authentic, the violence ever-present. The reader is allowed to get inside Martin's head, as he goes to court, then only to find himself back on Riker's Island, disappointed, but willing to do anything to get "home".



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Ruined

Ruined: A Ghost Story by Paula Morris

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A good ghost story, set in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. Rebecca's dad is going to China for a year, and so she must stay with an aunt in New Orleans for an entire school year. She is a New York City girl, and she can't get the hang of all the "family" traditions in New Orleans. When she meets the ghost of a murdered 16 year-old black girl, who was killed over 150 years ago, Rebecca realizes that the snobby rich girls in her school are hiding an old family secret, which includes a curse that still seems to be lurking on some of the old families.



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American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a graphic novel, but not for kids. It was really funny and very cleverly done. American Born Chinese is actually three stories: the first is about Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he’s the only Chinese-American student at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, almost a racist stereotype, who is ruining his cousin Danny’s life with his yearly visits. Their lives and stories come together with an unexpected twist in this action-packed modern fable. There is now a sequel, which I would like to read.



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Escape Under the Forever Sky

Escape Under the Forever Sky by Eve Yohalem

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Lucy's mom is the American ambassador to Ethiopia. Lucy loves adventure, animals and nature, and so this situation sounds perfect. Well, it would be, but Lucy's mom is super strict, and will not allow her to do anything except go to school. Well, being a 13 year-old, she finds a way to get around her mother's orders, and ends up in a life-threatening predicament.
This is a good adventure, with lots of Ethiopian culture thrown in. It's a fast read, that both boys and girls should enjoy.

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Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Terrific! Usually, sequels are not as good as the original book, but this story ends leaving you panting for the third book! Thanks to the author, Suzanne Collins, for writing a terrific adventure/sci-fi series that is not dumbed-down for young people.

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The Trouble Begins at 8: A life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West

The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West by Sid Fleischman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


An easy to read biography of an American literary legend, with great illustrations and photographs. I learned a few disturbing facts about Mark Twain, but all-in-all, I learned that he led quite an adventurous life.

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Chains

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Well, Laurie Halse Anderson has done it again--written a really good historical fiction novel, that leaves you wanting more. And guess what? It seems as if there will be a sequel. Isabel's story is exciting, heartbreaking, and at the end, hopeful. As a young female slave in New York just at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, we see Isabel as an intelligent girl, looking for her chance to escape from her horrible owner, amid the chaos of the war for independence. What a wonderful way to learn about this important period in American history!

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Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This was an awful story. It was disgusting and absurd. In the beginning, I laughed at some of the more gruesome antics, but then it got to be ridiculous. Written in the style of Jane Austen, which could be a big turn-off to most teens, I would not recommend this book to anyone!

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Revenge of the Whale

Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex, Adapted for Young People from In The Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a wonderful book about whaling, way back in the 1820's.
It is a nonfiction book, but reads as easily as a novel. The book tells a story of a whaling ship from Nantucket that was actually attacked by a huge whale in the Pacific Ocean, and as a result the ship sunk. The horrified crew knew it would take a miracle for them to survive, as they were a thousand miles from any land. The crew, now in three small boats, set sail for land, and the adventure is told in an exciting way. Of course, they actually had to resort to cannibalism,in order for some of the men to survive.
Having been to Nantucket a few times, and having been on many whale watches off of Cape Cod, this book brought the smell of the wind and the sea to life for me. It is also a look into what makes some men brave, and what lengths some men will go to survive against all odds.

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Crossing the Wire

Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An interesting tale of a young Mexican teen who has decided he needs to come to the US in order to help his family. He knows it is dangerous and illegal, but he feels has no choice but to cross the border illegally. The danger, the hardships, are all here, and told from the perspective of a teen who has led a fairly innocent life up to now, this story can lead to some really good discussions.

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Box Out

Box Out by John Coy


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I usually enjoy sports stories, but I wasn't thrilled by this one. I didn't care enough about the characters. Liam is a sophomore on his high school JV basketball team, and is called to play varsity. He gets all upset with the coach leading the team in prayer, and I just didn't buy it. He ends up quitting the team, and helping out with the girl's basketball team.

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Hurricane Song: a novel of New Orleans

Hurricane Song by Paul Volponi


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An interesting novel that takes place in the few days that Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans. Miles, a 12-year old, has gone to live with his musician father. He's almost sure that his dad loves his trumpet more than his own son. Once they get news of the massive storm, they are forced to seek refuge in the Superdome. And there, the nightmare begins.

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Flight to Freedom

Flight to Freedom: First Person Fiction by Ana Veciana-Suarez


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this book. The story of Cuban-born Yara, starts out in Havana, 1967, where the regime of Castro is making life miserable for all those who oppose the Communists. Her family has decided to flee Cuba and head to Miami. This is a story based on the author's life, and it reads very true. An interesting glimpse into life during the 1960's, life for a family caught in-between two cultures--told from the heart of an 8th grade girl.

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Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down. An amazing account of the 12 days following Lincoln's assassination, with very cool photos to accompany the text. It reads like a murder mystery, and I had to keep telling myself that John Wilkes Booth's despicable act brutally ended the life of one of the most important people our nation has ever known. This is a great companion read to Ann Rinaldi's book, "An Acquantaince with Darkness".

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Found

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very good story from Margaret Peterson Haddix, who brought us "Among the Hidden". This book will also be a series,her sequel "Sent" is already out. This science fiction tale has a couple of 13 year-olds who have gotten mysterious letters saying simply "You are one of the missing". We know from the start that 13 years before, a plane landed at an airport with no crew, no adult passengers, just babies. A page-turner, for sure.

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How I Live Now

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An interesting story about terror attacks, anorexia, young love, the English countryside, and the resiliency of kids learning to cope with whatever the world throws at them. Daisy, an anorexic 15 year-old who has been banished to England to live with her aunt and cousins because of her "wicked step-mother", finds herself in a country taken over by "the enemy", leaving the kids on the family farm with no electricity, Internet or phone service. A well-written story, the author has the dialogue and thoughts of the teen down perfect.

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Deep and Dark and Dangerous

Deep and Dark and Dangerous: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a scary, page-turner of a ghost story. Ali is a 13 year-old girl who is asked to babysit her young cousin for the summer, while her artist aunt wants to work on her painting. They are in a cabin in Maine, a cabin that Ali's mom and aunt used to visit every summer as young girls, until a tragic drowning accident. Now, Ali's mom and aunt can't (or won't) discuss that long-ago summer, but Ali is drawn into the mystery by forces beyond her control. A good, well-written, creepy ghost story.

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The Boy Who Dared

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow, this book was both frightening and inspiring. This is a story based on the real life of Helmuth, a teen-ager who was a reluctant member of the Hitler Youth. The story is told in flashbacks, as Helmuth is facing his execution for crimes against the Nazi government. The photos in the book, especially a close-up of Helmuth, with very sad eyes, make the story even more chilling. This is a great addition to any young person's historical fiction collection. Bartoletti does a great job in depicting what life was like for those Germans who disagreed with the Nazi regime.

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Rules

Rules by Cynthia Lord


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a young girl's story of what it is like to have a sibling with Autisim. Catherine loves her brother, David, but because he is autistic, every aspect of her life is touched by him. Having friends over, going to a store, simple things that we take for granted, are hurdles in Catherine's life, because when you are a teen-ager, EVERYTHING matters. I admire Catherine's character, because in a similar situation, I don't know if I would have acted as couragously as she did.

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Fire From the Rock

Fire From the Rock by Sharon M. Draper


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A good story for young people, that explores the changing world of integration during the 50's. Sharon Draper gets inside the head of an 8th grade girl, who has been "chosen" to go to Central High in Little Rock. The young lady loves her friends, and really wants to go to the "colored" high school, where she would be able to participate in clubs, go to the dances, and so on. She is also afraid that she is just not brave enough to be up to this task.

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Devil on My Heels

Devil on My Heels by Joyce McDonald


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The setting is 1959, central Florida. Dove is a teenager, and her life has become quite complicated. She is good friends with a young black man, and that is not a good thing, because the KKK is a force to be reckoned with in her town. Lots of tension, drama and suspense in this page-turner, as she deals with suspicions about her own father. Is he a member of the dispicable KKK, too?

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Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this book back in 2008, but never got around to discussing it in my blog. This story is both funny and serious at the same time. The setting is during the 1930's, when Al Capone is a prisoner at Alcatraz. Well, curiously enough, the guards and their families really lived on the island of Alcatraz at that time, and this story is about a young man, and how he copes with a sister who has major problems (autisim?) and how he makes friends at his new school. It's a good read, with the family problems, gangsters, and Alcatraz looming in the background.

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An Unlikely Friendship

An Unlikely Friendship: A Novel of Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley by Ann Rinaldi


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was another incredible work of historical fiction by Ann Rinaldi. I learned some very interesting facts about Mary Todd Lincoln's childhood, that really added to my better understanding of the wife of my favorite American. Rinaldi gives the reader a look at life in the south from two very different perspectives, a young girl of privelige, and a young slave named Elizabeth. Elizabeth had an amazing life, overcoming all kinds of obstacles, to become a friend to the First Lady. A wonderful read.

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The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! I began this book last Sunday, and could not put it down. What an exciting, suspense-filled roller-coaster of a read. This futuristic story of an evil government that pits 24 young people against each other to the death, introduces us to a memorable young woman named Katniss. Her bravery and resourcefulness as she takes her younger sister's place in The Hunger Games makes her an unforgettable character. This was an amazing book.

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This Full House

This Full House by Virginia Euwer Wolff


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I so enjoyed this final entry in the "Make Lemonade" trilogy. I started this series a few years ago, when LaVaughn was an innocent 9th grader who knew she wanted to go to college, no matter that she and her mom were struggling to make ends meet. This novel begins with LaVaughn in her final year of high school, trying to do her best in a special women in science program, that will help her get into college. There is an interesting turn of events involving Jolly, the young mother she has been babysitting for since 9th grade. Great story!

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The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a scary, creepy story, and yet...it is also a story of love and caring about family. Neil Gaiman has outdone himself. I really liked Coraline, but I think this book was even better. Bod is raised in a cemetary by ghosts, which sounds unbelievable, but Gaiman's writing makes it all very real. And even though the story opens with a gruesome murder, it touched my heart.

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Elijah of Buxton

Elijah Of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is not my favorite Christopher Paul Curtis book. I love historical fiction, and this story is an important one, so I would still recommend it to middle school students. Elijah is a "fragile" eleven year-old, who happens to be the first free-born child in Buxton, way up there in Canada. The story is based on historical facts, and Curtis tries to infuse some humor while explaining about the horrors and tragedy of slavery.
P.S.
I really loved his book, "The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963".

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Harlem Summer

Harlem Summer by Walter Dean Myers


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really liked this YA book because of its cast of characters. I have read many Walter Dean Myers books, and enjoyed 145th Street the most.
Harlem Summer is a great book to use when teaching about the Harlem Renaissance because EVERYONE who was anyone is in this novel, including Langston Hughes, Fats Waller, W.E.B. DuBois, and even Dutch Schultz have a role.
Mark, the main character, takes a job at The Crisis, and learns what it means to be a "New Negro", but he's not sure he wants any part of it. The story has humor, some really scary parts, and was written through the very real voice of a young man growing up in New York City during a very interesting time in history.

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girl, going on 17 Pants on Fire

Girl, Going on 17: Pants on Fire by Sue Limb


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fun, funny book. Jess Jordan is a British teen, a little overweight, but with a huge sense of humor. Unfortunately, she gets into so much trouble on the very first day of the new school term, that it looks as if her life is doomed. Jess deals with her problems the way she knows best, by being outrageously funny. A good read for 7-8th graders. They will need to know a few British words, like loo and knickers.

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A Girl Named Disaster

A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a wonderful story and setting. Nhamo is a young girl who begins an adventure that will change her life forever. She is an orphan, and one day is told that she must marry an old cruel man who already has three wives. Nhamo's grandmother advises her to flee the village, and find her father who supposedly lives in Zimbabwe.
As she escapes and makes her way through Mozambique, she encounters the spirit of her mother and other dead Ancestors, who help her along this perilous journey.
This book would be an excellent choice in middle schools when discussing diversity, and strong female characters.

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Twisted

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Laurie Halse Anderson is really amazing. This book is so dead-on when it comes to accurately portraying high school students and dysfunctional families, and still manages to not be depressing. At one point my heart was actually in my throat, as I quickly turned the pages.
This time her main character is Tyler, who has a monster for a father. Tyler is in big trouble, for vandalizing his school, and constantly mouthing off to adults. This book is one of my top YA faves.

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The Shakespeare Stealer

The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary L. Blackwood


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very enjoyable book. It is a great introduction to Shakespearean times, without being too pretentious for middle-schoolers. Will Shakespeare himself actually makes a few appearances. It has dueling and suspense, so it is appropriate for both boys and girls. Widge, the main character, is an orphan apprenticed to a man who orders him to steal Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. He is off on a dangerous adventure.

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A Break with Charity

A Break with Charity: A Story about the Salem Witch Trials by Ann Rinaldi


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It was really cool to be in Salem, Massachusetts as I was reading this book. Rinaldi did a great job in recreating 1691-92, when 19 people were executed in Salem for being witches. I think I could actually get some 7th and 8th grade students to read this book. It is a well-written page-turner, and Rinaldi provides lots of references that add to this historical drama.

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An Acquaintance with Darkness

An Acquaintance with Darkness by Ann Rinaldi


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an excellent choice for YA historical fiction buffs. This book tells the story of 14 year-old Emily, who is friends with the Surratt family, just days before Lincoln is shot. And, Emily's uncle is a famous doctor who robs graves to do medical research. What more can a reader ask for? It is fast-paced, well-researched, and I may even be able to get some of the Maxson students to check it out.
Ann Rinaldi is one of my favorite historical fiction writers.

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Twilight

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was not expecting too much from another vampire book, but I was pleasantly surprised. This book, and the 2 that followed , were a big hit around here last year with the 8th grade girls.

The main character, klutzy Bella is a bit overplayed, but the characters are very real and likeable. The last third of the book was a real page-turner.
I may just have to read the next book in the series.

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Looking for Alibrandi

Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was one of the few books I have ever read with a setting of Australia. Also, it is one of the few YA books where the main character is of Italian ancestry. There were never books like this when I was a teen.
Josephine attends a Catholic high school, has boy problems, and most importantly, is searching for the father who is missing from her life.
It was an interesting read, and I learned a lot about modern Australian teens, but I was never comfortable with the writer's style. I want one of my savvy 8th graders to give it a try, so I can get a better perspective.

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Blood Secret

Blood Secret by Kathryn Lasky


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book was somewhat interesting, from an adult standpoint, but I don't think many young people will get in to the story. It is a story of the Inquisition, beginning in Spain, and actually coming to the new world. But, it is also a time-travel story, because the main character, a young girl named Jerry, is able to go back in time to witness her family's persecution.
I learned something new, though, that Jewish people from Spain were early settlers in the southwest. I never knew that.
Truthfully, I think this storyline is too complicated for many young people to follow.

I love historical fiction, but this book is not on my fave list.

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I Am a Taxi

I Am a Taxi by Deborah Ellis


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I never realized how bad things were in Bolivia. Children in prison with their parents, and, having to pay for your room and board while a prisoner. Whoa! This story is an eye-opener for people, especially young people 11-14. I was not thrilled with the writing, but the storyline makes it worth reading.
It is a scary adventure for the 12 year-old Diego, as he tries his best to make some money to feed his family.

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Sold

Sold by Patricia McCormick


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was beautifully written, but tells such an ugly story. Lakshmi is a 13-year-old girl from Nepal. She is poor, but loves her life in the mountains. Unfortunatley, she is sold (unbeknownst to her)to a brothel in India, and must endure this life, or die.

Patricia McCormick writes in an almost free-verse style, simply giving Lakshmi a voice which breaks the readers heart.
I believe this would be a great book for middle school students, because it is not too graphic, but tells this very realistic story in a compelling way.

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a great first book! What a great book for boys (CAUTION: older boys). My favorite subject once again, Native Americans, and with funny, comic-like illustrations. Junior's decision to leave the Rez and go to a white school has a major impact on the many loving people in his life. I laughed and cried.

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Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska by John Green


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Looking for Alaska, by John Green, is a well-written story of Miles and his friends at a preppie boarding school, and how they deal with Alaska's death. The five students have formed a close relationship, but when Alaska is killed in a terrible car accident, Miles and the Colonel are left with the not-knowing why, and the guilt of their part in it. This book is funny, serious and a wonderful story of understanding and coping with the death of a dear friend.

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Whirligig

Whirligig by Paul Fleischman


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have just finished reading two books that deal with death and teens, and both books were wonderful. The first one, Whrligig, by Paul Fleischman was a short novel about Brent, who has gotten very drunk at a party, then is humiliated by a girl he thought he liked. He drives away recklessly, and decides to kill himself by crashing into the highway divider. When the accident is cleared, he has taken the life of an 18-year-old girl. Brent has to learn how to go on living with this terrible guilt, and on his journey makes some remarkable discoveries about life.

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The Thief Lord

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A very good story, but not a great story. The setting is Venice, and of course, we have 2 brothers who have run away from a mean aunt. They are able to get to Venice on their own, and join a group of homeless children. It just was a little bit too hard for me to believe.
Interestingly, the author is German, and her books are translated. I do want to read Inkheart, to see what all the fuss is about.

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Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie

Drums, Girls, And Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a terrific story, it had me laughing and crying. The author totally understands the middle school boy's mind and manners. It deals with a serious subject: a younger brother has leukemia. The author does a great job of showing how a family really copes with all that this means.

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New Boy by Julian Houston

New Boy by Julian Houston


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a very interesting book about the end of segregation, told by a high school sophmore from Virginia in the late 1950's. Rob has enrolled in an all-white Connecticut boarding school,but he feels that he doesn't "belong" anywhere. Rob has some eye-opening experiences during this very history-making school year. He meets Malcolm X on a walk through Harlem, and participates in a lunch counter sit-in back home in Virginia.

My only problem with this book is that the writing is a bit stiff. I don't know if middle-school students would get in to it, but perhaps high school students might.

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The Ever-After Bird

The Ever-After Bird by Ann Rinaldi


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really like Ann Rinaldi books. She does such a great job with historical fiction, making it very palatable for young people.

This story takes place before the Civil War. Cece, a thirteen year-old girl, does not understand or care about the Abolitionist Movement.

When her father is murdered because of his Aboltionist views, Cece's world is turned around. She gets to travel through the South, to witness slavery firsthand.

Once again, Rinaldi does not write "down" to her young readers. This is a great way to help teach about the Abolitionists, while also telling a story with adventure, danger, and romance.


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A Step from Heaven

A Step From Heaven by An Na

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a small gem of a book that touched my heart. It is the story of a girl who emigrates from Korea with her mother and father, and with each chapter, or really, vignette, she is growing up. The author is a first generation Korean American, and the agonies and lies that Young Ju has to deal with are painfully real.



It is a wonderful book that gives the reader a clear understanding of the trials of being a stranger in a new country, but the writing makes it a work of art.


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New Moon

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was very disappointed with this book. I really enjoyed Twilight, and the way some of the 8th grade girls raved about this series, I guess I just expected more.



I found it repetitious and a bit boring, until the last fourth of the book. But, here is the question, should I read the next volume?


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The Seer of Shadows

The Seer of Shadows by Avi

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I like Avi's historical fiction, like The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. The Seer of Shadows is not as exciting, but rather, is eerily suspenseful. The setting is New York City, just after the Civil War, when the art of photography is in its infancy. It is the story of a ghost seeking revenge, and the two young people who try to stop her.


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Cut by Patricia McCormack

A very timely topic for today, Cut tells the story of Callie, a high school girl who is in therapy for cutting herself. The setting is a residential treatment facility, where Callie remains silent. She can not, or will not, talk. We hear her thoughts, her observations, of all the other girls who are there with her, and all their dysfunctions.

A complicated story, but written in a simple, quiet style.

Sold by Patricia McCormack

This book was beautifully written, but tells such an ugly story. Lakshmi is a 13-year-old girl from Nepal. She is poor, but loves her life in the mountains. Unfortunately, she is sold (unbeknownst to her) to a brothel in India, and must endure this life, or die. Patricia McCormick writes in an almost free-verse style, simply giving Lakshmi a voice which breaks the readers’ heart. I believe this would be a great book for middle school students, because it is not too graphic, but tells this very realistic story in a compelling way

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

I must be starved for more Harry Potter, because I really enjoyed these tales, and especially enjoyed the commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Once again I marveled at how J.K. Rowling was able to intertwine these tales with HP.
I have a great idea for JKR. Why doesn't she write about the early years of Dumbledore and his brother? She really just touched on them in the books, but I know she could turn it into at least 3 volumes. I really miss Hogwarts and Harry and Hermione.

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.

Novels about Death

I have just finished reading two books that deal with death and teens, and both books were wonderful. The first one, Whrligig, by Paul Fleischman was a short novel about Brent, who has gotten very drunk at a party, then is humiliated by a girl he thought he liked. He drives away recklessly, and decides to kill himself by crashing into the highway divider. When the accident is cleared, he has taken the life of an 18-year-old girl. Brent has to learn how to go on living with this terrible guilt, and on his journey makes some remarkable discoveries about life.

The second book that deals with death, Looking for Alaska, by John Green, is a well-written story of Miles and his friends at a preppie boarding school, and how they deal with Alaska's death. The five students have formed a close relationship, but when Alsaka is killed in a terrible car accident, Miles and the Colonel are left with the not-knowing why, and the guilt of their part in it. This book is funny, serious and a wonderful story of understanding and coping with the death of a dear friend.

Hey, we're back, bigger and better than ever. What's going on at the Maxson Middle School Library? Plenty! We will be having our fall Scholastic Book Fair from Monday, November 26th to Thursday, Nov. 29th, until 3:30 every day.
Hope to see you all there.

I have a lot of great books to discuss in this blog. I'll be back.

Taking Sides by Gary Soto

I have not written in a very long time, but I have been reading some good books. I read aloud Taking Sides by Gary Soto to my 7th grade class. They really enjoyed that book. It was a short book about a young man named Linc, who is Mexican-American. As almost all of Soto's books, it takes place in California. Linc and his mom move from a "bad" neighborhood after they have been robbed. Linc has to make new friends, but he really misses his old friends very much. One thing he does have going for him is that he is really good at basketball. This story touches on a lot of problems that young people face when they have to move and change schools.

Homework for Monday

Every student must come in with a novel of their choice. This will be the book you will read for homework next week.
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
Ms. Bouffidis

Welcome to Read 180 Room 220

Welcome to the new school year at Maxson MS in Plainfield, NJ. For the 7th grade Read 180 students in Room 220, the following is a list of supplies that you must have by monday, September 11th:

Agenda pads every day
2 pocket folders
2 pens, blue or black
2 pencils, sharpened
1 highlighter (any color)
2 composition books (no spirals)

Or Give Me Death

About a week before school let out for the summer, I finished reading a good historical fiction novel called Or Give Me Death by Ann Rinaldi. Ms. Rinaldi is a pretty famous YA author of historical fiction, and even though I love historical fiction, I had never read a book by her.

This is the story of Patrick Henry's family, and it takes place just before the start of the Revolutionary War. It is told by two of his daughters, Patsy (16) and Anne (8). Unfortunately, their mother is going mad, and their famous father is not around much because of the impending war with England.

It is well-written and kept me turning the pages. It is also a good depiction of what life was like in Virginia during those times. Be sure to check it out this summer at your local library, or wait until September and check it out at the Maxson MS Library!

Summer Web Page

Scholastic has created "Summer Reading Buzz", which is a Web site filled with activities and contests. There is even a spot to keep your own reading log to track the books you will read over the summer. Perhaps you will be the lucky winner of some of the prizes that are being offered, like a chance to win family round-trip airline tickets to the destination of your choice. Check it out at www.scholastic.com/summerreading.

Book Fair

The Maxson Scholastic Book Fair was a huge success! Only for 2 days, May 25th and 26th, it was a BOGO--Buy one Get one free. The student crew was there to help out, including Elijah D. and Elijah M, and of course, Mark B.

In gratitude, they will have a pizza lunch party on Friday, June 9th.
I'm going to miss my 8th grade helpers when they graduate.

Battle of the Books Winning 7th Grade Team

On Friday, the 7th graders competed in the Battle of the Books. It was a really exciting contest. Congratulations to the winning team. They each received a $25 gift certificate to Borders.

Battle of the Books

The date has been set for the 6th grade Battle of the Books competition. On Thursday, May 18th at 1:30 in the Maxson Library Media Center the students will be ready to do battle. Good luck to all the contestants. And P.S., I hope they enjoyed some of the books they read.

Just a reminder for all of those students participating in the Battle of the Books--the date is set for the 7th grade Battle--May 19th during periods eight and nine. This looks like it will be an excellent competition. The team that won last year, with Akil, Shanece and Calvin, are looking to repeat, and 2 other teams are ready to do battle and become the new champs. Read on!

I have just finished reading Dust by Arthur Slade. This was an unusual book, very fast-reading, and a little creepy. It takes place in Canada, in the farming area of Saskatchewan, during the 1930's. The main character, Robert, is very troubled because his younger brother Matthew has gone missing. The whole town is acting very strangely, and even his parents seem to have forgotten Matthew!

Check it out at the Maxson Library today.

The author, Arthur Slade, can be visited virtually at www.arthurslade.com.