Blizzard

Blizzard by Jim Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An excellent edition to the Maxson Library, this book tells the story of an amazingly ferocious blizzard that hit the East coast in March of 1888. After a particularly mild winter, this killer storm took everyone by surprise. The author, Jim Murphy, does a remarkable job weaving personal tragedies and triumphs with real historical facts. There are great photos and drawings, and just enough scientific information to keep teachers happy, but the story will not be boring to your average reader. I am always fascinated with weather phenomena,and this book is just the right fix for that. I love glimpses into the past, and Murphy allows us to do just that with this book.


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The Slayer Chronicles First Kill

First Kill by Heather Brewer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, I have NOT read the Vladimir Todd books, but they certainly were a big hit in the Maxson Library. These books were devoured by the Maxson female students. I decided to read this book, because it is about vampire slayers, and I had had enough of vampires. This book is very violent and a bit gruesome, so I'm sure it will prove to be popular.
The main character, a boy named Joss, has witnessed his sister's horrible death by a vampire. Unknown to Joss, his uncle is a Slayer, and has recruited Joss for training in the summer before he enters 9th grade. Of course, author Heather Brewer ends it on a cliffhanger. I may actually read the next volume.


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The Disappeared

The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author, Gloria Whelan, is a National Book Award winner, and does a terrific job of presenting this story of the Desaparecidos (the disappeared) of Argentina during the 1970's. This story is told from two viewpoints, the voice of Silvia, a teenage girl of some privilege, and that of her older brother, Eduardo. It is scary and enlightening, and a great way to learn of this tragic era in Argentina's history. Perfect for middle school students.  


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Annexed

Annexed by Sharon Dogar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is rather hard to categorize. The events are somewhat true, the characters are real, but the author takes a different approach to the Anne Frank story. Dogar tells the story of the famous Anne Frank from Peter's point of view. Peter is the boy Anne ultimately falls in love with, and is mentioned many times in her diary. We feel his anger and frustration at being held a prisoner in an attic for two years, dealing with some very annoying people (in his eyes), and virtually no privacy. It is still heartbreaking at the end.
This is a more mature retelling of the story, and I would recommend it to 8th graders and up.


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A Tale Dark and Grimm

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. This was a great retelling of the Hansel and Gretel story, but done for older kids (and adults). It was gruesome and gory, and amusing at the same time. I enjoyed the author's style, never writing down to his audience. Very readable.


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Lost Childhood

Lost Childhood: My Life in a Japanese Prison Camp During World War II by Annelex Hofstra Layson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A different WWII story, as this was about a Dutch girl who was living on the island of Java when the Japanese took over, and her family became POWs. Annelex is only 4 when the Japanese make her a prisoner. She was one of the "lucky" ones though, because she was able to be with her mom and grandmother.  Her brother, who was only 10, was sent with the men to a different camp. Annelex was subjected to witnessing horrible cruelty and death, but the two women in her life were strong, and were able to keep her alive.
This is a quick, easy read, and a perfect way for middle school students to learn about this phase of history.




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Every Soul a Star

Every Soul A Star by Wendy Mass


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a terrific story. As a major solar eclipse is approaching, three very different characters, with very different problems, are brought together at Moonshadow Camp to witness the phenomenon. This unlikely group of kids, with very real problems, quickly become each other's best supporters. Wendy Mass does a fantastic job, I even liked Bree, who was pretty annoying. The characters make you laugh, and sometimes make you cry. Well written, and, I even learned something about the stars. I look forward to reading more of her books.




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The Dream Bearer

The Dream Bearer by Walter Dean Myers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I thought this was an interesting little story with a good cast of characters. This is one of Walter Dean Myers' earlier works, but as usual, the setting is Harlem, with it's bustling and colorful streets. David is a 12 year-old who is dealing with a father who is unstable, and a brother who might be running with a rough crowd. He meets an interesting old man in the park, and is drawn to him when the old man informs him that he remembers dreams for people, and has been doing this for hundreds of years.


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Return to Sender

Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The story of Tyler, from a farm in Vermont, and his relationship with Mari, the daughter of an illegal migrant worker, is presented to the reader from both points of view, sometimes using letters as a means of telling Mari's part of the story. Mari's mom has gone missing, and the family is in constant terror of being found out by La Migra. Through the use of a telescope and the stars, the two develop a deep friendship.


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Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir Of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me

Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir Of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family And Me by Condoleezza Rice


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir. It was well-written, touching at times, and well-paced. Ms. Rice and I were born in the same year, and as I was reading this, I thought about how much she accomplished in her life, the people she worked with, and her place in history. I am amazed at her tenacity, ambition, and her intellect. I want every one of my students to read how this woman, who grew up in Jim Crow Birmingham, accomplished so much with her life. Nothing and no one held her back. Ms. Rice emphasizes how important her parents were in her life, and how her faith carried them all through difficult times.
This book is from my school library collection, and yet, it really might be too difficult for middle school students. I would hope some teachers might read it, though, and share some excerpts with their students.




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Good Fortune

Good Fortune: My Journey to Gold Mountain by Li Keng Wong


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a very interesting biography, that is a perfect fit for middle school students. The year is 1933, and the place is a rural community in China. Li Keng Gee's father is far away in Gold Mountain, and is sending for his family to come and live there with him. Gold Mountain is, of course, America. Li Keng is seven years old, and tells her story in a very simple way. The hardships and triumphs that she experiences as she becomes an American are quite fascinating.


This is the story of an immigrant family with determination, and we find out that Li Keng actually goes to college and becomes a teacher!




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When the Black Girl Sings

When the Black Girl Sings by Bil Wright


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a good story, very accurate in the depiction of 8th grade girls and the angst that they deal with in school and with other girls. More importantly, this story is the tale of a young black girl who has been adopted by a white couple. It is a coming of age story, as Lahni begins to discover who she really is, with the help of some terrific adults who come through for her as she deals with her feelings. Does she really have a good voice, and can she win the singing competition?


It is not a difficult read, and I can't wait to get the feedback from some of the girls in my school.




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Dead End in Norvelt

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos


My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I have read a few of Jack Gantos' books, including "Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key", and so I was expecting a really great story. This book received a few starred reviews and is a Best Book for 2011, but I don't think it deserves all this praise. I really can't see how most middle school boys (or girls for that matter) would relate to this story.


The main character, Jack Gantos himself, (as a boy of about 13) befriends an old lady in his community, and writes obituaries for her one summer. There really is not much action, and his writing does not make me care for any character in the book at all. Disappointing (sigh).




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Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schultz

Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz by Beverly Gherman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a great little biography of Charles Schultz! This attractive book is complete with Peanuts comic strips and photos of Schultz's family and youth. It is a quick read, with short chapters filled with images. I'm glad I ordered this for the Maxson Library. Now I have to convince the students to check it out!



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Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie

Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I totally enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud, and brought a few tears to my eyes. As Scott and his friends start high school, they are typical nerdy kids trying to stay out of the seniors' line of vision. Scott has some family issues, like the fact that his mom is having a baby after all these years, but he decides to keep a journal for his new sibling-to-be. Of course, life changes, nothing ever remains the same. Scott loses some friends, gains a few new, quirky ones, and learns a little about life. Good story!



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Okay for Now

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Okay, now Gary Schmidt is my favorite YA author. I really liked this book, which had me crying at least 3 times as I read it. In the summer of 1968, Doug moves to a town in upstate New York with his very dysfunctional family. He is a huge fan of the Yankees, and especially Joe Pepitone (I remember him, even though I was a Mets fan). Lots of stuff was going on in the world that summer, including the Apollo space mission and the Vietnam War. Doug has to deal with an abusive father, a really mean older brother, and this gift of being a pretty good artist. What a well-written story. Now I have to read The Wednesday Wars.



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An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another very interesting book about a page in history that I didn't learn about in school, the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793, which took place in that city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. I didn't know that President Washington actually left the city, and our new government almost ceased operating, because of this deadly plague. Great pictures, easy to read text, and some really gruesome facts make this a good read for middle-schoolers. This non-fiction book is a perfect companion for the historical fiction novel "Fever, 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson.



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10,000 Days of Thunder

10,000 Days of Thunder: A History of the Vietnam War by Philip Caputo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Excellent book on everything you wanted to know about the Vietnam War. Very readable text, with extra facts and great photographs. I was a young person when this war was being waged, but this book puts everything in perspective--the whys, hows, and who--along with the historical background. This is a perfect book for middle schoolers, and even adults who would like to know more about this era.



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The Keepers' Tattoo

The Keepers' Tattoo by Gill Arbuthnott

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this story of Nyssa and her battle against Alaric, the White Wolf. The action begins almost immediately, as The Shadowmen storm into town, seeking the girl with a special tattoo. As she seeks refuge with her uncle, Nyssa realizes that she has a twin brother who is being held as a slave in the White Wolf's palace. This book was never boring, and I liked the two female characters, who were brave and true to the end.



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