Shea Reads

Abarat

2009-08-06T11:33:00.007-07:00

The story all starts in the boring little place called Chickentown, named accordinly, due to the large amount of chickens there. Candy Quackenbush was just another resident in this isolated town, but not for long. During school, while being sent down the hall to the principal's office, she feels the need to get out. Something pulls at her mind and she runs away from her school to a field she has never seen before, beyond the limits of the town. The wonderful adventure begins there when she meets a strange man with seven other faces attached to antlers coming out of his head. This is John Mischief and his brothers. They are on the run from an evil being named Mendelson Shape and Candy has to help Mischief. When she does, an ocean of possibilities opens up in front of her (that will make even more sense if you read the book). She is carried away to a mystical archipelago called the Abarat where anything is possible, and anything that can happen, does.

When I began reading this book, it reminded me greatly of The Wizard of Oz. For those of you who have not read that timeless classic, I shall explain. The Wizard of Oz (and all of the other parts of the series) are fantastical books filled to the brim with strange creatures and much adventure. Abarat has so many magical, interesting creatures! I loved this book! I would rate it a 8 out of 10 and recommend it to all ages!

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2009-07-16T21:39:00.009-07:00

Hannah Baker committed suicide-but not without a reason. Thirteen reasons to be exact...

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Clay Jensen finds a box of audio cassette tapes by his front door. Recorded on them is Hannah's voice. She has recorded thirteen reasons, thirteen people who gave her a reason to end her life. Clay Jensen is one of those reasons and if he listens to the tapes, he'll find out why. Clay Spends the night with Hannah's voice as his guide, touring his neighbor hood to visit places where Hannah found her reasons.

This book is simply enthralling! Thirteen Reasons Why is definitely a page turner. You just can't stop reading once you start! I would rate this a 9 out of 10. It is very thought provoking and I promise you will laugh and cry during the course of the story! Thirteen Reasons Why is an amazing accomplishment for first time author, Jay Asher!

Harry Potter

2009-07-16T16:10:00.011-07:00

Is there truly a human in the world who can bring millions of people together-- people from all over the world, people of different races, nationalities, ages; a human who can change lives with nothing but sheets of paper and printer's ink; who can be wise and funny and sarcastic all at once; and who can touch hearts by spinning life-changing morals onto a page, disguised beneath a phenomenal plot and characters that so many would kill to be? You betcha!

You've heard her name whispered, screamed, idolized. You've seen the rage she has caused, this huge phenomenon thrown into the world that changes lives and tugs at heartstrings.

She's J. K. Rowling.

Maybe you think Harry Potter is overrated. Perhap

s you think all this passion and enthusiasm and obsession with her novels is poorly placed. Maybe you're just plain sick of hearing Harry-Potter-this-and-Harry-Potter-that.

Well, bear with me here, because I am going to "Harry-Potter-this-and-Harry-Potter-that" for a little while, and possibly I will change your mindset about J.K. Rowling and her books.

Many people have tried to decipher why the Harry Potter novels are so popular. Let me offer you my opinion.

First off: J.K. Rowling's style of writing. She has a way of connecting us to the story that is truly a work of art. This is due, of course, to her writing style. Let me put it this way: if a lesser writer, one who did not have her gif

t of writing style, came up with the idea of Harry Potter first-- the exact same plot-- and wrote the novels, they would not have been as big a hit. JK can make her readers cry, laugh, shake with fear-- all because of her words. Her novels are unpredictable, they leave us fascinated, they make us create lists of Horcruxes, for goodness sakes!

Second: her characters. This is obvious; I don't particularly need to expand. Her characters are lovable, we can relate to them, they are funny, they are sincere. Her imagination came up with these characters that so many people talk about as if they were real (I admit I am one of them!). It is simply beautiful to regard her characters, because they can error without decreasing our love for them.

Third: I do not know if there were many novels out before Harry Potter that had to do with magic (perhaps we simply didn't notice them until after Harry Potter came out.) The point is that magic has always been something humans are intrigued by. Because she gave magic substance; because she created a world that we would love to live in; because she found the one thing humans have never been able to, but always wanted to do-- that is why we love her plot. Take Quidditch, for example. Ingenious! A sport played on flying broomsticks! Wouldn't you just love to play it? Exactly. JK Rowling knew what humans wanted, she knew what were in our deepest fantasies. She played on that, she created this magic world, and she changed lives.

Finally: the morals. What a sensational writer she must be to still leave readers with a moral, after all her fiction and fantasy! Friendship, love, power, courage, what truly matters. Using lovable characters and stunning situations, JK gives us things to think about, things that leave us wondering whether our choices or our abilities define who we are. ;) JK manages to entertain us, and at the same time, instruct us.

Wow. Now do you agree with me?

Now, hopefully you have not read all of this not k

nowing what Harry Potter is about. But because this is (sort of) a book review, I will explain a little bit about the plot of the Harry Potter novels. Harry Potter is a wizard. Let's just get that out into the open. He is the only wizard known to survive the killing curse, uttered by Lord Voldemort, one of the most powerful and dangerous wizards of all time. What's even more amazing is that, besides surviving the curse, he has reduced Lord Voldemort's powers. And so begins the adventures of Harry Potter at the Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, into which he was accepted at age eleven. Harry Potter continues to defy Lord Voldemort through seven books, with the plots becoming more complex and intriguing with each novel. I will save the rest of the story for you!

As I said previously, there are seven novels: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. You probably know this, but Harry Potter has been created into movies, also. The sixth one just came out. Although I am in heavy support of the movies (I really do like them), of course I'd take the books over them any day. It's really too bad that the movies don't follow the plot of the books as closely as I would have liked...

As for ratings, I'm going to rate the entire series as a whole (on a scale of one through ten). This may sound ludicrous, but I'm rating it a ten. Honestly. If you don't believe me, read the novels yourself and then you'll get exactly why I gave the series a perfect score. They are outstanding and extraordinary.

I think that it was a year or two ago that JK Rowling came out with another book, entitled The Tales of Beedle the Bard. I just read it yesterday,

as a matter of fact, and was very pleased with it! I do however recommend reading the Harry Potter novels first, of course.

From horcruxes to hallows, friends to foes, loathing to love, Harry Potter touched my life (in both a fangirly and a notable way!). I guess this isn't much of a book review, more of a mark of how obsessed I am with the series. But whatever it is, Harry Potter reveals what really matters in life.

Harry Potter truly is magical. Thank you, JK Rowling.

Starclimber

2009-05-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

Once again Kenneth Oppel takes his reader on a wild ride in his latest and possibly last :( installment in the Matt Cruse, Airborn series.

This book covers the race to reach beyond our Earth's atmosphere. Outer space. There is a new vessel- The Starclimber- that is designed to take people out into space. Kate de Vries has been given an invitation to come aboard, but Matt Cruse has to compete with other men trying for the same position. He has to go through intense training, and every day the men are competing for a spot aboard the ship. Matt is desperate to go, but there are so many other men. The chances of being chosen are very slim.

If he does end up making it on the ship, the types of adventures waiting in space are unknown. Space has not yet been explored before and what is waiting up there is still yet to be discovered.

There is also another conflict. After being able to see each other continually in Paris, Matt and Kate are back home, and having difficulty getting together often with Kate's parents around all the time. As well, Kate's parents won't stop bugging her, telling her it is high-time she went off and got married, but they would never let Kate marry someone like Matt, who is from a completely different social class...

Oh my gosh! This book was amazing! Also what was really cool about this book was how many surprises there were! I am not usually very easy to surprise when it comes to books, but in this book, I was surprised multiple times! It was crazy! Also, the book was just so captivating! I read it all in one sitting, and when I finished I was jumping up and down with joy because of how good the book was. Then I was really sad when I realized this might just be the last book. I really hope this is not the last book, but if it is, it was a phenomenal end to a phenomenal series.

The Last Olympian

2009-05-12T10:32:00.009-07:00

Just about one week ago, I read the fifth and **sniffles** final Percy Jackson book. Oh my goodness. I LOVED it! It most definitely did not disappoint! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! I couldn't believe how much action there was in this book, and yet, somehow, Rick Riordan was still able to make me laugh out loud while reading, earning me some strange looks from my family members in the same room. ;) I adored it! I stayed up late in bed reading, all hidden under the covers- it was sooo much fun. I was unable to stop smiling- very hugely I might add- especially when I was reading the last couple chapters, and I think anyone who doesn't is made out of steel or something. Either that, or the fact that they disapprove of what happens... although I can't even imagine disapproving of it.

Anyway, the book revolves mostly around the "great prophecy" and Percy's sixteenth birthday, which is about a week from the beginning of the book. The book kicks off fast, and it never slows down. The main questions the story puts into your head throughout the book are- Is Percy the person in the prophecy? If so, what is the choice he has to make? And, will the choice either destroy or save Olympus?

Located here is most of the first chapter of the book: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Last-Olympian/Rick-Riordan/e/9781423101475#EXC. To read the excerpt you have to press the link that says Read an Excerpt under the picture of the book.

So, I thought it was amazing, and I hope Rick Riordan decides to do another Camp Half-Blood book, because it seems like he might since in the Acknowledgements or something it says something about the "end of the first Camp Half-Blood series", also with the, umm... thing at the end, with Rachel... read the book and you should understand what I am talking about. :D **fingers crossed** Although we all know no one is gonna be able to beat Percy's amazing-ness.
Anyway, it was a spectacular book, and it is an AMAZING series, I HIGHLY recommend reading them and/or it.

Keeping the Moon

2009-05-11T19:33:00.005-07:00

Keeping the Moon was a fabulous book. Once again Sarah Dessen out does herself! I have to say that this is one of my all time favorite books. It has romance, friendship, self worth... everything that makes a great book. I would rate this a 9 out of 10 on a scale from 1-10. Even if I make it sound horrific, I would recommend reading it anyway. It's a quick read and you will not regret it!

Keeping the Moon follows the feel good story of Colie, a fifteen-year-old girl who is sent to stay in Colby, North Carolina with her eccentric Aunt Mira. Colie has never fit in much. At first it was because she was considered fat. Then she and her mom lost the weight and it was because she had a reputation she didn't deserve. When she arrived in Colby she had already convinced herself not to expect much. Why would this be anything different from home? She was also not looking forward to staying with her crazy Aunt Mira. In the first few days of her trip Colie lands herself a job at the Last Chance Bar and Grill. Here she meets Isabel and Morgan, two best friends who are about to teach her the meaning of true friendship. In North Carolina Colie finds the strength to appreciate and accept herself, two new friends, and a guy named Norman. What else could she ask for?

Just Listen

2009-05-11T18:58:00.004-07:00

Annabel Greene seems to have the perfect life. At least that is what she portrays in her modeling shoots. In her shoots she has it all: friends, a cute boyfriend, a happy life... what else is there? In Annabel's reality there is more than just what lies on the surface. Her friendship with Sophie ended bitterly, her sister's eating disorder is tearing the family apart, and Annabel seems to have gotten pushed aside. What's a girl to do? Being isolated at home and at school Annabel retreats into silence. That is until she meets Owen. Owen Armstrong is somebody Annabel could never have pictured being friends. He is music obsessed and determined to always tell the truth. With Owen's help Annabel learns to just listen to her heart and gains the courage to speak honestly. Is this enough to tell everyone what really happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends? Read Just Listen to find out!

This book was an amazing read. Sarah Dessen is an outstanding author and all of her books are wonderful! If I were to rate this book on a scale from 1-10 I would have to rate it an 8. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great book. So get out there and read!

The Neverending Story

2009-05-10T17:20:00.007-07:00

How would you like a story that never ended? Bastian Balthazar Bux had a passion for books and would love a story that didn't end. In this story, you join Bastian as he reads The Neverending Story in the attic of his school. Fantastica, the world inside the book, is in danger! The Nothing is spreading and the Childlike Empress is sick. A young boy named Atreyu is called upon to go on a quest to save Fantastic. Soon the answer is found. Only a human child can save Fantastica by giving the Childlike Empress a new name. Bastian becomes a part of the story and must partake on a quest of his own. It is a dangerous path, one he may never return from. You can become part of the neverending story too, if you dare to read it.

Many of you have probably seen the movie or a play. The book is just as thrilling, even without the special effects. It really does pull you in. I enjoyed it immensly and wouldn't mind re-reading it. I really recommend this book. I would rate it a 9 out of 10. This book is perfect for anyone who likes adventure mixed with suspense, magic, and even some humor.

*Note: I got a little mad and bored at the middle part of the end, but trust me, it's worth it to finish the book.

Millions and Billions of Books

2009-04-19T14:12:00.024-07:00

For everyone out there wondering, this isn't a book review, it's pre- and post-book excitement. There are so many books that have come out recently and many more soon to come out, and I wanted to whet everyone's appetite by talking about them a little bit.

One book that has come out recently is Handle with Care, the latest addition to Jodi Picoult's abundance of captivating books. I am on the waiting list for it at the library, and I am so excited! Jodi Picoult has long been an author that digs up the dirt on all those unspeakable topics, and her writing is incredible. I advise everyone to check this book out, and I will make sure to let everyone know how it is after I've finished it!

Did everyone hear the exciting news about Fablehaven 4? Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary came out on March 25th! I am waiting to read it bcause I want to read the first three Fablehaven books again before I pick up the fourth, but I am really looking forward to it! Go Kendra and Seth!

And then we can't forget Starclimber! The third book in the Airborn series, Starclimber came out early this year. I absolutely LOVED it! All Kenneth Oppel fans, rejoice at this amazing sequel to Skybreaker.

There are so many books that will be coming out this year... Along for the Ride, for one. This is Sarah Dessen's newest book, and it will be coming out on June 16, 2009! As an avid Sarah Dessen fan, I am very enthusiastic for her new book. Here is a video on it:

Yet another book to look forward to: Being Nikki by Meg Cabot. Being Nikki is the sequel to her cute and sweet Airhead, and it will be released in 16 days! (May 5, 2009!)

Eeek!

Last of all, of course there is Catching Fire, the eagerly awaited sequel to the intense and moving book by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games. There is no set date for the release of this book, but we know it will come out sometime this year in September. I know I can speak for many others when I say we are all very, very excited for this book!

Anyhoo, I just wanted to let you all in on the book news! :) Please let me know if you have information any recently released or soon-to-be-released books!

Bird By Bird

2009-04-11T10:21:00.005-07:00

As many others, I have found that my love of reading has flourished into a want to write. I love putting my pen to the page and spinning a story from my imagination. However, as a young writer, my love of writing is not enough to get me published. I need skill, and for my skills to develop, I need guidance.

It is not often that you find a book that is not only funny and inspirational, but also honest. By all means, Anne Lamott has created one! Beautifully written and amusing, Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life is a touching and honest book that gives good, raw advice to aspiring writers.

From chapter to chapter, Lamott dishes out useful writing instruction and spices each with humorous anecdotes. She tells of how difficult it was to start writing, and each struggle she goes through to publish a new story. There are stories about her third grade lunchroom, her son, and her crazy friends. In Bird by Bird, there is a chapter entitled Broccoli and a chapter entitled Plot. Bird by Bird, although a slender book, is wonderfully broad in its content.

I especially liked the honesty of this book. There are authors and books out there that may tell me that I will get published in an instant, but I'd rather hear the truth. Lamott describes how hard it is to get published, but why you should continue to write through the difficulty of it all. She explains that it is no easy feat to write an entire book, much less a book that will sell well. Her candor was both funny and truthful, an uncommon combination, and her writing style was fluid and well organized.

I recommend this book for all young writers, and I would rate it a 9.9 on a 10-point scale. Although it is a nonfiction book, it is nonetheless captivating, and I stayed up terribly late to finish it!

MAX

2009-03-22T19:10:00.007-07:00

The 5th instalment in the Maximum Ride Series is here! Yet another adventure with Max and the Flock unfolds in this James Patterson page turner. Off the coast of Hawaii, millions of fish are dying, and the reason is unknown. Ships are also being destroyed by someone or something and it is up to the Flock to stop it.

Now, to be frank, when I heard this synopsis, I thought something along the lines of, "What?!?! That doesn't sound like something worthy of the title, Maximum Ride!" Patterson actually pulls it off, though. He mixes the right amount of adventure and mystery to create a good story. He also adds in a little bit of love, for those fans of Fax ('Fang and Max in love' for the newbies).

Anyway, the world is waiting to be saved and the Flock must step up to the challenge. There is an assassin watching their every move and plenty of bad guys trying to make their lives miserable. A certain Mr. Chu also has his own plans for the Flock. So this new book certainly puts the Flock's powers to the test, all of their powers, maybe even some new ones! I can't tell you any more without ruining it, so you'll have to read it yourself.

I would rate this book an 8.5 out of 10. I would recommend it to anyone of any age!

Shades

2009-03-21T09:44:00.008-07:00

About a month or two ago, my teacher recommended a book for me, entitled Shades. Honestly? I was a bit skeptical. But she told me to go ahead and savor the book... take my time. So I did. I read it very slowly, sometimes stopping in the middle to read another book. I savored it. Each passage, each breath of writing Ms. Poland created, was beautifully crafted. It wasn't so much that the plot shook me up-- it was the fascinating writing itself.

How the blood betrays, marching up the neck and across the cheeks and through the ears, announcing itself. Walter could feel the heat rising. Poised, they stood, Victor and he. Then Victor shuddered his way past, opened the door and was gone. The draught blew out the candle that stood on the table. The little grey tail of smoke hung suspended in the dark. -- Marguerite Poland, Shades

How can you not love such writing? Perhaps it is not your favorite style, but her descriptions are so vivid, you cannot help but be entranced by them! I know I was. While reading the last half of the book, I was amazed at how much I loved it. In the beginning, you have to get used to her writing and her descriptions, but once you plow through and keep reading, you start to love her details. I would rate Shades an 8 out of 10.

Shades is about a young man, Walter, who travels to South Africa for a mission. He stays with the Farboroughs, a family of four. Walter feels an immediate attraction to Frances, the daughter, and their romance and emotion towards each other progresses throughout the book. Meanwhile, the book follows the lives of others, such as Crispin Farborough, the son; and Victor Farborogh, the heroic and brave cousin of Crispin and Frances. All those in the story struggle to find love and faith in difficult times of drought, famine, war, and loss of hope.

Inspiring and sharp, Shades tells a story of passion, turbulence, and the clash of cultures: a story I will continue to be awed by.

Elsewhere

2009-03-12T18:06:00.005-07:00

Ever wonder what is after death? In this novel, Lizzie finds out the hard way. She is like any 15-year-old girl, until she is hit by a taxi on her way to pick out a prom dress. Lizzie finds herself aboard a ship, the S.S. Nile. She soon discovers that she is dead, along with everyone else on the boat. The boat is taking her away from Earth to a place called Elsewhere. There, you age backwards from the day you arrive, which Liz finds unsettling and horrible. When she does arrive she meets her grandmother, Betty, who died even before Lizzie was born. Lizzie misses her family terribly and now she has to try to adjust to the ways of life in this foreign place.

I can't tell you any more without ruining the book for you. You'll have to read it yourself! I would rate it a 8.7 on a scale from 1 to 10. It was definitely worth my while. I recommend it to anyone who likes a novel with a bit of mystery, some love, and a whole new way of looking at the world!

The Series of Unfortunate Events

2009-02-21T09:20:00.007-07:00

In sixth grade, I was completely obsessed with one series, and one series only. These book were The Series of Unfortunate Events. I scribbled things in notebooks about the Baudelaire's adventures; I read each book with excitement. I was absolutely devoted to Lemony Snicket and his books. I even threw a party with my best friend when the last of the series came out. Recently, I looked at my bookshelf and said to myself, Oh, goodness, I haven't thought of or read those books in a while! And so, I couldn't resist pulling the first one off the shelf and leafing through its pages. Then, Lemony Snicket being Lemony Snicket, I was hooked. Sure, the books are written for kids more around the 4th grade level, but I couldn't help myself. They were quick and fun reads, and the villain in the story was one of those villains everyone loves to hate. I am currently reading the 9th one, entitled The Carnivorous Carnival.

The whole series is based around three children named Sunny, Klaus, and Violet Baudelaire.When misfortune befalls the three siblings, they are sent to their relative's house-- a frightening, atrocious, and intimidating relative named Count Olaf. As luck would have it, Count Olaf is pure evil. He does everything in his power to steal the Baudelaire fortune, which was left to the children after something terrible happens to their parents. Each book has a different plot in which Count Olaf attempts to steal the fortune, and the poor Baudelaire's continue to have bad luck heaped upon them. Even though this series is written for younger readers, I still love it because it is different from the typical story, in which everything ends happily ever after. I would rate the entire series a 8.5 in a 10-point scale. Snicket's ability to tie things up at the end and connect everything is admirable, and makes for an interesting read.

So if one day you are looking for a quick and easy book to read, pick up The Bad Beginning, which is the first in the series. And remember to ignore Lemony Snicket's advice to put the book right back down.

Nineteen Minutes

2009-01-09T16:16:00.023-07:00

I just finished an incredible book by Jodi Picoult. It is called Nineteen Minutes.

When you think about it, you can do so many things in 19 minutes. In 19 minutes, Peter Houghton caused a catastrophe that would be remembered for a long time. 17-year-old Peter Houghton from Sterling, New Hampshire had been bullied and harassed since the first day of kindergarten. His best friend, Josie Cormier, abandoned him when she was accepted into the 'popular' group. One final incident finally causes him to go over the edge and commit a horrific act of violence.

Now everyone is getting involved and everything is getting confused. Judge Alex Cormier (Josie's mother) is the judge on the case. Josie can't remember anything about what happened to her in the school, or can she? Josie goes looking for a father she never knew. Many relationships change over the course of the story. Finally, everyone learns the shocking truth.

This novel is thrilling and completely pulls you in. I would rate it a 9.8 out of 10. I really enjoyed this book. It is very descriptive and makes you want to keep reading (in fact, I had trouble stopping). It is full of mystery, twist endings, suspense, love, tears, and murderer.

Jodi Picoult is a wonderful writer. Some of her other works include: My Sister's Keeper, The Pact, Change of Heart, The Tenth Circle, and many others.

Ironside

2008-12-24T15:00:00.005-07:00

Ironside is about a girl named Kaye. She declares her love to Roiben. Roiben decided to take her up on her offer, but first she had to go on a seemingly impossible quest. Until she can finsh the quest she can not see or speak to Roiben. Now she was miserable and convinced that she didnt belong any were she had decided to tell her mother the truth that she was left in the place of the human daughter that was stolen along time ago. Her mother sends Kaye back to the faerie world to find the human Kaye and return her to Ironside. But once she was back in the faerie courts she finds herself a pawn in the games of Silarial the queen of Seelie Court. It is about fairies. I thought the book was pretty cool. I did not get a little of it, but I got some of it. I would still rate it a 10 though, becuase it was a good book.

The Looking Glass Wars

2008-10-21T14:07:00.010-07:00

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in Wonderland? Princess Alyss Heart is a 7 year old girl living in Wonderland. Her mother, Queen Genevieve, rules the queendom. This is one big happy family except for her Aunt Redd. Her Aunt Redd has been cruel and spiteful ever since the day her mother picked her sister Genevieve over Redd to be next in line to rule. Now Redd has come back from her exile to lead her own rebellion. To keep Alyss out of Redd's hands, Alyss Heart is put into the hands of Hatter Madigan, her mother's guard and head of the Millinery. Unfortunately, they are separated as they travel out of Wonderland through the Pool of Tears and Alyss ends up in Victorian London. There she meets Lewis Carrol, who she learns to trust. That trust is soon broken when he writes down her story...with a lot of changes. She is furious that he could do such a thing to her, making her life seem like a fantasy. In this world, no one believes her.
Now in the meantime, others are having troubles too. Redd has taken over Wonderland and the small resistance, named the Alyssians, are trying their best to just stay alive. Hatter Madigan is having quite a hard time finding Alyss. He searches all over the world for her, trying to bring her back to her homeland to stop the invasion. I would tell you more, but I don't want to ruin the book! You'll have to read it yourself to find out what happens!
I would have to rate this book a 9.9 on a scale from 1 to 10. It was fabulous! It is stuffed with action and mystery. You begin to feel as if you are walking, or as it often turns out to be, running beside the characters on this miraculous journey. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a book with a bit of sadness, a lot of action and just a hint of mystery!
Also, there is a sequel called Seeing Redd. Apparently, a third book is scheduled to come out too! So you will have plenty of reading material if this hooks you! It sure caught me!

Drums, Girls & Dangerous pie

2008-09-26T20:20:00.009-07:00

SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!

DO NOT READ THIS POST IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK Drums,Girls& Dangerous Pie
A incredible book about a middle school kid dealing with life while his little brother battles leukemia.Its funny in a way that reminds us that its OK to laugh in a bad situation.Made me realize how many kids in America have cancer.

It starts with you meeting Steven, a 13-year-old drummer in the All-City High School Jazz Band annoyed with his 5-year-old brother Jeffery.Well one day when Steven is making Jeffery breakfast, Jeffery falls of the stool and has a nose bleed that won't stop.So his mom takes Jeffery to the hospital.They find out Jeffery has leukemia.Steven's mom takes Jeffery to a hospital nearby in Philadelphia twice a month.Steven goes through life trying to keep his brother's cancer problem a secret,not really focused on any thing but his drums.Later when his teachers confront him about him not turning in his homework does he start doing his homework again.When his mom gets sick Steven and his father have to take Jeffery to Philadelphia.Steven meets a girl about his age with leukemia when he's in Philadelphia.He hangs out with her.She dies sometime between the first time Steven goes to the hospital with Jeffery and the next time.When Steven finds out her sister wasn't with her when she died he decided to stick with Jeffery while he's in the hospital.Every one at school finds out Jeffery has cancer.When the high school requires all students to complete community service in order to graduate.Two girls figure out a way to help Steven's family money problems and help the band complete their community service hours by giving all the profits from the spring concert to Steven's family for Jeffery's Medical bills.When Jeffery gets sick in the middle of the concert, Steven leaves his big concert and solo behind to be with Jeffery.In the end at his 8th grade graduation Jeffery no cancer.

Airborn and Skybreaker Debate

2008-09-19T20:28:00.020-07:00

SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!

DO NOT READ THIS POST IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOKS AIRBORN AND/ OR SKYBREAKER!!(Even if you have read Airborn, do not read this-it will ruin Skybreaker for you and we certainly don't want that)

My oponent will try to tell you that Matt should be hated for using his free will. Read this and see if it changes your mind.

This is my opinion of some 'problems' or 'issues' in Skybreaker. First of all, I believe that Matt had every right to kiss Nadia back. He can have free will and get away from Kate. For all he knows, she might be marrying, or at least really likes Hal Slater. Now, no matter what side you are on, I am pretty sure that you will agree with me that Slater is an awful man. He is heartless and greedy according to me and many of my friends and opponents. Anyway, I think that Matt was perfectly correct in kissing Nadia back. Nadia is kind and she is a very good character. Kate should get her guy priorities straight. She is being quite rude to Matt by gushing over Slater and ignoring Matt. I mean, I know that she wants to be nice to Slater so that he will take them to the Hyperion but does she have to be that nice? Also, does she not see his true reasons and cruel actions?

I am almost finished and I'm judging things from how they seem right now.

I don't care if Kate doesn't like Slater, she still has no right to kill Matt like that by acting that way! Okay, yes he kissed Nadia but who said he couldn't!? Excuse me, but at that time Kate was still being cruel to him! He can like Nadia if he wants to. I know that he doesn't more than a friend but maybe that was good for Kate to see them because then she got a taste of what she had been feeding Matt! Jealously, very good for Kate. She, what?, has no idea that she's hurting Matt by hanging on Slater's every word?! Yes, it's nice that they are all happy with each other again but seriously!

Matt had EVERY RIGHT to kiss Nadia!!!!! Kate was ignoring him so why not spend more time with the one kind girl on the ship! Kate could have just talked to Matt and told him that she didn't like Slater, which she does, so that would be lying.

What? You think that Matt isn't going to act like a boy? Of course he's drooling over Nadia's dancing!

I am very glad that Kate saw them kissing! Now she gets why Matt has been unhappy. One word, jealousy. Can't she tell that he hates Slater!?! Why would she go ahead and hurt Matt by being all friendly to Slater. Yes, I know that she says that she doesn't like him but she could have told that to Matt earlier! That would have saved a lot.

Kate was supposed to be his friend and I thought that friends told each other things to keep one another from hurting. Kate isn't that good at being a friend (or more) is she? I don't think so.

The Sight

2008-06-30T14:16:00.007-07:00

This is a great book about mystical lore and legend coming to life. Set in the wilderness of Transylvania it starts with a wolf pack seeking shelter for the she-wolf about to give birth. Even if shelter is found, they are still in danger, and not just the pups. A lone wolf, Morgra, stalks the land. She posses the Sight, a mysterious and frightening power. With the use of this she finds that one of the newborn pups wields a power stronger than her own and she will stop at nothing to take it. A verse that tells about the dead rising and a battle that will involve the Varg's (predator's) worst enemy, Man, shall be fulfilled, with great risk and casualty.

I thought that this book was absolutely wonderful! It ensnares the reader and you become completely wrapped up in the magic of it all. If I'm making it sound like a princess fairy tale, let me tell you, it is not! There is magic aplenty but if you are emotional with books, you will be crying for sure. This story shows the strong bond in a family and how willing you can be to make a sacrifice if it saves someone you love. I would rate it a 9 on a scale from 1 to 10. It is definitely a must read!

The Host

2008-06-21T19:22:00.005-07:00

The Host is one of most riveting books I have ever read. It is filled with mind boggling action and heart pounding expense. If you are looking for a book to keep you up reading all night then this is the one for you! I would rate it a 10 on a scale from 1-10(ten being the best). I would change absolutely nothing about this book, it was amazing!

You join a soul named Wanderer(Wanda) on the journey of her life. She has lived on many different planets and now Earth is her new home. The way souls survive is by being inserted into a host. Everyone time a host's life ends the soul is removed and placed in another host. These souls have taken over planet Earth and the remaining humans are not happy about. Very little "real" humans exist and the only way they survive is by hiding. Specific souls called Seekers are employed to catch these humans, so there bodies can be used to house fellow souls. In this case Wanda's human host is named Melanie. When Wanda is inserted into Melanie's body she is expected to gain all of Melanie's memories(including those about other humans whereabouts) and quite Melanie forever. The only problem with this is Melanie is a VERY strong willed young woman. Despite all of Wanda's attempts she refuses to be silent. Then Wanda comes upon a memory of a boy named Jamie and a man named Jared. Jamie was Melanie's little brother and Jared was her soul mate. Through the constant memories Melanie provides Wanda finds herself in love. Melanie's worries about these humans drip into Wanda's soul and make her question the life she has. She decides(with help from Melanie) to leave her home and search for Melanie's loved ones. Could they possibly be her loved ones now too? Would the humans kill her if she found them? These questions plus the constant reminder that she is now a traitor to fellow souls plagues the mind of Wanda. Despite this she sets out on the journey that will change her life forever.

The Ravenmaster's Secret

2008-05-31T21:41:00.007-07:00

This was a wonderful book written by Elvira Woodruff! It is one of those fabulous stories where you think you have read ten minutes and really you have read for two hours. I would give this book a 7.5 on my list from 1-10(10 being the highest). It is a story filled with friendship and adventure that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

You join eleven-year-old Forrest Harper on an adventure that most only dream about. He believes his future holds only the dull, but wonderful, job of Ravenmaster. Little does he know what adventure is in store. The time is London 1735. The English are having great trouble with Scottish Rebels and Forrest soon finds he will help his father(the current Ravenmaster) guard one of these terrifying rebels. That is part of his father's job and in being his son Forrest is expected to help. He gladly looks forward to helping because he hopes it will put an end to the constant bullying he receives because of his size. If little Forrest Harper can guard an enormous, strong Scottish Rebel then surely the boys will stop their teasing, but to Forrest's dismay his prisoner is not the person he is hoping for. Instead he is stuck with the daughter of a Scottish Rebel, Maddy. Even though the last thing he expects to find in Maddy is friendship, that is exactly what he gets. He and Maddy become friends, but will that soon come to an end when she is sentenced to death? Can Forrest allow his good, innocent friend to be wrongly murdered? Or will he commit treason to save her? Read this fantastic book and you will soon find out!

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness: Wolf Brother

2008-05-24T20:27:00.005-07:00

This book is the beginning of a wonderful series. It is about Torak and Wolf as they try to defeat the evil in the Forest. Torak and his father, Fa, live alone in the Forest, away from the clans and other men. Soon Torak's life is tipped out of order when an evil demon from the Otherworld trapped in the body of a bear attacks and kills Fa. Fa tells Torak that he must go and find the Mountain of the World Spirit. Torak's guide is supposed to find him and lead him to the Mountain. Torak sets off and soon finds a wolf cub. The cub, Wolf, becomes his guide and joins Torak, leading him on his difficult journey. Along the way they encounter danger, long time enemies and friends, and help in unexpected places. Torak finds out a lot about his past that he didn't know. He also discovers some unexpected things about his future.

I thought that this book was very thrilling and suspenseful in some parts. It hooks you and drags you along for the ride. It shows a culture that is resourceful and lost from our society. I would rate this book a solid 9. It was definitely worth reading!! Put it on your list of "To Reads"!

Don't Look Behind You

2008-05-19T10:15:00.004-07:00

In the book Don't Look Behind You, there is a girl named April. She is a junior in high school and has an amazing boyfriend named Steve. She is her schools best tennis player. Basically her life is perfect. Her dad was the manager of an airline. He is off giving a testimoney at court. Her mom, who is a writer, has been anxiously awaiting his return. Then one day April is picked up at school early by her social grandmother Loreli. When she gets home, her mother is frantic and her father's best friend who is in the F.B.I is there. Her dad has been shot at! In this book full of love and suspense. You are sucked in by it's alluring word choice. Soon you are not you, but you are April. Trying to make sense of how and when her life went wrong. I would recommend this book to any one between the ages of 12-14. On a scale of one to ten, I give the book Don't Look Behind you a ...

Crushed

2008-05-19T09:57:00.005-07:00

In the book Crushed. There is a girl named Audrey. She and her three friends (C.C and Lea) have just started there first year at a public high school. One day audrey meets this AMAZING boy. She describes him as extremely handsome. And his voice is a soft drawl. The boys name is Wickham Hill. He imedeately take a liking to Audrey. But as things heat up things also break apart. And all of the sudden out of nowhere she begins to notice a boy named clyed. A.k.a the mummy. Soon Audreys world is falling apart at the seams. And she cant seem to keep it together. In this amazing book you will imediately be drawn in. In this book full of love,lust,and treachery you will find that you can some how relate to how Audrey feels. I would recomend this book to anyone between the ages of twelve through fifteen. On a scale of one to ten I rate this book an eight and a half.

The Moonchild

2008-05-18T16:11:00.006-07:00

My opinion about Moonchild is that it is a cool book for anyone who likes horror books.

The Blackstones son (Simon Blackstone) died of a mysterious illness at Christmas time. Simon was always so happy, and so alive. Then Simon died, but then a little after his funeral his mom and dad heard his laughter and screams. Then they saw the twisted faces of his victims, they were frightened masks of bloody shock. Then they learned the only way to end a moonchilds tortured existence was to bury him where he was born. So for the Blackstones, it meant a fearful journey across Europe with the casket of thier monstrously transformed son. For all who dared peer into the coffin, it meant unspeakable death from the part of him that refused to die. That part of him grew and grew and grew up to his last most hideous act.

I would rate this a 9, becuase it was a good book but a little bit of it was wierd.

Life As We Knew It

2008-05-02T17:46:00.006-07:00

This book is about a 16 year old girl named Miranda. Her whole life is at least semi-normal...until the moon is knocked out of orbit by an asteroid. Then her life goes to pieces. The moon affects earth strongly, so when it changes, so does earth. Tides are flooding cities and volcanoes are erupting, covering the skies with ash and blocking out the sun. In some ways, the ash-filled sky is a relief because it also blocks out the moon, which is closer and looks disturbing in the sky, day and night. People rush to the grocery stores and fill carts and carts with food, panic is spread everywhere. Fresh water becomes something that you can't take for granted. Soon living becomes a challenge.

Written through Miranda's diary entries, this thrilling novel depicts how Miranda and her family struggle through this crisis where there may never be a happily ever after. This book is written very well and descibes everything perfectly! I would ABSOLUTELY rate this a 9.999999999 etc. out of 10!!! It should be in the top books on your to read list!

Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever

2008-04-25T17:02:00.008-07:00

This is the fast-paced, action-packed sequel to the outstanding bestseller, Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment. This book covers the flock, a group of six kids, Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, and Angel, who have been genetically enhanced by people referred to as the white-coats, at a laboratory in California, that the flock calls... the school. Oh yeah, I forgot one tiny little detail! They have WINGS! Yep, they can FLY!!!

Oh, I forgot one more thing... they are on a mission to save the world.

This story starts with the flock heading off to try and find their parents. On their way they fly into flying erasers!!! (Erasers are half human, half wolf -and now part avian- creatures who where also made by the school and their biggest goal is... to rid of the flock by whatever means necessary.) So a battle rages on in the sky until the Erasers eventually retreat and fly away. Max makes sure no one is hurt and no one appears to be injured, so they continue their way through the sky. After a while Max realizes that Fang has been flying awkwardly and goes to investigate. Upon reaching Fang, she sees his arm drenched in blood.

She gasps and says, " Your arm!" And all Fang can say back is, "S'not my arm," before he starts to lose altitude fast... really fast.

Will Fang be OK? What is with the flying Erasers? Will they ever find their parents? And the biggest question of all... Will they be able to save the world?

I love this book! It is one of my all time favorites! I love the action, the surprise, and the entire plot (except for one part- people who know me know exactly what that part is. Although it does make the story more interesting). I love this book and give it a perfrct score. But since this is my favorite book series of all time I give it the highest rank possible! So it is not a ten on a scale from one to ten it is higher!

Wicked: Book One Witch

2008-04-24T18:36:00.004-07:00

Holly Cather's world shatters when she finds herself in a rafting accident. Her parents are dead and so is her best friend Tina. Somehow she is the only one to survive, but she doesn't understand how. She felt herself drowning yet after a plethora of odd dreams she wakes up in a hospital very much alive. Whom she finds there is someone she has never met: her Aunt Marie-Claire. Her new found aunt decides that Holly should come live with her in Seattle. Holly herself isn't so sure. Even though her aunt is there for her Holly decides to stay in San Francisco with her best friend's mother. After a terrible accident though she is forced to move to Seattle with her aunt. It seems Holly's life can't get any worse, that is until she gets to Seattle. On top of everything she is devastated to realize her aunt is cheating on her Uncle Richard with Michael Deveraux. He is the father of Jer. A boy Holly finds herself strangely attracted to. She doesn't understand; she has never met this boy before and yet she feels like she has known him her entire life. For Holly this is just the beginning of a terrible secret involving a family feud between the Cathers and the Deverauxs dating back for centuries. Does Michael Deveraux have a secret plan to hurt her aunt? Will Holly have the strength to carry on and save the people she holds dear or will she fall into the arms of Jer Deveraux?

This was a WONDERFUL book with enough action to keep everyone on the edge of their seat! I would rate it a 8.5 on my list from 1-10 and although it was hard to get through the beginning I was sure glad I did! This is the first book in the Wicked series by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie.

Ranger's Apprentice: Icebound Land

2008-04-19T14:04:00.012-07:00

For a time, through the beginning, before chapter two, you find yourself with Will, an apprentice ranger for those who don't know, and Evanlyn on a wolf- ship caught in the middle of a sea with a massive storm flying at them at full speed. At the same time Halt, Will's master, is chasing a general of Morgarath, who they had just defeated, and his one hundred and one free-lance duplicates. After being caught up in the storm for so long the wolf-ship finally drags its way into the safety of a staging point harbor. Halt far across half a sea decides to take his chance to rescue Will so he commites a dead against his king and is banished for a period of one year, on his way to the port Horace, Will's best friend and a battle school apprentice, manages to join Halt on his journey in Celtica to Skandia where Will was taken to be a slave after being captured in the war against Morgarath. The story mainly centers on Will and Evanlyn in the beginning half and Halt and Horace through out the book in their journey to Skandia and the fights and adventures they had there. I liked the adventure that Halt and Horace took part in to reach Skandia to find Will and rescue him. I would rate this book at a 8 1/2 on a scale of one to ten. The end of the book does have a mild cliffhanger, thankfully you don't have to wait because the next book is out. (Next Post Down)

Ranger's Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia

2008-04-19T13:35:00.013-07:00

You start off in this book with Will, an apprentice ranger, and Evanlyn in a Skandian cabin in the Northern mountains of Skandia after Will and Evanlyn escape a harsh life of slavery. The book follows Will, Evanlyn, Halt, Will's master, Horace ,an apprentice form the battle school, and other smaller characters in their own perspectives of their time in Skandia. When a foreign army from the South the Araluens and the Skandians must come together to ward off the enemy so that not only Skandia but all the countries in the region will stay independent of a foreign rule. As the foreign army marches towards the capitol of Skandia they encounter attacks from not only land but from sea too; all thanks to Halt's careful planning. Everyone helps out from Halt's planning to Horace's protection to Evanlyn's spying and ideas to Will's forming of a smaller archer unit. Everyone's help is need if everyone wants to stay free of a foreign oppressor. On a scale of one to ten I would rate this book at an eight. I loved the tactics but thought that some of the parts in the book seemed to run a little dry.

I Know What You Did Last Summer

2008-04-15T15:48:00.001-07:00

In this book, there are four main characters, Julie, Ray, Barry, and Helen. They did something last summer that they are not proud of, and in a desperate try to keep their horrid secret hidden, they make a pact that said they could never tell anyone of what had happened that night.

About a year later Julie receives two letters. One is an acceptance to Smith College! She is very happy because she wants to be able to leave where she lives, in order to forget about the tragic event that occurred, not far from her home. In all of the excitement, her mother had forgotten to give Julie her second letter. So she gives it to Julie right before she leaves to school. As Julie examines the envelope she realizes that there is no return address. How strange... Then she opens the letter and in bold print is the sentence:

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER.

Could someone really know? How had their secret not stayed hidden? What will happen to them if someone does know?

I absolutely adored this book! It was so full of suspense and mystery! It is a very well put together story. It is really cool how she wrote the book too, because you see the story through... I am pretty sure- everyone's point of view! I would give it about a 9.8 on a scale from one to ten!

Everlost

2008-04-08T20:17:00.003-07:00

Allie doesn't survive the car accident and neither does Nick, but their souls don't exactly get where they were supposed to go. Instead, they end up in Everlost, a place that is stuck between the living world and death. In Everlost they see the living world and everyone in it, but they can't be apart of it. If they try they may sink to the center of the Earth!

You join Nick and Allie on this world wind adventure where they first try to become alive again, but then once they realize their destiny is set they try to reach the beyond. Along the way they learn all about Everlost and what it means to be an Afterlight. They encounter many new friends and a few new enemies. Will they be able to accept their fate and move on or will they be stuck in their rut forever?

This was a wonderful book filled with abnormal ideas that made the reading... exciting! It's unusual plot and intense characters make it a 9.5 on my list! Everyone should have the opportunity to read Everlost by Neal Shusterman!

Maximum Ride: The Final Warning

2008-03-24T17:37:00.003-07:00

Global Warming. It has been an issue people have talked about it for years, but is it true? Well, in Maximum Ride: The Final Warning you join the flock on an adventure they are sure to remember which teaches them a lot about Global Warming and what they can do to help. I would rate this book a 7.5 on a scale from 1-10. The only reason for my rating is because this book stood out from the other three in the series. The characters seemed less themselves to me. The message in the book was WONDERFUL though! It should really give kids a perspective on Global Warming and what it is doing to the world. It also teaches us what we can do to help.

You once again join Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, Angel, and Total on a whirlwind adventure. They are headed off to Antarctica to help scientists perform research on Global Warming. Many things happen while they are there, but in the midst of it all they find a traitor. Someone who has been reporting to a secret source their every move. Will this secret source find and capture them or was it all just a false alarm? The flock knows better than that; they are sure someone is after them and it is just a matter of time before that someone makes their move.

This is a fantastic book filled with real world events, adventure, humor, and even a bit of romance. Whether you believe in Global Warming or not this book is for you!

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

2008-03-01T13:21:00.015-07:00

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a book about Kit. Her grandfather has just died, leaving her an orphan, in Barbados. Kit sails on the Dolphin to Connecticut to go and live with her Aunt Rachel and her terrifying Uncle Matthew. On the ship, she meets a boy about her age named Nathan Eaton. In Connecticut, she finds that life is very different from her homeland. Raised with silk dresses and slaves, she now is expected to do the work herself. Kit finds peace at one place though, the hut of Hannah. Hannah is a Quaker who lives in the meadow and is suspected of being a witch. Kit soon finds that Hannah is also friends with Nat. She has been advised and ordered not to go around Hannah but does not heed these warnings and soon Kit is accused of witchcraft herself!

If you like books with mystery, adventure, and even a little romance, then this is for you!! This book made me want to keep reading page after page like a good book should! I would rate this book a 9 1/2 out of 10! The Witch of Blackbird pond is a definite must read!!

Fablehaven

2008-01-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in fairies? Would you be brave enough to care for hundreds of mythical creatures--most of them dangerous-- on a large and fantastical preserve? Brandon Mull will satisfy the most hungry of readers as he guides us through his story: What it would be like to visit your Grandparent's estate, and suddenly realize the beautiful land they live on is a magical preserve that holds millions of mystical animals-- and secrets.

Kendra and Seth's parents are going on a cruise. And the kids aren't invited. So what happens to them? They are sent to their Grandparents' house. But their Grandparents' estate isn't anything normal. Its sheer beauty and huge size is anything but ordinary. Kendra and Seth aren't expecting anything strange to happen, though. So they are very surprised when they turn out to be wrong. Soon, Kendra and her brother are swept up in the captivating secrets of the land their Grandparents live on, called a preserve. And then things start to go wrong. Can Kendra save her family-- and the preserve?

I absolutely loved this book, and anyone who enjoys fantasy will, too. I would rate it a 10 out of 10 for the terrific plot and superb imagery the book held. I could clearly imagine everything that Mull described, and I'm looking forward to reading the third book of Fablehaven. Anyone who enjoys this book will most likely like the sequel, Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening star. And to those of you who don't believe in fairies: After reading this book, you will.

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

2008-01-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

This was a very interesting book. If I were to rate it on a scale from 1-10 I would have to say it was... a 5.5. I would say this book is for a younger audience than seventh graders. It's characters are younger than twelve or thirteen, so it is difficult to connect with them. Although it is written for younger children the main story line was excellent! I enjoyed the mysterious quality the most in this book.

You join Claudia and her little brother Jamie on an exciting adventure. Claudia has decided that she wants to teach her parents a lesson. She wants them to realize how valuable she is, so she decides to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York city. She knows that she can't make this trip alone(mainly because she has no money). Jamie on the other hand has tons of money, so Claudia chooses to invite,or rather demand, her brother to come with. At first Jamie doesn't want to go, but when he realizes its his chance for adventure he jumps right in. The pair is only planning on staying a few days in the museum, but when a beautiful statue arrives with a mystery attached they know they can't leave without solving it. The statue is called Angel and she may have been carved by Michelangelo himself! No one is sure of this fact though. The only person who is positive is the person who sold the statue to the museum, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The kids decide the only way to solve the mystery is by visiting Mrs. Frankweiler. What happens next you wonder. Well, you will have to read the book and find out!

The only thing I would change about this book is the narrator. Mrs. Frankweiler is telling the story and I found it some what confusing. Other than that and the age factor, it was a wonderful story!

Blue Heron

2008-01-25T17:39:00.001-07:00

BLUE HERON, by Avi, was a heart-warming book filled with magic, love, and family. I enjoyed the experience of reading it, and would rate it a 7.5 on a scale from 1 to 10. It portrayed real life problems, which I liked, and was very down-to-earth.

Maggie has always believed in magic. Especially now, on her vacation with her father, step-mother, and baby step-sister. Staying in a cozy, small town called Sawdy pond, where wildlife thrives enthrallingly, Maggie has no reason to doubt that magic exists.

When Maggie spots a magical bird out on the swamp of Sawdy Pond, she immediately feels attached to it, and she resolves to study it and learn as much about it as she can. Later, she finds out it is called a Blue Heron. And thus starts the long days of watching and waiting for the Heron to find her. Maggie is convinced that there is a way to make the bird trust her, and she is determined to do whatever she can to accomplish this feat. But this is harder than it seems. Maggie must find a way to help the bird, and the bird must learn to have faith in Maggie.

But Maggie's trip to Sawdy Pond turns out to be more than just relaxing, enchanting experiences of watching the Blue Heron. It just so happens that Maggie must find a way to help her father, too, who is sick with heart problems. Maggie must overcome the problems that Sawdy Pond face her with, while still finding a way to trust others, and, most importantly, have trust in magical miracles.

If I could change one thing about this book, I would like to change the ending. As a reader, I would have liked to learn a little bit more about what happens to Maggie. Overall, this was a good read.

Twilight

2007-12-26T11:30:00.001-07:00

I can't even begin to describe the force of which this book blew me over with. The longest sheet of paper in the world wouldn't be able to contain all the praise upon which I would like to bestow this book with. As I sit and write this review, I can't help but remember how lively and seductive this book was; the memories are still fresh in my mind. I don't believe I will be able to portray the gorgeous quality of this book, but I will do the best I can.

First of all, my rating for this book: An enormous 10 on my scale of 1-10. Wow. But I'm serious ladies and gentlemen. This book was a pure work of art. Spellbinding and sparkling with romance and fascination, even the most matured reader will be trembling from this shimmering story. If I could change anything about this book, I would change nothing. This book was perfect, simply perfect, and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the Twilight series.

Twilight, written by Stephenie Meyer, is a book about a lovable girl named Bella, who is, unfortunately, prone to accidents. She has moved to Forks, Washington, to live with her father, and desperately misses the heat of Phoenix, where she used to live with her mother. But suddenly, Bella is swept up in the engrossing mystery of the Cullen family, a strange but fascinating family that has a curious reputation. Bella seems drawn to them, and soon becomes friends -- or something along those lines -- with Edward, a member of the Cullen family. But the Cullen family is no normal family. And Bella aims to find out the truth. Could the Cullen's really be vampires, like the rumors say? This story is about Bella's attachment to Edward, and the truth she learns about what a vampire really is.

My Sister's Keeper

2007-12-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

My Sister's Keeper is a thrilling book about a family who goes through A LOT to survive. This book is wonderfully written; it is the kind of book that is impossible to put down!

You join Anna on a mind blowing journey she is not sure she wants to take. Anna's sister Kate is extremely sick. Kate has a rare type of cancer and Anna is the only one who can save her. Anna is a perfect bone marrow match. By the time she is thirteen she has undergone countless surgeries and transfusions all to save her sister's life. Now she isn't sure if she wants to do it anymore. Anna is tired of living her life for her sister. She knows that if she stops the transfusions Kate will surely die, but what choice does she have. Anna has never been a normal child. The only reason she was even born was so Kate could live. Her whole life has been based on Kate. Anna has never questioned that until now. Like most teenagers she is questioning who she is, but unlike most teenagers what she chooses to do with herself could cost Kate her life. Anna soon realizes she doesn't want to be Kate's life line anymore. She makes an astonishing decision that could tear her family apart.

This book is one to make you think about what is truely important in life. It is a definate 10!!!!!! No other book has made me think about life more than this one. It is a medical novel( although you don't have to be a doctor to read it). It is truely intense and mind blowing, so be sure you are able to handle it before taking it on.

Peter and the Starcatchers

2007-12-18T18:22:00.001-07:00

Peter and the Starcatchers. Whenever I hear someone utter that amazing phrase, I jump in and relate my views on how delicious the book was. And I'm sure you will, too, when you dive into this amazing, action-packed prequel of Peter Pan. I would rate this book a 9 on a scale from 1-10. It is truly an amazing book that will have you reading until midnight! I enjoyed the fast-paced plot and I could easily relate to the story because I have read the story Peter Pan.

Our story starts out with five likable boys: Peter, James, Tubby Ted, Thomas, and Prentiss, who are orphans aboard the Neverland, a rickety old ship traveling to Rundoon. Each boy has a unique personality which gives the story a sense of realness. As they board the boat, Peter eyes a kind girl named Molly, and overtime they become friends. But Molly isn't an ordinary girl, and Peter senses it. Soon, Peter is caught up in the adventure of the Starcatchers. He winds up traveling to an island, and must deal with more than one kind of evil creature!

Filled with wit, humor, and sorrow, this book will touch you like none other. Peter and the Starcatchers gives more depth and dimension to Peter Pan, and will have you constantly eyeing the sky for signs of "the flying boy". Nothing could make this book any better; and if you like this book, read the sequel, Peter and the Shadow Theives. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have spun an astonishing story about flying, defeating evil, and facing your fears.

The Bridesmaid

2007-12-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Bridesmaid is a fantastic story about a girl named Abby. Abby's parents own a place where you can have weddings, called the Dove's Roost. When Abby and her older sister Carol were little, they vowed never to get married. Then, one summer, when Abby is so excited because Carol is coming home from college, Carol tells them that she is getting married to a man named Tucker Robb.'
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Abby freaks out, and immediately tells herself that she is going to hate Tucker, because, well, he's taking away her sister! Carol tells Abby that she wants her to be bridesmaid, and tells Abby that she can even pick out her own dress and that all she has to do is be at the wedding. Abby says okay, and Carol is very happy.

One night, Abby overhears Tucker talking on the phone to a girl named Melissa, saying he will bring the wine, and that Carol doesn't suspect a thing. Abby is very suspicious about Tucker now, but she just doesn't want to make her sister sad, and isn't even sure about Tucker yet.

Abby comes home one day and finds that Carol is using her room to store all the stuff for the wedding, and is using her computer to look stuff up; Abby is not happy. To add on to the problems, her parents are fighting about what the theme for Carol's wedding should be. At a point in the story, they even stop talking to each other. Abby and Carol have never seen their parents like this, they've never even fought before.

To hear what happens to Abby, and all the adventures she has being bridesmaid, you'll have to read The Bridesmaid.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2007-12-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Most people have heard of the movie "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". Well, I've got news for you!!! It is also a WONDERFUL book. It is filled with laughter(the kind that makes you cry), friendship, and romance. It is a definate 20 out of 10! Most people think it is a book for girly-girls, but really any type of person can read it! I promise if you do you will never forget it!

You join Bridget, Lena, Carmen, and Tibby as they venture off for the summer. That is at least, most of them venture off. Tibby is the only one of her friends not leaving for the summer and trust me she is not happy about it. While her friends go off and find new adventures she is stuck at home working at Wallman's. Although Tibby is positive her summer will be a total drag, she finds an unexpected friend who may change that.

Bridget is going to Mexico for soccer camp. Although she is there for soccer, she finds a boy named Eric who could make camp a whole lot better. Did I mention Eric is a coach. Bridget knows it's against the rules, but she can't help herself. Will it work out between them? Or will it go up in flames?

Lena is the most shy in her group of friends. When she goes to visit her grandparents in Greece she expects a nice, quiet vacation, but what she finds is Kostos. He will change Lena's life in many unexpected ways.

Carmen goes off to South Carolina to visit her bachelor father. At least she thinks he is a bachelor. When she arrives in South Carolina she founds out a secret about her father she does NOT like. What will she do to make him change his mind?

All these friends are worried about being apart this summer, but they have a plan. While out shopping one day they find a pair of old jeans. Most people would say, "Yeah so what? It's just a pair of jeans!" Well, these jeans are special. They just happen to magically fit all four girls even though their body types are nothing alike! All girls are amazed and decide that this summer they will mail the jeans back and forth, so they can stay connected. They hope it will work,but will it? You will have to read the book and find out!

This is the first book in the series by Ann Brashures. Read them they are GREAT!!!

The Door Within

2007-12-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Door Within is a thrilling book! It is about Aidan Thomas and The Realm. Our world was once connected to The Realm. It was split by The Schism many years ago. Now our worlds are separate. Sometimes humans get taken to the other realm. This is what happens to Aidan.
Aidan is in his basement when some scrolls appear. They tell about the other realm. The scrolls describe the great King Eliam of Alleble. It describes Paragor, the once loyal follower of Alleble. He rose and on one terrible night, killed King Eliam and his Elder Guard. When he tried to rule, he was magically thrown out. Now he rules as Prince in his own terrible part of the country, gathering troops and servants to soon rebel. Aidan reads all of this and believes. He ends up talking to his grandfather who tells him all about the realm. On the last page of the scrolls there is a riddle. Aidan's grandfather helps Aidan get the key and enter the door within. Once there, Aidan is named the twelfth knight and sent on a quest.
You should read this book! I would rate it a 15 out of 10!!! This book pulls you in and really involves you in the story! This book is a definite MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three of Diamonds

2007-12-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Three of Diamonds is a wonderful book about a boy named Nick, and his brother Tim Diamond. Nick lives with Tim, his older brother, who is a private detective, because his parents immigrated to Australia. Tim's real name is Hughes Simple, but he changed his name to Tim Diamond, so Nick is now Nick Diamond.Three of Diamonds tells three of Tim and Nick's adventures with figuring out mysteries, murders, and faked deaths. Tim is not a very good detective, and doesn't understand anything. Nick, on the other hand, is really good at figuring out things, and he helps Tim with his detective cases.

In the first case, called "The Blurred Man." It is about a man, Lenny Smile, who owns a corporation called Dream Time. The company gets millions from a man named Joe Carter who donates them. He and Lenny had been pen pals, and Joe wanted to meet Lenny. He flies to England, where Tim and Nick live, and finds out, a few days before he is supposed to meet Lenny, that Lenny has been killed. He enlists Tim to find out how Lenny died, and if it really was an accident.

The second one in the book is called "The French Confection." It all starts when Tim opens a Bestle' yogurt, and finds out that Nick and Tim have won a few days trip to Paris! On the train, Tim and Nick sit across from an older woman named Erica Nice, who owns a bakery, and a Texan named Jed Mathis, who owns an oil company. Tim tells Erica Nice that he is on a case for the Interpol, the International Police. Tim and Nick get caught up into a frenzy of adventures, some not so fun.

The third and last story is called "I Know What You Did Last Wednesday." It all starts when an old friend form high school, Rory McDougal, invites Tim to a high school reunion. Tim and Nick get on a train, and Tim meets up with all of his old "buddies" from high school. There was only one person from the high school not there, and no one had any idea where he was. The "reunion" was on Crocodile Island, and that's where the boat that they had been told was going to take them to the island took them. When they got there, there was no one to greet them, so they barged on in to the castle house. When they got there, they saw that Rory McDougal had been murdered, and they didn't know why. Could it be one of them? You'll have to read Three of Diamonds to find the rest out.

Down the Rabbit Hole : An Echo Falls Mystery

2007-12-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

This book is all about Ingrid Levin-Hill and her red soccer Pumas. It all starts at the dentist. Ingrid has just had a check-up and is preparing to go to her next soccer practice at 4:30. She was waiting very impatiently for either of her parents to pick her up. She is impatient because of her strict coach's rules. Rule #1:Miss a practice, miss a game! Rule #2:Miss a game, miss the next game! Rule #3:Being late for practice= push-ups. Ingrid would hate to be late, or worse...MISS PRACTICE!!!! It was 4:18 and Ingrid just couldn't take it any more so she started running as fast as her feet could carry her to the soccer field.

After a while she slowed down to see where she was... but it didn't help because even if she did slow down she still couldn't tell where she was...she was lost. Just then a weird looking lady walked up to her, a lady who was commonly known as Cracked-Up Katie.

Cracked-Up Katie was actually very kind to Ingrid and offers to call her a cab. While they wait Ingrid takes out her red soccer Pumas to put them on... then Cracked-Up Katie asks her what she likes to do. Ingrid answers that she likes soccer and drama. When Ingrid says drama Cracked-Up Katie asks her who she plays for. When Ingrid answers that she plays for the Prescott Players Cracked-Up Katie freezes and turns pale as if she just realized something then she staggers out of the room. Just then the cab pulled up. Not wanting to be late Ingrid jumps in the cab and leaves. Once she gets to the soccer field she notices that no one's there. She sits down and waits just when her mom's car pulls up. She tells Ingrid that soccer was canceled. Oooops!

Later on she looked all over for her soccer cleats but just couldn't find them! Weird... hmmmmm.

Later the next morning she found herself looking at the newspaper and she saw this on the front page: a picture of Cracked-Up Katie, a headline that read: LOCAL RESIDENT FOUND MURDERED, and a subhead that read: ASSAILANT UNKNOWN. Then it hit her, her soccer Pumas were at...Cracked-Up Katie's house!

Read this Grand Canyon Reader Award book to find out what Ingrid will do to solve this mystery and get her shoes back!!!!

Code Talker

2007-12-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

Code Talker is a fantastic book about the Navajo Indians. It tells how, during the Vietnam war, the Navajos played a huge part in helping our country win the war. The Navajos went to a special training base, where they made up a secret language using Navajo words. The Japanese could listen in on the calls, but they never made out what the calls were saying. If you want to find out more about this book, you'll have to read it.

City of the Beasts

2007-12-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

City of the Beasts is a fantastic book about a boy named Alexander, his new best friend Nadia, and their adventures in the Amazon. They are on an expedition looking for "the Beast" from the Amazon. It has a terrible smell, and is very tall. Alex and Nadia go on many adventures with the "People of the Mist," the Beasts and many other interesting creatures. Have you ever heard of Atlantis, the city of gold? Well, Alex and Nadia go there to meet with the beasts, and go on their quests to help save the "People of the Mist." To hear about all of their adventures, you'll have to read City of the Beasts.

Six Months To Live

2007-12-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

Six Months to Live is a wonderful story written by Lurlene McDaniel, about a thirteen year old girl, Dawn Rochelle, who finds out she has a type of cancer called Leukemia. Dawn has to go immediately to the hospital, where she meets her room-mate Sandy. Dawn and Sandy become best friends, and try to help each other through their cancer treatment and their hair falling out from the treatment. The book has tales of Dawn and Sandy's adventures, and what happens in Leukemia. I hope you can have the chance to read this fantastic book.

Once Upon A Marigold

2007-12-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

Once Upon A Marigold was a wonderful, heart- warming story. It told of a princess who had an evil step- mother, and a very loving father, and a young boy who lives out in the woods near the back of the castle. The boy saw the princess and immediately loved her. The princess, Marigold, would send her two pigeons with a message out to Christopher, the boy. They would talk through the pigeons, and no one ever knew. Christopher knew that this was the girl he loved, and that he needed to get to her somehow. To find out wha happens next, you'll have to read the wonderful tale of Once Upon A Marigold.

"Extras" - Read It

2007-12-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

This book is not about Tally Youngblood, it is about some new people called the extras. It's a few years after rebal Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/and the specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. "Tech-heads"flaunt their latest gadgets, "kickers" spread gossip and trends, and "surge monkeys" are hooked on extreme plastic surgery, and it's all monitored on a alot of different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of american idol. Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules. The main character is Aya Fuse.

As if being fifteen doesn't suck enough, Aya Fuse's rank of 451,369 is so low, she is a total nobody. An extra. Her only chance to escape extra-land is to find a big story to kick like something wild and unexpected. Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. But the sly girls are hiding something bigger than an explosive discovery that may change the face of the brave new world forever. If Aya kicks this story, she'll be propelled into the world of fame, celebrity and extreme............. To get the rest of the sentence you will need to read the book.

Sahara Special-5 stars

2007-12-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sahara Special-5 stars

Sahara Special is one of the greatest young adult book ever written. Sahara Jones reads, writes, and is one of the smartest kids in her class. Than why is she being held back? and why is a very pointy lady involved? The words in Sahara Special will reach out and touch you. It will touch places you never thought possible. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, make you shudder, and somthimes all three. I award Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell 5 stars. 5 stars for a beautiful book. I am so surprised that this book isnt covered in awards.

I think that everyone will find a bit of Sahara Jones in them. I know I did. The words will move you like nothing, and in several points, you will find yourself close to tears. Once you pick this book up. you wont be able to put it down. THis book is one of my favorites, and I hope that who ever reades this will feel the same way. I just want to read it over and over again. I havent felt this way about a book since I read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. No book has ever got to me like this. THis book is only competed with the Harry Potter series.

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

2007-12-04T12:16:00.001-07:00

You think you know what your favorite book is? Wait until you've read Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports before you answer. This book is so brilliant it will have you thrown out of your seat! With an incredible plot and fast-paced action, this sequel to the second Maximum Ride will amaze you.

I must admit that I call many books, "my favorite." But, truly, there can only be one. And this is it, my friends! So, naturally, this book rates a 10 on my 1-10 scale of books. If you haven't started reading the Maximum Ride series yet, you are missing out - big time!

Join Max and five other astonishing kids who can do something almost everyone dreams about: flying. Our adventure starts with a plan to save the world and destroy Itex, an enormous company that has scary plans to cut the world's population in half. But this is no easy task. Even for six super-strong, flying children and a talking dog. Soon the flock has headed west. However, they will encounter more problems then they can count, and find trouble whichever way they turn. Filled with hilarity and sorrow, this book will make you laugh until you fall over and cry until your eyes are sore. There might even be some romance!

As readers wait for the fourth and final volume of the Maximum Ride series to come out in March, I suggest you read this book (and the first two in the series if you haven't already) as fast as you can! I promise that it will touch you like it has touched me! James Patterson has called Maximum Ride the best story he has ever written. It's time for you to join the ride.

The Sea of Monsters

2007-12-03T23:05:00.002-07:00

Hello, fellow blog readers!! The book I will be trying to get you to read is actually the sequel to the book The Lightning Thief and the second book in the series The Olympians.

It picks up right where it left off with Percy returning home to his mother. He is now going to a school where for a finale exam all you have to do is mix chemicals and if it explodes you get an A! For those of you out there saying, "uh,SO NOT fair", I'm right with ya!!This is just the way things are done at that school, which helps Percy out considering he is dyslexic. At this school Percy makes one friend named Tyson. Percy sometimes thinks he is a little weird, like the fact that he is monstrously tall and strong and even though Percy can't quite pick it out there is something very strange about Tyson's eyes... Later on the last day of school, even after an almost complete year of school with no monster attacks, there was a break out fight during a game of dodge ball and a fight that includes Percy also HAS to include bloodthirsty monsters who wish nothing more than to see Percy dead! So, on that happy note, later on during this battle who should pop in and save the day but Annebeth, Percy's old friend from Camp Half-Blood! She tells Percy that it is vital that they return to camp Half-Blood! Once they get there there is some startling news, Thalia's tree has been poisoned!!!

Thalia's tree was formed when three half bloods, Annebeth, Luke, and Thalia were being escorted to Camp Half-Blood by Grover, one of Percy's friends who is a satyr (half goat half human), when they were attacked. Thalia told her friends to run while she tried to fend off the monsters. She was wounded and almost died when Zeus (her father) turned her into a tree. The tree was later made the boundary line for Camp Half-Blood. If it is poisoned the boundary line is broken and any monster can, with a bit of difficulty, get in. Percy and Annebeth put their heads together and finally come up with one thing that might save Camp Half-Blood, the Golden Fleece! The Golden Fleece has the power to heal anything!!!! Journey with Percy, Annebeth, and Tyson on their search for...the Golden Fleece!!!!

This is an AMAZING book and I give it an 10 on a scale of 1-10!

Book Club Students to Attend "Seussical"

2007-12-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Chat & Chew Book Club students will be attending the stage play "Seussical" at the Tempe Center for the Arts on Thursday, December 13th. We are excited to be able to attend as it promises it to be a fun-filled musical for the holidays. We will meet all our Dr. Seuss favorites - Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and so many more. We are looking forward to a toe-tapping Broadway musical that says it will have us dancing in the aisles!

"Double Identity"

2007-12-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read a book that you made you want to read it again? One great book that should be on everyone's must read list would be "Double Identity". This book is one that is a little creepy, but a wonderfully written story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and is sure to make you think about life a little differently.

You join a character named Bethany as she struggles through some strange happenings in her life. The first weird thing is that out of the blue Bethany's mom starts crying constantly. She tries to hide it from Bethany,but Bethany is no stupid twelve year old girl. Not to long after her mom starts crying, her dad packs them all into the car and drives for days straight. Bethany has no idea where they are going and she doesn't want to ask. After a few days on the road, late into the night they arrive at a strange house. To her surprise Bethany finds out about an aunt she never knew existed and know her parents want her to stay. Bethany has never spent more than a few hours away from her parents, so the thought of not knowing when she would see them again is terrifying. All Bethany is left with are a few words her father says to her aunt: "She doesn't know anything about Elizabeth." Now Bethany is left feeling abandoned by her parents in a strange town with some unkown aunt. What is she to do? And who is Elizabeth?

This book is marvously written! If I were to give this book a rating (one being the worst, ten being the best) I would say it is a high eight. It's mix of genres and intense subject make it a wonderful read!

The author Margaret Peterson Haddix has written many books including: "Running Out of Time", "Escape From Memory", and "Just Ella". Her books are truely amazing and are hard to forget.

Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature

2007-12-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Who would have known Robin Brande's first novel could be so incredibly intriguing? Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature is so astounding that it will blow you away. On a scale from 1-10 (1 being the lowest rating, 10 being the highest), I would most definitely give the book a 9 because of the great style of writing, deep plot, and a sense of realness the story offered. Robin Brande captured a profound sense of what it would be like to be a teenager in a world where you must stand up for what you believe is right.

The story starts out with likable character Mena Reece, who is hated by her parents, church group, and everyone else who knows what she did. In her heart, she knows what she did was the right thing, but it is hard to keep that in mind when everyone but your super-cool (and kind of cute) lab partner is disgusted with you. Then Meena's science teacher starts the unit on evolution... and that's when Meena has to find her true self, acknowledge her beliefs of religion and Darwin, and stand up for what she knows is right. Trying to juggle too many balls is a struggle- especially when your name is Meena Reece.

Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature is superb. It would be a great weekend read that will leave you with a lot to ponder. Robin Brande's writing style is easy to like and flows exceptionally well; I can't wait to read another one of her novels if they are available. As for suggestions, I have none. This book was terrific. Period.

Note: If you are sensitive about creationism, please know you might want to consider reading a different book; the author tries to tread delicately on the controversy between God and a science evolution.

Maximum Ride Series - The Best Books Ever!

2007-11-30T17:07:00.001-07:00

I want to tell you about the best book that I have ever read. This book is called "Maximum Ride." This book has a mixed genre of fiction ( though it seems like non-fiction if you get hooked!), mystery, humor, science fiction, and everything else you can imagine! They have plenty of suspense and action to keep you reading.
In this book you will join Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, The Gasman, and Angel. They are science experiments from a place called the School. They are only 98% human. The other 2% plays a big part because, they have wings. Now they are being hunted across the world by the other experiments called Erasers.
This is one ride you'll never forget! These books are about Max and her faithful companions as they embark on a journey to discover the secrets about their past, and their future. You'll follow them through every tragedy and triumph, every heart stopping fight. In short, you and everyone else should come along for the incredible, indescribable Maximum Ride!

These books are a series.Maximum Ride.... "The Angel Experiment", "School's Out-Forever", and "Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports".

"Uglies" - Best Book Ever

2007-11-30T16:03:00.001-07:00

One of the best books I have read would have to be "Uglies". It is a definate ten on my list! "Uglies" is filled with action, friendship, and a bit of romance. It is diverse in the qualities it possesses. That is what makes is so great! It has been nominated for the Grand Canyon Reader Award. Be sure to keep this book in mind when you vote! Scott Westerfeld is a magnificent author!

The main character, Tally, is a fifteen year old girl who is very close to her sixteenth birthday. The setting is in the future. In this future when everyone turns sixteen they must get an operation. The operation is to make them "pretty". In Tally's city you are considered ugly before the operation. Only a few people in history have ever been born naturally pretty, and Tally isn't one of them. When Tally finds a new friend who is challenging the ideas of her city Tally must make a choice that will change her life forever.

Book Club News

2007-11-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

Book Club students are now active on PV Learners!! All should be able to post book reviews to our blog. Please consider writing a book review for one of your favorite books sometime this weekend.

Book Club students will have the opportunity to attend the play "Seussical" at the Tempe Center for the Arts on December 13th, 2007. Be sure to return your permission slips as soon as possible as seats are limited.

We are all anxious to read your book reviews.

Continue Reading

2007-11-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Chat & Chew book club is continuing to read our book selection of The Lightning Thief. All are enjoying the story. We will continue reading over the next couple of weeks. When we meet again on November 30th, we should have read through chapter 13. That will put us a little past half way through the book.

Book Club members - try posting a comment again. I might have it fixed to where you can post now. Let me know if it works.

Remember to return your Online Communication form next week if you have not done that already. Have a great weekend!

Shea Book Club Reads

2007-11-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

The Shea book club started reading the book "The Lightning Thief" on Friday November 9th. By Friday, November 16th, everyone should have read the first five chapters. This book is one of the ten books nominated for the Grand Canyon Reader Award.

When 12-year-old Percy Jackson learns that his true father is Poseidon,
the Greek god of the sea, he undertakes a dangerous quest across the
United States to retrieve a stolen lightning bolt and stop a war between
the gods. The Lightning Thief provides a high-interest, humorous
introduction to the Greek myths. It encourages young readers to
explore elements of the classical hero’s quest rendered in a modern-
day setting, and to discuss such relevant issues as learning disabilities,
the nature of family, and themes of loyalty, friendship and faith.

For more information about this book, go to: http://www.grandcanyonreaderaward.org/lightning.pdf

Grand Canyon Reader Award

2007-11-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

Shea is participating in the Grand Canyon Reader Award. Voting will take place the end of March 2008, right after our Spring Break. Students that have read at least three of the ten books nominated will be eligible to vote. The Grand Canyon Reader Award winner will be announced sometime in April 2008. The ten books nominated in the Tween category are:

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrams
Last Shot by John Feinstein
The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan
The Misadventures of Maude March by Audry Couloumbis
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Vampire High by Douglas Rees

We want to help the state choose the favorite book of all the teenagers in Arizona. Our opinions count!!

To find more information about the Grand Canyon Reader Award, please visit their web site at:
http://www,grandcanyonreaderaward.org

Shea Book Club attends the play "A Thousand Cranes"

2007-11-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Shea Chat & Chew Book Club attended the play "A Thousand Cranes" at the Tempe Center for the Arts on Thursday, November 8th, 2007. It was a great performance and we all had a great time.

The play is based on the book "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" by Elanor Coerr. It is the story of a young girl born in Hiroshima during World War II. When she is two years old, the US drops the bomb on Hiroshima. Her grandmother is killed. When Sadako is twelve years old, they discover that she has leukemia. There is an old Japanese myth that claims if a sick person folds 1,000 paper cranes the gods will grant her wish and make her healthy again. Hopeful, Sadako sets out to fold 1,000 cranes. Unfortunately, she becomes too sick to complete the task. Sadako dies, but her classmates finish her cranes and make a wish of their own. In memory of Sadako, the children create a monument to their friend in Hiroshima Peace Park, inscribed with their common wish;

This is our cry,
This is our prayer,
Peace in the World

The book club has been folding paper cranes and we will be displaying them in the library soon.

Chat & Chew Book Club

2007-11-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Shea Chat & Chew Book Club meets in the office conference room every Friday during lunch. Bring your lunch and we will discuss some great books while we eat. What have you been reading lately? Do you think others will like it? Come tell us about it.