In a Flash by Eric Walters
“Is an event involving a mob ever a good thing?” is the statement you’ll read on the back cover of this book. Ian and Oswald take part of flash mobs because they’re fun! Julia thinks they’re stupid and pointless. The question is can they be a good thing? Yes, they can be a good thing as the three main characters confront their new principal and his controlling ways.
What this hi-low book lacks in character development, it makes up for with its message of the power of technology and freedom of speech. In this book, readers will realize that technology is powerful for organizing and communicating. However, it can also be a catalyst for disaster if used in the wrong way. Readers will find Julia’s use of Facebook leads to a school suspension, while Ian uses it to prove a point. This book will attract readers because of its focus on technology and school life.
Extras:
Meet Eric Walters as he creates a flash mob to promote his book:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fe6gxmb4nU
Visit Eric Walters’ web site at:
http://www.ericwalters.net
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
Summary:
It’s tough enough being a teenager with a regular family. In Son of the Mob, “normal”-seeking Vince Luca is navigating school, relationships and family life with a dad who is “King of the Mob.” Vince wants no part of his father’s business, but somehow he continues to get wrapped up in it. In a few instances, he gets drawn into his dad’s business just trying to keep a few “low-lifes” safe. The business also affects his relationships. For example, Vince finally finds the perfect girl, Kendra, whose father just happens to be the FBI-agent trying to take down Vince’s father! Can Vince save his father from disaster? Can Vince save his relationship with the girl of his dreams? Read the book to find out!
Review:
If you are looking to read or listen to a LAUGH-OUT-LOUD book, run to your local library and pick up Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman. I listened to this audio-book, read by Max Casella, as I drove to work. By the time I finished with my drive, my cheeks were hurting because I was smiling so much! Max Casella, known for his roles on Doogie Howser, MD and The Sopranos, delivers the story in the Italian/New York accent you would expect of the reader of Son of the Mob. While the threat of violence underlies Vince’s father’s business, there is a purity to Vince’s actions that make this a feel-good book. However, not all of Vince’s thoughts are pure. Don’t forget, he is a teen-aged boy and there is a girl involved!
Links:
For information about the audio book, please see the Random House site:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780807209721.html
For more information about Gordon Korman, please see:
http://www.gordonkorman.com/
It’s tough enough being a teenager with a regular family. In Son of the Mob, “normal”-seeking Vince Luca is navigating school, relationships and family life with a dad who is “King of the Mob.” Vince wants no part of his father’s business, but somehow he continues to get wrapped up in it. In a few instances, he gets drawn into his dad’s business just trying to keep a few “low-lifes” safe. The business also affects his relationships. For example, Vince finally finds the perfect girl, Kendra, whose father just happens to be the FBI-agent trying to take down Vince’s father! Can Vince save his father from disaster? Can Vince save his relationship with the girl of his dreams? Read the book to find out!
Review:
If you are looking to read or listen to a LAUGH-OUT-LOUD book, run to your local library and pick up Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman. I listened to this audio-book, read by Max Casella, as I drove to work. By the time I finished with my drive, my cheeks were hurting because I was smiling so much! Max Casella, known for his roles on Doogie Howser, MD and The Sopranos, delivers the story in the Italian/New York accent you would expect of the reader of Son of the Mob. While the threat of violence underlies Vince’s father’s business, there is a purity to Vince’s actions that make this a feel-good book. However, not all of Vince’s thoughts are pure. Don’t forget, he is a teen-aged boy and there is a girl involved!
Links:
For information about the audio book, please see the Random House site:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780807209721.html
For more information about Gordon Korman, please see:
http://www.gordonkorman.com/
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
Summary:
Here lies the story of Eleanor McGrath, a parentless 14 year-old, who lives with her older brother, Jake, and works at their auto repair shop. She is talented fixing tires on the new “autos” and avoids anything of a feminine nature! She meets 4 librarians, but becomes closest to Irene and Grace. Irene and Grace are sorority sisters, from wealthy backgrounds, who become the new librarians for the town where Eleanor lives. The ladies drive fancy cars, while Jake and Eleanor struggle to build their own. Jake plans to race his car in a local race, but his car is stolen the night before the race. Grace and Irene step in and not only affect the outcome of the race, but also affect the McGrath’s future.
Review:
I admit I picked up this book because I liked the title. However, readers will be drawn in by the first chapter in which a tornado hits the town and “digs” up a few graves in the local cemetery. Luckily, neither Eleanor’s mama’s grave nor the last librarian’s grave is disturbed. I enjoyed the book based on the simple humor threaded throughout, in addition to the strong, take-charge female characters (Eleanor, Grace). Girls looking for tomboy characters or boys who like antique cars and racing may enjoy this book.
Links:
Read part of this book through Google Books:
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZdMRbKS4rB0C&lpg=PP1&ots=FKk_a_Tdnz&dq=%22here%20lies%20the%20librarian%22&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Take a look at Richard Peck’s web site:
http://www.richardepeck.com/
Here lies the story of Eleanor McGrath, a parentless 14 year-old, who lives with her older brother, Jake, and works at their auto repair shop. She is talented fixing tires on the new “autos” and avoids anything of a feminine nature! She meets 4 librarians, but becomes closest to Irene and Grace. Irene and Grace are sorority sisters, from wealthy backgrounds, who become the new librarians for the town where Eleanor lives. The ladies drive fancy cars, while Jake and Eleanor struggle to build their own. Jake plans to race his car in a local race, but his car is stolen the night before the race. Grace and Irene step in and not only affect the outcome of the race, but also affect the McGrath’s future.
Review:
I admit I picked up this book because I liked the title. However, readers will be drawn in by the first chapter in which a tornado hits the town and “digs” up a few graves in the local cemetery. Luckily, neither Eleanor’s mama’s grave nor the last librarian’s grave is disturbed. I enjoyed the book based on the simple humor threaded throughout, in addition to the strong, take-charge female characters (Eleanor, Grace). Girls looking for tomboy characters or boys who like antique cars and racing may enjoy this book.
Links:
Read part of this book through Google Books:
http://books.google.com/books?id=ZdMRbKS4rB0C&lpg=PP1&ots=FKk_a_Tdnz&dq=%22here%20lies%20the%20librarian%22&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Take a look at Richard Peck’s web site:
http://www.richardepeck.com/
Monday, February 8, 2010
Riot by Walter Dean Myers
Riot by Walter Dean Myers
This week, as part of the Character Counts activity in homebase, LMS students vented about things they feel are unfair, identified what fairness means and discussed how being treated unfairly affects people.
Would you say a draft is fair? Would you say that it is fair for people to pay their way to avoid a draft? During the Civil War, a draft was instituted. However, a provision was included in the design of the draft which allowed men to pay $300 to avoid serving in the military. Many Irish immigrants could not afford to pay this money, and therefore would be required to serve. The Irish did not think this was fair. Riots broke out as Irish and black people attacked, and the public looted stores.
The main character of "Riot" is Claire. Claire is half-Irish (from her mom’s side) and half-black (from her dad’s side). As the riots progress, Claire struggles with her identity and the violence that surrounds her. While the majority of the book is serious, there are a few instances of comedic value. For example, as Claire tells another character of her background:
Claire: I’m…I’m only half Irish.
Maeve: And what’s the other half?
Claire: My father’s black.
Maeve: No!
Claire: Yes!
Maeve: No!
Claire: Yes!
Maeve: Does your mother know?
Warning and Hints:
This book is written in a play format. At the beginning of the book, you will find a list of characters. Before you begin reading, briefly review the list. You will probably need to reference the list as you read, and meet more and more characters. The beneficial part of having a variety of characters is that you will experience the riots from various view points.
Also, as you read, pay special attention to the stage directions. Don’t simply pass over them. Instead, try to visualize what might be happening on stage. If you skip this part, you will miss important parts of the story.
While historical fiction helps you, the reader, learn about life in a certain time period, it is helpful to know a bit about the setting before beginning the book. At the end of the book, Myers provides a timeline and an author’s note (includes historical information). I suggest that you read this part before beginning the book, especially if your brain is foggy when it comes to US History
***********************************
Learn more about Walter Dean Myers at his web site: http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/
This week, as part of the Character Counts activity in homebase, LMS students vented about things they feel are unfair, identified what fairness means and discussed how being treated unfairly affects people.
Would you say a draft is fair? Would you say that it is fair for people to pay their way to avoid a draft? During the Civil War, a draft was instituted. However, a provision was included in the design of the draft which allowed men to pay $300 to avoid serving in the military. Many Irish immigrants could not afford to pay this money, and therefore would be required to serve. The Irish did not think this was fair. Riots broke out as Irish and black people attacked, and the public looted stores.
The main character of "Riot" is Claire. Claire is half-Irish (from her mom’s side) and half-black (from her dad’s side). As the riots progress, Claire struggles with her identity and the violence that surrounds her. While the majority of the book is serious, there are a few instances of comedic value. For example, as Claire tells another character of her background:
Claire: I’m…I’m only half Irish.
Maeve: And what’s the other half?
Claire: My father’s black.
Maeve: No!
Claire: Yes!
Maeve: No!
Claire: Yes!
Maeve: Does your mother know?
Warning and Hints:
This book is written in a play format. At the beginning of the book, you will find a list of characters. Before you begin reading, briefly review the list. You will probably need to reference the list as you read, and meet more and more characters. The beneficial part of having a variety of characters is that you will experience the riots from various view points.
Also, as you read, pay special attention to the stage directions. Don’t simply pass over them. Instead, try to visualize what might be happening on stage. If you skip this part, you will miss important parts of the story.
While historical fiction helps you, the reader, learn about life in a certain time period, it is helpful to know a bit about the setting before beginning the book. At the end of the book, Myers provides a timeline and an author’s note (includes historical information). I suggest that you read this part before beginning the book, especially if your brain is foggy when it comes to US History
***********************************
Learn more about Walter Dean Myers at his web site: http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/
Notes From the Dog by Gary Paulsen
Notes From the Dog by Gary Paulsen
Can you think of someone that has had a huge positive effect on your life? This person doesn’t need to be a parent or a teacher. It may be a friend or another relative or even just someone in the community. Or, maybe, you haven’t met this person yet.
I can think of a number of people who have positively affected my life in a most meaningful way. For me, the first person is my godmother who passed away from cancer a few years ago.
For Finn, the narrator of “Notes from the Dog” by Gary Paulsen, that person is Johanna. Johanna is also fighting cancer, but moves into the house next door to Finn’s for a summer house-sitting job. Finn is a self-proclaimed loser. Johanna hires Finn to building a garden in his backyard. While Finn has difficulty growing the garden (which offers a humorous aspect to the book), Johanna helps Finn to blossom from a boy who plans to spend the summer avoiding people to a teenager who enjoys being part of a growing family and community. In part, this is accomplished through notes from the dog.
Who Should Read this Book: This book is for anyone who has been affected by cancer. Johanna has a fighting spirit that’s inspirational. However, Lincoln Middle School (LMS) students who haven’t been affected by cancer will also relate to Finn. LMS students, working on their “Who Am I?” project or completing their 8th grade community service hours, will meet a character who accomplishes some wonderful community work and reaps the intrinsic benefits.
**********************************************
Learn more about the author, Gary Paulsen, at http://www.randomhouse.com/features/garypaulsen/index.html
At the back of the book, the author provides the following links so that readers may learn more about cancer:
Friday, February 5, 2010
Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me
Just a few weeks ago, the ALA announced its award winners including the Newbery Award. When I read the announcement, I immediately opened the school library’s catalog to see if we already owned the book. After finding the book on our shelves, I excitedly read the summary and cover flap. I was confused. I was disappointed. I couldn’t figure out why this book had won the award.
The summary of this book reads, “As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1970s television game show, “The $20,000 Pyramid”, a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.” In other words, a young girl receives mysterious notes and can’t figure out from where or when they originate.
This summary was not a summary of a book deserving of the Newbery Award!
A few days later I talked to another librarian in the district about the award winners and told her of my experience with Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me. She agreed with me. So, I read the book and, now, I take back every negative thought I had about this book.
What I loved about this book most was the fact that I didn’t figure out the ending. You’ll think you know when and where the notes originate, but you won’t. For me, it was a complete surprise!
*************************************************
Learn more about the Newbery Award and other book awards at http://www.ala.org/ala/awardsgrants/index.cfm
Learn more about Rebecca Stead: http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/
Read another review of the book on the SLJ Blog Fuse #8: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/760043876.html
The summary of this book reads, “As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1970s television game show, “The $20,000 Pyramid”, a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.” In other words, a young girl receives mysterious notes and can’t figure out from where or when they originate.
This summary was not a summary of a book deserving of the Newbery Award!
A few days later I talked to another librarian in the district about the award winners and told her of my experience with Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me. She agreed with me. So, I read the book and, now, I take back every negative thought I had about this book.
What I loved about this book most was the fact that I didn’t figure out the ending. You’ll think you know when and where the notes originate, but you won’t. For me, it was a complete surprise!
*************************************************
Learn more about the Newbery Award and other book awards at http://www.ala.org/ala/awardsgrants/index.cfm
Learn more about Rebecca Stead: http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/
Read another review of the book on the SLJ Blog Fuse #8: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/1790000379/post/760043876.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)