Friday, June 29, 2007
ALA Close Encounters
That encounter led into something much bigger and much more extended, as a whole scenario developed between Mr. Lubar and John Green, wuth Tyler as a intermediary.
I could go into a huge explanation, but I am instead going to let you read it straight from Lubar's blog. follow this link http://davidlubar.livejournal.com/ and then read Monday, June 25th!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Fight Game by Kate Wild - ESSENTIAL
Wild, Kate Fight Game, 304 p. Scholastic -
MS-ESSENTIAL
Freedom Smith's small Gypsy family has been trying to find a place where they can settle for a time, to let the little ones grow up in peace, but the townfolk around them have other plans. Defending his family, Johnny is now in major trouble with the law, but he is offered a deal. Use the fight skills he inherited from his famous many-greats-grandfather and infiltrate the seedy, dangerous world of an underground fight that has been going on non-top for decades. What Johnny doesn't know is that those weird dreams he has are really flashbacks - and something sinister, with his own genetic makeup, is waiting to challenge him.
Definitely a book for the harder edged kids. I really like the fact that though the book is extremely gritty and dangerous, the author doesn't not use swear words as a crutch and the violence is just what is needed to make the point, without become excessive and voyeuristic. Note: This post corrects my website that listed the main character's name incorrectly. You can visit Kate Wild's site at www.fightgame.co.uk.
CINDY
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - ESSENTIAL
Clare, Cassandra City of Bones 485 p. Simon and Schuster
MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
Clary witnessed a murder last night. Now, Clary's mother has disappeared and the Shadowhunters, a secret group dedicated to fighting against a demon take over of this world, are after Clary. And one of those Shadowhunters is the devastatingly handsome Jace, whom Clary is inevitably drawn to.
A hot cover and a well-plotted fast-paced narrative make for an awesome book that will exchange hands quickly. Perfect for students who love Stephanie Meyer and other creepy fun books!
CINDY
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Icebound Land by John Flanagan - ESSENTIAL
Flanagan, John Icebound Land 272 p. Penguin
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
Will and Evanlyn have been captured by the wolfshipmen and are being forcibly taken to Skandia as slaves. Halt and Tug are determined to follow and rescue the pair. Before the adventure can begin, however, both groups have seemingly insurmountable obstacles to surmount.
While the action, tension and excitement are palpable in this third of the series, it is also one very long setup for the next book, as the action cuts off midway, making the book feel unfinished. I would rather have a 400-500 page book that tells the whole story, but I will be content with what I got and I know that the students who have started the series will be very happy with this installment.
CINDY
Monday, June 11, 2007
Quantum Prophecy: The Awakening - Michael Carroll - ESSENTIAL
Carroll, Michael Quantum Prophecy: The Awakening, 264 p. Penguin
MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
A decade ago, every superhero and supervillain on Earth disappeared in one brilliant flash of fire. Then, Danny, a teenaged boy wakes up one day able to do amazing things - he is the first of the new generation of superhumans. And someone has an evil plot - one that they have been working for ten years to put in motion. Nothing in Danny's life, or in his friend Colin's life is what it seemed to be. And between the two of them they have to potential to save the world or destroy it.
While you might think you are going to read a novelization of The Incredibles, you will quickly forget that movie and fall in love with this book for its own merits. Fast-hitting action and twisted plots - I see TV show or blockbuster written all over this one. Read it now! (I couldn't find a cover picture of the American version, but you get the idea!)
CINDY