Thursday, April 10, 2008

Safe by Susan Shaw - ESSENTIAL


Shaw, Susan Safe, 168 p. 

MS - ESSENTIAL

First Tracy is waving good-bye to her best friend after the last day of seventh grade. Then she is left for dead on her front lawn after she is kidnapped and raped by someone she knows. Now she must find her way back from this traumatic experience. She's lost her feeling of connection to her best friend, to her father, and the important feeling of connection to her mother, who passed away when she was small. 

Safe and simple and eloquent, this book about the aftermath of rape is perfect for every middle school in the country. 

Cindy

White House Rules by Perkins - ADVISABLE


Perkins, Mitali First Daughter: White House Rules, 216 p. Dutton (Penguin), 2008. 

MS - ADVISABLE

Sameera, Sparrow, and her family have moved into the White House. Even with her cousin Miranda along for the first six months and a tutor who keeps the girls hopping, Sameera feels like something is missing. It may just be that public school may be the place for Sparrow, instead of the White House bubble. Add to that trouble with Bobby, the boy Sameera like, who has been very silent since Sameera's dad became the Commander in Chief and Sameera has plenty on her plate for her first few months in Washington DC. 

Sameera's story is fun and easy, while still managing to tackle some pretty big topics. Not just for girly-girls, this is an all-around good read. 

Cindy

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder - ADVISABLE


Schroeder, Lisa, I heart you, You haunt me, 226, Simon Pulse, 

Language - G; Violence - G; Sexual Content - G; 

MS- ADVISABLE.

Ava has met her match, Jackson. Only one problem he's dead. But why can she still feel him around? 

I thought it was a way cute and quick read. There is nothing bad to say about it.  

Student Reviewer: AA

Running Shoes by Freserick Lipp - ESSENTIAL


Lipp, Frederick Running Shoes, illustrated by Jason Gaillard. Charlesbridge, 2008. PICTURE BOOK. 

EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE (for TA program)

From the book cover, "Sophy and her mother are poor. They live in a small village with no doctor, hospital, or school. But Sophy has a secret wish - a wish for something that will change her life forever. With the help of a pair of running shoes, Sophy might just be able to make her wish come true." Sophy's wish is to attend school eight kilometers away through the jungle and over streams and sharp, red rocks. On his current visit, the government census taker learns of Sophy's dream, measures her foot, and promises to send a surprise. With new running shoes Sophy proves herself not only by braving the distance alone, but also by courageously attending an all-boy school and outrunning every single fellow student. 

Through lyrical text and beautiful paintings, "author Fredrick Lipp and illustrator Jason Gaillard create an empowering story of hope and determination set in the countryside of Cambodia." This book is for everyone; it made me cry. 

Reviewer: BS

When Irish Guys are Smiling by Supplee - ADVISABLE


Supplee, Suzanne When Irish Guys are Smiling, 211p. Penguin 

Language: PG-13, Sexual Content: PG, Violence: G

MS, HS -ADVISABLE.

Delk Sinclair is a high school student ready to get away from the awful reality of Tennessee. With her stepmother expecting a baby and her friends' debutante parties, she wants to get out of there fast. She is off to Ireland for the Students Across the Seven Seas program. What she doesn't know is that she is about to fall in love with a very handsome Irishman. Will she be able to forget all of her troubles form Tennessee? 

I thought this book was very well written. I love the way the author was able to paint a clear picture of all the characters through words. This a love story you don't want to miss. 

Student Reviewer: CW