Going a Little Crazy

I know that it has been a little while since I have posted.

This does not mean that I have not been reading or seeing anyone. We have just been so busy in the library that there has been no time to blog. I LOVE IT! I love the fact that we have had so many students in the library doing projects. I love that 6th grade came in and checked out a whole new batch of books.

So instead of giving you a review of a book, here is what I have been reading:

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Because of Mr. Terrupt by Rob Buyea (from Overdrive)

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schimdt

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick (Lunch Bunch)

Orange Code by Caroline Cooney (Lunch Bunch)

These are all awesome books and I am loving everythng I have found so far.

In other news, Overdrive is now on your Kindle. This is awesome news!!!

Crossed- The first two chapters!

This is a book that I am so excited for. Crossed is the second book in the Matched series. This series is one that I wish I would have found after the whole thing was written and out. I am not a very patient person and I am dying to get my hands on this. Enjoy!

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2011/09/13/crossed-excerpt-exclusive-first-two-chapters/

Forget Vampires...Vampire Hunters are what is Cool!

Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising

By Jason Henderson

I know that a lot of us are tired of the hearing and reading about vampires...but what about vampire hunters??? Alex Van Helsing is a great new series by Jason Henderson.

From School Library Journal:

Alex Van Helsing always believed he was a normal teen who just happened to possess a legendary last name. All that changes when he begins to experience strange sensations and is involved in the bizarre death of a student at Frayling Prep. His parents decide to send Alex to Switzerland in order to attend Glenarvon Academy near Lake Geneva. Alex's dreams of a new beginning are shattered when he is attacked by a vampire on his second day. He must now face the realization that his instincts about supernaturals have been right all along and that they do indeed exist. Mr. Sangster, Alex's teacher, reveals to him that the Van Helsings have always been an integral part of the Polidorium, a secret organization of vampire-hunters. The Polidorium is in Lake Geneva to find the Scholomance, a vampire stronghold under the leadership of an ancient vampire known as Icemaker. When the vampires take captive two of Alex's friends, the 14-year-old must take action.

Mrs. Lassley's thoughts

I will tell you I went into this book not really wanting to read it. I am kinda over vampires...but I was pleasantly surprised. Alex is this normal teenager who just does not know why he can do what he does. He has that boy next door quality that anyone can relate to. A MUST READ! (There is a second one.)

Chick Lit

This past weekend was all about reading the girl books. I try really hard to read all genres...but sometimes you just need a weekend of reading the feel good girl books. I promise to get back on mixing up some of the books, but for right now this is what I have.

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

After a scandal involving her mother and a famous college basketball coach rocked her family and her old hometown, McClean decided to live with her dad. His job as a restaurant consultant requires they pick up often, and at each new place she carefully selects who she’ll be—Eliza, Beth, or someone else with a new name and different interests. It’s easier this way for McClean, who is reluctant to form any true attachments. Then at their latest stop, McClean does something she’s not done in a long while—reveal her real name. But who is this McClean and is she ready to forgive her mother, fall for the boy next door, and finally stick around? (Taken from Amazon.)

Mrs. Lassley's Review

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Sarah Dessen is already a great author, but so many of her books are focused on the relationship between a boy and a girl. In What Happened to Goodbye, the focus is on the family and why McClean doesn't feel like she can show who she really is, or why it is so painful to do so. This book just became my favorite of her's!!

Meet the Teacher

This time of year is always crazy here in the library. Between introductions to students, first checkouts, and new programs (Overdrive), life as the Stafford Librarian is crazy...I LOVE IT.

Here is a couple of reminders:

• Meet the Teacher is on September 6th. I would love to meet everyone so please stop by the library.
• The first Lunch Bunch Meeting is Wednesday, September 7th during your lunch. This is just a meet and greet. By the end of the meeting, we will know what we want to read.
• Fall Book Fair will be starting October 5-12. I am also talking to Scholastic about an on-line Book Fair. More information coming soon.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!!!

Chains

From Booklist:

In the spring of 1776, Isabel, a teenage slave, and her sister, Ruth, are sold to ruthless, wealthy loyalists in Manhattan. While running errands, Isabel is approached by rebels, who promise her freedom (and help finding Ruth, who has been sent away) if she agrees to spy. Using the invisibility her slave status brings, Isabel lurks and listens as Master Lockton and his fellow Tories plot to crush the rebel uprisings, but the incendiary proof that she carries to the rebel camp doesn’t bring the desired rewards. Like the central character in M. T. Anderson’s Octavian Nothing duet, Isabel finds that both patriots and loyalists support slavery. The specifics of Isabel’s daily drudgery may slow some readers, but the catalogue of chores communicates the brutal rhythms of unrelenting toil, helping readers to imagine vividly the realities of Isabel’s life. The story’s perspective creates effective contrasts. Overwhelmed with domestic concerns, Isabel and indeed all the women in the household learn about the war from their marginalized position: they listen at doors to rooms where they are excluded, and they collect gossip from the streets. Anderson explores elemental themes of power (“She can do anything. I can do nothing,” Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story. The extensive back matter includes a documented section that addresses many questions about history that readers will want to discuss.

Mrs. Lassley's Opinion:

Let me tell you, I am not a historical fiction fan...but I could not put this down. The way people treated slaves...other human beings, always amazes me. Hearing this book from Isabel's point of view broke my heart. This is a must read, and I plan on reading the second book, Forge, in the near future.