Book Fair Duct Taping

For the fall book fair, students voted on which teacher they wanted to duct tape to a wall. The overwhelming response was Mr. Kelly. We had a lot of fun today. Here are some pictures:

Can you survive anything?

You know when you start watch a TV show and you notice yourself gravitating towards those same kind of books?? That is what is happening to me. I started watching Lost, and I seemed to gravitate towards books that were about plane crashes. Both were very good, but almost too intense to read. And, of course, I had to share my favorite plane crash book of all time, Hatchet.

Hatchet Summary

After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian spends fifty-four days in the Canadian wilderness, learning to survive initially with only the aid of a hatchet given him by his mother, and learning also to survive his parents' divorce.

 Survive Summary

Jane, a troubled girl, is stranded in an arctic winter terrain after a plane crash and must fight for survival with Paul, the only other boy left alive.



The Raft Summary

Experienced traveler Robie, having decided to take a cargo plane from Honolulu to Midway Atoll after a visit with her aunt, struggles to survive with the co-pilot, Max, after the plane crashes in the Pacific Ocean and they are left on a raft in shark-infested waters with only one bag of Skittles.

Orchards by Holly Thompson

Summary
Sent to Japan for the summer after an eighth-grade classmate's suicide, half-Japanese, half-Jewish Kana Goldberg tries to fit in with relatives she barely knows and reflects on the guilt she feels over the tragedy back home. (From titlewave.com.)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
In an age where students seem to take making fun of each other to a new level, this book might make you rethink what you say. For the first part of the book Kana seems to blame the girl who changed her life, but as time goes on, she starts to see how she might be partly to blame. This is a book that might help all of us think twice about what we say to some one. Very well written book!

Trilogies: The Hottest Trend in YA Lit

Since becoming a librarian I have noticed that the more I recommend books the more I see that I am recommending the first book of a trilogy. When did this happen? Does every good book have to continue on? Here are my thoughts on this:

The trilogy did not start with Hunger Games, although I think that is why my students like them so much. One of the most popular trilogies is The Lord of the Rings, and that came out way before Hunger Games. Why do students like them so much? I think that it is because they see a defined beginning, middle, and end. And there is also an end in sight. When books are put into a trilogy, there is no dragging out. Most of the time it is straight to the point.

I also think that authors like trilogies because it builds their fan base, but they do not have to write 10 books with the same characters. By labeling it a trilogy, the reader knows what to expect.

I personally have read a lot of trilogies, but I have noticed that many authors are struggling to fit the story into three books. Take The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. This trilogy was intended to be just three, but because of popularity and more story to tell, has been turned into a six book series. You will also notice that a prequel for a trilogy is finding its way onto reading list. The Maze Runner series is an example of this.

So whether you like them or not, three seems to be a magic number when it comes to young adult books.  Below you will find a list of some of my favorite trilogies, in no particular order:

1. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Unwind by Neal Shusterman (Book 2 just came out.)
3. The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
4. Uglies by Scott Westerfield (There is technically four, but Extras is kind of an extra book.)
5. Airhead by Meg Cabot
6. Graceling ( Only three books right now...I do not know if there are plans for more.)
7. Crispin by Avi
8. Maze Runner by James Dashner
9. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
10. Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
11. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
12. Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
13. Matched by Ally Condie
14. Delrium by Lauren Oliver (I believe this is meant to be a trilogy.)
15. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
16. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
17. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs (Only three right now. Could be more and bump it out of the trilogy race.)
18. Divegent by Veronica Roth (One of my favorites.)
19. Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry (Right now only three.)
20. Ashes by Ilsa Bick
21. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
22. Ruby Red by Kerstein Gier
23. Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

That is just the ones I read. There are plenty more trilogies in the library. Come by and check it out!

2013 Lone Star List

So, here it is. This list is a little early this year, but I am so excited to share it. I have underlined the ones that I have already read. Keep in mind that I might not have all of these yet because they are on order. Enjoy!

·      Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

·      Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

·      Almost Home by Joan Bauer 

·      Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal

·       How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg

·      Planet Tad by Ted Carvell

·      Outlaw: A Novel by Stephen Davies

·      Bewitching by Alex Flinn

·      Insignia by S.J. Kincaid

·      Keeping the Castle: A Tale of Romance, Riches and Real Estate by Patrice Kindle

·      The Lions of Little Rock by Kristen Levine

·      Legend  by Marie Lu

·      Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

·      Cinder  by Marissa Meyer

·      An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpurgo

·      The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

·      Wonder by R.J. Palacio 

·      Ripper  by Stefan Petrucha

·      Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

·      Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

Summary (From the Publisher):

What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular.Between the Linesmay be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale.

Mrs. Lassley's Review:

During this time of year, I need a good girl book. With Between the Lines, I got it. With the point of view going back and forth, we are able to see so much. For me the ending was too neat and, as always, I want to know what happened after "Happily Ever After." Over all, I would recommend this book to any girl who wants her story book characters to come to life.

Lincoln's Last Days by Bill O'Reilly and Dwight Jon Zimmerman

Summary
Lincoln's Last Daysis a gripping account of one of the most dramatic nights in American history—of how one gunshot changed the country forever. Adapted from Bill O'Reilly's bestselling historical thriller,Killing Lincoln, this book will have young readers—and grown-ups too—hooked on history.
In the spring of 1865, President Abraham Lincoln travels through Washington, D.C., after finally winning America's bloody Civil War. In the midst of celebrations, Lincoln is assassinated at Ford's Theatre by a famous actor named John Wilkes Booth. What follows is a thrilling chase, ending with a fiery shoot-out and swift justice for the perpetrators.
With an unforgettable cast of characters, page-turning action, vivid detail, and art on every spread,Lincoln's Last Daysis history that reads like a thriller. This is a very special book, irresistible on its own or as a compelling companion toKilling Lincoln.

Mrs. Lassley's Review
I am a self proclaimed lover of fiction. BUT this book will make you love nonfiction. Bill O'Reilly created a story that you want know the ending to but you are biting your nails for the ending. There are lots of historial photos to help you visualize the events. This is one of those books you must read!

Son by Lois Lowry

Summary
They called her Water Claire. When she washed up on their shore, no one knew that she came from a society where emotions and colors didn't exist. That she had become a Vessel at age thirteen. That she had carried a Product at age fourteen. That it had been stolen from her body. Claire had a son. But what became of him she never knew. What was his name? Was he even alive?　 She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. Now Claire will stop at nothing to find her child, even if it means making an unimaginable sacrifice

Mrs. Lassley's Review
The first time I read The Giver I was in college and I had to read it for my Children's Lit class. I knew it was a special book then. With the addition of Gathering Blue and The Messenger, you got to see life in other areas. Now with Son, you go back to Claire and her journey. You will meet new characters and reconnect with old ones.
This book is one that will make you think. After I finished I just sat and basked in the afterglow of a truly wonderful book. I really think 8th graders need to add this to the must list since they are reading The Giver and The Messenger. So amazing!!

Reached...it is almost here!

I have been waiting for this book since I read Matched two years ago. There is going to be an excerpt on Entertainment Weekly tomorrow, but for now go to this site http://shelf-life.ew.com/2012/10/24/watch-the-shattering-trailer-for-reached-the-conclusion-to-the-matched-trilogy-exclusive/ for a trailer.

Enjoy!

False Memory by Dan Krokos

I do not normally blog about a book before I am done, but this book will be the exception. Last night I picked up False Memory because I left my other book (Son by Lois Lowry) downstairs. Since I was feeling lazy and I saw this book on my nightstand, I figured, "Why not?" Fate was on my side because 2 hours and 200 pages later it took everything I had to stop. I was afraid this book would remind me too much of Jason Bourne, but I was wrong. This book is in a league by itself and I am dying to finish. This is a planned series. I hope that I am patient enough to wait for the next one.


And yes, there is a copy in the Stafford library. :-)

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Summary

This mischievous and utterly original debut, Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales. As readers follow the siblings through a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind (and beyond) the bread crumbs, edible houses, and outwitted witches. Fairy tales have never been more irreverent or subversive as Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after. (Taken from titlewave.com, from the publisher)

Mrs. Lassley's Review

You know when you have a book that you are putting off reading. There is no real reason, but it just keeps going to the bottom of your pile. For me, A Tale Dark and Grimm was that book. And I am now kicking myself about waiting so long to read it. (Or course, this also means the sequel right now instead of waiting.) My favorite part of this book is the narrator. The back and forth of the story and the narrator just brings the story to life. Also, the way the author has twisted these stories together is so wonderful. A great read for all readers!

How They Croaked by Georgia Bragg

Summary
Over the course of history men and women have lived and died. In fact, getting sick and dying can be a big, ugly mess-especially before the modern medical care that we all enjoy today. How They Croaked relays all the gory details of how nineteen world figures gave up the ghost. Readers will be fascinated well past the final curtain, and feel lucky to live in a world with painkillers, X-rays, soap, and 911. (From the publisher.)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
I am not big on reading nonfiction, but I heard from another librarian that I needed to read this. She was right! It is so great. Not only does it give you a great history of each person and then what led to their demise, the book gave you details about other parts of their life. This is a great read aloud book and I would highly suggest it!

Variant by Robison Wells

Summary

Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.

He was wrong.

Now he's trapped in a school that's surrounded by a razor-wire fence, where video cameras monitor his every move—and where breaking the rules equals death.

All Benson wants is to find a way out. But when he stumbles upon the real secret the school has been hiding, he realizes that escape may be impossible. (From publisher.)

Mrs. Lassley's Review

This book took a couple of chapters to grab my attention, but after that I could not finish it fast enough. You are trying to figure things out at the same time as Benson and by the end your mind is racing. Who can Benson trust? The cover subtext has it right...NO ONE!

The Rules of the Library

Welcome to Fall...or here in Texas...welcome Indian summer!

       We are now through the last week of the 1st 6 weeks...technically we are 1/6 done with the school year. If you have come into the library over the past five weeks, you know that it has been the busiest I have ever seen it. Since our district moved to ILA classes (combination Reading and English classes), they have been having book projects and daily SSR time, which as a librarian I love!! So students are reading like crazy!

      Throughout this crazy time I have had a lot of students ask me how I get my books and why some series are not here. Since I get this so much, I thought I would share the answer with you. I have to follow certain rules in order to get certain books in the library. Here are the questions I ask myself:

-Is it reviewed for a middle school grade level? Material selection should be guided by published, professional reviews. The following review journals may be considered: Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Horn Book, Library Media Connection, School Library Journal, and Voice of Youth Advocates. What this means is that if one of these journals has a positive review for one or all of the middle school grades then it is something that I can purchase.

-After that I ask, "Do we have an audience for this type of book?"  Sometimes this might be a few students and sometimes it might be more than that. This is a very tricky question but that is why I try and get to know so many of our students. I have learned so many things about them and I realize we have a few gaps, such as the scary stories.

- The last question I ask is, "How many copies?" Some books I know that I am going to need more than one copy. With budget though, I have to limit how many copies. I try and keep it to the max of 2 unless it is a Lone Star book, then it is 3.

So as much as I wish that I could just give you guys any book you want, there is a process to it. :-)

Questions?? Remember to always ask!!

Author Visit...IT WAS AWESOME!

I have said it before and I will say it again...authors are my superstars. I get all giddy when they are coming and I get to meet them. Then give me two and it has made my year. Margaret Peterson Haddix and Lisa McMann were amazing and so nice. We had lots of students who got their books signed and had a chance to meet with the author. I just wanted to share with you guys come of the pictures from the visit last week.

Lisa McMann sharing Chapter 1 of Unwanteds with us.



Margaret Peterson Haddix explaining what Caught is all about.



Lisa McMann and me



Margaret Peterson Haddix and me



Our students getting a chance to have their books signed by these two amazing authors.



(I know some of the pictures are side ways. :-)

The next Harry Potter???

So everyone is looking for a new series to be the next Harry Potter. Supposedly this is it. Check out the book trailer. Here is also an article about the possible movie to be made.
http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/09/12/dreamworks-harry-pottershadow-and-bone/


We have this book in the library . After this trailer I am going to have to read it!

End of an Era

I have been with the Maximum Ride series since the beginning. I was there when Angel was taken the first and the second time. I was there for Max and Fang's first kiss. I was there with Gasman and Iggy and their many explosions. I was there with Nudge and her many attempts at trying to civilize the group. And to be honest, I was very sad to say good-bye to them. They were apart of my thoughts to become a librarian.

So here is what I am going to do... instead of a review I am going to write a thank you note.

Thank you James Patterson for writing a series that has strong characters and kids that other kids can look up too. Thank you for creating a series that makes kids want to read more. Thank you for trying to focus not on what a character is wearing but what is happening to the earth. Thank you!

(In case you did get the undertones of this entry, YOU MUST READ THIS!)

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Summary
When Alex finds out he is Unwanted, he expects to die. That is the way of the people of Quill. Each year, all the thirteen-year-olds are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination. It's hard for Alex to leave behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted, but he makes peace with his fate until he discovers that instead of a "death farm," what awaits him is a magical place called Artime. There, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds are encouraged to cultivate their creative abilities and use them magically. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation. But it's a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be divided between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate magical battle. (Taken from Titlewave.com)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
I am a HUGE fan of Hunger Games and Harry Potter, so when this book stated that it was a mix of these it was automatically on my list. It did not disappointment. Lots of magic, lots of adventure and plenty of character development. I am putting this on my must read for students and I know I am going to need more copies of it just so students quit asking me for more! Cannot wait to start the second one!

Margaret Peterson Haddix and Lisa McMann coming to Stafford!

Words cannot express how excited I am to meet these two amazing authors. As a librarian I have been able to meet some pretty great authors, and it never gets old. They are my superstars. And I love sharing this with the students. Because the authors cannot be there for long only so many students can see them. Those students are very excited. I will try and post pictures in the next week.

Fallen off the Face of the Earth

Hopefully to my students relief, this post will reaffirm that I did not fall off the Earth, but just went into hibernation for the last month of summer. And since today is the last day of my scheduled vacation, what am I doing during my quiet time...blogging.

Normally I would take a nap during this time, but I have been reading such amazing books lately and have had no outlet to put them down. For this review session I am not going to summarize, just give you my thoughts.

On a side note: I have been reading a lot more than this, but these were my favorites and the last one is a treat. :-)

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a Lone Star book that I have been putting off. It looked like a book of scary stories so I just waited. BIG MISTAKE! This books was AH-MAZING! So sad it took me so long to read it.

I actually have had an ARC of this book since April, but due to all the books that are in the library that I have been reading, it got put away until this summer. This book blew me away. Based on a murder that the author personally had to deal with, the story goes through what life would be like if you were not the one killed. For a mature audience!!

This is another book that I got as an ARC. If you want a fun read, this is an awesome book. The cover tells it all!

















This last book is what I am currently reading. I was able to get an early copy. I absolutely loved this book in the spring. Now that the second one is about to come about and I HAVE COPY, I am thrilled. Cannot wait to blog about it.













So for those of you who are my students, I will see you VERY soon. And for those of you who just periodically stop by, I promise to start blogging more! I have so many books to share.

Playing Catch Up

So as you can see from my previous posts, I am reading. But because I have not been home for most of June, I have not been able to post anything. BUT I AM READING AWESOME BOOKS!! Since we have been traveling, I get to sit in the passenger seat and read. My husband is okay with this as long as I keep my five year old, one year old, and two dogs quiet. And because I hate to drive, this is the perfect arrangement...except when your one year old decides to start screaming...but you know how that goes.

I cannot believe it is almost July 15th. In one month I will be reporting back and getting ready for a new school year. I have many new ideas to implement, and lots of books I cannot wait to share with my students. And I will say... I miss my Spartans!!!!

So now I have a favor....please comment below and tell me any YA books that you have been reading that you would recommend. I can only read so many and I would love some suggestions!!

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Summary
Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it's also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster. Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though. Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters. These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight. (From publisher, taken from titlewave.com)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
I have had this book in my "Must Read" pile for awhile. I even have an ARC for Sweet Shadows, book two in the series. After reading it, I am kicking myself for waiting so long. Anyone who loves mythology, but is tired of Percy, this is your book. Each girl is bringing to the table something different and they each have their own strengths. This is further brought out in Sweet Shadows. They are also each trying to have a semi-normal life, which is not really working for them. Between this and the author's other series, Just for Fins, I am having a fun summer!

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

My students know that I do not normally read books from the point of view of an animal. But I picked this up on a recommendation from another librarian, and I was not disappointed. Ivan is a silver back gorilla who still remembers what it is like to be free. Ruby is a baby elephant who is having to be trained and fighting it. With help from a human friend, freedom is at their finger tips.

Katherine Applegate has written a beautiful book from the point of Ivan. It will open your eyes up to the possibility that animals might understand us more than we think. Every time I go to the zoo I think about the animals being caged up, but I do not think about the fact that some of them are actual being brought in from something worse. I see this book winning a ton of awards and I look forward to sharing it with my kids and students.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Summary
 Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.(Written by the publisher, taken from titlewave.com.)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
I will say it took me a couple of chapters to get into this book, but after that I was hooked. BUT readers looking for a complete Cinderella remake may want to look elsewhere. Although there were places that you can see the fairy tale, the whole vibe of the book was something so new. BUT that is what helps it stand on its own...and a fairy tale this is not. I know that boys will not pick this book up because of the cover, but with chapters from Prince Kai's point of view, this is a great read from both girls and boys. It is a possible Lone Star list candidate, and I think we will see it on there. AWESOME!

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary
The thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger, deceit, and hidden identities. Sage, an orphaned thief, is one of four boys chosen to participate in a lethal contest. After being plucked from the streets by a nobleman named Connor, Sage learns that Connor plans to choose one of the orphans to impersonate a long-lost prince in the hopes of averting a civil war.

Mrs. Lassley's Review
This book totally took me by surprise. I do not usually read stories set in medival times, but from page one you are racing through the streets with Sage after he has stolen a roast in an attempt to eat. Then you are riding a wild horse as his smart mouth has gotten him in trouble again. Sage is a character that every teen with root for and even if the time period and countries separate them, every teen with feel a kinship with him. I see this on the Lone Star List next year and I cannot wait for the next book in April.

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Summary
In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your placelooking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she's been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she's never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom.... (From the Publisher).

Mrs. Lassley's Review
As I was reading this book, I found it hard to follow in the beginning. Although it did tell me when it changed character points of view, I sit struggled to get into the plot. But about halfway through it, I found myself complete absord in Charlie's life and her struggles. Although I have no idea why she has such a strong love/hate relationship with Max, I am turning the page to see if they ever resolve the underlying problem...lack of trust. With a sequel already in the making, I can see my students, especially my girls, running through this book. I give it a 4/5 stars.

Update on Lone Star list

Author	Title
Erin Dionne	Notes from an Accidental Band Geek
Helen Frost	Hidden
Stuart Gibbs	Belly Up
Adam Gidwitz	A Tale Dark and Grimm
Kerstin Gier	Ruby Red
Will Hobbs	Take Me to the River
Andrew Lane	Death Cloud
Jonathan Maberry	Rot & Ruin
Joseph Monninger	Wish
Patrick Ness	A Monster Calls: A Novel
Kenneth Oppel	This Dark Endeavor
Gary Paulsen	Paintings from the Cave: Three Novellas
Veronica Roth	Divergent
Chris Rylander	The Fourth Stall
Gary D. Schmidt	Okay for Now
Ruta Sepetys	Between Shades of Gray
John Stephens	The Emerald Atlas
Wendelin Van Draanen	The Running Dream
Kiersten White	Paranormalcy
Moira Young	Blood Red Road

So my goal has been to read all of the Lone Star books. I know that not all books on here are not going to be what I normally read, but I am hoping that I can expand my reading. I figured by reading the Lone Star list, I am at least that much closer to becoming a well-rounded librarian and reader. The ones highlighted in yellow I have read, and the one in green is the one I just started. I have not been disappointed in what I have read so far. It always amazes me the caliber of literature that the Lone Star committee can get from all the amazing books that are written. I have started looking at the possbilities for next years list, and I am already anticipating what will be on it.

Happy Reading!

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Summary
In a distant future, eighteen-year-old Lugh is kidnapped, and while his twin sister Saba and nine-year-old Emmi are trailing him across bleak Sandsea they are captured, too, and taken to brutal Hopetown, where Saba is forced to be a cage fighter until new friends help plan an escape. (From titlewave.com)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
First off, this book had me wondering if it was going to be any good when I saw it on the Lone Star list. To be honest, it was the first cover that turned me off. BUT once I got started.... I COULD NOT STOP! This book has a little bit of everything, family ties, action, romance, and a main character that you cannot help but root for. She is sassy with a capital S. She is looking for her twin brother who was taken from her. She must go to this place she has only ever heard of and many things happen to her in the end. Her sister follows her, she is taken captive, and she meets Jack. I do not want to give away to much, but I will say the second cover is a big improvement. And I will definetely be wating in line for book 2 which comes out in October!

Take Me to the River by Will Hobbs

Summary
Deep in trouble, deep in the canyons fourteen-year-old Dylan Sands has come all the way from North Carolina to Big Bend National Park, on the Texas/Mexico border, to paddle the fabled Rio Grande. His partner in adventure is a local river rat, his cousin Rio. As the two are packing their boats for ten days in the canyons, six Black Hawk helicopters appear overhead and race across the river into Mexico. The army won't tell the boys what's happening, but they are given a weather advisory: A hurricane is approaching the Gulf of Mexico. Dylan and Rio have their hearts set on their trip and can't give it up. Rio believes that their chances of running into border troubles or a major storm are slim to none. By canoe and raft, Dylan and Rio venture into the most rugged and remote reaches of the U.S./Mexico border. You may well not see another human being during the duration of your trip, the guidebook tells them. They don't, until a man stumbles into camp with a seven-year-old boy. A storm is brewing as the man who calls himself Carlos begs for help . . . and the boy is trembling with fear. (From titlewave.com)

Mrs. Lassley's Review
If  you keep up with my blog, you know that I do not normally read the boy action/adventure books. I like my sci-fi books just fine, but not really the complete action adventure. I really got into this book. One of my favorite things to do is white water raft, although I do not get to do it much. I do not know if I would take a multi-day trip, but with the way Will Hobbs describes it, I just might (without the crazy weather and such). Although there is very little back story, there is not much needed. Dylan and Rio, although they have never met, are pretty much like brothers/best friends from the start. We learn tidbits about them as time goes on, but it never overtakes the story in front of you. Gold star from me.

Summertime 2012!

Taken from thechildbirthprofession.com

Even librarians need a break...that being said, I do not know if I was ready for this year to be over. Here are some of the things that I learned or were confirmed this year:

• Teachers want to work with librarians!!! Given the right environment and attitudes you can create amazing projects together.
• Children still love reading real books! Ebooks are great, but many of them want that hardback book in their hands.
• Give a student the right book and you will have a reader on your hands. But beware, put the wrong book in a reader's hand, you might turn them off for a little while.
• Teachers are avid readers and can be your biggest promotional tools!
• Even though I was not in the classroom everyday with the students, I was able to make connections with many students. As they walked the halls yesterday, I had tears in my eyes. If you are one of the students I got to know through literature, and you know who you are, you will always be in my heart. You each made me a better librarian and I can honestly say you will be missed and you must come and visit.

Please keep reading my blog through the summer. I plan on LOTS of reading which equals LOTS of blogs and reviews. I have a number of ARCs (Advanced Reader's Copy) to read this summer. Please be safe, use sunscreen, and READ!

Art for the Library

For the second year in a row, Mrs. Block, Stafford's art teacher, and I have worked with a group of her students in an effort to create some masterpieces in the library. We focus on the recreation of book covers. This year's group of students completely took my breathe away. These are some very talented artist. I cannot wait to see what they do in the future. All of these will be on display in the library all next year. Enjoy!

This is all of the amazing art that was donated to the library. 

Josh 

Samantha

Ramya

Monica

Stephanie

Kianna

Sara

Ben

Sarah

Ashley

Christine

Anna

Chris