Walking On Glass
By Alma Fullerton
**** stars
Your mother tried to kill herself. Now she’s in a coma. If you had come home five minutes later it would have saved you and your father from so much heartache. Now, you need to cope with the pain and make some changes. This all happens to a teenage boy in Walking On Glass.
This is a free verse novel that is about 130 pages long; it can be read in less than an hour. This novel is stripped down to just the story—it’s not heavily detailed, but it is deep and tear-jerking. We see true love from a son to a mother, and how hard it is to cope with loss.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Truth About Truman School by Dori Butler
**** out of 5 stars
Great treatment of cyberbullying...timely, pertinent
I'd highly recommend this book to all middle school students. Although it's written for this younger group, high school students could take a page or two from the novel as well.
The topics of cyberbullying and online harassment are very pertinent in today's world of social networking sites, instant messaging, texting and other types of internet communication that leave the messager one step removed from face to face interaction. It's much easier to say something mean or crude or inappropriate when you can conceal your identity or not have to look a person in the eye.
In this story, two middle school students start an online web site so that they can report the truth about Truman Middle School. The site is basically ignored until the two hit upon an idea -- let anyone post anything -- no moderated comments, no censoring. Almost immediately an anonymous poster starts the page that solicits cruel torment of one particular girl at the school. Lilly, one of the popular crowd girls, is devastated by the things that appear online about her -- mostly lies and petty comments that soon deteriorate into a list that is named "We Hate Lilly."
The events that transpire over the course of the web site's lifespan affect all the students in the school to some degree. How responsible are the owners of a website for what happens on their pages and links? Should they be held accountable for anything that occurs as the result of the cruel gossip posted there? Should they read and approve every comment written? All in all, a very short and important picture of what can happen when people can hide their identities and say whatever they want without interference. Bullying in schools still happens despite all the seminars and workshops that students and teachers attend to prevent it. Cyberbullying is one step removed from the play ground and the school grounds and is even easier for even the most surprising of kids to participate in. They get carried away by the anonymity of it. Although not meant to be a lecture about bullying, the book's message comes through loud and clear.
Great to read and discuss with school age kids and teens!
Ms Crawford
Meaghan Kimbrell's Book Review
Old School
By Tobias Wolff
* Star
I thought that this novel was rather boring. I did not enjoy this book and don’t suggest anyone else to read it unless they enjoy being bored by novels.
This novel is about a boy in a boarding school and how mostly all of the students compete in writing competitions to win a private audience of famous writers such as Frost and Hemingway. The writer never really connects the reader to any of the characters, he mainly just speaks of the literature and the value of it in life.
The only way I would ever get this book for myself was if someone just gave it to me for free.
By Tobias Wolff
* Star
I thought that this novel was rather boring. I did not enjoy this book and don’t suggest anyone else to read it unless they enjoy being bored by novels.
This novel is about a boy in a boarding school and how mostly all of the students compete in writing competitions to win a private audience of famous writers such as Frost and Hemingway. The writer never really connects the reader to any of the characters, he mainly just speaks of the literature and the value of it in life.
The only way I would ever get this book for myself was if someone just gave it to me for free.
Meaghan Kimbrell's Book Review
City of Glass
(Mortal Instruments #3)
By Cassandra Clare
**** Stars
This novel is an excellent ending to a great series. This novel kept me entertained from beginning to end. I was glued to the book from when I first opened it.
The way the story was written and how the plot unfolds keeps the reader guessing. Although the main character, Clary, could be rather annoying at times this did not ruin the book for me. The relationship between her and Jace was a little predictable at the end and I also figured out the ending before it happened but I still loved the book.
I would suggest this book for people to read.
(Mortal Instruments #3)
By Cassandra Clare
**** Stars
This novel is an excellent ending to a great series. This novel kept me entertained from beginning to end. I was glued to the book from when I first opened it.
The way the story was written and how the plot unfolds keeps the reader guessing. Although the main character, Clary, could be rather annoying at times this did not ruin the book for me. The relationship between her and Jace was a little predictable at the end and I also figured out the ending before it happened but I still loved the book.
I would suggest this book for people to read.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
Cruise Control
By Terry Trueman
**** stars
How would you feel if your only brother couldn’t speak to you, play basketball with you, or even show that he loves you? Paul’s brother, Shawn, is so disabled that he can’t speak or walk. Paul loves his brother, but he sometimes doesn’t know why Shawn is alive. In this companion to Stuck In Neutral, we see another point of view on the life of a severely disabled boy.
This book is bittersweet. It shows the effects of having a disabled person as a brother. It gives thought to what life is about. It shows that it is possible to love a person who can’t love you back. I definitely recommend Cruise Control but Stuck In Neutral should be read first.
By Terry Trueman
**** stars
How would you feel if your only brother couldn’t speak to you, play basketball with you, or even show that he loves you? Paul’s brother, Shawn, is so disabled that he can’t speak or walk. Paul loves his brother, but he sometimes doesn’t know why Shawn is alive. In this companion to Stuck In Neutral, we see another point of view on the life of a severely disabled boy.
This book is bittersweet. It shows the effects of having a disabled person as a brother. It gives thought to what life is about. It shows that it is possible to love a person who can’t love you back. I definitely recommend Cruise Control but Stuck In Neutral should be read first.
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
Old School
By Tobias Wolff
*** stars
This is your last year in high school-- your chance to meet a famous author. You have to write a story that’s better than anyone else’s. The main character in Old School, (his name is never given) really wishes to get face to face with one of the many authors that visit.
Old School is a book that takes place in the sixties at an elite prep school. We follow one boy’s story, focusing on his life, his relationships, and his struggles at writing. Old School is written in first person, and is extremely “wordy.”
This is an English teacher’s dream book. I am glad that I read it. It’s a nice change from normal young adult books.
By Tobias Wolff
*** stars
This is your last year in high school-- your chance to meet a famous author. You have to write a story that’s better than anyone else’s. The main character in Old School, (his name is never given) really wishes to get face to face with one of the many authors that visit.
Old School is a book that takes place in the sixties at an elite prep school. We follow one boy’s story, focusing on his life, his relationships, and his struggles at writing. Old School is written in first person, and is extremely “wordy.”
This is an English teacher’s dream book. I am glad that I read it. It’s a nice change from normal young adult books.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Another book review by Johanna Kelly
The Thirteenth Tale
Diane Setterfield
*** stars
No one knows anything about her. Vida Winter, a very famous author, has a creative mind where deep secrets are hidden. For decades Vida Winter has lied about her past. Now, the dying Ms. Winter will finally tell her story; a story with scandal and mystery. The story always comes down to twins. Twins have a way of thinking different from others. Twins are so close, they can never separate.
The Thirteenth Tale is never something I would have read on my own. It is very long, and its plot is slow. I am glad I read something different. There is so much in this book, and it makes you wonder who’s who and what’s what. If you are truly into gothic mysteries I would definitely recommend The Thirteenth Tale.
Diane Setterfield
*** stars
No one knows anything about her. Vida Winter, a very famous author, has a creative mind where deep secrets are hidden. For decades Vida Winter has lied about her past. Now, the dying Ms. Winter will finally tell her story; a story with scandal and mystery. The story always comes down to twins. Twins have a way of thinking different from others. Twins are so close, they can never separate.
The Thirteenth Tale is never something I would have read on my own. It is very long, and its plot is slow. I am glad I read something different. There is so much in this book, and it makes you wonder who’s who and what’s what. If you are truly into gothic mysteries I would definitely recommend The Thirteenth Tale.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
Stuck In Neutral
By Terry Trueman
**** stars
What would you do if you couldn’t communicate in any way, if you couldn’t eat or move voluntarily? What would you do if you were thought to have the brain function of a three month old? And what would you do if all of this happened and you were a genius inside, but no one could know? Would you rather die than live a life like this?
Most people would say to “put them out of their misery.” Is it really misery, or a different way to live life? This is what happens in the case of fourteen year-old Shawn. He can remember everything, he is incredibly smart, but he supposedly has the I.Q. of a three month old. Shawn is afraid of his father killing him, to put him “out of his misery.”
What will happen to Shawn? Read Stuck In Neutral to find out!
By Terry Trueman
**** stars
What would you do if you couldn’t communicate in any way, if you couldn’t eat or move voluntarily? What would you do if you were thought to have the brain function of a three month old? And what would you do if all of this happened and you were a genius inside, but no one could know? Would you rather die than live a life like this?
Most people would say to “put them out of their misery.” Is it really misery, or a different way to live life? This is what happens in the case of fourteen year-old Shawn. He can remember everything, he is incredibly smart, but he supposedly has the I.Q. of a three month old. Shawn is afraid of his father killing him, to put him “out of his misery.”
What will happen to Shawn? Read Stuck In Neutral to find out!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Online chat about Testimony...
I know that some of you are finished with Testimony and have a lot to say.
This is a novel about choices -- good choices and bad choices -- and how those choices altered many lives.
In this unusual novel written in all three narrative styles and from many different points of view, we see how those choices played out in this particular case.
Please share your thoughts and start the discussion here.
Ms C.
This is a novel about choices -- good choices and bad choices -- and how those choices altered many lives.
In this unusual novel written in all three narrative styles and from many different points of view, we see how those choices played out in this particular case.
Please share your thoughts and start the discussion here.
Ms C.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
Such A Pretty Girl
By Laura Weiss
****1/2 stars
She was promised safety. He was promised nine years. Meredith's father is a pedophile; he was found guilty of molesting five children--including his own daughter. Now, after being in prison for three years, Charles Shale is released due to good behavior. Meredith's mother, Sharon, just wants Meredith to forgive her father. Sharon thinks they can be one happy family again. Meredith knows her father will molest again, it might even be her.
Such A Pretty Girl is an intense novel that kept me reading until I finished it. This is a small book that is extremely fast-paced. I never got bored while reading, which is rare. I would love to discuss this book, please read it soon.
By Laura Weiss
****1/2 stars
She was promised safety. He was promised nine years. Meredith's father is a pedophile; he was found guilty of molesting five children--including his own daughter. Now, after being in prison for three years, Charles Shale is released due to good behavior. Meredith's mother, Sharon, just wants Meredith to forgive her father. Sharon thinks they can be one happy family again. Meredith knows her father will molest again, it might even be her.
Such A Pretty Girl is an intense novel that kept me reading until I finished it. This is a small book that is extremely fast-paced. I never got bored while reading, which is rare. I would love to discuss this book, please read it soon.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Time for a poll..
Share your thoughts! Please answer the poll about censorship and restriction of teen reading and post your comments here! You may choose more than one answer.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
GONE -- Review by MaKayla Quinn
Gone
by Michael Grant
The day was November 10, the time 8:10. At that exact moment, everyone age fifteen and over suddenly disappears. No warning, no sound. Just gone. Kids rule the area, violence is enforced and it's now war between the kids in Perdido Beach vs. the kids of Coates Academy, the private school for troubled kids. For all fourteen-year-olds, time is running out, because when you turn fifteen, you poof. Which side will overcome the other? Is there a way to beat the poof? And what's with these kids from Coates?
Gone is a thrilling sci-fi novel that makes one think, "What would really happen if kids ruled the world?" Michael Grant really did write a stunning book filled with twists and turns. The plot twist makes this a a definite must read (*cough* read it! *cough*). Personally, I would recommend this book to anyone who would actually read it. The plot is straightforward and you get the story from other people's view point, not just the main character.
All-in-all, I give this book a 5/5 stars for a good read.
by Michael Grant
The day was November 10, the time 8:10. At that exact moment, everyone age fifteen and over suddenly disappears. No warning, no sound. Just gone. Kids rule the area, violence is enforced and it's now war between the kids in Perdido Beach vs. the kids of Coates Academy, the private school for troubled kids. For all fourteen-year-olds, time is running out, because when you turn fifteen, you poof. Which side will overcome the other? Is there a way to beat the poof? And what's with these kids from Coates?
Gone is a thrilling sci-fi novel that makes one think, "What would really happen if kids ruled the world?" Michael Grant really did write a stunning book filled with twists and turns. The plot twist makes this a a definite must read (*cough* read it! *cough*). Personally, I would recommend this book to anyone who would actually read it. The plot is straightforward and you get the story from other people's view point, not just the main character.
All-in-all, I give this book a 5/5 stars for a good read.
A Book Review by Makayla Quinn
The Thirteenth Tale
by Diana Setterfield
When I first picked up The Thirteenth Tale, the first thing that went through my head was that I wasn't going to like it because I'm more of a mythical type reader. At first it was touch and go with the book; I would pick it up and read a few chapters then I wouldn't read for a few days, and so on. But when the first few chapters were done with, the plot settled in, and I was hooked.
Diane Setterfield really knows how to weave mystery into a simple plot. It was slow, that much is for sure, but it had just the right amount of suspense and mystery to keep me reading. One thing that really surprised me was Vida Winter and her letter. It told exactly what fiction can do when one is afraid. Another thing was Vida's past. Setterfield created a book where the story is in the story.
I give this book 4 stars out of 5. It was sluggish but it was filled with twists and turns, suspense and subplots that finish the book with a surprising ending that will leave you speechless.
by Diana Setterfield
When I first picked up The Thirteenth Tale, the first thing that went through my head was that I wasn't going to like it because I'm more of a mythical type reader. At first it was touch and go with the book; I would pick it up and read a few chapters then I wouldn't read for a few days, and so on. But when the first few chapters were done with, the plot settled in, and I was hooked.
Diane Setterfield really knows how to weave mystery into a simple plot. It was slow, that much is for sure, but it had just the right amount of suspense and mystery to keep me reading. One thing that really surprised me was Vida Winter and her letter. It told exactly what fiction can do when one is afraid. Another thing was Vida's past. Setterfield created a book where the story is in the story.
I give this book 4 stars out of 5. It was sluggish but it was filled with twists and turns, suspense and subplots that finish the book with a surprising ending that will leave you speechless.
Monday, April 6, 2009
April Book Club
We've selected Testimony by Anita Shreve for the last book club book of this school year. You'll see reviews and comments about the book from three Library Science students below -- so please read them, join the club, and meet with us to talk about one of the most interesting books we've enjoyed lately. So much to discuss in this one!
Ms Crawford
Ms Crawford
Johanna Kelly's Book Review
Testimony
Anita Shreve
**** stars
One tape…Several drinks…A few hours…Three boys’ lives forever changed. Three boys have to face the guilt and punishment of committing statutory rape. When a scandal breaks out at Avery Academy, a prestigious high school, several peoples’ lives are changed forever. Should high school seniors face criminal charges and be expelled for having sex with a fourteen year old? Is eighteen truly the age to be called an adult? There are so many moral issues packed into the novel Testimony.
At this point I’m not sure what to believe in. Before I read this novel I looked down upon those eighteen and over who have sex with those who are younger. When I think of “statutory rape” I think of cases where a sixth grade student has sex with a forty year-old teacher. I think of a fifteen year-old having a twenty five year-old boyfriend. These cases are serious and should be handled as criminal.
But what about two eighteen year-olds and a nineteen year-old with a “willing” fourteen year-old? In Vermont, the law says that these boys should be charged with sexual assault. I really don’t believe that what happened in Testimony should be classified as sexual assault.
The only way you’ll be able to know what you think is if you read Testimony. This was a great novel that was very well written. Read it today!
Anita Shreve
**** stars
One tape…Several drinks…A few hours…Three boys’ lives forever changed. Three boys have to face the guilt and punishment of committing statutory rape. When a scandal breaks out at Avery Academy, a prestigious high school, several peoples’ lives are changed forever. Should high school seniors face criminal charges and be expelled for having sex with a fourteen year old? Is eighteen truly the age to be called an adult? There are so many moral issues packed into the novel Testimony.
At this point I’m not sure what to believe in. Before I read this novel I looked down upon those eighteen and over who have sex with those who are younger. When I think of “statutory rape” I think of cases where a sixth grade student has sex with a forty year-old teacher. I think of a fifteen year-old having a twenty five year-old boyfriend. These cases are serious and should be handled as criminal.
But what about two eighteen year-olds and a nineteen year-old with a “willing” fourteen year-old? In Vermont, the law says that these boys should be charged with sexual assault. I really don’t believe that what happened in Testimony should be classified as sexual assault.
The only way you’ll be able to know what you think is if you read Testimony. This was a great novel that was very well written. Read it today!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
I couldn't put this one down...
***** stars The Chosen One
by Carol Lynch Williams
Read this book. It's suitable for high school students and would also be of interest to any adults who enjoy literature aimed at this teen fiction genre sector.
Rather than summarize the plot, I will just provide my reaction to this new YA novel by an author I've not previously read. The copy is inscribed with many accolades and I was hard pressed to think of an original adjective or two to sum up my overall impression of the book. Each time I thought I had come up with something fresh and inspired, I found the same words in other reviews within the book's advance press pages.
The book starts off slowly but rapidly builds to a heart gripping climax as Kyra chooses the path she will take in response to the notion that she, at age 13, be married to her 60 year old uncle Apostle Hyrum at the behest of The Prophet who has had a vision that she should become the 7th wife.
This novel deals with a gated polygamist sect located out in an unnamed desert. The small group has settled there and is controlled by a fundamentalist type evangelist known as The Prophet. He and his minions, including the armed God Squad, dictate the lives of the men, women and children who live within the community. The society is not allowed to read anything but the Bible (all books were burned) and the girls there are raised to be given in marriage to the old men who have established themselves as loyal subjects to The Prophet.
The events that happen to Kyra as she comes of age within the sect are vividly described and heartbreakingly rendered. It is a book that I could not put down until I had read through to the very last page -- literally started reading and continued to the end. It's a quick read and a book well worth reading. It definitely relates to circumstances that could be taken off the headlines of many newspapers with regard to cults and other religious groups that seek separation from the "real world" in the USA.
Highly recommended.
Ms Crawford
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