The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins
Four out of Five stars: Excellent Book
This is a book that has everything a reader could want, action mixed with romance, violence mixed with sensitivity. Set in the future, in a place that was once North America, this novel tells the tale of a country dominated by the oppressive “Capitol” which is the ruling city of Panem. Panem is composed of twelve districts; each named so for one of the rebellions that was crushed by the armies of the Capitol. As a reminder of their complete domination of the districts, the Capitol takes one boy and one girl from each district every year to compete in their “Hunger Games.”
These gladiatorial style games are a source of entertainment for the richer districts and the Capitol, and a source of dread for the poor, lower class, who are literally forced into the life and death competitions. This novel is the first in a series by Suzanne Collins, following the life of two teenagers from District Twelve, made to leave their homes and compete with the best from every other district… as well as each other.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Twilight/New Moon Student Review by MaKayla Quinn
These two books, Twilight and New Moon by Stephenie Meyer, are the most amazing I've ever read. The twists in the plot, the characters, and the descriptiveness will keep readers turning the pages faster than Edward can say "No." I love these books and can't wait to read Eclipse.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
New Books!!
The following new books have just arrived. Come by and check these out.
Vibes by Amy Ryan -- "It isn't easy being able to read minds..." (previously reviewed, see below)
Hot new series:
The Alchemyst -- the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
This name should be familiar to all you Harry Potter fans!
"An ancient book is lost. The modern world could be ripped apart at the seams."
From summary -- "While working at pleasant but mundane summer jobs in San Francisco, 15 year-old twins, Sophie and Josh, suddenly find themselves caught up in the deadly, centuries-old struggle between rival alchemists... over the possession of an ancient and powerful book holding the secret formulas for alchemy and everlasting life."
The Magician -- the sequel to the NY Times Bestselling book The Alchemyst -- continues the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel
All We Know of Heaven by Jacquelyn Mitchard
"Two best friends, a horrific accident. One survives, but which one?" This book is based on a true story of mistaken identity.
The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard
" Each twin has visions -- but is that a blessing or a curse? One twin has the power to see into the future, one to see deep into the past. Only they can put a stop to the threat that looms over their small town. That is, if their powers don't tear them apart first."
Vibes by Amy Ryan -- "It isn't easy being able to read minds..." (previously reviewed, see below)
Hot new series:
The Alchemyst -- the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
This name should be familiar to all you Harry Potter fans!
"An ancient book is lost. The modern world could be ripped apart at the seams."
From summary -- "While working at pleasant but mundane summer jobs in San Francisco, 15 year-old twins, Sophie and Josh, suddenly find themselves caught up in the deadly, centuries-old struggle between rival alchemists... over the possession of an ancient and powerful book holding the secret formulas for alchemy and everlasting life."
The Magician -- the sequel to the NY Times Bestselling book The Alchemyst -- continues the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel
All We Know of Heaven by Jacquelyn Mitchard
"Two best friends, a horrific accident. One survives, but which one?" This book is based on a true story of mistaken identity.
The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard
" Each twin has visions -- but is that a blessing or a curse? One twin has the power to see into the future, one to see deep into the past. Only they can put a stop to the threat that looms over their small town. That is, if their powers don't tear them apart first."
Monday, September 8, 2008
3.5 Stars -- Review by Chance Norton
Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
How many people have wished they were smarter? Or that maybe, just this once they could pull off a heist? Maybe have a butler that is more than just a butler?
In this third volume of Artemis’ adventures with the People (fairies of course), Artemis does all this and more with his friends. This book has everything a YA reader could want, plot twists, horrible bad guys, loveable good guys and not so loveable antiheros.
Artemis’ plan is of course to collect even more money in this novel and he sets out to get it by NOT selling his C-Cube, which is a futuristic part fairy portable technology. DVD player, VHS player, security slicer, MP3 player, ect. There is nothing this thing cannot do. And the man he wants to NOT sell this wonderful piece of technology for is a man named John Spiro, industry leader in the very things the C-Cube will take over. Needless to say he is not pleased by this revelation and sets out to make the C-Cube his… No matter what happens to Artemis and his friends.
I recommend this book for all fans of the series and everyone who likes a good weekend read with plenty of humor, plenty of action, and of course, fairies.
How many people have wished they were smarter? Or that maybe, just this once they could pull off a heist? Maybe have a butler that is more than just a butler?
In this third volume of Artemis’ adventures with the People (fairies of course), Artemis does all this and more with his friends. This book has everything a YA reader could want, plot twists, horrible bad guys, loveable good guys and not so loveable antiheros.
Artemis’ plan is of course to collect even more money in this novel and he sets out to get it by NOT selling his C-Cube, which is a futuristic part fairy portable technology. DVD player, VHS player, security slicer, MP3 player, ect. There is nothing this thing cannot do. And the man he wants to NOT sell this wonderful piece of technology for is a man named John Spiro, industry leader in the very things the C-Cube will take over. Needless to say he is not pleased by this revelation and sets out to make the C-Cube his… No matter what happens to Artemis and his friends.
I recommend this book for all fans of the series and everyone who likes a good weekend read with plenty of humor, plenty of action, and of course, fairies.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Book Club for September
We are reading My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult for this month's OHS book club.
I have 5 copies of it available for check out so stop by and pick up yours. If you prefer, you may obtain the book from a local public library. Our meeting will be held on Friday, September 26 at 7:40 am in the library. All interested students who read the book are welcome to join us. Bring your breakfast!
Mrs. C.
I have 5 copies of it available for check out so stop by and pick up yours. If you prefer, you may obtain the book from a local public library. Our meeting will be held on Friday, September 26 at 7:40 am in the library. All interested students who read the book are welcome to join us. Bring your breakfast!
Mrs. C.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Need a good book?
We have 750 YA books in the library -- stop by!
The Hunger Games -- now arrived!
Recent new books:
Identical by Ellen Hopkins -- this is a new one by the queen of free verse. If you liked her other books, you might want to check this one out as well. It's about twins who seem to have it all, but there are horrible secrets behind the door to their home.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox -- How far would you go to save someone you love?
Artemis Fowl -- #6 in the series The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer -- After disappearing for three years, he's returned to a life much different than the one he had.
The Fourth Book of Ember -- The Diamond of Darkhold by Jeanne DuPrau -- A darkness different from Ember's, but just as frightening. The first book in this series is slated for motion picture release in Fall 2008.
And...if you haven't yet read the first one in the popular series about vampires, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, you'll want to do that before the movie comes out
Twilight the Movie
Release date: November 21, 2008
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight_movie.html
Come on in and check out a good book for the weekend.
Mrs. C.
The Hunger Games -- now arrived!
Recent new books:
Identical by Ellen Hopkins -- this is a new one by the queen of free verse. If you liked her other books, you might want to check this one out as well. It's about twins who seem to have it all, but there are horrible secrets behind the door to their home.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox -- How far would you go to save someone you love?
Artemis Fowl -- #6 in the series The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer -- After disappearing for three years, he's returned to a life much different than the one he had.
The Fourth Book of Ember -- The Diamond of Darkhold by Jeanne DuPrau -- A darkness different from Ember's, but just as frightening. The first book in this series is slated for motion picture release in Fall 2008.
And...if you haven't yet read the first one in the popular series about vampires, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, you'll want to do that before the movie comes out
Twilight the Movie
Release date: November 21, 2008
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight_movie.html
Come on in and check out a good book for the weekend.
Mrs. C.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
It's "Hairspray" with a psychic bent..............,
Coming soon.......
Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Teen girls will like this book. It reminded me of the musical, "Hairspray" because the heroine is quirky and heavyset -- but has a hidden ability. In this case, she is capable of reading other peoples' thoughts -- or so she thinks. Despite being predictable as far as the outcome of the main story line, there are some surprising poignant moments as various teens and adults interact with the main character. I particularly liked the evolution of the mother-daughter relationship. Kristi attends an unusual school, Journeys, run by an exhippie. Classes include morning meeting, contemplation, afternoon personal time, culinary arts, exploration of nature and processing. During one assignment, Kristi is paired with the boy she has had a crush on since her preteen years, Gusty. After a series of ups and downs, Kristi discovers that perhaps her psychic abilities are both good and bad and figures out her true motivations. I liked the character because she was not a brilliant, beautiful, athletic, talented girl. She was flawed, and in this, will be endearing to teenagers who are struggling with their own self image. Various social topics of interest to teens are included such as anorexia, homosexuality, adultery, smoking and other typical teen concerns such as acne, popularity and social status. There is no sex or violence in this book.
Mrs. C.
Vibes by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Teen girls will like this book. It reminded me of the musical, "Hairspray" because the heroine is quirky and heavyset -- but has a hidden ability. In this case, she is capable of reading other peoples' thoughts -- or so she thinks. Despite being predictable as far as the outcome of the main story line, there are some surprising poignant moments as various teens and adults interact with the main character. I particularly liked the evolution of the mother-daughter relationship. Kristi attends an unusual school, Journeys, run by an exhippie. Classes include morning meeting, contemplation, afternoon personal time, culinary arts, exploration of nature and processing. During one assignment, Kristi is paired with the boy she has had a crush on since her preteen years, Gusty. After a series of ups and downs, Kristi discovers that perhaps her psychic abilities are both good and bad and figures out her true motivations. I liked the character because she was not a brilliant, beautiful, athletic, talented girl. She was flawed, and in this, will be endearing to teenagers who are struggling with their own self image. Various social topics of interest to teens are included such as anorexia, homosexuality, adultery, smoking and other typical teen concerns such as acne, popularity and social status. There is no sex or violence in this book.
Mrs. C.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
New book coming to OHS library soon!
Futuristic, postapocalyptic "The Lottery" meets "The Most Dangerous Game"| The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins |
Sixteen year old Katniss, a skilled hunter for her district, volunteers to take the place of her younger sister and is transported to the training center at the Capitol in luxury with a baker's son, Peeta. Both teens, along with pairs from the other 11 districts, are gathered for a week of activities that sound much like a team arrival at the Olympic Games or like young women at a Miss America beauty pageant. The events scheduled for the week preceding the games involve marketing of the game players, stylists, trainers and eliciting sponsors. Finally the week is over and Katniss and Peeta are released into the arena. What follows is the game of kill or be killed. The teenagers need food, water and shelter to survive. Only one victor is allowed; everyone else must be vanquished.
The story of Katniss' time in the arena, reminiscent of "The Most Dangerous Game" (where man is prey, hunted by other man) and sounds like scenes from "The Gladiator" is harsh and filled with terror and pain. Can she survive when it means that she must kill humans to live? Who will emerge as the winner when it means that humanity will be lost?
Fast paced and filled with suspense, this is the first book in what appears to be a new series by this author. Despite some descriptive gore and violence, this reader highly recommends THE HUNGER GAMES for high school age teens and young adults.
Book #2 Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins comes out on September 1, 2009.
Mrs. C.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to school for the 2008-2009 year. Hope you all enjoyed some good books over the summer and I'd love for you to stop by and tell me about them. I've been busy reading and acquiring some new titles for your reading pleasure in the Young Adult/Teen fiction section. There are some great new releases and new books in your favorite series as well.
Bring your student ID and come by and check us out!
New books this week:
Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4) by Stephenie Meyer
Gone by Michael Grant
Streams of Babel by Carol Plum-Ucci
Stop in the Name of Pants! (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson) by Louise Rennison
Princess Ben by Catherine Murdock
the dead and the gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Cathy's Key: If Found 650-266-8202 by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Saga by Conor Kostick
The Sky Inside by Clare B. Dunkle
Pretty Little Liars #4: Unbelievable (Pretty Little Liars) by Sara Shepard
Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle
Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Family Affairs (Secrets of My Hollywood Life) by Jen Calonita
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Rumors: A Luxe Novel (The Luxe) by Anna Godbersen
More new ones on the way!! Email me any suggestions!
Mrs. C.
Bring your student ID and come by and check us out!
New books this week:
Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4) by Stephenie Meyer
Gone by Michael Grant
Streams of Babel by Carol Plum-Ucci
Stop in the Name of Pants! (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson) by Louise Rennison
Princess Ben by Catherine Murdock
the dead and the gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Cathy's Key: If Found 650-266-8202 by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Saga by Conor Kostick
The Sky Inside by Clare B. Dunkle
Pretty Little Liars #4: Unbelievable (Pretty Little Liars) by Sara Shepard
Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle
Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Family Affairs (Secrets of My Hollywood Life) by Jen Calonita
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Rumors: A Luxe Novel (The Luxe) by Anna Godbersen
More new ones on the way!! Email me any suggestions!
Mrs. C.
Monday, August 11, 2008
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