The 2010 Charlotte Book Award
The Charlotte Book Award was named for that amazing spider in E. B. White's classic animal story, Charlotte's Web. Across New York State, students will be reading fast and furious to pick their winner for the Charlotte Book Award. It truly is a "kid's choice" award where kids pick the winner.
The books that are being considered for the award are listed below. Even if you're not in Ms. Reese's Charlotte Book Club, you may make comments about any of the books. Happy reading!
For more information, please go to: http://www.nysreading.org/Awards/charlotte/
2010 Charlotte Award Ballot Books
Beauty Shop for Rent by Laura Bowers
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Dear Jo: The Story of Losing Leah and Searching for Hope by Christina Kilbourne
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
In Search of Mockingbird by Loretta Ellsworth
I,Q: Independence Hall by Roland Smith
Kimichi & Calamari by Rose Kent
Schooled by Gordon Korman
Skin Deep by E. M. Crane
Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Hunger Games Series
Perhaps you've heard of the book, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. You might know this author from her other series, The Underland Chronicles, book one being: Gregor the Overlander. Here at the AMS Library, The Hunger Games is an 8th grade book. This exciting first book in the series is beloved by many students and teachers as well. In this future world, the United States is no more. Instead, a country named Panem is divided into 12 "districts". We follow Katniss as she takes her younger sister's place and competes in the Hunger Games. The games are named such because the winner's district is blessed with food in a world in which resources are scarce. The games involve fierce fighting on a humongous fabricated field. The last two contestants standing are the victors and will make their districts famous. All of Pamen is required to view this televised event.
Collins' writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seat, hungry for more, (no pun intended). The chapters often end in the cliffhanger style. We have a few copies of The Hunger Games at AMS, but they are often checked out. You can fill out a green reserve slip to get on the list to read it next.
School Library Journal gave The Hunger Games a starred review. Their review says,"Collins' characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator."
The second book in the series, Catching Fire, was just released. The buzz is that it is just as exciting as the first! I am currently reading this exciting sequel. Collins plans to write a third book to make this trilogy complete.
We also have other dystopias in our library. What is a dystopia? It is a world in which things have gone wrong. There can be famine, crop failure, people may be enslaved and an all-powerful body has total control. The Giver by Lois Lowry, a book that grade 8 Reading students explore, is another example of a dystopia.
New books, (most are for 8th grade), that are also dystopias at the AMS Library:
Fearless by Tim Lott
Compound by S. A. Boden
Gone by Michael Grant
Gem X by Nicky Singer
Truesight by David Stahler Jr.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (author of Scribbler of Dreams)
Zenith by Julie Bertagna (the sequel to Exodus)
Collins' writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seat, hungry for more, (no pun intended). The chapters often end in the cliffhanger style. We have a few copies of The Hunger Games at AMS, but they are often checked out. You can fill out a green reserve slip to get on the list to read it next.
School Library Journal gave The Hunger Games a starred review. Their review says,"Collins' characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator."
The second book in the series, Catching Fire, was just released. The buzz is that it is just as exciting as the first! I am currently reading this exciting sequel. Collins plans to write a third book to make this trilogy complete.
We also have other dystopias in our library. What is a dystopia? It is a world in which things have gone wrong. There can be famine, crop failure, people may be enslaved and an all-powerful body has total control. The Giver by Lois Lowry, a book that grade 8 Reading students explore, is another example of a dystopia.
New books, (most are for 8th grade), that are also dystopias at the AMS Library:
Fearless by Tim Lott
Compound by S. A. Boden
Gone by Michael Grant
Gem X by Nicky Singer
Truesight by David Stahler Jr.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (author of Scribbler of Dreams)
Zenith by Julie Bertagna (the sequel to Exodus)
Monday, September 21, 2009
What have you been reading?
OK- now that the school year has begun to roll along, what are you reading?
Here's what I've been reading so far this school year:
1. Lily B. on the Brink of Cool by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, grade 7, 8, realistic fiction
Funny, funny, funny! Girls will especially identify with Lily B! This book is the first in a series.
2. Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen (sequel to Touching Spirit Bear), grade 7, 8 realistic fiction
If you loved Touching Spirit Bear, you will enjoy this sequel.
3. Inside Out by Terry Trueman, gr. 8, realistic fiction
A quick, intense story about making the right decisions.
4. A Traitor Among Us by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Durng WWII, who is the traitor in Pieter's village?
5. Mudshark by Gary Paulsen, grade 6, realistic fiction
A brand new book that will leave you laughing and puzzling over the mysteries along with Mudshark.
6. Tiger, Tiger by Lynn Reid Banks, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Two tiger cub brothers are separated in ancient Rome. One leads the pampered life of the Emperor's daughter and the other must perform at the Coliseum. Will they ever be reunited?
7. The Not Just Anybody Family by Betsy Byars, grade 6, realistic fiction
The hijinks of the Blossom family are described here.
8. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, grade 8, science fiction
The long-awaited sequel to The Hunger Games! Exciting and action-packed.
9. Kathryn, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman, grade 6-8, historical fiction
A teen's life in England in the year 1290 as she tries to avoid acting ladylike, sewing and possible suitors.
10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
Greg Heffley is back in all his wimpy glory with a summer of hanging poolside trying to look cool, avoiding Fregley and having other laugh out loud adventures!
11. Season of Gifts by Richard Peck, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Grandma Dowdel is back and she is still packing heat at 90. Should her new neighbors be scared, or glad to have her next door?
12. A Company of Fools by Deborah Ellis, grade 6-8, historical fiction
The year is 1348 in France. Henri is not prepared for Micah's arrival, the orphan with the angelic voice. He's also not prepared for the plague that sweeps through Europe which brings death and destruction.
13. The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
Chiara and Silvano, two teenagers sent away from home are drawn together and try to solve a string of murders before the murderer stikes again. This book takes place in Renaissance Italy.
14. The Humming of Numbers by Jodi Sensel, grade 8, historical fiction
Aiden is curious about the woman brought to the monastery, accused of witchcraft. Just exactly who is she?
15. Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper, grade 8, historical fiction
Mary Hooper is hung for infanticide and survives!
16. Kidnapped, Book 1: Abduction by Gordan Korman, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
When Aiden's younger sister Meg is kidnapped, can he help assist the FBI to bring her home?
17. Incantation by Alice Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
What life was like during the Spanish Inquisition for one family who hid their Jewish heritage for fear of death.
18. The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer, grade 8, dystopia
How the world falls apart when an asteroid knocks the moon out of place.
What book are you buried in and how are you enjoying it? I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
-Ms. Ekstrom
Here's what I've been reading so far this school year:
1. Lily B. on the Brink of Cool by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, grade 7, 8, realistic fiction
Funny, funny, funny! Girls will especially identify with Lily B! This book is the first in a series.
2. Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen (sequel to Touching Spirit Bear), grade 7, 8 realistic fiction
If you loved Touching Spirit Bear, you will enjoy this sequel.
3. Inside Out by Terry Trueman, gr. 8, realistic fiction
A quick, intense story about making the right decisions.
4. A Traitor Among Us by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Durng WWII, who is the traitor in Pieter's village?
5. Mudshark by Gary Paulsen, grade 6, realistic fiction
A brand new book that will leave you laughing and puzzling over the mysteries along with Mudshark.
6. Tiger, Tiger by Lynn Reid Banks, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Two tiger cub brothers are separated in ancient Rome. One leads the pampered life of the Emperor's daughter and the other must perform at the Coliseum. Will they ever be reunited?
7. The Not Just Anybody Family by Betsy Byars, grade 6, realistic fiction
The hijinks of the Blossom family are described here.
8. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, grade 8, science fiction
The long-awaited sequel to The Hunger Games! Exciting and action-packed.
9. Kathryn, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman, grade 6-8, historical fiction
A teen's life in England in the year 1290 as she tries to avoid acting ladylike, sewing and possible suitors.
10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
Greg Heffley is back in all his wimpy glory with a summer of hanging poolside trying to look cool, avoiding Fregley and having other laugh out loud adventures!
11. Season of Gifts by Richard Peck, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Grandma Dowdel is back and she is still packing heat at 90. Should her new neighbors be scared, or glad to have her next door?
12. A Company of Fools by Deborah Ellis, grade 6-8, historical fiction
The year is 1348 in France. Henri is not prepared for Micah's arrival, the orphan with the angelic voice. He's also not prepared for the plague that sweeps through Europe which brings death and destruction.
13. The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
Chiara and Silvano, two teenagers sent away from home are drawn together and try to solve a string of murders before the murderer stikes again. This book takes place in Renaissance Italy.
14. The Humming of Numbers by Jodi Sensel, grade 8, historical fiction
Aiden is curious about the woman brought to the monastery, accused of witchcraft. Just exactly who is she?
15. Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper, grade 8, historical fiction
Mary Hooper is hung for infanticide and survives!
16. Kidnapped, Book 1: Abduction by Gordan Korman, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
When Aiden's younger sister Meg is kidnapped, can he help assist the FBI to bring her home?
17. Incantation by Alice Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
What life was like during the Spanish Inquisition for one family who hid their Jewish heritage for fear of death.
18. The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer, grade 8, dystopia
How the world falls apart when an asteroid knocks the moon out of place.
What book are you buried in and how are you enjoying it? I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
-Ms. Ekstrom
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Chick Lit!
If you love Chick Lit, you shouldn't pass these books by!
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
Scarlett’s family owns an old hotel in New York City. At age 15, each sibling in the family has a responsibility for one room, along with its guest. Mrs. Amberson, a wealthy ex-actress who has connections to the theater world stays in the room Scarlett inherits when she reaches her 15th birthday. Will Scarlett be able to save her brother's production of Hamlet while she falls for Eric, her brother's acting partner. This book has lots of humor and is a sophisticated book for those 8th graders who love the theater, art and music, or just a great romance!
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart
Frankie attends a private boarding school and rises above her “geekiness” to date a popular senior. She finds out that he is involved in the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, an all-male secret society. She is able to sneak around and listen to their meetings and she tries to solve the riddle as to where their handbook, the Disreputable History, is. Does the secret song of the society have the key to the riddle she is trying to solve? Frankie makes up her own words. She may take the word "disguntled" and use its opposite and say she is feeling gruntled if she is happy. This is a great romance/mystery for grade 8th students.
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
Scarlett’s family owns an old hotel in New York City. At age 15, each sibling in the family has a responsibility for one room, along with its guest. Mrs. Amberson, a wealthy ex-actress who has connections to the theater world stays in the room Scarlett inherits when she reaches her 15th birthday. Will Scarlett be able to save her brother's production of Hamlet while she falls for Eric, her brother's acting partner. This book has lots of humor and is a sophisticated book for those 8th graders who love the theater, art and music, or just a great romance!
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks by E. Lockhart
Frankie attends a private boarding school and rises above her “geekiness” to date a popular senior. She finds out that he is involved in the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, an all-male secret society. She is able to sneak around and listen to their meetings and she tries to solve the riddle as to where their handbook, the Disreputable History, is. Does the secret song of the society have the key to the riddle she is trying to solve? Frankie makes up her own words. She may take the word "disguntled" and use its opposite and say she is feeling gruntled if she is happy. This is a great romance/mystery for grade 8th students.
Summertime!
So, I hope you're able to read lots of book this summer! With all of our cloudy, rainy weather there has been plenty of time. I read some great young adult books this summer:
1. What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell, historical fiction, 8, National Book Award for 2009
Things are not what they seem in this book full of romance and mystery.
2. The Misfits by James Howe, realistic fiction, grade 7
Have you ever felt like there wasn't anyone in your corner?
3. Everest: Book 1: The Contest by Gordon Korman, adventure, grade 6-8
Kids battle it out to earn a spot on the elite climbing team to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
4. After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson, realistic fiction, grade 6, 7, Newbery Honor 2009
This is what real friendship is all about.
5. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson, dystopia, science fiction, grade 8
The future looks mighty scary when body parts can be preserved for months on end with "Biogel".
6. Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz, historical fiction, grade 8
In Germany during WWII, what does Daniel do when he suddenly learns he is half Jewish?
7. Hole in the Sky by Pete Hautman, dystopia, science fiction, grade 7, 8
People who have survived the deadly flu fear the Kinka, a new race of people who want to make new coverts.
8. Gilda Joyce and the Ghost Sonata by Jennifer Allison, mystery, grade 6, 7
9. Billie Standish Was Here by Nancy Crocker, historical fiction, grade 6, 7
10. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, survival, grade 6, 7
11. A Drowned Maiden’s Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz, historical fiction, grade 6, 7
12. The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas, fantasy, grade 6, 7
13. Things That Are by Andrew Clements, science fiction, grade 6-8
14. Into the Dark by Peter Abrahams, mystery, grade 6, 7
15. The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan, historical fiction, grade 8
16. One Handed Catch by MJ Auch, historical fiction, grade 6-8
I'd love to hear from you! What have you read? Feel free to post young adult books that you've enjoyed this summer on this blog!
-Ms. Ekstrom
1. What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell, historical fiction, 8, National Book Award for 2009
Things are not what they seem in this book full of romance and mystery.
2. The Misfits by James Howe, realistic fiction, grade 7
Have you ever felt like there wasn't anyone in your corner?
3. Everest: Book 1: The Contest by Gordon Korman, adventure, grade 6-8
Kids battle it out to earn a spot on the elite climbing team to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
4. After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson, realistic fiction, grade 6, 7, Newbery Honor 2009
This is what real friendship is all about.
5. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson, dystopia, science fiction, grade 8
The future looks mighty scary when body parts can be preserved for months on end with "Biogel".
6. Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz, historical fiction, grade 8
In Germany during WWII, what does Daniel do when he suddenly learns he is half Jewish?
7. Hole in the Sky by Pete Hautman, dystopia, science fiction, grade 7, 8
People who have survived the deadly flu fear the Kinka, a new race of people who want to make new coverts.
8. Gilda Joyce and the Ghost Sonata by Jennifer Allison, mystery, grade 6, 7
9. Billie Standish Was Here by Nancy Crocker, historical fiction, grade 6, 7
10. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, survival, grade 6, 7
11. A Drowned Maiden’s Hair by Laura Amy Schlitz, historical fiction, grade 6, 7
12. The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas, fantasy, grade 6, 7
13. Things That Are by Andrew Clements, science fiction, grade 6-8
14. Into the Dark by Peter Abrahams, mystery, grade 6, 7
15. The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan, historical fiction, grade 8
16. One Handed Catch by MJ Auch, historical fiction, grade 6-8
I'd love to hear from you! What have you read? Feel free to post young adult books that you've enjoyed this summer on this blog!
-Ms. Ekstrom
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Host
You may or may not be aware of Stephanie Meyer's book, The Host. It has been making its way into the hands of YAs. We do not own it at the AMS Library, because it is termed a book for adults. You can easily find it at the public library, or sold alongside the Twilight series books at the book store.
Friday, May 8, 2009
The 2009 Newbery Award Winner
Neil Gaiman's book, The Graveyard Book, won the 2009 Newbery Award. If you are an adult, you may already be familiar with American Gods or Ananzi Boys. The Graveyard Book is a book full of adventure, mystery and chills. Jack murders the whole family of the boy later to be known as "Bod", (Nobody) Owens. As an infant on the night his family is killed, Bod wanders into the graveyard, is taken in by friendly ghosts and is even given some of their "powers". Magic powers aside, life can be boring and lonely for a boy raised in a graveyard, and Bod tends to leave at times, (against the rules), and explore other deep, dark places in the graveyard. A few alternating chapters show our villian Jack, still plotting to kill Bod, as he knows he is still alive. Middle schoolers will have no trouble sinking their teeth into this one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
