Summer 2010

Hi AMS students, faculty and staff,

I hope you're all enjoying your summer! It has been hot, hot, hot so far! I hope you've been able to stay inside where you might have AC or have headed to a shady spot to read a great book.

Has anyone read Rick Riordan's new book, The Red Pyramid, (Book 1 of the Kane Chronicles)? I have read two outstanding reviews. One APHS Summer School teacher told me that if you liked The Lightening Thief, you'll love this one. I'm anxious to get my hands on it to read and to add to our library collection.

There has been lots of Twilight series action this summer. The movie Eclipse was released and Stephanie Meyer's novella, (a short novel), The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner could be read for free online for one month.

Students AND teachers: don't forget that the third and final book in the Hunger Games series, Mockingjay, will be released on August 24th! I have to wonder if like Stephanie Meyer, Suzanne Collins will be writing another book in this series. What do you think?

Right now I am reading The Skin I'm In by Sharon Flake and The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. The Skin I'm In is the story of 7th grader Maleeka as she tries to overcome bullies, deal with "mean girls" and a new teacher who is all in her business.

You may have already read The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton if you have completed grade 7. Mrs. Dowd and Mrs. Magill's Literacy classes read this gripping book chock full of characters who have to confront complicated situations. Both of these books can be found at our library.

I'm looking forward to heading to the ocean and I'm taking The Help by Kathryn Stockett, Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult and Small Avalanches and Other Stories by Joyce Carol Oates. The last book is a book for "young adults" and the other two are for adults. This month, I had a chance to see Joyce Carol Oates read a short story and answer questions at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. It was a great opportunity to understand how she gets her ideas for short stories and novels. The AMS Library owns two of her books, Big Mouth & Ugly Girl and Freaky Green Eyes. Both are excellent books about characters struggling with school and family drama.

So, what books are you reading/have you read this summer?

-Ms. Ekstrom