Algonquin Middle School Library

We've Got Cabin Fever!

2011-12-16T11:45:00.001-08:00

Do you have Cabin Fever, the 6th book in the Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney? We do!

Come to the library today to get on the ever-growing waiting list for the latest installation in this popular series.

Greg is front and center of the library, reminding students to return their books on time.

Be good this holiday season! Remember that Santa's Scout is watching! -Mrs. Ekstrom

Teen Read Week!

2011-10-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

October 16-22 is Teen Read Week, according to YALSA, (that's Young Adult Library Services Association for anyone who is curious). What exactly is Teen Read Week? It began in 1998 and is celebrated in libraries around the world. This year's theme is Picture It @Your Library. To go along with that theme, our library windows are full of graphic novels and books about art and photography.

As part of this year's celebration, this week only, come into the library, check out a book and guess the number of pennies in the jar. We have NO idea how many are in there, until the following week when the pennies will be counted and the guesses will be reviewed. Four lucky winners will be announced. The student with the closest guess will recieve a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. Three runners up will be able to pick a poster from our collection. What are you waiting for? Come to the library and start reading!

Banned Books Week: 2011

2011-09-20T07:06:00.000-07:00

Did you know that this year, Banned Books Week is September 24 to October 1?

Are you now wondering what Banned Books Week is? To put it very briefly, it is a week where we celebrate the right to read the books we'd like to.

"Free Your Mind: Read A Banned Book", is this year's Banned Books Week tagline from the ALA, (American Library Association). When we read a book that has been banned, we are excercising our First Amendment Right, which includes the freedom to read.

The efforts of librarians, teachers, authors and booksellers have stopped the majority of books on the banned books list from being completely banned.

Why would people want to ban books? ALA notes that most books are banned due to situations having to do with sex, profanity and racism or unpopular ideas.

Who tries to ban books? Book banners are any individuals seeking to remove certain books from schools or libraries who are trying to block others from ideas that they feel are offensive to them or may be different from their own.

Are your surpised that Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Bone by Jeff Smith, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl are just several in a long list of books that have been challenged in some states and banned in some states and countries?

What do you think about book banning?

When you post a comment, please use your first name and last initial, your ELA teacher's name and your block. Remember that your blog comments will receive a grade.

What Did You Enjoy Reading This Summer?

2011-08-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

Did you ever read a really, really great book, and you couldn't STOP reading it?

At the beach this summer, reading my own book, I happened to look up and notice this boy, (see photo). He was reading a book while he was standing in the water. It reminded me of the amazing power of an author's words, words that can keep you rooted to one spot as you franticly turn pages to find out what happens next! I read lots of great books this summer, but I'll tell you about three of them.

This summer, on a very long road trip, I listened to the audiobook version of James Patterson's book, Witch and Wizard. It follows the trials of a brother and sister, (Whit and Wisty), who are locked up when they're accused of being a wizard and a witch. This exciting book that many AMS students have read continues with book two, The Gift. I'm sure many of you are eagerly waiting for December 5th, when book three, The Fire, is released.

If you're into sports, and you've wondered what it would be like to be a sports reporter and cover the Super Bowl, you would enjoy Cover-Up by John Feinstein. Never having been there for the frenzy of a Super Bowl, I had no idea how many reporters come to the city where the game of the year is held to interview players and get exclusive stories before others do. Cover-Up follows Stevie and Susan as they try to expose one of the teams whose owners are trying to cover up the fact that many of their players have tested positive for steroids. Feinstein has written about other sports too: Change Up: Mystery at the World Series, (baseball), Last shot: A Final Four Mystery, (basketball), and Vanishing Act, (a mystery at our biggest tennis match, the U.S. Open). One thing is certain: Feinstein knows sports.

Jinx by Meg Cabot follows Jinx, (and yes, you guessed it-she's a klutz), as she arrives in New York City to live with her aunt, uncle and their family for the summer. She quickly discovers that her cousin and her friends are playing at being witches. Jinx wastes no time to try and stop her from harming others with her "spells". This book was awesome! It had romance, family secrets, plot twists and turns and some very interesting characters.

I read 17 other books, so I won't go on. So, what did you read this summer? A fiction book? A graphic novel? Magazines? Nonfiction? Let me know what you read and what did you like about it? Leave a comment and let AMS know!

-Mrs. Ekstrom

Summer Loan is Coming!

2011-05-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

Hey AMS-

Did you know you can take out books and keep them all summer?! Its called Summer Loan and its only at your AMS Library. Now is your chance to check out books that you've been hoping to read during the busy school year. Just ask your parent or guardian to fill out and return the Summer Loan permission slip before June 1st. The slip can be found in the May Jottings, in the library and it is also on Edline. Be sure to have them write the number of books they're giving you permission to check out. Book selection will be on June 6th, 7th and 8th during Access. Grades 6 and 8 will pick up their books on June 21st and grade 7 will pick up on June 22nd.

Don't forget to check out a Summer Reading book from the list for your summer reading assignment. The AMS Library has multiple copies of some of the titles. Public libraries and larger bookstores are given copies of the lists so they can anticipate demand.

Happy reading!

Author Susan Beth Pfeffer Comes to AMS for 2011 Read All Day!

2011-05-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

To see photos from and read about the awesome day we had with special guest readers and Susan Beth Pfeffer, (author of the Last Survivors series), check out this link: http://averillpark.k12.ny.us/news/News.htm#Readallday

Check out this animoto video full of photos from Read All Day!

Author Susan Beth Pfeffer is Coming to AMS!

2011-03-11T05:11:00.001-08:00

We are very pleased and excited to announce that young adult author Susan Beth Pfeffer is coming here on April 15th for the 8th annual Read All Day! Read All Day is a celebration of books and reading aloud, as guest readers volunteer their time to read to classes. Ms. Pfeffer is the author of a very popular series here at AMS: the Last Survivors series. Life As We Knew It, The Dead and the Gone, and This World We Live In, are the books in her trilogy about one family coping with a series of natural disasters that may mean the end of life as we know it. As frightening as this premise can be, these books are also about hope. Ms. Pfeffer is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have won state awards and have received starred reviews.

Here is the book trailer for the Last Survivors series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNZI1-hPGXE

You might also want to check out her blog at: http://susanbethpfeffer.blogspot.com/

After selling books at lunches, we have a very limited supply of paperback copies of book 1: Life As We Knew It, (for $5) and book 2: The Dead and the Gone, (for $7). We are offering a special deal: students can buy both books for $10! These books won't last, so students should come to the library with their money or checks made out to the Algonquin Parent Organization.

At AMS, we will also be selling book 3: This World We Live In, (for $9 through preorder), in paperback through Blackwood and Brouwer Booksellers in Kinderhook. Students can pick up preorder forms in the library. If there is enough interest, we may sell books 1-3 in hardcover on April 15th.

Ms. Pfeffer will be available to sign copies of books after school on April 15th until 4pm. There are no late buses, so students must have a ride home. The AMS Library also has a small number of copies to check out, but students will want to get on the waiting list asap.

We are very glad that we are able to offer this unique opportunity for our students. We are sure that you are also looking forward to her visit!

Banned Books Week

2010-09-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that this week, (9/26-10/3), is Banned Books Week?

What exactly is Banned Books Week? Well, simply stated, it is a week that we celebrate the freedom to read the books we'd like to.

"Think for yourself and let others do the same" is this year's tag line from the ALA, (American Library Association). This motto has been chosen to help us remember our First Amendment Right, which includes the freedom to read.

You might be surprised that Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank are books that have been challenged and banned in some states or other countries.

Come to the AMS Library and exercise your right to read a great book!

-Ms. Ekstrom

What have you been reading?

2010-09-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

Now that the school year is moving right along, I'm wondering what you are reading for fun, for book reports or for Silent Reading?

I'm currently listening to The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall as I drive to work. Its a great book to read to try to hold onto summer, as we begin to welcome the fall. I'm also reading Witch Child by Celia Reese at home, which is a great historical fiction novel about a girl who is an orphan and bravely makes the journey to America in the year 1659.

So, what have you been reading and what do you think about it?

Summer 2010

2010-07-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010 Charlotte Book Award

2009-11-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

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

The Hunger Games Series

2009-09-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

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)

What have you been reading?

2009-09-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

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

Chick Lit!

2009-07-23T06:49:00.001-07:00

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.

Summertime!

2009-07-23T06:33:00.001-07:00

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

The Host

2009-05-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

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.

The 2009 Newbery Award Winner

2009-05-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

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.

The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer

2008-09-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

So who hasn't heard of the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer, (http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/)? I keep running into people who either know someone who loves the series, or loves the series themselves. Even the guy who coordinated the installation of our new garage doors knows the series by name, his daughter has devored them. My friend Dion's daughter is hooked and she is an adult. Its a series with something for everyone whether you are in 8th grade, or teach 8th grade.

It has romance, horror, realism, fantasy, suspense, mystery, magic, action, adventure, history, travel...I could go on and on. So now we have the explosion/launch of all things vampire from more YA series to tv shows to websites...

I have read the first three books: Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse. I am currently working through Breaking Dawn, the last book in the series. Unfortunately, this last book has events/issues that are too mature to have on our own library shelves. I won't mention them for those of you who haven't yet read them...what are you waiting for anyway?

You might be number 33 on the waiting list at your local public library, (http://www.uhls.org/), (or number 3 at AMS), but don't let that stop you...its likely the ones who came before you won't be able to put it down, and you'll have it in your hot little hands before you know it!

Check it out!

Summer 2008 Reads

2008-09-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

So this summer I set out to read the 115 books I checked out from the AMS library. I had lofty goals which I didn't quite reach because I had the urge to sleep, eat and have a well-rounded summer! I did manage to read about 40 books, (form the middle school and high school level, as well as adult). Here are my YA reads below:

Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen, historical fiction grade 6

Peiling and the Chicken Fried Christmas by Pauline Chen, real fict, multicultural, grade 6
What happens when Peiling's family decides to "do Christmas"?

Aleutian Sparrow by Karen Hesse, hist. fiction, grade 6, 7, 8
An amazing story based on real history.

The Road to Paris by Nikki Grimes, realistic fiction, grade 6

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park, historical fiction, grade 6, 7

Don’t Call Me Ishmael by Michael Gerard Bauer, grades 7, 8, realistic fiction
This book will tickle your funny bone!

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen, grade 7, 8, romance
Will Juli and Bryce ever get past their feud when the timing is all wrong?

Heaven by Angela Johnson, grade 7, realistic fiction

Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse, historical fiction, grade 6

Your Eyes in Stars by M.E. Kerr, historical fiction, grade 7, 8
How often things are not what they seem...

No Right Turn by Terry Trueman, realistic fiction, Reserve grade 8

Frenchtown Summer by Robert Cormier, historical fiction, grade 6
A short book but dense with thought.

Broken Moon by Kim Antieau, multicultural, grade 6, 7

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo, realistic fiction, animals, grade 6
What happens when Rob finds a caged tiger in the woods?

Travel Team by Mike Lupica, sports, grade 7, 8

Cruise Control by Terry Trueman, Reserve grade 8, (sequel to Stuck in Neutral)

Dead Girls Don’t Write Letters by Gail Giles, grade 8, mystery
Who is this girl who has shown up and pretends to be Jazz?

Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman? by Eleanor Updale, mystery, grade 6-8

Backwater by Joan Bauer, grade 7, 8, realistic fiction

Heartbeat by Sharon Creech, grade 6, realistic fiction

Born to Rock by Gordan Korman, realistic fiction, grade 7, 8
When you discover that the punk legend King Maggot is your father, all bets are off.

Don’t You Know There’s a War On? by Avi, historical fiction, grade 6

Missing May by Cynthia Rylant, realistic fiction, mortality, grade 7, Newbery Award winner

Basketball (Or Something Like It) by Nora Raleigh Baskin, sports, grade 6, 7

Wringer by Jerry Spinelli, realistic fiction, grade 6, Newbery Honor Award

Dairy Queen by Katherine Murdock, grade 7, 8, sports

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor, grade 6, realistic fiction

While I am reading all year long, I look forward to the lazy days of next summer to read even more fiction that I can pass on.