busylibrarian

• Tue, 14:26: Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper http://j.mp/pVpxkX
• Tue, 17:12: Out of My Mind by S. Draper http://j.mp/nHfPmP

• Fri, 21:48: #ls561 Fire by Kristin Cashore http://j.mp/fcx41i
• Fri, 21:54: #ls561 Fire by Cashore is a must read. Don't be discouraged by its length. It is a fantastic read which makes it easy and fast.
• Fri, 21:56: #ls561 Fire by Cashore: If you like Kings & Queens and nobels of any type along w/ love, passion and devastating betrayal, read this.

 Fire by Kristin Cashore is a story beyond any other that I have read. It is about fanciful places, the people who dwell in them and make-believe creatures that are so beautiful they stun a person’s thinking. These beautiful creatures are called Monsters. Many have special gifts or powers. That’s who Fire was.  She was a most beautiful woman. In fact, the most beautiful anyone had ever seen. She was part human from her mother, a servant girl, and part monster from her father, the head advisor to the king. Her father adored Fire and wanted her to be safe; therefore, he took her from her mother, “away from King’s City to his private estate in the Northern Dells” (Cashore, p. 39). It wasn’t too long after, that Fire’s mother caught ill and eventually died. Like her father, Fire’s special ability was the controlling of minds. However, Fire had a big heart. She learned early on that she only wanted to use her powers as a defense. She never wanted to harm anyone. Fire’s father Cansrel, on the other hand, was ruthless and used his powers for anything he wanted; which was normally women, alcohol and drugs. King Nax loved this as well as he and Cansrel had grown up together and were inseparable friends.   Destruction followed Fire’s father where ever he went and he loved it. Eventually it was the end of him and his beloved friend the King. Fire had been left an orphan. A “near-by neighbor named Brocker” took her in (pg. 39). The kingdom in King’s City fell to the rule of the King’s twenty-three year old son named Nash (pg. 42). It was a kingdom in “shambles” and fragile to attacks (pg. 42). War was inevitable from surrounding adversaries.  It was a kingdom that Fire would eventually be called back to defend.

Kristin Cashore puts a new twist in the world of fantasy writing with her monster-human creations. Her book, Fire, is full of action and excitement as a major Kingdom fights to keep its power and a unique monster-girl struggles to find her purpose. It entails Kings and Queens, Prince and Princesses, Lords and Ladies and the servants that serve them. It’s about passion, love, life and death along with devastating betrayal.   It possesses all the elements and then some for a spectacular read!     

A letter arrived. It was from Nathaniel, bidding Tess to come to London. Tess was so excited.  After all, he was the only family she had left. So off she went, flying from New York to see her beloved brother. Upon arriving in London, Tess was met by two ladies by the name of the Dark Sisters. They claimed that her brother was called away to business and sent them to receive her instead. They even had a letter from Nate explaining the situation and a ring of his as proof. Although sad and a bit puzzled that Nate could not have met her himself, Tess went with the Dark Sisters. The letter was quite convincing and the Dark Sisters even had his ring.  

Months passed and Tess still had not seen her brother. She had been promised by the Dark Sisters that he would remain OK as long as she did what they asked. Tess had been kidnapped and was being held against her will. The Dark Sisters were indeed “dark” as they practiced a sinister magic. They said that Tess was very special and possessed a secret gift that they were directed to teach her to use. Tess never knew that she had any special powers and how did the Dark Sisters come upon this knowledge when she herself didn’t even know? And who had commissioned the Dark Sisters? Tess was terrified. Where was her brother and was he alright? Tess was full of questions. Day after day, the Dark Sisters worked with Tess. They were demanding and cruel having her try time and time again. Until one day… she did it. She completely changed into another person. She was Tess on the inside, but physically someone else on the outside; anyone the Dark Sisters demanded, as long as she held a personal belonging of that individual. How could this be? Now, the Dark Sisters said she was ready. It was time for her to meet the Magister and fulfill her special purpose. Tess desperately needed to escape. Finally, that opportunity came and Tess was introduced into the world of the Shadowhunters, their Institute, and the Downworlders they fought against.

The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare is a fabulous tale filled with the supernatural battles of good and evil and how their powers, schemes, and deeds affect the “mundanes”.     

Lafayette and the American Revolution by Russell Freeman was an excellent book. I read it from beginning to end and truly enjoyed it. I never knew that Lafayette was so involved in the American Revolution. He had a heart for humanity and passion for freedom that truly stood out. He stated that “When I first heard of the colonists’ quarrel, my heart was enlisted and I thought only of joining my colors to those of the revolutionaries” (p. 14). “The French government” secretly supported the independence that America so desired, as well, however would not openly endorse their feelings in fear of retaliation from the British (p. 15). Lafayette, on the other hand, rallied for permission from his superiors to cross the Atlantic and join the war but was initially refused.  There was fear that he might meet the same fate as his father and uncle who were both killed in previous battles (p. 16).  Lafayette did not give up and on “December 7, 1776, a contract was drawn granting Lafayette a commission as a major general” (p. 18). Unfortunately, Lafayette’s victory was soon extinguished as “the British ambassador in Paris issued a strong protest” stating that France should “make a greater show of neutrality” and “further crossings to America were prohibited” (p. 18). Lafayette, however, was still determined and after numerous attempts set sail for “America on April 26, 1777” without the open support of the French government (p. 26). Secretly many in France, including Marie Antoinette herself, “admired his spirit” (p. 26).  Once in America, Lafayette endured many battles but stayed true to his cause and won the affection and respect of General George Washington. Later, they would become the best of friends.  Lafayette was trusted by General Washington to lead troops in various skirmishes and eventually convinced France to provide aid. Upon the end, Lafayette was admired both in America and France. Lafayette felt so strongly about a “central government” and “equality” that he “urged America to abolish slavery” and had hopes of bringing this type of “self-government” to France (p. 71). France, however, did not take to the idea so quickly and the “French Revolution with Lafayette as a leading figure kept France in turmoil for decades“(p. 71). “Many individuals lost their heads at the guillotine such as King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Lafayette’s “mother-in-law, sister-in-law and elderly grandmother” (pgs. 71-73). Lafayette and his wife were imprisoned but “released in 1797 when they went into exile in Denmark” (p. 73). “Lafayette’s family was permitted to return to France three years later where they settled on a farm that was inherited from his wife’s mother (p. 73). 

• Wed, 21:39: #ls561 Torment by Lauren Kate http://j.mp/i9bZQZ

Where do I start with the book Torment written by Lauren Kate? The story involves angels, demons, partial angels which are nephilims, a raging war against good and evil and true love. 

Lucinda Price was a seventeen year old girl who fell in love with an angel named Daniel and Daniel fell for her. “It was love at first sight” (p. 26).   However, Luce was a mortal and Daniel an angel of high authority.   Relationships of this kind were forbidden at this time; especially for an angel of his stature and especially during a raging war against fallen angels (p. 26). Heaven needed Daniel’s full attention and Luce “was a distraction” (p. 26). Daniel’s love for Luce was endless, and he refused to give her up. Therefore, he was banned from Heaven as “a punishment” (p. 26).  His loyalties, however, remained with Heaven and now he fights the war from earth.  In addition, he must protect his true love from “The Outcasts”.  In order to do this, Daniel has quietly transferred Luce from her former school of Sword and Cross, to Shoreline, an elite school for nephilims. Shoreline would provide a perfect safe haven for Luce or so he thought.

Torment is an infinite ride of adventure, fantasy, and love that can’t be denied. It is a twist of Romeo and Juliet touched with divinity and addresses the aged old battle of good against evil. The sequel, Passion, is due to be released this summer of 2011. I’m anxiously waiting!

Click below to view a video clip I made at Animoto.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

• Mon, 20:07: #ls561 Imogene's Last Stand by Candace Fleming http://j.mp/fIqPBl
• Mon, 20:24: #ls561 Imogene's Last Stand is a great bk for respecting history & standing up for what is right.
• Mon, 21:48: #ls561 Olivia goes to Venice by Ian Falconer http://j.mp/gn06CI
• Mon, 21:53: #ls561 Olivia goes to Venice is a photo collage dream. As usual, Olivia is her one-of-a-kind self. I loved it, but I love all the Olivia bks

How can you not love Olivia! She is hip. She is cool. She is a Diva! And now she has gone to Venice.   Olivia goes to Venice by Ian Falconer is a treasure as it is loaded with beautiful photo collages of Venice’s famous sites. While in Venice, Olivia got to see many of them such as the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. She learned many things too like ice cream in Venice is called gelato and it is really, really, good. Olivia had many! She also learned not to feed corn to the pigeons in Piazza San Marco. That was a terrifying experience. However the gondola ride made up for it.   As her last day approached, Olivia started to look for a souvenir to take home. She considered many things but decided on “one of the actual Stones of Venice from the bell tower” (p. 33). Olivia was a pretty good sport when her mother made her give it back. Olivia loved her trip to Venice and dreamed of her own “Monumento OLIVA” as they flew home (p. 40).  

Imogene Tripp was a go-getting type of girl who loved anything that had to do with history.  In fact, her first words were “Four score and seven years ago” (p. 3)  One day, Imogene decided that she wanted to refurbish an old abandoned house that was once “Liddlesville’s Historical Society” (p. 4). Unfortunately, the mayor of Liddleville had different plans. The old house was to be torn down and replaced by a shoe lace factory. Imogene was horrified and no matter what she tried, the mayor of Liddleville was not going to change his mind. However, fate had a different plan when Imogene found a letter within the house that had been written by George Washington himself. She knew that this was her chance to save the house and “quickly” e-mailed the “renowned Liddleville historian, Professor Cornelia Pastmatters” (p. 22).   Imogene and her father, however, had to use their best stall tactics until their help arrived. Indeed it did. What a day it was when the President of the United States showed up in Liddleville and declared the historical house a “national landmark” (p. 29). “The rest is history”, as the old saying goes.  Liddleville’s Historical Society became a big hit within the town. Even the mayor had to take a glance! This is a wonderful book for motivating young readers to love and respect history.              

• Sun, 11:13: A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a sweet story with an important lesson about friendship. Each day Amos McGee would … http://j.mp/ePZuiH
• Sun, 11:44: #ls561 Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdey http://j.mp/h9nl2Z
• Sun, 11:53: #ls561 Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Dewdey is a perfect bk for the beginning reader w/ its rhyming text & bold print. Fun read!
• Sun, 11:57: #ls561 A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Stead is a book about friendship & how each can give to the other in their special ways.

Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney tells the story of a young llama counting down the days until the winter holidays. With rhyming text and bold print, this book is perfect for the beginning reader. The glittery cover and bright colored illustrations also help to hold a young reader’s interest. Fun is found throughout this story as everyone prepares for the big day. However, the young llama soon learns that there is more to this season than just fun and gifts. Love and family are the most important gifts anyone can receive.  

A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a sweet story with an important lesson about friendship. Each day Amos McGee would follow the same routine before going to work at the city zoo. Upon arriving, Amos would visit all of his friends. From morning to night there were a number of games and activities that included each of his friends like chess with elephant and reading books with owl. However, one day Amos became sick and could not go to work. His friends wondered where he was. They missed him and decided to pay him a visit. So, they all loaded on the city bus and journeyed to his house. Amos was thrilled when his zoo friends arrived. It made him feel so much better as they had decided that it was their turn to do the visiting. It was truly a wonderful friendship. 

The illustrations in this book are quite unique as they are “created by hand using woodblock techniques and pencil” (back cover). The subtle color tones give the entire book a calm and safe feeling; which is a perfect example of how friendship should be.    

• Thu, 22:56: #ls561 An Unspeakable Crime: The Prosecution and Persecution of Leo Frank by Elaine Alphin http://j.mp/h7MAc4

An Unspeakable Crime:   The Prosecution and Persecution of Leo Frank by Elaine Marie Alphin is a factual recount of the 1913 murder of Mary Phagan and shocking case of Leo Frank. Complete with authentic photographs, timeline, and a detailed list of those who participated, Elaine Alphin masterfully transports the reader back to the year of 1913 and the day it all began; Saturday, April 26 (p. 6). Mary Phagan was just thirteen years old when she was found raped and brutally murdered beyond recognition at the National Pencil Factory in Atlanta, Georgia where she was employed (p. 9). According to Alphin, Mary was planning to attend that day’s Confederate Memorial Day festivities, but first needed to pickup her $1.20 pay she had earned that week (pg. 6 & 8). Unfortunately, “Mary Phagan never left the building alive” (p. 8).   Newt Lee, the night watchman was the one to discover Ms. Phagan and called the police Sunday morning at 3:30 (P. 11). As the story continues, Elaine Alphin reports in detail how the police and prosecutor, Hugh Dorsey, fabricated lies and created mobs of people against Leo Frank just because he was Jewish. At that time, Leo Frank was the superintendent of the National Pencil Company. Hugh Dorsey, “an ambitious lawyer had been unsuccessful in prosecuting several major cases and needed a big public success to bolster his career” (p. 45). Witnesses called by the prosecutor and participating police were threatened, bribed, coerced, beaten, and held against their will until their testimonies stated exactly what the prosecutor needed to hang Frank (pgs. 56, 93 & 94). Timeline events were changed and evidence that would have exonerated Mr. Frank was buried and withheld (pg 93). “Tom Watson, a Democratic public figure who had served in the U.S. House of Representative and run for Vice President and President in the past helped to promote the mob spirit and religious prejudice” (p. 99).   The case lasted for two years and eventually went before the Georgia Supreme Court and then Governor of Georgia, John M. Slaton (pg. 98 & 102). Mobs filled the streets and effigies of those who supported Mr. Frank were hanged, burned or dragged through the streets (p. 107). The ending was beyond shocking. It serves as an example of how prejudice of any kind can grow and change even the most innocent. It is an evil hatred that society must expunge.   

• Wed, 20:46: Grandma’s Gift by Eric Velasquez is the wonderful story about how the author himself was first inspired to become … http://j.mp/hTaSgW
• Wed, 20:55: #ls561 Grandma's Gift by Eric Velasquez is an inspiring treasure for English/Spanish bilingual students & those who love art..
• Wed, 21:04: #ls561 An Unspeakable Crime: The Prosecution & Persecution of Leo Frank by Alphin shows the horrors of racism in 1913. It was shocking.

Grandma’s Gift by Eric Velasquez is the wonderful story about how the author himself was first inspired to become an author and illustrator.  Every Christmas, Eric would visit his grandmother. This particular Christmas, Eric had been assigned to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and then write a report (p. 2). Upon visiting the museum, Eric’s grandmother recognized the infamous painting of “Juan de Pareja” (p. 23). She explained to Eric that as a child she had learned about Juan de Pareja while growing up in Puerto Rico (p. 28). Eric viewed the painting as well and was immediately inspired. That night, Eric received his first “sketchbook and set of colored pencils” from his Grandmother making it the Christmas he would never forget (p. 29). Told in English with occasional Spanish language highlights this book is a treasure for English/Spanish bilingual students. Located in the back are factual tidbits about the author’s childhood in addition to Puerto Rico.

• Tue, 22:51: #ls561 Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes http://j.mp/hZbh9W
• Wed, 01:31: #ls561 Ninth Ward by Rhodes deals w/ supernatural forces within people and nature. The mixture of the 2 was surprising & enjoyable

• Mon, 21:20: #561 The Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco Stork http://j.mp/gR7ARR
• Mon, 21:27: #ls561 The Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Franciso Stork is a very moving story about death & life & choosing between the 2.

Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco Stork is a moving story about a seventeen year boy named Pancho Sanchez. Pancho is all alone in life as he has lost both of his parents and now his younger sister who he believes to have been murdered. Being a ward of the state, Pancho is taken to St. Anthony’s Orphanage in Las Cruces. Pancho begrudgingly accepts his fate. He feels, however, that his stay at St. Anthony’s will be short lived as he has his own plans to find his sister’s killer and take revenge.  However, while at St. Anthony’s, Pancho is assigned by Father Concha, to help another boy named D.Q . who will be receiving chemotherapy over the summer for brain cancer. This was definitely not in Pancho’s plans. Over time, a “death” commonality is revealed as both boys divulge their secret summer plans.  D.Q.’s secret is his “Death Warrior Manifesto” to live out his last life’s wishes before he dies. Pancho’s, on the other, is to kill his sister’s murderer. Through chemo, its side effects, and the admiration of beautiful girls, both boy’s surprisingly find friendship, faith, and a new outlook on life.  

• Tue, 16:01: #ls561 Freefall by Ariela Anhalt http://j.mp/i492RW
• Tue, 16:11: @WordscreateLiked that quote!My favorite: "Did you know that many whispers can make a loud noise?" What should we be whispering?
• Tue, 16:23: #ls561 Freefall by Anhalt has it all; love, anger, loss, forgiveness & perhaps murder! Be leery of cliffs with an enemy nearby.

Luke Prescott and Hayden Applegate were the best of friends. Both were on the varsity fencing team at Briar Academy, “one of the most elite schools in California” (p. 4). However, an unfortunate incident threatened to change all that. All new members to the varsity fencing team had to show their worthiness through a type of initiation by jumping off the cliff at Briar Lake. Everyone had been doing it for years. Just one jump… and you were in. But something went wrong one night. Was it an accident or murder? No one really knew except for the two that survived. Questions needed to be answered. The police were investigating and murder charges were being discussed. The whole campus was talking. Everyone was questioning innocence or charging guilt. Nothing like this had ever happened at Briar.  Trusted relationships were at stake. Luke did not know what to do. Still raw from a tragic family innocent just one year before, Luke wasn’t sure that he would make it through this. 

Freefall by Ariela Anhalt is a fantastic, fast paced mystery complete with the emotions of love, loss, anger, and forgiveness. It was a most enjoyable read! 

• Fri, 21:09: #ls561 Finished Matched by A. Condie. I can't wait until Crossed comes out in November 2011. I need to find out what happens!
• Fri, 21:46: I absolutely loved the book Matched by Ally Condie. I can’t wait until the sequel comes out this November … http://j.mp/eE5YNE

• Wed, 22:10: #ls561 Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by: Sy Montgomery http://j.mp/eA3MnS
• Wed, 22:22: #ls561 Glad the initiative was taken save these birds. Now let's save the Am. educational system and our kids. Hmmmm

Have you ever heard of a bird that weighs 9 pounds or one who has whiskers like a cat’s on their beak (p. 3)? This bird is the KaKapo. They are part of the parrot family. Their “feathers smell strongly of honey and they can’t fly; instead, they climb using their massive feet and beaks” (p. 3).  Kakapo were once prevalent in New Zealand. However, now there are only “88 in the world” living on two small remote islands called Codfish and Anchor near New Zealand.   These islands are “wildlife sanctuaries” for the KaKapo each having their own purpose (p. 12).  Codfish Island is used for Kakapo breeding while “Anchor is for the non-breeders” (p. 2). Their journey to near extinction first began when the “Maori arrived; the first people to settle in New Zealand” (p. 6). The birds were a main food source for the Maori.   In “1769 the first European immigrants” came as well and brought with them a variety of their own animals (p. 6).    These animals were hostile towards the KaKapo. Many were destroyed.  The rest is history. Time and time again, because of humans, these wonderful non-hostile birds found an ill fate.   Everyone thought they were all but gone. However, from “1974 through 1977” several expeditions were successful in finding hidden Kakapo on “Fiordland and then again on Stewart Island” (p. 8). The first expedition, surprisingly, turned up only males so a “last chance” expedition in 1977 was set forth “turning up another 200 that included females” (p. 8). However, “feral cats were eating these last KaKapo to extinction”, another ill fate (p. 8). This is when the “National KaKapo Recovery Team was formed” and the KaKapo were relocated to their remote homes (p. 9). 

Read this wonderful story about the rescue of these strange but beautiful birds; KaKapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot by the famous explorer Sy Montogomery and photographer Nic Bishop.  

• Tue, 19:56: #ls561 My favorite quote from Ryan & Sis' book, The Dreamer, is, "Did you know that many whispers can make a very loud noise?"
• Wed, 01:20: Love the presentation trailer. Yes, we do need change and we are getting it. However, it going in the wrong way. :( … RATE_LIMIT_EXCEEDED
• Wed, 01:23: #ls561 Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill RATE_LIMIT_EXCEEDED
• Wed, 01:56: #ls561 The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan & Peter Sis RATE_LIMIT_EXCEEDED

Neftali was a young boy with an older brother, Rodolfo and younger sister, Laurita. All three including their stepmother, Mamadre lived in the confines of the children’s authoritarian father. Blowing his whistle, Father, as he was called, expected everyone to jump and appear for his words or inspections. No one was exempt from his rigid control and commands. However, it was Neftali who received the brunt of his demands as he never could please his father in anything he did; even when his essay made the town newspaper. Comments like “idiot, fanatic, and daydreamer along with absentminded, dim witted and worthless” were the descriptions bellowed daily to Neftali by his father” (pgs. 236 & 237). “This obsession with books will not make you vigorous. You need to be outside instead of squandering good weather” (pgs. 122-123). But Neftali loved to read. He loved books. He loved words. They sounded like music to his ears.  Neftali loved to write and eventually found poetry.  But Neftali’s father would have nothing of it; stating daily that his son would be a “doctor or a dentist” (p. 105). But one summer vacation changed all that and Neftali began to find his voice. It was a strong voice that upheld his dreams and beliefs against his father and eventually his Chilean government. It was a voice that would echo truth for many years to come.   

Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill is a beautiful picture book that tells the story of a potter and poet named Dave who lived as a slave approximately 200 years ago. Told in the form of poetry, Hill provides insight to the genius of Dave’s Pottery; his feelings, thoughts, and steps to achieve each piece. Located in the back Hill also shares the findings of his research on this brave and remarkable man. Completing this book as a work of art, Bryan Collier magnificently illustrates each page in a watercolor collage style. His usage of muted colors perfectly depicts the serious subject matter of slavery. These colors also encompass the rich earth tones of nature from which Dave created his pottery. The design and layout plays nicely into the theme through each double –page spread alternating illustration and text from one side to the other. Additional treasures are the rich textures that add depth and realism along with hidden messages such as the words “live life” on the barn’s entrance shown on page 8 and the illustrated tree of life on page 22.  This book is truly a passage in time. 

 

Sig’s father had always told him, “Never cross the lake once you see a hooded crow. They only return when the weather’s warming. And never cross the lake by the river mouth; the ice is always thinner there. Even in wintertime” (p. 8). However, there he laid, Sig’s father Einar Andersson, frozen to death on the ice. Why did he do it? What made him dare a shortcut across the ice (p. 9)?  Sig had already lost his mother, Maria, and now his father too. The only family he had left was his sister, Anna, and his stepmother Nadya.   It was the dead of winter in the Arctic.   The year was 1910. 

Marcus Sedgwick’s Revolver is a fast-paced story which toggles from Nome in 1899 to Giron 1910. Sedgwick’s ability to describe in detail makes you almost feel the cold and sense the danger. It involves the Andersson family, a stranger, and an 1833 Colt Revolver. Sig remembered when his father brought it home. It was his twelfth birthday and his father proudly announced that “for Sig’s present, he was going to show him the most beautiful thing in the world” (p. 89). It was the revolver. Although his sister didn’t understand how it could be the most beautiful thing in the world, Sig understood “what his father meant, and sensed its power” (p. 90).  And power it had indeed when a stranger’s knock came upon their door.      

• Tue, 18:17: #ls561 Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers http://j.mp/gBZyDp
• Tue, 18:42: #ls561Meyer's Lockdown should be read by all teens. It gives a tough glimpse of the consequences one can face for bad choices.

Lockdown by Walter Dean Meyers is a must read for all teens today. It provides a glimpse into a juvenile correction facility; a place for teens who make serious mistakes. The one in Lockdown is called Progress Center where a 14 year old boy named Reese has earned a 2 ½ year sentence by stealing prescription pads from a doctor’s office and selling them to a dealer. Some say that Progress is a paradise; that there are other places much worse. Reese, however, can’t imagine it. Progress to Reese means locked cells, no freedom or privacy, and always being on guard for your safety. Reese wants to stay out of trouble in hopes of earning an early release but at Progress that seems impossible. There are always those who want to fight; like Kobo, Diego or King Kong.  What makes the whole ordeal bearable are the friends he has made; Toon another boy at Progress and Mr. Hooft an older gentleman at Evergreen. Evergreen is a retirement home where Reese works. Reese was accepted into a pilot work program offered at Progress and headed by Mr. Cintron, the warden. The work program was created in hopes of rehabilitating boys like Reese instead of turning them into hardened criminals like juvenile centers and prison can do. Reese likes working at Evergreen. He learns that he isn’t the only one who has experienced extreme hardships in life. Through this new knowledge and inner growth, Reese begins to realize and plan for what he has learned can be his only way out of Progress.

• Sun, 15:19: #ls561Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidmnan http://j.mp/dXQQKh
• Sun, 17:18: #ls561I'm not 1 for poetry but Joyce Sidman's Dark Emperor is beautifully written w/ poems & facts.The illustrations are fabulous.
• Sun, 17:20: #ls561I'm now reading 2 books; Lockdown by W. Meyers & An Unspeakable Crime: The Prosecution & Persecution of Leo Frank. :>)

Joyce Sidman’s Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night first attracted me by its cover and title; compliments to Rick Allen the illustrator. It is dark with a large moon and owl.  The illustration is full of texture and perfectly compliments the title and writing within.  I just had to read it even though I’m not one for poetry. I love the first poem titled Welcome to the Night as it is a perfect invitation for the reader to read on. Each poem thereafter is devoted to various aspects of the night followed by facts on the opposite page. Snails, moths, even mushrooms and bats are just a few explored with the infamous owl and moon. It is a beautiful book through illustration, writing and layout.  It will be one enjoyed by children and teachers for many years to come.   

• Fri, 11:17: #ls561 One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia http://j.mp/ig8of9
• Fri, 11:32: #ls561One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia is a beautiful story about heartbreak, abandonment, healing & love. Edgy until the end.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia is about three girls, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern who board a plane from New York to California to meet their mother who abandoned them years ago.   Delphine, who is 11 and the oldest, envisions with her sisters their summer at the beach, seeing movie stars and best of all going to Disneyland. However, they soon find out that this summer is much different than they ever imagined and so is their mother, Cecile, who wants no part of them. No phone, no TV, and no home-made meals are what Cecile’s house is all about in addition to the sacred rule of nobody goes in her kitchen.  Instead, food trips are made down to Mean-Lady-Mean’s for Chinese take-out each evening.  Mysterious Black Panthers visit at night and days are filled down at the center, a “summer camp run by revolutionaries”. “Don’t kill yourself to get back here and don’t come back until sundown” she’d say while muttering “I should have gone to Mexico to get rid of you when I had the chance. It didn’t take long for the girls to figure out that their “mother was crazy” and all they could do was count the 28 days until they boarded the plane to fly back home. However those 28 days changed all that and as each day passed a small bond began to grow and with the visit’s end came a new beginning.

One Crazy Summer is about heartbreak and abandonment. It is about human behavior and its underlying force. It is about healing and forgiveness and the love that they bring. It is a beautiful story.

• Tue, 19:47: #ls561 Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm http://j.mp/fB2lRs
• Tue, 19:55: #ls561Turtle in Paradise by Holm made me want to make a trip to the seaside & take life down a notch for discovery & enjoyment.

It is the year 1935. Turtle is an eleven year old girl who lives with her mother in New Jersey. Turtle’s mom lands a job as a live-in maid. Unfortunately, the lady isn’t very nice. In fact, she hates children and informs Turtle’s mother that Turtle must leave. Turtle’s mother must keep this job. It is the only income they have except for a future hope of mom marrying her latest boyfriend. He seems to be different from all the rest.  So, Turtle’s mother comes up with the idea to send Turtle to live with her Aunt Minnie and three cousins named Buddy, Beans, and Kermit for awhile. They live in Florida on the island of Key West but didn’t know of Turtle’s mother’s long term plans. As the idea settles, Aunt Minnie makes room for her niece and Turtle’s new adventures begins. Turtle learns that this place is very different from home. People don’t wear shoes and you have to be very careful of scorpions. There are umbrella trees and bright colored flowers along with alligator pears which are really avocadoes.   There is also the Diaper Gang club where no girls are allowed and boys watch babies to earn money! Turtle even discovers that she has a grandmother; Nana Philly who is ornery beyond belief.   Sea turtles are watched and pirate stories are told along with treasure hunts on deserted islands. It is an adventure that changes Turtles life.

Jennifer Holm's book titled Turtle in Paradise is a wonderful change to the books I've  previously read.  It makes me want to live by the ocean and feel the sea breezes, smell the salty air, and watch the turtles and seagulls.  It makes me want to laugh and run and relax and have fun!   
 

• Sun, 15:28: #ls561Stolen by Lucy Christopher http://j.mp/e4qoVm
• Sun, 21:01: #ls561Finished Christopher's Stolen & loved the ending w/ its surprises.You are guessing until the end; which was perfect!

• Fri, 18:50: #ls561Bartoletti'sThey Called Themselves the KKK is a masterpiece. I learned so much and was horrified by their actions.
• Fri, 18:52: #ls561Henderson's Alex Van Helsing Vampire Rising is a cleaver twist to the Van Helsing name and vampire story. Great for tweens.
• Fri, 18:55: #ls561Bacigalupi's ShipBreaker is awesome.It brings to the forefront current drilling issues by using a fictioal futuristic twist.
• Fri, 18:59: #ls561Love the illustrations of Randall de Seve's Dutchess of Whimsy & its deeper messages of simplicity & the inner character.
• Fri, 19:03: #ls561Singer's Mirror Mirror uniquely addresses the orthography of words & how moving them about can change their meaning.
• Fri, 19:08: #ls561Reading Stolen by L. Christopher.What a nail biter & an interesting perspective on abduction.Can't wait to see how it ends.
• Fri, 22:56: #ls561They Called Themselves the K.K.K. by Susan Campbell Bartoletti http://j.mp/erOpOf

• Thu, 22:43: #ls561The Duchess of Whimsy http://j.mp/eY6YDy
• Thu, 23:05: #ls561Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer http://j.mp/fdAZKW
• Thu, 23:26: #ls561Alex Van Helsing Vampire Rising http://j.mp/g7DISs
• Fri, 00:56: #ls561Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi http://j.mp/g1YLgQ

In Jason Henderson’s Alex Van Helsing Vampire Rising, the famous Van Helsing is back to defeat the dark creatures of the night; vampires. However in this story, Van Helsing is a 14 year old boy named Alex. In addition, he doesn’t even know that he possess this special ability. His father and mother have kept it secret. They claim that the famous Van Helsing name is a charitable organization and foundation for research making vaccines.  However, Alex eventually learns that he and his father both come from a line of serious vampire hunters that stretch to the 1830s. As Alex moves forward with this new knowledge, he eventually finds that he can no longer ignore what his true calling and destiny is; Alex Van Helsing the vampire hunter.