The YA Book Log

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April 25, 2007

HARRY POTTER: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Mrs. Steuer gave me the article, "Fans Debate Potter's Fate in Final Book" from USA TODAY (April 17, 2007) about what may happen in HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS. Three titles were listed, unfortunately only two are available, so I purchased several copies for the collection.

THE END OF HARRY POTTER?: An Unauthorized Guide to the Mysteries That Remain by David Langford, a Hugo Award winner is quite comprehensive and maybe a little scholarly. Spells, names, muggles, pure bloods, horcruxes, nothing escaped the author. What impressed me the most; the author referred to other books, authors, and even transcripts of Rowling's interviews. This is something like reading a book of criticism you need for a term paper.

My favorite parts of this book were Langford's interpretations of various character interactions. There was a Darth Vader aka Voldemort with Harry. The final scene of the Wizard Civil War has a girl with scarlet hair talking to Harry in Lord Voldemort has gone with the wind.

The second book is MUGGLENET.COM'S WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN HARRY POTTER 7 by Ben Schoen and Emerson Spartz. This is written by the fans from mugglenet.com. This is an unofficial Harry Potter site, but they say they are the number one source for everything Harry Potter. Mr. Spartz, founder of mugglenet.com, tells the reader there is no Top Secret information in this book, but it does try to guess the outcome.

Mugglenet.com believes Harry, Ron and Hermione will survive, but will be in the line of fire most of the battle. They give a good arguments for both sides of the Dumbledore's fate. Is he dead or alive? You really must consider a lot of what is written, since Mugglenet.com predicted Book 7 would be called Harry Potter and the Hallows of Hogwarts two months before the official announcement of the title. That is a pretty good guess. This book covers much more material and also refers to Jo Rowling comments at various interviews.

No matter which book you read or don't read, I must agree with David Langford, "J. K. Rowling is still going to surprise us all."

THIS IS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL HARRY POTTER FANS WAITING IMPATIENTLY FOR THE LAST HARRY POTTER TALE.

Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services

Posted by fjacksonem at 1:25 PM | Comments (0)

April 19, 2007

TWELVE

TWELVE by Lauren Myracle is about a girl who is going into 7th grade. She deals with problems like going through puberty, boys, embarrassing family moments, starting junior high, and friendship. She has to deal with her mother trying to bring her bra shopping, getting her period before a pool party, and crushing on a guy in the grade above her.

For me, it was hard to relate to this book. I’m going into 9th grade next year, and I have already experienced the things that she goes through. But, I can remember certain things happening when I was going into middle school.

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR GIRLS GOING INTO MIDDLE SCHOOL IN GRADES 6 OR 7.

Alison Verderber
Grade 8
Kellenberg Memorial Latin School

NOTE FROM MRS. JACKSON: I asked Alison to review this title. If anyone would like to review a book, but are unsure what to pick, please do not hesitate to talk with me. I am certain there is a book in need of a review. Please email me at fjacksonem@eastmeadow.info or call me at 516 794-2570 extension 237.

Posted by fjacksonem at 1:48 PM | Comments (0)

April 18, 2007

MAXIMUM RIDE 3: SAVING THE WORLD AND OTHER EXTREME SPORTS

This is the 3rd book in the very awesome series, MAXIMUM RIDE, written by James Patterson , who has just become my favorite author. After reading this book I finally figured out why Patterson has become the #1 selling adult author. The series is about a “family” of human avians AKA birdkids. The flock, which includes Max, Fang, Gasman, Iggy, Nudge, Angel, and her trusty companion Total (who is a talking dog) Throughout the series Max and the rest of the flock must fight Erasers (which are wolf + human mutants) daily, avoid being captured the scientist who created them, and save the world, all while trying to find their real parents. Sounds like fun doesn’t it ! Even though I thought that the 3rd book was the best I suggest you read the books in order because the second book reveals things about the first and the third about both of the first 2. Also Patterson promised that if 1 million kids went on the maximum ride website he would write a 4th book to the series . so go to MAXIMUM RIDE and click on the “million clicks for Max” button and help keep these books coming.

I RECOMMEND THESE BOOKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENJOYS A GOOD ADVENTURE STORY.

Bobby Mazziotti
7th Grade
Bro. Joseph Fox Latin School

NOTE FROM MRS. JACKSON: MAXIMUM RIDE 3: SAVING THE WORLD AND OTHER EXTREME SPORTS has not been published at this blogging. Bobby read the book as an Advanced Reader's Copy, because he loves the series. Take Bobby's suggestion read MAXIMUM RIDE: THE ANGEL EXPERIMENT first and then MAXIMUM RIDE: SCHOOL'S OUT--FOREVER.

If you are interested in reviewing books, please email Mrs. Jackson at fjackson@eastmeadow.info.

Posted by fjacksonem at 10:04 AM | Comments (3)

April 12, 2007

DIGITAL PHOTO MADNESS

MAY is PHOTOGRAPHY MONTH but April is the Young Adult Services 18th Annual Photography Contest for Young People. On Thursday, April 26th we will be announcing the winners of this year's contest. Since this event is limited to teens 15 to 18, younger teens may get a headstart with this new book, DIGITAL PHOTO MADNESS!; 50 WEIRD & WACKY THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA, by Thom Gaines.

As the back cover tells you, "Sure, you can see your pictures right away, print them on your home printer, and post them on the Internet, but did you know you create really coool effects using the latest software?" With this book you could give someone a facelift, or create patterns from a single shot. You are the designer of your own world. It will be lots of fun.

RECOMMENDED FOR TEENS AND ADULTS INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY.

Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services

Posted by fjacksonem at 6:12 PM | Comments (0)

April 11, 2007

HOW TO GET SUSPENDED AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

They say never judge a book by its cover, but how about by its title. HOW TO GET SUSPENDED AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE really made me think of all those things in junior high I would have loved to do but didn't.

Leon, 14 and entering eighth grade, begins the school year in the "gifted and talented" class. The first assignment is to make a educational video for sixth and seventh grade students. The list of topics include things like smoking, but it also includes sex education. Sex education sets Leon's creative side spinning. He will make an avant garde film and he will tell kids it is okay to masturbate. Using photographs of great works of art, a CPR dummy and poems written by a friend, he makes his movie, but an innocent preview of the unfinished work gets Leon suspended. Before long people are taking sides and this homework assignment is now a censorship issue.

The author, Adam Selzer, is making fun of censorship and prudish people with his very funny book, but censorship is a serious topic. It is a good book to discuss with others. This is Selzer's first novel, so more information on him, check out his webpage at www.adamselzer.com

RECOMMENDED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADES 6 TO 8.

Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services

Posted by fjacksonem at 11:13 AM | Comments (0)

April 5, 2007

NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2007 TEENS TOP TEN BOOKS

The Young Adult Library Services Association has announced the nominees for the 2007 TEENS TOP TEN BOOKS. During TEEN READ WEEK you will have an opportunity to vote for your favorites, so here is a chance to get a head start on some of your reading.

FIREGIRL by Tony Abbott Tom tells avout the arrival of Jessica, a new student who was badly burned in a fire. Little by little Tom begins to look beyond her exterior.

CLAY by David Almond Stephen has a talent, the gift of creation--and he konws the Davie has this talent, too. Davie allows Stephen to convince him to help bring a life-size figure to life--and Clay is born. Stephen has special plans for this innocent. What has Davie helped to unleash on the world?

ROAD OF THE DEAD by Kevin Brooks Fourteen-year-old British, half-gypsy Ruben is frightened when he finds himself psychically witnessing the vicious attack and murder of his sister. When the official investigation stalls, Ruben and his brother attempt to put together the pieces of the crime themselves.

SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE:ON LOCATION by Jen Calonita What if everyone in America wanted to know what you were doing when you weren't filming your TV show? Kaitlin Burke, a 16-year-old TV star, is exhausted from this glamorous life. So much so she decides to go undercover as an ordinary high school student. But could it be that high schoo is just as tough as Hollywood? (This title was reviewed on The YA Book Log on August 9, 2006)

THE LOUD SILENCE OF FRANCINE GREEN by Karen Cushman Francine Green doesn't speak up much, and who can blame her? But when outspoken, passionate Sophie Bowman transfers into Francine's class, she finds herself thinking about new things that never concerned her before....Eventually, Francine disvovers that she not only has something to say, she is absolutely determined to say it.

JUST LISTEN by Sarah Dessen
Annabel is nice. Too nice to say why she is unhappy with her life and what happened the night her life changed. That doesn't work in the world of her only remaing friend , anger-management-alum and alternative-music-nut Owen. Can she learn to speak, argue and finally to say the truth?

HOW TO RUIN A SUMMER VACATION by Simone Elkeles The last thing 16-year-old Amy wants to do for the summer is go to Israel with her estranged Israeli father, who's dragging her to meet a family she's never known. What could be worse than a summer ina place without friends, shopping or a cell phone?

IN SEARCH OF MOCKINGBIRD by Loretta Ellsworth Erin waits as long as she canm until she devides that running away from home is her only choice. Then she goes on a mission: To find the reclusive author of To Kill a Mockingbird. This takes Erin on a bus journey, knowing that if she can find Harper Lee she will also be closer to her motherm who adored that one book more than all others.

THE CHRISTOPHER KILLER by Alane Ferguson Wehn Cameryn asks to be her father's assistant at the county coroner' office, she never expects that her first case will be a friend in a serial killer case.

WHAT HAPPENED TO CASS MCBRIDE by Gail Giles After his younger brother's suicide,Kyle Kirby exacts revenge on theperson he holds responsible: he kidnaps 17-year-old Cass from her house, and buries her alive, chastising her with a walkie talkie. Can Detective Ben Grey discover Cass's whereabouts before it's too late?

HELLO GROIN by Beth Goobie When Dylan agrees to create a display for her high school library, she has no idea of the trouble it's going to cause--for the school principal, her family, her boyfriend Cam and his jock friends, her best friend Jocelyn, not to mention Dylan herself. And Dylan wouldn't never have had to face her deepest fear and the way she was letting it run her life.

RIVER SECRETS by Shannon Hale Razo is one of Bayern's weaker soldiers. He is sure he is only on the important Tira mission out of pita. But in the strange southern country, Razo befriends both the high and low born, people who can perhaps provide them with vital information. And Razo is the one who must embrace his own talents in order to get the Bayern soldiers home again, alive.

SHOCK POINT by April Henry When fifteen-year-old Cassie Streng discovers that her psychiatrist stepfather is giving a dangerous experimental drug to his teenaged patients, she is determined to expose hime. Instead he sends her to a boot camp for troubled teens in order to keep her quiet. Cassie is in danger at this 'school." Can she escape, expose her stepgather and stop the school?

BAD KITTY by Michele Jaffe Jasmine had to give up her police internship to go on her family vacation. It doesn't take long before Jas stumbles upon a murder mystery while vacationing with her family in Las Vegas.

BORN TO ROCK by Gordon Korman After ultra-straight-laced Leo Caraway discovers that his biological father is none other than millionaire King Maggot, lead singer of the punk band Purge, he accepts a roadie job on King's tour in the hope of securing sorely needed college tuition to Harvard.

NEW MOON by Stephanie Meyer Edward leaves, not wanting to put Bella into danger. Bella depression deepens until she befriends Jacob, a sophomore from her school witha penchant for motorcycles. Their adventures are wild and her fun with Jacob soon turns into danger, especially when she finds out Jacob's real identity.

KIKI STRIKE:INSIDE THE SHADOW CITY by Kristen Miller When Ananka Fishbein ventures into an enomous sinkhole near her New York City apartment, she finds things that change her life: a million rats, delinquent Girl Scouts, and a secret city.

PROM ANONYMOUS by Blake Nelson Chloe Thomas is the last person that anyone expects to see at the prom. She agrees to go when her two oldest friends ask her to. What will happen in the three weeks leading up to the big night?

MAXIMUM RIDE: SCHOOL'S OUT -- FOREVER by James Patterson Max and her flock are discovered by an FBI agent and forced to go to "school." There is no such thing as an ordinary day there, and max faces her greatest enemy.

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT by Susan Beth Pfeffer When a meteor knocks the moon closer to earth. Miranda and her family need to prepare for tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoic eruptions, extreme weather, food shortages, and disease.

PENELOPE BAILEY TAKES THE STAGE by Susanna Reich Left in the care of family with very rigid views of proper behavior in the late 1800s, Penny is determined not to give up her dreams of an acting career. She starts by plotting to star in the school play.

ALL HALLOWS' EVE:13 STORIES by Vivian Vande Velde. This is a spine-tingling collection of scary stories, take Halloween night and add a possessed car, a crypt, a psychic and ten more!

SKIN by Adrienne Maria Vrettos The one normal peron in Donnie's family is his older sister, Karen. His family has to a make hugh changes when they admit that Karen has an eating disorder, and suddenly Donnie feels more on his own than ever. Will thingss be able to become normal again?

THE UNRESOLVED by T. K. Welsh The 1904 "General Slocum" steamship disaster killed more than 1000 people from the part of New York City known as Kleindeutschland. One victim was 15-year-old Mallory Meer. Her boyfriend, Dustin Brauer, is accused of setting the fire by a leader in the German neighborhood. Mallory, now insubstantial, sees everything and helps the truth to emerge.

FLORA SEGUNA: BEING THE MAGIKAL MISHAPS OF A GIRL SPIRIT, HER GLASS-GAZING SIDEKICK, TWO OMINOUS BUTLERS (ONE BLUE), A HOUSE WITH ELEVEN THOUSAND ROOMS, AND A RED DOG by Ysabeau S. Wilce Flora gets lost in her own eleven thousand room house and stumbles upon the long-banished butler of Crackpot Hall. Soon she finds herself in the middle of a mind-blowing mussle of intrigue and betrayal that changes her world forever.

At this writing the East Meadow Public Library does not own every title on the list, but I will try to get the missing books in the not too distant future. Also the majority of the titles are written for 8th through 12th grade.

Since all but one title is new, anyone can review these books for THE YA BOOK LOG and receive community service credit. Just write your review with your name, grade and school, and email it to fjackson@ eastmeadow.info. If someone writes a review before you, you can always write a comment.

Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services

To see previous TEENS TOP TEN winners check the following YA BOOK LOG entries, August 22, 2006 and November 17, 2006.

Posted by fjacksonem at 1:28 PM | Comments (2)

April 4, 2007

TEEN LITERATURE DAY

During NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK (April 15-21, 2007) the American Library Association has set aside one day to celebrate literature for young adults. Did you know nationally about one in four library users is a teen?

Here's is your chance to let the staff of young adult services and the East Meadow community what your favorite YA book is. I will try to display them on the shelves in the Young Adult area.

Just email me a fjackson@eastmeadow.org with the subject TEEN LITERATURE DAY or just add a comment to this blog.

I look forward to hearing from the teens, but if your parents have a favorite, they can submit a selection too.

Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services

Posted by fjacksonem at 11:30 AM | Comments (0)

April 3, 2007

THE PRINTZ AWARD 2003

2003 WINNER

POSTCARDS FROM NO MAN'S LAND by Aidan Chambers

Chambers’ novel is a passionate narrative about 17-year-old Jacob, who comes to Amsterdam to find the grave of his grandfather who died there during World War II. He meets Geertrui, the Dutch woman who cared for his wounded grandfather. Her teenage World War II story is interwoven with Jacob’s surprising discoveries about love, sex, family secrets and his own identity.

“The alternating narratives of Jacob and Geertrui make a story that is intense, sophisticated and surprising,” said Suzanne Manczuk, acting chair of the Printz Award Selection Committee. “Jacob discovers that ‘nothing in Amsterdam is what it appears to be.’” Chambers lives in England, and his previous young adult works have been acclaimed by critics on both sides of the Atlantic. “Postcards from No Man’s Land” was awarded the British Carnegie Medal, and Chambers received the Hans Christian Andersen Award 2002 for the body of his work. THIS BOOK IS RECOMMENDED FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADES 10 TO 12.

2003 PRINTZ HONOR BOOKS

THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION by Nancy Farmer
In a future where humans despise clones, Matt enjoys special status as the young clone of El Patrón, the 142-year-old leader of a corrupt drug empire nestled between Mexico and the United States. (See The Book Log entry for August 9, 2006) RECOMMENDED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN GRADES 7 T0 10.

MY HEARTBEAT by Garret Freymann-Weyr
As she tries to understand the closeness between her older brother and his best friend, fourteen-year-old Ellen finds her relationship with each of them changing. RECOMMENDED FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GRADES 9 TO 11.

HOLE IN MY LIFE by Jack Gantos
The author relates how, as a young adult, he became a drug user and smuggler, was arrested, did time in prison, and eventually got out and went to college, all the while hoping to become a writer. This autobiography is RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 8 UP. This is one of the best autobiographies written by an author.

Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services

Posted by fjacksonem at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)