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September 27, 2007
A FIELD GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL by Marissa Walsh
Are you entering high school? Are you unsure what it will be like? Are you just plain scared? Meet Andie she will be entering Plumstead Country Day high school and must follow in the footsteps of Claire, her older sister. Claire was a straight A student, popular and athletic, and this very morning is off to Yale with Mom and Dad to begin her freshman year in college. Andie is left home, because there was no room in the car. Then she finds a book, a book, especially written for her by Claire, entitled A FIELD GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL. Andie is ready to read every word, but not alone. She call her BBF, Bess, and together they hope to find the do's and don'ts of high school.
Claire explains what it is like to go to a private school, where money may not be a problem for most, but Claire was and Andie will be on scholarship. If learning about the school, the teens and the teachers was not enough, Claire begins with how to go to school. This includes mode of transportation, and who is in your carpool. Maybe, this is not the right school for Andie; she would prefer to attend Catholic high school with Bess.
Claire really gets down with who's who and what's what with reference from current television shows, movies, and our most photographed celebrities. It is also an opportunity for Andie to learn, her perfect older sister is not perfect.
I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and at the same time it shows how really caring older siblings can be. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TITLE TO GIRLS IN GRADE 8 AND UP.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
September 24, 2007
MIRACLE WIMP by Eric A. Kraft
Tom wanted a cool nickname, but his last name was Mayo, so he was called MIRACLE WIMP. Tom wanted the computer animation class in high school, but the school's computer gave him wood shop with all the bullying Donkeys and Mr Bontz. He also wanted a girl friend but could that ever happen!
Through short blog-like chapters with illustrations, remember Tom wanted an animation class, follow Mayo through one very long year of high school. Meet his friends and enemies; learn how awkward first dates can be; and find out teachers are not as bad as they seem.
Erik P. Kraft has written a very funny book on the trials and tribulations of not being popular teenage boy. I RECOMMEND THIS TITLE FOR BOYS IN GRADES 7 TO 9, OF COURSE, GIRLS CAN READ IT TOO.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 4:29 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2007
NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER by Jordan Sonnenblick
Upset about his parents divorce, fifteen year old Alex decides to get drunk and take his mother’s car out for a spin. When he drives onto his neighbor’s lawn and decapitates her lawn gnome, he finds himself in jail for driving under the influence and driving without a license. The judge lets him off easy by assigning him to 100 hours of community service to be done at a local nursing home.
Alex is assigned to a cranky old man named Sol who is known for being the most difficult resident of the home. Sol lives up to his reputation by teasing and mocking Alex at every opportunity and generally making his life miserable. Alex and Sol finally discover they have something in common when Alex brings his guitar to the home and plays for Sol. When Sol reveals his own musical past, the two develop an unlikely friendship that will change both of their lives.
NOTES FROM THE MIDNIGHT DRIVER is a hilarious and touching novel that deals with friendship, forgiveness, and learning to take responsibility for ones actions
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 8-12.
Paula Cea
Young Adult Librarian
Posted by fjacksonem at 2:12 PM | Comments (1)
September 6, 2007
BILLIE STANDISH WAS HERE by Nancy Crocker
All of us have friends. Most of them are about the same age as ourselves, but sometimes you meet someone wonderful, a person with a zest for life and has the wisdom of the ages. Lydia Jenkins was that kind of individual, and William "aka Billie" Marie Standish was lucky to find her in the novel, BILLIE STANDISH WAS HERE.
With the possibility of flooding, most of the town of Cumberland moved out leaving a few brave souls behind. Two of the houses still occupied were the Standishes and the Jenkins. Billie, eleven, was forced to entertain herself, because she had no friends. The two girls in her grade ignored her; her parents were too busy working to save the levee and wished Billie was a boy; and the rest of the community was gone. A chance walk through the empty town and this unique friendship would begin.
Mrs. Jenkins did not live alone; her adult son, Curtis, lives with her. Billie is uncertain about Curtis, and her feelings are not wrong. Curtis attacks Billie, so Miss Lydia and Billie share a secret that bonds them for life.
Miss Lydia is Billie's teacher on home economics, world events, life and love. It is a beautiful relationship between a child and a woman and then two women. I wish everyone could have a friend, a confidant, and teacher, like Miss Lydia.
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, GRADE 9 AND UP.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)