October 19, 2009
TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA by Shaun Tan
Many years ago I traveled to Australia. I saw the cities; I saw the outback; but never did I see suburbs similar to one in Shaun Tan's TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA. Fifteen illustrated tales makes the mundane suburban world into a magical place. It begins with the water buffalo who sits in an abandoned lot pointing children in the right direction. There is the foreign exhange student, Eric, a tiny leaf-like creature, with a rather large sense of wonder. And there is the Expedition of two brothers; each brothers wonders if the map of their hometown really ends in nothing.
Each story is illustrated by dazzling images to delight fantasy and science fiction fans. These stories are highly entertaining and anyone will read through this short book in just one sitting. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR GRAPHIC FANS, FOR FANTASY FANS, AND FOR SCI FI FANS. It is a treasure to behold.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
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October 8, 2009
REWIND by William Sleator
The book Rewind by William Sleator is a really great read. In the book Peter is given another chance at life. Peter has died form a car accident. Peter was mad when his parents told him that he was adopted. His parents had told him because his mom was having a baby. So after hearing that he was adopted, Peter ran into the street and was hit by Mrs. Hazelton his next door neighbors car and died instantaneously. After dying Peter hears a mysterious voice tell him that he will be given another chance at life, if he succeds he will get to keep on living his life. Now Peter has twelve hours to think of any place in his life to which he wants to transfered to. Now what place should Peter choose and how should he relive his life. Sould he start playing sports so his parents like him better or should he become friends with his greatest enemy, the school bully. Will Peter survive and make the most out of the chance he is given or will he die again, this time for good?
Yash Shah
W. Tresper Clarke Middle School
Grade 8
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS STORY FOR ANYONE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE BILL MURRAY MOVIE, GROUNDHOG DAY.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
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September 8, 2009
1984 by George Orwell
Books can be timeless and a great example is 1984 by George Orwell.
Winston Smith appears to be the average human; he lives in the Victory Mansions and works in one of the Ministries, but beneath the man there is a deep-seated hatred for “the Party.” He believes in independence and freethinking, both of which have been outdated for many years. After an “illegal” love affair, Winston and his partner, Julia seek the help of a member of the inner party who Winston is determined that he agrees with them. That man, O’Brien, tells them the secrets of “the Brotherhood,” devoted to bringing down the party. After one of many of Julia and Winston’s secret meetings, they are discovered from the dreaded Thought police and brought to the torture rooms as “traitors” in “The Ministry of Love.” Winston, the traitor, is forced to be re-educated in being a “loyal member of the party” from an unexpected teacher. Can freethinking win out against the powers of Big Brother? The answer may surprise you.
Because of the deep messages and complex theories resented by Orwell, I recommend this book for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in psychology and how the mind can be manipulated.
Andrew Scarpitta
Chaminade High School
Grade 12
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August 26, 2009
SENT by Margaret Peterson Haddix
For everyone who has read Margaret Peterson Haddix's book, FOUND, the first book in THE MISSING series and have waited patiently to find out what happened to Jonah, his sister, Katherine, and his friend, Chip. The answers can be found in Haddix's SENT.
We left the three young people along with a fourth, Alex, leaving the cave as time travelers. They were headed to the fifteenth century. It seems Chip and Alex were the young princes imprisoned in the Tower of London by their uncle the Duke of Gloucester or King Richard the Third of England. Eventhough Uncle Richard was third in line to be king; he wanted the throne for himself, so there was a plan to murder the young princes. This was the reason the young princes were saved and taken to the 21st Century. Was it possible Chip and Alex were being sent back to be murdered or can they be saved? What is going to happen to Jonah and Katherine, since they do not belong in the fifteenth century? The young people must rely on the Time Travelers from the future, but can these people from the future be trusted?
Since there is an element of historical accuracy, we know that no one really knows what happened to the two princes, but our author tells a pretty good tale. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE WHO READ THE FIRST BOOK, IS INTERESTED IN ENGLISH HISTORY, AND IS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
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August 5, 2009
THE LIGHTNING THIEF by Rick Riordan
As I sat in the movie theatre waiting for the long anticipated sixth Harry Potter movie, I watched the coming attractions including the picture books, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Where the Wild Things Are. Although I knew those books, it was a young adult novel that caught my attentions. Several years back a Harry Potter expert spoke at an End of Summer Program and highly recommended PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS. I made a mental note to read it, but like many suggestions they remain on a list, however, the movie trailer for THE LIGHTNING THIEF by Rick Riordan reminded to read it.
Percy Jackson, 12 -year-old, is dyslexic and has ADHD. He has never spent more than one year at any school,because there are always strange things happening to him. At his current school, Yancy Academy, Percy is on a class trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to visit the Greek and Roman stuff. While sitting on the Museum steps eating lunch, Percy finds himself in the middle of a fight and is forced to follow Mrs. Dodds, the math teacher back into the museum.
Back in the Greek and Roman exhibit Mrs. Dodds reminds Percy she is not a fool and begins to change form. "Her eyes began to glow like barbecue coals. Her fingers stretched, turning into talons. Her jacket melted into large, leathery wings. She wasn't human." ( The Lightning Thief, p. 12) To save his life Percy must defeat his math teacher or whatever she was. After returning to the museum steps, Percy discovers there is no teacher named Mrs. Dodds.
As summer vacation begins Percy and his mother try to spend a few days on eastern Long Island away from his stepfather. The trip is cut short, because forces beyond Percy's control takes over. He discovers his best friend is a satyr (half-man, half-goat), and his mother must get him to the summer camp for the children of the Greek Gods. As they try to reach camp Percy must fight a minotaur, and that is only the beginning of the adventure. Who could his Dad be, Zeus, Hades or Posiden? As Percy learns the ins and outs of being a hero, he also learns that heroes must embark on quests; what an adventure for a 12-year-old boy a quest to save Western civilization from the warring Greek gods.
THE LIGHTNING THIEF is just the beginning of Percy's adventures. The other titles are THE SEA OF MONSTERS, THE TITAN'S CURSE, THE BATTLE OF THE LABYRINTH, and THE LAST OLYMPIANS. Just a tease THE SEA OF MONSTERS has the Cyclops, actually two of them.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS LOVE GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND LOVES ADVENTURES ABOUT FRIENDSHIP.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
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June 2, 2009
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman
The 2009 NEWBERY AWARD WINNER is a great read. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman starts off with a gruesome murder. At 18 months of age Nobody Owens is the sole survivor of his family. Let’s just say Nobody, known by his friends as Bod, has a bizarre upbringing. Adopted by the dead and almost-dead residents of a graveyard, Bod learns unusual skills of survival. His surrogate parents and teachers are ghosts, ghouls and vampires. Under their protection and guidance Bod grows up to solve the mystery of his family’s death. He is also faced with the decision of having to choose to continue to live his life amongst the dead or the living.
Critics have compared The Graveyard Book to Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book and once that was brought to my attention it was fun to see how the characters line up. At times this book is dark and scary and at other times heart warming and fun. I found this book hard to put down and a must read. An added surprise of this novel is that it is skillful and eerily illustrated giving the start to each chapter a graveyard feel.
I WOULD RECOMMEND IT FOR GRADES 6 AND UP.
Mrs. Sayan
Young Adult Services
East Meadow Public Library
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April 1, 2009
BRISINGER by Christopher Paolini
BRISINGR is the third book in the ERAGON series by Christopher Paolini and picks up following the epic battle against the empire and Murtagh, Eragon's half brother, on the burning plains. Eragon is troubled by the promises and oaths he has made to the Vardan, the elves and the dwarfs. He feels he may not be able to keep them. He discovers why and how Galbatorix, the ruler of the Empire, has become so strong over the years and may have discovered a way to defeat him. Eragon also learns who his true father is and why the truth was hidden from him for so long. Eragon and his cousin Roran journey to Helgrind to save their friend Katrina from Ra’zac and the Lethrblaka.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR TEENS IN GRADES 8 TO 12.
Sherrod Falls
Grade 7
Woodland Middle School
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March 18, 2009
THE SWITCH by Anthony Horowitz
Anthony Horowitz, known for teen super spy, Alex Rider, has written a new tale of young teenage boys swapping bodies in THE SWITCH. Thomas Arnold David Spencer, aka Tad, returns home from a year at Beton Academy. He is the only child of the fabulously wealthy, charitable and knighted by the Queen, Sir Hubert Spencer. Tad is also overweight, very bright, spoiled, and not taken seriously by his parents. When he expresses an interest to visit the new theme park, his parents don’t want him on “those rides.”
Off in his room Tad murmurs, “It’s not fair.” He wonders why he can not do what he wants, and just before he falls asleep he wishes he was someone else.
Before he is fully awake, Tad knows something is different. He finds himself in the camper of two carnival workers. He is now Bob Snarby, uneducated, thin and very poor. Bob is also an accomplice to a petty thief. Tad’s first criminal attempt results in a murder, and Tad is now a felon wandering the streets of London. Maybe, his life was not so bad.
As always with classic trading places stories there is a reason for switch. For Tad this reason will change his life forever, be careful what you wish for.
I RECOMMEND THIS STORY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN GRADES 6-8, WHO ENJOY A GOOD TALE.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
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March 6, 2009
NEPTUNE’S CHILDREN by Bonnie Dobkin
NEPTUNE’S CHILDREN by Bonnie Dobkin is a chilling story of a society of children.
The Virus was developed, so its victims would have no time to respond. Canisters were hidden in building ventilation systems on airplanes, and inside water towers. Each one had a programmed time to open. The creators had vaccinated their own populations, but when the virus was released, it spread so quickly and mutated so frequently no one was safe, EXCEPT THE CHILDREN.
It was a magical place, Isles of Wonder. There were five islands – Atlantis is the home of King Neptune; Inspiration has everything for the creative mind; Nightmare where things are dark and scary; Timescape is an isle for all eras; and Enchanted is a fairy land. Famlies flocked to this wonderful place, as did Josh, his sisters, Maddie and Caitlyn and their parents, but it turned into a nightmare. The virus spread and Josh and Maddie lost their parents and older sister. Only children and tweens were left. What could they do? How would they live?
With no other choice the children must create their own society, which barricades them from the outside world and its possible dangers. Led my Milo, the son of an Isles of Wonder engineer, and other tweens with Isles of Wonder ties, a society is formed with a simple government. All is happy, until there is the possibility of others living beyond the Park. When some want to leave to find out what is outside, this perfect world begins to shatter. Is the danger from the outside world or from within?
I RECOMMEND NEPTUNE’S CHILDREN FOR GRADES 7 AND UP. IT MAY APPEAL TO THOSE WHO LIKE THE KINGDOM KEEPERS SERIES BY RIDLEY PEARSON, BUT THIS BOOK IS DARKER AND HAS SOME VIOLENCE.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
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March 3, 2009
ELDEST by Christopher Paolini
For those of you who loved ERAGON, here is a review of the sequel, ELDEST by Christopher Paolini.
Eragon has taken the legendary position as a Rider and has left the Varden in Surda with his companions to journey to Ellesmera in Du Weldenvarden, the homeland of the Elves. His quest there is to seek out the Elf Queen to ask for her assistance in the oncoming war against the mighty empire of the Dragon King Galbatorix and his Black Dragon Shruiken. While there he will further his studies in magic and in swordplay and learn what it means to be a Rider and somehow find a way to save all Alagaesia from the evil dragon king Galbatorix and his black dragon shruiken.
ELDEST is an action packed book with each page described in great detail making it feel as if you’re in this magical fantasy world of Dragons, Elves, Dwarfs and much more….will Eragon finally learn his linage?
Sherrod Falls
Grade 7
Woodland Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 11:13 AM | Comments (0)
February 27, 2009
NEED by Carrie Jones
After the death of her stepfather, Zara is sent to live with her grandmother in cold and snowy Maine. Her mother hopes the change of scenery will bring Zara out of her depression. Zara loves her spunky grandmother, but she hates the cold and misses her mom. But even worse than the weather and her homesickness is the mysterious man she sees everywhere she goes. Not only does he follow her everywhere and call out to her, but he leaves a strange trail of gold dust behind him. Zara is convinced he’s connected to the disappearance of some missing boys in town and is determined to find out what he wants with her. On her quest to find the truth, Zara finds out that her new town has many secrets and everyone, including those closest to her, may not be who or what they seem.
Fans of Twilight, Wicked Lovely and other paranormal romances will love Need.
I recommend this book to teens in grades 8-12.
Ms. Cea
Young Adult Librarian
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December 16, 2008
THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX by Mary E. Pearson
Have you ever thought you could live forever? Has science created a way for ever-lasting life by creating synthetic body parts and even brains? Mary E. Pearson explores the concept of bioengineering in the book, THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX.
Jenna Fox awakes from an 18 month coma after a car accident. Her father, the owner of a medical technology company, is heart-broken and uses his resources to save her, so Jenna has neither her old body nor a complete memory. To add to the confusion her parents have moved her from Boston to California, and requested she not tell anyone the reasons for their move. What are her parents hiding from her and why is her grandmother so distant?
With the assistance of home videos about her previous life Jenna tries to piece together her past. Along the way a reclusive neighbor, new classmates at school, and a school project help her understand her present.
If you are looking for science fiction story of the 21st century kind, try THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX. I RECOMMEND THIS TITLE FOR GRADES 8 AND UP.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
East Meadow Public Library
Posted by fjacksonem at 4:45 PM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2008
THE MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES and THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
If you love vampire novels like I do, you might want to check out The Morganville Vampires Series by Rachel Caine and the Vampire Diaries series by L.J. Smith
The Morganville Vampires
In Glass Houses the first book in the series, we meet Claire Danvers, an exceptionally smart 16 year-old who lives on her college campus in the strange town of Morganville, Texas. All Claire wants to do is study, but when the taunting and bullying from the older students becomes too much, she is forced to move off campus.
Responding to an ad in the local paper, Claire meets up with Eve, Shane, and Michael, and they invite her to live at the Glass house, owned by resident Michael Glass.
Within twenty-four hours of moving in, Claire learns why the town seems so odd: It’s run by vampires. Humans who are under Protection from a vampire wear bracelets identifying them as such, but anyone without a bracelet, such as Claire, is fresh blood. The Glass House contains powerful protection wards, but Claire and her roommates can’t hide forever and must face the creatures that wait for them in the night.
The Vampire Diaries
The Awakening begins the story of 2 rival vampires who happen to be brothers and the girl who is caught in the middle.
Elena Gilbert is the most beautiful and popular girl in Fell's Church, Virginia and she can have any guy she wants. Enter Stefan Salvatore the suave, mysterious, new guy to whom Elena is immediately drawn to. Elena vows to make him hers and does everything in her power to have him. What she doesn't know is that Stefan is a vampire who is haunted by his tragic past. Despite being a vampire, Stefan has a good heart and feels that he doesn't deserve Elena's love because of what he is.
When Stefan’s older brother Damon shows up in town, things get even more complicated. Damon is dark, seductive, and handsome and he decides he wants Elena too. What’s a girl with two vampire loves to do?
I recommend both of these great vampire stories to teens in grades 8 and up.
Ms. Cea
Young Adult Librarian
Posted by fjacksonem at 4:39 PM | Comments (9)
October 25, 2008
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins
Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12, one of the poorest districts in Panem, what was once known as North America. Every year, the Capitol of Panem forces each district to send one girl and one boy between the ages of 12 and 18 to compete in The Hunger Games. The 24 teens, chosen by lottery, will fight to the death on live TV. Only one contestant will survive to be showered with gifts and fame. The winner's district will also be provided with extra food and provisions for the next year.
When Katniss’ little sister Prim is selected for the Games, Katniss volunteers to take her place without a second thought. Prim is only twelve years old and so small and fragile that she would not last long. Katniss is whisked away to the Capitol with the other contestant from District 12, Peeta, the son of the local bread maker. After a few days of training and parading around for the cameras, the contestants are dropped into the arena and the Games begin. Alliances are quickly formed and Katniss is not sure who she can trust and if she has the strength to kill another person just to stay alive.
The Hunger Games is an exciting, fast paced story of survival. I recommend it to high school students.
Ms. Cea
Young Adult Librarian
Posted by fjacksonem at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
September 8, 2008
EXODUS by Julie Bertagna
With all the talk about global warming one wonders what the future would be like and Julie Bertgna's EXODUS may hold one of the answers.
Mara Bell lives on island in the Atlantic; at one time there were several inhabited islands like a string of stepping stones, but the harsh weather and raging seas has threatened and destoryed these tiny refuges. Now the isle of Wing stands alone against the elements. When the ocean wipes out Wing's low lying homes, Mara manages to convince the people to get on boats and search for a city in the sky. A city she learned about on the WEAVE(we call it the world wide web).
Facing rough seas and rainy weather some of the inhabitants of Wing manage to reach the large tower in the sky. However, they face a fleet of other refugees in small boats, lack of food and drinking water, a well-equiped police force with their boats and missiles and the large city gates that shut tight when the supply ships and the police boats retreat to the safety of the technologically advanced city. Things look bleak.
To survive Mara must find a way past all of this. She spies small children using the strangest of transports. One maybe two of these sea urchins get past the the city gates when police retreat. Is this Mara's only chance? And if it is, what lies behind the massive gates?
For a compelling story about our future read EXODUS by Julie Bertagna. I RECOMMEND THIS TITLE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, IF A 7TH OR 8TH GRADE STUDENT IS ECOLOGICALLY AWARE YOU MAY WANT TO READ THIS BOOK.
Mrs, Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
East Meadow Public Library
Posted by fjacksonem at 6:41 PM | Comments (0)
September 2, 2008
THE SUMMONING by Kelley Armstrong
Chloe Saunders sees dead people.
It all started when she was just a little girl and would hear voices coming from the basement of her house. Most of the ghosts were friendly but some were truly terrifying and seemed to want something from Chloe. Eventually her parents decided to move and the visions and voices stopped as soon as she was in a different house.
Now, Chloe is a 15-year-old art student and has almost no memory of her first home or the strange abilities she once had. This all changes during a regular day of school when first, she sees a boy appear out of nowhere, and then the ghost of a deformed janitor chases her through the halls of her school. Because no one else can see these ghosts, they think Chloe has mental problems and she is sent to Lyle House, an institution for troubled teens. None of the doctors there believe her claims that she can see ghosts and she is incorrectly diagnosed as having schizophrenia. As she gets to know the other kids in the house she realizes she is not the only one with unusual abilities and that it may not be a coincidence that they are all gathered in the same institution. Chloe and her friends work to unlock the secrets of their abilities as well as the secrets of the house, such as why certain doors remain locked and why she can hear voices coming from behind them.
The Summoning is the first book in a suspenseful and scary new series. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and you will not be able to wait for the next installment.
I highly recommend this book to teens in grades 8 and up.
Paula Cea
Young Adult Librarian
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May 29, 2008
FOUND by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Thirteen years ago, an unauthorized plane mysteriously appeared on an airport runway. There was no pilot in the cockpit; there were no flight attendants on board; there were no adults at all. The only people on board were 36 babies, all strapped into their seats and left unaccompanied. The few people who witnessed the planes appearance were silenced by the FBI and the public never knew of the incident.
In the present day, Jonah Walsh is 13 years old and has always known that he was adopted. He leads a normal life until he starts receiving strange letters in the mail, the first of which reads “You are one of the missing.” Jonah soon learns that his best friend Chip, who is also adopted, has been receiving the same messages. After doing some research, they find out that they are two of the babies who were on that mysterious plane 13 years ago. Now, the two boys and the others who were on the plane must find out where they came from and who they really are.
Found is the first book in a new series by the author of Among the Hidden and it will keep you on the edge of your seat with every twist and turn.
I highly recommend this book for middle school students.
Paula Cea
Young Adult Librarian
Posted by fjacksonem at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2008
THE FINAL WARNING: A MAXIMUM RIDE NOVEL by James Patterson
ATTENTION ALL MAXIMUM RIDE FANS (AS WELL AS OTHERS ) !! Even if you have not read any of the previous books, as long as you like adventure, action, humor and romance all in one book you should catch up and read this book !! Not only is this book everything you would want and more out a maximum ride book but it discusses an extremely important issue. It talks about Global Warming and raising awareness and trying to save the world from this becomes the flocks new goal. You can see how James Patterson intelligently incorporated facts about Global Warming and how to prevent it from worsening and this book is good to read because it raises awareness to this important issue, and encourages us to do something about it. Although the whole book isn't about global warming it has the whole flock back Fang , Iggy, Max, Nudge, Gasman, Angel and of course the witty and loveable Total. You will see that the flock all get new abilities or according to Jeb "are mutating on their own". Maybe a new member is added to the flock! I guess you will just have to read to find out.
I RECOMMEND MAXIMUM RIDE: THE FINAL WARNING FOR EVERYONE.
Monisha Gera
Grade 10
East Meadow High School
(NOTE: This is the fourth book in the series, MAXIMUM RIDE. To see a review of the first three books, check out Bobby Mazziotti's review on April 18, 2007.)
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February 13, 2008
THE WHITE DARKNESS by Geraldine McCaughrean
Imagine being in a dry desert with water everywhere but nothing to drink, because you are in Antarctica fighting for your life. This is the story of the 2008 Printz Award winner, THE WHITE DARKNESS by Geraldine McCaughren.
Antarctica was a passion for fourteen-year-old British, Symone. While her girlfriends concerned themselves with boys and dating, she reads everything about the South Pole. Her passion is so real, she had conversations with Titus Oates. Titus Oates, better known as Captain Lawrence Oates, was a member of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's expedition to be the first to plant a flag at the South Pole. The only problem with these conversations Titus and the entire expeditiion has been dead since 1911.
Sym's Uncle Victor is also obsessed with Antarctica and for Sym he is the only person who loves her. Victor believes Antarctica has an access hole to other worlds within the earth, and he has waited years to prove his theory. Victor, simply, misrepresents a weekend trip in Paris, and Sym gets to go on her dream trip to Antarctica.
This trip offers Sym the oppportunity to meet people unlike she has ever known, some rich Americans, a Norwegian filmmaker and the filmmaker's son. It is an adventure, until everyone gets sick and the trip is cancelled, but there is no way off the continent for her. Uncle Victor's obsession is about to become a life or death experience. Setting off in stolen vehicles Sym, Uncle Victor, the filmmaker and his son look for a way into the center of the earth.
You get to experience the cold and harsh life traveling across this barren ice continent. Each page uncovers the mad man in Uncle Victor, while Symone must accept the truth about him and the real people who love her.
This is a terrific adventure story of survival and deception. I RECOMMEND THE WHITE DARKNESS FOR ANYONE IN GRADES 8 AND UP.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)
February 7, 2008
BREAKING NEWS ON BREAKING DAWN
TWILIGHT fans won't have to wait much longer for the next book in Stephenie Meyer's bestselling series. Little, Brown announced the official publication date of BREAKING DAWN will be 12:01AM on Saturday, August 2, 2008. The cover of the book will be revealed this summer. Only 6 months to go!
Don't forget to sign up for the Twilight book discussion taking place on February 19 at 2 pm.
Posted by fjacksonem at 1:03 PM | Comments (0)
January 18, 2008
PAOLINI'S ANNOUNCES FINAL BOOK IN THE INHERITANCE CYCLE
Christopher Paolini has announced the last title in THE INHERITANCE CYCLE. It is BRISINGR.
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers explains the title in their press release for the new book. "BRISINGR (BRIS-in-gr), an Old Norse word for fire, will be familiar to fans of the cycle as the first word in the ancient language that Eragon hears."
“BRISINGR is one of the first words I thought of for this title, and it’s always felt right to me,” said Christopher Paolini. “As the first ancient-language word that Eragon learns, it has held particular significance for his legacy as a Dragon Rider. In this new book, it will be revealed to be even more meaningful than even Eragon could have known.”
Originally slated for release on September 23, 2008, the book will now go on sale at
12:01 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2008.
IF YOU ARE NOT INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE BOOK, THE YOUNG ADULT DEPARTMENT WILL PURCHASE SEVERAL COPIES. WE WILL START TAKING RESERVES IN JUNE, 2008.
If you have not read the first two books, ERAGON and ELDEST, they are available at the Library.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 12:21 PM | Comments (0)
November 9, 2007
The Inheritance Trilogy
Eragon fans will be happy to hear that Random House has announced that there will be a 4th book in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy. The third book, which is still untitled, will be published on September 23, 2008.
In a news release, the author had this to say:
"I plotted out the Inheritance series as a trilogy nine years ago, when I was fifteen. At that time, I never imagined I'd write all three books, much less that they would be published. When I finally delved into Book Three, it soon became obvious that the remainder of the story was far too big to fit in one volume. Having spent so long thinking about the series as a trilogy, it was difficult for me to realize that, in order to be true to my characters and to address all of the plot points and unanswered questions Eragon and Eldest raised, I needed to split the series into two books."
Posted by fjacksonem at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2007
TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer
One of the books nominated for the 3 Apples Book Award (see May 16th entry), is Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Published in 2005, it has spawned 2 sequels so far (New Moon and Eclipse) with another one scheduled to be published next fall. I finally got around to reading Twilight this week and I absolutely loved it.
Just in case you’ve missed this great series, Twilight tells the story of Bella, a seventeen year old who moves from Arizona to a small town in Seattle to live with her father. Being the new girl in school is hard enough, but her life gets even more complicated when she meets and falls in love with Edward Cullen, an extremely handsome senior who also happens to be a vampire. Edward lives with a small clan of other vampires who refer to themselves as vegetarians, meaning they don’t kill humans. Seeing how much Edward loves Bella, the kindhearted Cullens welcome Bella into their lives, but soon find themselves fighting to save her life when a vampire from another clan arrives in town with intent to kill her.
If you like fantasy mixed with romance and suspense, you will love Twilight and its two sequels.
I highly recommend this series to girls in grades 9-12.
Paula Cea
Young Adult Librarian
Posted by fjacksonem at 10:09 AM | Comments (1)
August 6, 2007
HARRY POTTER BOOKS AND MOVIES
SO YOU HAVE READ IT, SEEN ALMOST ALL OF IT AND NOW IT IS TIME TO DISCUSS IT,
THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS DISCUSSION on Monday August 20, 2007 at 7 pm. From the Sorcerer's Stone to the Deathly Hallows here is your chance to discuss the series of the decade. Meet with other Potter fans and talk about the books, the movies and what you would like to see in the Harry Potter future.
There will be refreshments. Registration for young people in grades 6 to 12 begins today. Seating is limited.
Posted by fjacksonem at 7:25 PM | Comments (1)
July 25, 2007
STARDUST by Neil Gaiman
You may have seen the trailer for the new movie STARDUST scheduled to hit theaters on August 10. The movie, which stars Claire Danes, Robert Deniro, and Sienna Miller is based on STARDUST, a fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman. While it is not technically a young adult novel, I think it’s a great read for high school students who like fantasy and science fiction.
The book tells the story of Tristan Thorne, a young man who promises the girl he loves that he will bring her back a fallen star. He sets out into the mysterious land of Faerie but soon realizes that he is not the only one looking for this star. The three Witches of Lilim also desire the star to regain their youth, while the three Lords of Stronghold seek the star to claim their father’s throne. Facing grave danger from everyone involved in the search, Tristan must find a way to make it back home with the star to claim his true love.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR TEENS ENTERING GRADE 9 AND UP.
READ IT BEFORE THE MOVIE COMES OUT!
Paula Cea
Reference Librarian
Posted by fjacksonem at 12:48 PM | Comments (1)
July 10, 2007
WILDWOOD DANCING by Juliet Marillier
In rural Transylvania, 5 sisters live quiet and happy lives in a beautiful old castle with their father. There’s Tati, the eldest, known for her beauty and charm; Jena, the responsible one who helps her father with the business; Julia, the flirt; Paula, the scholar; and Stela, the youngest who worships her older sisters.
Unbeknownst to their father, on the night of each full moon, the 5 sisters travel through a portal to an alternate world known as the Dancing Glade. In this world, the girls dance and chat with fairies, nymphs, dwarves, and magical creatures of all kinds.
During one full moon, Dancing Glade receives new guests referred to as Night People. While Jena is frightened of these mysterious creatures, Tati finds herself falling in love with one of them despite Jena’s warnings that they are dangerous.
Back home, their father falls ill and must leave home to seek a warmer climate. That leaves Jena and her sisters to fend for themselves, until their scheming and sexist cousin Cezar moves in and takes control of the household and the finances. A virtual prisoner in her own home, Jena must find a way to save her sister from the Night People and unravel an old family mystery.
An enchanting blend of mystery, romance and fantasy, WILDWOOD DANCING by Juliet Marillier is one of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in a while.
THIS BOOK IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR FANTASY LOVERS.
Paula Cea
Reference Librarian
East Meadow Public Library
Posted by fjacksonem at 9:44 AM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2007
THE GOLDEN COMPASS by Philip Pullman
The trilogy known as HIS DARK MATERIALS was written by Philip Pullman and the first book is THE GOLDEN COMPASS. In this first book of the trilogy you meet Lyra, 11, an orphan living at Jordan College in Oxford, England. In Lyra's world, everyone has a personal dæmon, a lifelong animal familiar. This is a world in which science, theology and magic are closely intertwined.
Lyra spends her days with Roger, the kitchen boy, until she saves her uncle, Lord Asriel, from an assassination attempt. She also knows that children are disappearing and before long, Roger disappears. Her plans to find Roger are postponed, when Lyra is introduced to Mrs. Coulter, a beautiful and bewitching woman. Mrs. Coulter is a scholar and an explorer - seemingly everything that Lyra could ever hope to be.
With of gift from the Master of the Jordan College, an alethiometer, a rare and powerful instrument with the power to reveal the truth in all things Lyra begins her search for Roger and the missing children.
You may wonder why I selected a book more than ten years old. The trilogy has been completed by THE SUBTLE KNIFE and THE AMBER SPYGLASS. Ofcourse, it is a great story, but here is the news flash.
The production company who made LORD OF THE RINGS is releasing the film, THE GOLDEN COMPASS, on December 7, 2007. The teaser for the film is on YAHOO movies. Take a look, but don't forget to read the book first.
THIS IS RECOMMENDED FOR FANTASY LOVERS.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 3:05 PM | Comments (0)
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)
February 1, 2007
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS by J K Rowling
The Hogwarts experience will conclude with this title. The scheduled date for release was announced on THE TODAY SHOW.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 5:30 PM | Comments (0)
December 23, 2006
THE HARRY POTTER BOOK HAS A NAME
According to YAHOO News You can visit J.K. Rowling's Web site and play a little game of hangman. You will learn the title of the seventh and final Harry Potter book.
Rowling has set up a test for her Potter fans.
If you go to jkrowling.com, click on the eraser and you will be taken to a room — you'll see a window, a door and a mirror.
In the mirror, you'll see a hallway. Click on the farthest doorknob and look for the Christmas tree. They click on the center of
the door next to the mirror and a wreath appears. Then click on the top of the mirror and you'll see a garland.
Look for a cobweb next to the door. Click on it, and it will disappear. Now, look at the chimes in the window. Click on the
second chime to the right, and hold it down. The chime will turn into the key, which opens the door. Click on the wrapped gift
behind the door, then click on it again and figure out the title yourself by playing a game of hangman.
Or you can take Scholastic's word for it: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS
Posted by fjacksonem at 11:39 AM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2006
ERAGON by Christopher Paolini
I know many seventh grade students in the East Meadow School District may have chosen to read ERAGON by Christopher Paolini for their summer reading, but with the ERAGON Movie premiering this December I feel it should be listed. I have just finished this first book in the INHERITANCE Trilogy and really enjoyed it. For me there were elements of Star Wars and if the movie trailer is correct, the battle scenes may resemble the Lord of the Rings.
Eragon is a teenage boy of unknown lineage living in a remote area of the country, Alagaesia, which is ruled by an evil king. On a hunting trip Eragon finds a strange gem-like rock and the adventure begins. The rock is a dragon egg and dragons are only things of folktales, until it hatches; the local storyteller is a man of mystery who joins Eragon on his escape from dark forces with lessons in sword play and magic; then the ancient world of the Dragon Riders comes alive again with dwarfs, elves and assorted evil beings.
IS ERAGON THE LAST OF THE DRAGON RIDERS?
COULD THE FATE OF THE EMPIRE REST IN HIS HANDS?
Anyone who enjoys a good fantasy will enjoy ERAGON, but remember, this is the first book in the INHERITANCE Trilogy. Book two, ELDEST, is available at the library. According to Answers.com the final title may be called EMPIRE and is due to be published in late 2007 or early 2008.
Submitted by Mrs.Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Just arrived THE ULTIMATE UNAUTHORIZED ERAGON GUIDE. It is"... an interactive book book that looks deep inside the complex world of Alagaesia to reveal facts behind the magical people, places, and creatures that fill the INHERITANCE series." (From the back cover of the book)
Posted by fjacksonem at 1:11 PM | Comments (3)
November 2, 2006
FAIREST by Gail Carson Levine
Another great tale by Gail Carson Levine is loosely based on a elements from the fairy tale, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. You may remember Lucinda from ELLA ENCHANTED, well in FAIREST, Lucinda's magic mirror is creating havoc in the Kingdom of Ayortha; where singing and beauty are prized above all. There is a girl, Aza,with the most beautiful singing voice who wants nothing more than to be pretty, and there is the new queen of Ayortha who is beautiful but can not sing. When their paths cross, all things good and bad happen.
This is a terrific tale for girls in grades 6 to 9 or anyone who is a Gail Carson Levine fan.
Submitted by Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 1:20 PM | Comments (17)
October 19, 2006
TROLL BRIDGE: A ROCK 'N' ROLL FAIRY TALE by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple
There have been many stories taken from fairy tales ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine (Cinderella), BEAST by Donna Jo Napoli (Sleeping Beauty) and I WAS A RAT by Philip Pullman (Cinderella). Now Jane Yolen, author of many books for teens, has written a book with Adam Stemple, a professional rock n' roll musician, called TROLL BRIDGE,which is on two fairy/folk tales, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
Music prodigy, Moira, is on her way to a photo shoot for the Dairy Princess Event in Minnesota. As she and the other princesses pose on the Vanderby Bridge, they are taken into the world of Trollheim. At the same time a popular teen group, the Griffson Brothers, on a vacation from touring find themselves swept into the world of trolls. Moira, the only princess, not in a slumber enchantment meets an enchanted fox, while the Griffsons are hanging upside down waiting to become the dinner for the trolls. It is up to Moira and the freed Griffson, Jakob, to save the princesses, the other Griffson brothers and defeat the trolls before all is lost.
Between chapters there are lyrics to songs for this Rock 'N' Roll adventure. A fun read for younger teens in grades 6 and 7.
Submitted by Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2006
FEED by M. T. Anderson
I was watching Emmitt Smith, former NFL running back for the Dallas Cowboys, promote a new NFL service to your cell phone. Up to the minute news on current football games, how you are doing in a fantasy football league, who, what and where about players... You will never be out of touch and then I remembered the book, FEED, by M. T. Anderson.
It is the future and everyone is tapped into the Feed, bits of information about music, what to buy, who's in and who's out, by way of computer implants in the brain. Actually the corporations have controlled the teen environment. Titus, a typical teen, begins to questions the need for all the processed information, when he meets Violet, a home schooled teen. Violet cares deeply about the state of the environment and the damage the Feed does to her generation. Her caring and the destructive nature of the Feed eventually causes Violet serious trouble.
What do you think about someone giving you all the information they think you need all of the time? If you want a glimpse of that future, read FEED.
THIS IS A GREAT READ FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. There is also another title well-known for its feed of good feeling to the general public, FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury.
Submitted by Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 9:00 AM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2006
EAST by Edith Pattou
Rose, the youngest of seven children, was different from the day she was born. The strange circumstances of her birth are kept secret by her superstitious mother, who hopes to keep her daughter from leaving home, and fulfilling her destiny to explore and seek adventure.
Years later, when the family has fallen on hard times, and Rose's sister has fallen ill, a mysterious white bear appears at the family home promising them health and prosperity if Rose will accompany him to his castle. Against her family's wishes, Rose accepts the invitation, and travels the long distance atop the bear's back to an empty castle in the side of a mountain. She grows accustomed to life in the castle except for the nightly visits she gets from a quiet, mysterious stranger. When Rose's curiousity gets the best of her, she discovers the stranger's identity and realizes that her journey has only just begun. She must travel to a hidden land located east of the sun and west of the moon to rescue the white bear and fulfill her destiny.
Told from the view point of several characters, East is the retelling of the classic tale, "East of the Sun and West of the Moon", with similarities to "Beauty and the Beast" and the Greek myth "Cupid and Psyche". FANTASY READERS OF ALL AGES will not be able to put the book down until Rose.s journery is complete.
Submitted by Paula Cea
Librarian Trainee, Reference Department
East Meadow Public Library
Posted by fjacksonem at 3:10 PM | Comments (3)
August 9, 2006
THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION BY Nancy Farmer
This tale begins in a Petri dsh; where some DNA was divided, placed in the womb of a cow, and eventually grew into a baby. That child is Matt, a clone of El Patron, the leader of Opium, a country somewhere near the USA. El Patron or Matteo Alacran is a ruthless leader who was born to extreme poverty but rose to great power.
Clones have been bred to keep El Patron alive for more than 140 years. Alacran has also bred field laborers with mindless bodies and computer chips in their brains to keep them submissive.
Most clones have their intelligence destroyed, but Matt has been spared this fate, so his organs can be harvested for El Patron. Matt belongs to El Patron and everyone must treat him like an equal, even though he is hated by El Patron's family.
As El Patron grows weaker, Matt's enemies grow bolder and greedier. Is Matt to be sacrificed for El Patron's next ten years of life or can Matt find a way to escape and make a better world for himself and others living under the tyranny of THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION?
THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT THE EAST MEADOW PUBLIC LIBRARY and is RECOMMENDED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN GRADES 7 TO 10. NANCY FARMER has also written A GIRL NAMED DISASTER, and the Newbery Award Winner, THE EYE, THE EAR AND THE ARM.
Submitted by Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at 9:32 AM | Comments (19)
August 8, 2006
AMONG THE HIDDEN by Margaret Peterson Haddix
IT IS THE FUTURE. The government says we have an overpopulation problem. Only two children per family are allowed and Luke is the third child. It is not a difficult life for Luke; his parents are farmers and they live away from most people. Young Luke can go outside, when no one else is around.
But now he is a teenager and the government is building an expensive housing development next to the family farm. Luke must stay indoors, alone, not making a sound for fear of being found out, until the day he sees the face of another hidden child in the new house across the way.
Luke chooses to sneak out to the other house and meets Jen, another hidden teen. Jen knows the government is lying about the overpopulation problem and communicates by computer to other hidden children. Jen's plan is for all hidden children to come out for rally on the President's lawn and force the President to change the law.
Coming out of hiding means possible death by the Population Police. Luke must now decide whether to go or stay hidden. What would you do?
THIS BOOK IS RECOMMENDED FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS and AVAILABLE AT THE EAST MEADOW PUBLIC LIBRARY. This title is the first in a series about Luke and the other shadow children.
The other titles are AMONG THE IMPOSTERS, AMONG THE BETRAYED, AMONG THE BARONS, AMONG THE BRAVE and AMONG THE ENEMY.
Submitted by Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Margaret Peterson Haddix has written the final installment of the Shadow Children. It is called AMONG THE FREE.
Posted by fjacksonem at 3:29 PM | Comments (48)