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
Posted by fjacksonem at 2:46 PM | Comments (0)
August 1, 2009
DURANGO STREET
The book DURANGO STREET by Frank Bonham is a great read for all readers. In this book Rufus Henry was sent to detention camp because he was charged for grand theft auto. After many months Rufus is realesed from the camp and is let off in parole. According to Rufus's parole he must not join a gang under any circumstances. On the first day Rufus encounters a gang called the Gassers because his sister had told the police information about them. Now Rufus already has a gang after him. Now Rufus has no choice but to violate his parole, and look for a join a gang so he can have protection from the Gassers. The next day Rufus goes to meet his friend Walter Gibson and his gang the Moors. Walter Gibson is Rufus's friend from the detention camp. When Rufus asks the gang leader Bantu to join, Bantu hesitates. After some minutes of tough decisions Bantu lets Rufus join the Moors. Will Rufus be able to survive in the projecks? Find out by reading Durango street.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR READER WHO LOVE ACTION AND SUSPENSE I ALSO RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR READERS ENTERING GRADES EIGHT THROUGH TWELVE.
Yash Shah
W. Tresper Clarke Middle School
Grade 8
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July 30, 2009
BEST BOOK SURVIVOR ISLAND
On Monday, July 20 the Young Adult Room held our very first BEST BOOK SURVIVOR ISLAND. Five books went to the library counsel.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS by J. K. Rowling
The final installment of the Harry Potter series who will rule the wizard's world?
IF THE WITNESS LIED by Caroline B. Cooney
Torn apart by tragedies and the publicity they brought, siblings Smithy, Jack, and Madison, aged fourteen to sixteen, tap into their parent's courage to pull together and protect their brother Tris, nearly three, from further media exploitation and a much more sinister threat.
PLAYING FOR PIZZA by John Grisham
A former American football star joins the Parma Panthers to play football in a small town in Italy.
VAMPIRE KISSES by Ellen Schreiber
Sixteen-year-old Raven, an outcast who always wears black and hopes to become a vampire some day, falls in love with the mysterious new boy in town, eager to find out if he can make her dreams come true.
WHISPERING WOODS (MAGIC: THE GATHERING) by Clayton Emery
Gull shouldn't have taken the job. This wizard is worse than any he's heard about before. Between tavern brawls, magical battles, and a strange artifact turning up, Gull is kept very busy. And now that his half-wit sister is beginning to gather her wits, Gull really has his hands full.
AND THE WINNER IS
OUR NEXT BEST BOOK SURVIVOR ISLAND WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTBER 3 AT 2 PM IN THE YOUNG ADULT ROOM, SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS. YOU CAN PRESENT A BOOK OR JUST BE ON THE JURY.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
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July 28, 2009
YELLOW FLAG by Robert Lipsyte
YELLOW FLAG is one of many of Robert Lipsyte’s successful novels. It focuses on something all teenagers can identify with making choices. The main character, Kyle is forced to put on the helmet and race in place of his brother Kris, who is injured after a win by a spiteful runner up. Coming from a family rich in racing history, Kyle, the quiet trumpet player, is forced to chose between his quintet, the girl of his dreams, the gig of his life, and between following in his family’s footsteps, and another girl of his dreams. The story continues when Kris doesn’t recover in time to race, so Kyle chooses to race for the #12 team instead of practice for the quintet, which he feels he is more out of place there. After gaining his family a major sponsor, he is asked to join the team as a second car on the circuit, #12A. With this offer on the table, he needs to decide where his final loyalties lie, with his family, or with his band.
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR TEENAGE GUYS AND ANYONE WHO ENJOYS RACING. FOR ME, THE BOOK READ FAST AND IT WAS HARD TO PUT DOWN AFTER THE FIRST FEW CHAPTERS. THE AGE GROUP I BELIEVE WOULD ENJOY THE BOOK THE MOST ARE GUYS (OR GIRLS) RANGING FROM THE EIGHTH GRADE TO THE TENTH GRADE.
Andrew Scarpitta
Chaminade High School
12th grade
Posted by fjacksonem at 8:01 PM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2009
DIAL L FOR LOSER by Lisi Harrison
DIAL L FOR LOSER is the 6th book in the Clique novel series by Lisi Harrison. In this book the girls of the Pretty Committee are expelled from their school O.C.D. The girls are close to begging Principal Burns to readmit them to O.C.D. but luck strikes them. The girls are invited to Dylan’s mothers show, The Daily Grind. Before the show Massie, Kristen, Alicia, Dylan and Clair meet Abby Boyd and Hadly Durk the stars of the upcoming movie Dial L for Losers. But everything doesn't go so smoothly. Hadly found out that Abby and her boyfriend were fooling around behind her back and she starts to throw a fit. She then declares that she would not star in a movie with Abby. The director of the movie Rupert Mann started to panic and he borrowed Massie’s phone but he left without giving it back to her. A few days later Rupert announced on TV, that he wanted Massie to call him on her phone. When she called, Rupert invited only Clair, Massie, and Alicia to audition for Hadly's old part. Once they get to LA everyone was pretty sure that Alicia or Massie would get the part but Clair got the part and Alicia and Massie are green with envy. Clair starts to live the perfect life. She's "best friends" with Abby Boyd, gets her picture in a magazine, and gets a new phone from the producers of Dial L for Loser. But as famous as Clair gets the jealous Massie and Alicia become and they make her life horrible. But karma strikes them back when Conner Foley uses them to get Abby Boyd jealous. In the end Massie, Clair, and Alicia become friends again, but Clair has a decision to make. She gets a call from a producer and wants her to move to LA but she's not sure what to do.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO TEENAGE GIRLS. THEY’LL ENJOY THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT 5 THIRTEEN YEAR OLD GIRLS DEALING WITH SCHOOL, BOYS, LOOKING GOOD AND LIFE IN GENERAL AND THAT’S WHAT MOST GIRLS AROUND 13 DEAL WITH. ONCE YOU START READING ONE OF THE BOOKS FROM THE SERIES YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO STOP READING!
Samiha Chaudhury
Woodland Middle School
8th Grade
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July 20, 2009
THE WAVE by Todd Strasser
THE WAVE by Todd Strasser was a real life incident that took place in Palo,Alto California in 1967.
In the novel, Ben Ross is a social studies teacher at Gordan high school. Ben's class is learning about the Nazi's. After showing a film to the students they dont understand why Germans had let Hitler control them. The next day Ben decides to conduct an experiment called the Wave so the students can understand the chapter a lot better. Over time the wave experiment goes further and further, students start giving up their freedoms to join the Wave. David and Laurie are the only student who realize what has become of the wave. The wave has gone to far for even Ben to stop it. Will Ben be able to stop what had started as a classroom experiment in time, or is history destined to repeat itself again? Find out by reading THE WAVE.
I RECCOMEND THIS GREAT BOOK FOR READERS WHO LOVE HISTORY AND SUSPENSE. ALSO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR READERS WHO ARE ENTERING GRADES SEVEN THROUGH TWELVE.
Yash Shah
W. Tresper Clarke Middle School
Grade 8
Posted by fjacksonem at 7:15 PM | Comments (1)
July 10, 2009
PROJECT SWEET LIFE by Brent Hartinger
Have you ever had the feeling that as a kid you should have the right to do what you want to do? Well find out what is right in PROJECT SWEET LIFE by Brent Hartinger.
In every child’s life they are approached with the option of taking a summer job at 15. But Dave, Curtis and Victor don’t have that option because of their dads who feel you must start earning money and get exposed to the real world.
Of course being the lazy teens who want to enjoy their last summer lie to their parents stating they got jobs when they don’t. They just need money. Victor, the genius, calculates they need $7000 at the end of summer to show their parents only because the dads want to see money and hard work. Thus the athletic one, Curtis, comes up with the ultimate plan, Project Sweet Life.
The plan is to get one big payoff that covers the summer and then they can relax. They have many methods to do so such as a garage sale, the China Tunnels and the Labash Coins, and many more. It is up to you to find out whether or not the plan turned out to be a big flop or the trio became rich. Of course, there will be very big consequences if the plan fails. Also what will they do about when the parents visit their so called “workplaces”?
I RECOMMEND THIS TO STUDENTS WHO LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO REALLY SPEND THEIR SUMMER.
Siddesh Ramesh
W.Tresper Clarke Middle School
Grade 8
Posted by fjacksonem at 8:21 PM | Comments (0)
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)
January 19, 2009
GILDA JOYCE: THE LADIES OF THE LAKE by Jennifer Allison
GILDA JOYCE :THE LADIES OF THE LAKE by Jennifer Allison is a very good book. This book is about one investigator, Gilda Joyce, who thinks that someone drowned Dolores Lambert in the lake behind the school that is named Our Lady of Sorrows. As she writes daily to her father about what is going on, the case unfolds. Gilda first learns about this story from Mrs. Underhill, a faculty member.
Gilda joins the Petunia, the school's newspaper, and meets Danielle, a senior who is having trouble writing a college essay about herself. Gilda helped her with her essay and ends up being best friends with Danielle; along with Persila, and Nikki who think she isn't like any other freshmen at their school. Unfortunately Wendy, Gilda's friend from her old school, thinks their friendship is too good to be true and that Gilda is being used.
Gilda and Wendy go to the Halloween dance at school. Gilda made this whole plan that Wendy and her would sneak out and go to the Ruins, a building built to look like ruins, and where Gilda and Wendy found out something I myself couldn't believe. You will definitely be surprised at the ending of this book. It is like you never expected it.
I THINK THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR KIDS IN 6th THROUGH 7th GRADE. You should also be a avid reader and very patient because this book is 339 pages long. I think it is worth to reading the whole book because it is very exciting. Author Jennifer Allison paints a beautiful picture in all readers minds with this jaw dropping novel. Well, that is at least what I think.
Kerry Buckhaults
6th grade
Woodland Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 2:17 PM | Comments (1)
January 2, 2009
TRAVEL TEAM by Mike Lupica
Have you been turned away from your dream because of what you are? How do feel in that situation? What will you do next? Just ask Danny Walker from TRAVEL TEAM by Mike Lupica.
Danny Walker is a basketball phenomenon when it comes to passing the ball. In the 7th grade basketball tryouts, he didn’t make it. The reason why was unfair, he was too small. The same thing happened to other kids who were small. This was a huge obstacle in Danny’s dream of being like his dad, Richie Walker. Richie is an amazing point guard that led his 12 year old team to the finals of the nationals in the past. Unluckily, Richie was in a car accident that affected his life and his family’s life enormously.
Now Richie Walker is making a comeback from his hiding by creating an official basketball team of players who didn’t make it to the 7th grade tryouts. Will the basketball team win against other teams? Will Danny repair bonds with his father? Will Danny follow his dream?
I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO STUDENTS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL WHO LIKE SPORTS.
Siddesh Ramesh
Grade 7
W.T Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 3:01 PM | Comments (0)
August 20, 2008
THE A-LIST by Zoey Dean
If you are a fan of the Gossip Girl and the Cliques series you will love The A-List by Zoey Dean.
Anna Percy is a rich girl who lives in New York City with the perfect grades and a reputation of “working well with others”. She gets sick of being the “good girl”, so she goes to live with her father in Los Angeles. He is part of the rich Beverly Hills lifestyle. On the plane she meets a guy she could possibly be in love with; she goes to an Oscar winner’s wedding; and she lives in the neighborhood of the rich and snobby. She thought her life was perfect until Dad surprises her with a little someone. Things are going great until she finds out who the A-Listers are and what they want, because no one steals their spotlight.
I RECOMMEND THE A-LIST FOR GIRLS IN GRADE 7 AND UP.
Pari Patel
7th Grade
Woodland Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 3:40 PM | Comments (1)
August 4, 2008
HERE'S TO YOU RACHEL ROBINSON by Judy Blume
Ever have troubleS Judy Blume might have the answers to your problems in HERE'S TO YOU, RACHEL ROBINSON.
7th grader Rachel Robinson has much to deal with. Her troubling brother, Charles has been kicked out of boarding school and must return home. Rachel feels like her friends, Stephanie and Alison are hanging out more often without her. Her friends do not think that she is normal. Overall, she is facing what most teenagers her age must deal with, but it is still much more...
Rachel, unlike Charles, is a straight-A student who becomes a Natural Helper at her school to help students with dilemmas. She, on the other hand feels like she has enough problems of her own. She has liked Jeremy Dragon, an older boy in her school, and now she secretly likes her brother's tutor, Paul. Plus, one of Rachel's friends has a crush on Charles. Tarren, Rachel's cousin with several problems, looks up to Rachel's mother for help.
Will Rachel's brother stir up a commotion? Will she have a boyfriend? What will happen to Tarren? Read this wonderful book to find out. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO STUDENTS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Japbani Nanda
Grade 9
W.T. Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 4:48 PM | Comments (1)
August 1, 2008
THE NANNIES by Melody Mayer
This is a novel is about Hollywood life.
Three girls with very different personalities arrive in Hollywood for different reasons, but they become really good friends anyway. They all get jobs as nannies for the children of very famous people! Esme, a beautiful but reserved-about-herself Latina comes to Hollywood to live a better life than her dangerous neighborhood. Kiley, or also known as Krazy with a "K" is definitely the opposite of her nickname. Being 17 years old, she goes to Hollywood to participate in a competition broadcasted on T.V. where she could be a nanny for Platinum! But, to win, she has to succeed in many challenges. The only reason she's doing all this is to get into a pricey school. Spending 8 years in the Amazon is not fun to Lydia. When she gets a chance to stay with her aunt in Hollywood, California, there's no way she's going to miss the opportunity.
THE NANNIES, is a great book. IT IS RECOMMENDED FOR KIDS WHO LOVE HOLLYWOOD IN 7TH GRADE AND UP!
Christina Johnson
Grade 8
W.T. Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 9:22 AM | Comments (0)
July 7, 2008
SECOND SUMMER OF THE SISTERHOOD by Ann Brashares
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares is found on this year's summer reading list for students entering 8th grade.
Lena, Carmen, Bridget, and Tibby set off for new adventures this summer, and the Pants are with them. But, this summer is a little different from the last one. Lena is falling in love with Kostos all over again when he comes to America, but might get her heart broken when she finds out a secret about him. Carmen is holding a grudge against her mother, Christina, when she gets a new boyfriend. She thinks that Christina is making a complete fool of herself. Bridget leaves last year's summer romance behind and sets off to Alabama to find out about the past of her late mother, and Tibby goes to a college film program and figures out from Brian if people are real or phony.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO GIRLS AGES 13 AND UP, BECAUSE THIS NOVEL IS VERY REALISTIC (THESE CAN BE REAL TEENAGERS), AND TEENAGERS CAN RELATE THIS BOOK TO THEIR OWN LIVES VERY EASILY.
>
> Christina Johnson entering grade 8 in Sept. 2008
> Clarke Middle School
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April 24, 2008
THE PIGMAN by Paul Zindel
Have you ever seen two high school students hanging out with an elderly man? In the book The Pigman by Paul Zindel, John Conlan, a sophomore who is not happy with his life, and Lorraine Jensen, a sophomore who receives criticism from her mother on her looks, befriend Mr. Angelo Pignati (the Pigman), a lonely elderly man.
The Pigman always has a smile on his face, but inside he is full of sadness and secrets. The Pigman loves John and Lorraine’s company, so the trio goes shopping together and go to the zoo to see Mr. Pignati’s best friend, Bobo the baboon. Mr. Pignati becomes ill and goes to the hospital, and John and Lorraine are given the responsibility to take care of the Pigman’s home. Mr. Pignati is in for a surprise when he returns from the hospital. What he finds may ruin the friendship that John, Lorraine, and the Pigman share.
I recommend this book to middle school and high school students.
Japbani Nanda
Grade 8
W.T. Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 12:02 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.)
Posted by fjacksonem at 11:43 AM | Comments (0)
January 31, 2008
THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE by Rodman Philbrick
THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE by Rodman Philbrick is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure! I enjoyed this book. It was real exciting and Philbrick's perception of the future is one of the most believable I've ever read about! It's about a teenage boy named Spaz who is an outcast in the Urb on a journey to save his sister. He is assisted by Ryter an elderly man who's prized possession is a book that he's been writing. In his adventures he goes from latch to latch (county to county) and meets some of the most feared gang leaders in the Urb.
I RECOMMENDED IT FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FICTION FANS AND EVEN MIDDLE SCHOOLERS WHO LOVE AN EXCITING BOOK.
Rita Rozen
Grade 7
W. Tresper Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 10:45 AM | Comments (0)
November 20, 2007
BLUE HERON by Avi
What is magic really for? Avi will tell you in BLUE HERON.
As Maggie approaches her thirteenth birthday, she wants to believe that some kind of magic can stop all the changes in her life. She is going to visit her father and his new family at a lakeside cabin in Providence, Rhode Island. During the trip, Maggie fears that her father would love his new daughter more than herself. When Maggie comes to visit him, she finds him troubled and withdrawn. But his father says that nothing is wrong with him, which makes Maggie worry even more. Alone with her secret thoughts, Maggie secretly finds comfort from a beautiful blue heron that constantly comes to the lakeside in the mornings. With each visit Maggie grows more attached to this bird, but has a sense of feeling that someone out there is plotting to harm this lovely creature. In her determination to protect the blue heron, Maggie understands the magic of change in her own life and the changes going on around her.
Stephanie Zhang
Grade 8
WT Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)
October 2, 2007
HITCH by Jeanette Ingold
HITCH by Jeanette Ingold is historical fiction with universal themes.
The Great Depression had struck Moss Trawnley, a seventeen-year-old janitor at Muddy Springs Airport. He was just fired from his job and now Moss was jobless and homeless. His father left to get a job at WPA and hadn’t returned for two years. Moss needed to get his father back to have him support his mom and siblings in Spanish Creek, Louisiana. After many attempts Moss found his father without a home or job. He turned into a drunken hobo. Moss realized his father was useless to bring home so Moss decided to find a decent job at CCC (President Roosevelt’s Civilian Conversation Corps). At least he will have food and a shelter. While the trip to Monroe, Montana, he was able to make new friends such as Nate, Sam and Apple. As soon as Moss was enrolled, they were assigned to a new project. As Moss worked harder, he learned to take action faster and better. After all Moss’s hard work and determination he earned himself a great future and a good life.
This is a must read book!! If you like a realistic fiction then you should definitely read this novel.
Stephanie Zhang
Grade 8
WT Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 3:06 PM | Comments (0)
August 1, 2007
FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF A FRENCH SPY by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
FOR FREEDOM is a about a teenage girl named Suzanne, who is a singer. Suzanne is experiencing living during a war. She is living around the time of 1940.
The Germans have invaded her city of Cherbourg . Due to the invasion; a bomb is dropped on Cherbourg and silences her friend Yvette permanently. Suzanne herself is hurt and goes to the doctor. Soon after the accident everyones' homes on the street are invaded by Germans, accept Dr.Leclerc’s house. Suzanne and her family have to find another home.
For Suzanne singing lessons were very tight because of the war, but Suzanne gets a leading part in an opera. As Suzanne keeps on going to her doctor, he sees a quality in her that is worthy of the job he needs someone to do. Dr.Leclerc is a spy and he asks Suzanne to become a spy as well. She will carry messages to different spies. The Spies don’t call each other by their names but only by numbers. There are 22 spies in all of France . The Germans find out that Suzanne is a spy, so she is thrown in jail, but she escapes. When Suzanne gets out of jail, she knows that number 16 and herself, number 22, are the only spies left alive in all of France . They killed everyone else including Dr.Leclerc and his family, who were also spies.
Thanks to Suzanne and her strong will power she gives America and England a chance of fighting the Germans. She becomes a French hero. This is the story, FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF A FRENCH SPY by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
I BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE FROM THE 5TH GRADE ON UP WILL ENJOY READING THIS PAGE-TURNER. This is a historical fiction book that really touches the heart.
Tharshana Chandrakumar
Woodland Middle School
Grade 7
Posted by fjacksonem at 8:13 AM | Comments (3)
May 15, 2007
SEMIPRECIOUS
SEMIPRECIOUS by D. Anne Love was a very touching book. In the book, Garnet’s mother decides to pursue her dream of becoming famous, but ends up dumping her two children, Opal and Garnet, with her sister. At first, the sister’s are very upset about leaving Mirabeau, Texas, and going to Willow Flat’s, Texas. Their mother’s sister is poor, and the lifestyle is very different then they are used to. Garnet’s sister instantly becomes popular, but it’s harder for Garnet. During her time in Willow Flats, she discovers that her mother isn’t really cut out for being a mother, and that she can find family in the most unexpected places. By the end of the book, Garnet and Opal are going to return with their father to Mirabeau, and Garnet is finally accepting on who she is, and who has made her that way.
I RECOMMEND IT FOR ANYONE IN GRADES 6 TO 8.
Alison Verderber
Grade 8
Kellenberg Memorial Latin School
Posted by fjacksonem at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
May 1, 2007
A LOOK AT GRAPHIC NOVELS
Alex Zuckerman, a senior at East Meadow High School, did his community service internship at the East Meadow Public LIbrary. Alex is interested in filmmaking, including anime. Unfortunately our anime collection is very small, so I asked Alex to review some of the titles in our graphic novel collection.
WAR OF THE WORLDS by Stephen Stern and Arne Starr
The graphic novel is only slightly better then the movie, because Tom Cruse isn’t in it. What more can I say but if you like pointless action sequences that are only running away scenes and really bad artwork, then be my guest and pick this one up today. The real thing that got me mad, was the ending made no sense. Thanks to the bad art work, you can’t tell what’s going on in the story because it looks like the illustrator took a nap as they were drawing this piece of garbage. Now don’t get me wrong, the original book is great but this one isn’t.
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON by Wang Du Lu and Andy Seto
This one is a great choice to read. If you like the movie then you’ll like the book too. With detailed art work, color and story line this one is a must read.
JU-ON 2 by Takashi Shimizu and MEIMU
Just like the Sarah Michelle Gellar movie this graphic novel is really bad. The art work is atrocious at best and uninteresting. The original movie version from Japan is well written, acted and well thought out, certainly not like this graphic novel. The graphic novel is based on the Japanese movie but with really poor art work. This version it is just a pathetic attempt at a once good movie.
WAR CRAFT: THE SUNWELL TRILOGY by Richard Knaak and Jae-Hwan Kim
Well written story line, art work and based on one of the best video games ever, This is a must read. The only bad thing about it is that the mane character hair is so ugly that it makes it look like a mop is on his head.
MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Gary Reed and Frazer Living
One of the best graphic novels the Library has to offer. It’s an adapted version of the Mary Shelley’s book. With its detail art work, classic story and its look into the world of true horror, this one isn’t just a must read, it’s a must own as well.
FLIGHT VOLUME 1
Flight is a beautiful graphic novel that is a mixture of short stories that all have a different art style to each of them. The stories are for all ages. It is a must read.
WONDER WOMAN: LAND OF THE DEAD by Greg Rucka and Geoff Johns
This is one of the best graphic novels the Library has to offer. It is so well written that I take this graphic novel out all the time. I strongly recommend this one.
NORTH COUNTRY by Shane White
This book is not based on the movie. This is truly one of the best graphic novels ever made. It’s about a man going back to visit his childhood home and on the plane ride there he thinks about all of the bad things that happened to him there. He was beaten by his drunken Dad, he tried to kill himself and likes to pretend that he is a comic book character. The best part about this book is that it’s not all talking. There’s a shoot-out, a motorcycle accident and a suicide. I strongly recommend this graphic novel to everyone. It’s meant for older readers.
ROBIN: TO KILL A BIRD by Bill Willingham and Damion Scott
This graphic novel is about Robin fighting the penguin’s evil plan to rule Gotham city. If you like Batman then why not pick this one up.
GALAX ANGEL BETA by Kanan
If you’re a fan of Asian stereotypes then this is the one for you. It has girls in bikinis, something to do with space and a bazaar plot. If that sounds like something you like, then you should pick it up today, but I won’t.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST by Hiroumu Arakawa
In all honesty, I found this to be very boring. Here’s why. It said on the back that it’s supposed to be non-stop action but for me it was non-stop boredom and the background art is just bland, no detail at all.
Alex Zuckerman
Grade 12
East Meadow High School
Posted by fjacksonem at 1:53 PM | Comments (1)
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)
March 19, 2007
LAUGH TILL YOU CRY by Joan Lowery Nixon
Do you have a class clown in your class? Or at least someone in your class that can make you laugh a lot. LAUGH TILL YOU CRY is the story of a boy named Cody who likes to make jokes. Cody moves next-door to his cousin to help his sick grandmother. When his cousin and his cousin’s friends decide to pick on Cody. Cody’s life turns into a living nightmare. But one day after running away from his cousin and his friends he runs into a police officer who doesn’t mind his jokes and is willing to pay money for them.
His life begins to brighten up. But things begin to turn ugly when Cody is blamed and framed for a prank call about a bomb to his school. Fellow classmates begin to look at him suspiciously. After he is framed with another call to the school. Life keeps getting worse. I mean how couldn’t it. He has a report on Shakespeare’s Hamlet due when he can barely understand it and people look at him like he’s a troublemaker when he’s really not. And to top it off he has to deal with his cousin and his friends. Who’s been setting him up? And why does his cousin have baking flour in his closet? Find out by reading LAUGH TILL YOU CRY by Joan Lowery Nixon.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THE BOOK TO ANYONE IN 6TH GRADE AND UP AND ANYONE WHO HAS READ ANY OF JOAN LOWERY NIXON'S OTHER BOOKS.
Camille Deytiquez
Grade 7
W. T. Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 1:59 PM | Comments (2)
March 15, 2007
SCARLETT by Cathy Cassidy
SCARLETT by Cathy Cassidy
Scarlett is a twelve year old trouble maker. She has been kicked out of four schools in two years. But with her ketchup dyed hair and black fingernails, and tongue piercing, its what’s expected from her. Finally, as a last resort, her mother sends her to Ireland to live with her father. At first, Scarlett aches for London, but with the help of a mysterious boy, Kian, his horse, and her new family, Scarlett will finally find who she really is and where she belongs.
When Scarlett arrives at her father’s house in Ireland, she thinks that it’s the worst place ever. All country, a little step-sister, and another on the way, courtesy of Clare, the woman who stole her father away. After a few (hilarious) incidents, Scarlett realizes that she loves these people, and that she needs to try harder, for everyone’s sake. She learns what a family truly is, and once she puts aside her own anger, more importantly, she finds out who her family truly is.
RECOMMENDED FOR GIRLS IN GRADES 6 TO 8.
Alison Verderber
Grade 8
Kellenberg Memorial Latin School
Posted by fjacksonem at 8:01 AM | Comments (5)
February 9, 2007
MARIE, DANCING by Carolyn Meyer
Have you ever seen a ballerina dance? If you have, you would most likely think at the time: “Wow, isn’t she talented!” or “ What he just did was amazing”. People usually don’t think about the hard work dancers have to do to be able to do what you see. The book MARIE, DANCING by: Carolyn Meyer portrays the historical fiction story of Marie Van Goethem who modeled for Edgar Degas’s sculpture, “The Little Dancer”.
In the book, Marie is a student at the Paris Opéra ballet school struggling in poverty. To Marie, dancing is the only joy in her life. Before her father dies, he makes her promise to keep the family together. Without a father Marie finds life a lot harder than before. Her mother is an alcoholic, her older sister is selfish and she has a younger sister that she has to take care of. Follow the story of a young dancer struggling poverty and life through Marie.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THE BOOK FOR GRADES 7-10 and anyone who has read some of Carolyn Meyer’s other books such as DOOMED, QUEEN ANNE, LOVING WILL SHAKESPEARE, and PATIENCE, PRINCESS CATHERINE.
Camille Deytiquez
Grade: 7
School: W.T. Clarke Middle School
Posted by fjacksonem at 10:01 AM | Comments (3)
August 18, 2006
NORTH by Donna Jo Napoli
In this book Alvin, a twelve year old boy is the main character. I'd say the most interesting part of the story occurs when, Alvin's mother forbids him to go anywhere without his "nanny". She would always escort him everywhere. His mother did not allow him to have any freedom. At one point in the story, Alvin thinks that his mother has gone too far and he runs away from home, to retrace the steps of his greatest hero, Matthew Henson.
Throughout his journey Alvin must face trials, tribulations and hardships to understand and find himself.
I enjoyed this book because it could actually happen to anyone and I hope you do too. If you are one of those people who liked the Gary Paulsen books, about, Brian, you will probably love this story as well.
Alan Alex
Grade: 7
Posted by fjacksonem at 2:28 PM | Comments (0)