Library Lady Bobbie

The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

2011-09-19T06:08:00.001-07:00

The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

A Bright Empire Novel #1

403 pages

Seriously good. Like I really want to call in sick to work and read good. This is the first novel of the series, and the 2nd just came out two weeks ago, so I look forward to reading it.

(from jacket cover)

"I NEED OUR HELP WITH A PROJECT. IT WILL BE THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME-OF SEVERAL LIFETIMES. BUT IT WILL CHANGE YOU FOREVER."

Fancy this: You're rushing through the London rain-late to your appointment, getting soaked and cursing your luck-when suddenly you find yourself in a wholly unfamiliar place chatting with a crazy old man by the name of Cosimo. He not only knows everything about you but claims to be your great-grandfather. And then, before you know it, you are hurled into the midst of an unlikely adventure involving the hidden dimensions of the universe.
That's precisely the situation Kit Livingstone finds himself in. He doesn't understand it, but it involves alternate realities and is somehow related to ley lines, or force fields of telluric energy...and the groundbreaking experiments of the bizarrely tattooed traveler Arthur Flinders-Petrie, a.k.a The Man Who Is Map.
While Arthur Flinders-Petrie is long gone from this plane of existence, he left a part of himself behind...a Skin Map. It has since been separated into five pieces-but as the old man Cosimo explains to Kit, the reassembled map might just lead them to "the secret of the universe-or something even more significant and momentous."
Problem is, there are numerous unsavory forces on the same quest-willing to do whatever it takes to bend time their way and eliminate anyone standing between them and the map pieces leading to the universe's ultimate prize.

Adam by Ted Dekker

2011-09-13T05:52:00.001-07:00

Adam by Ted Dekker

343 pages

Incredible thriller. FBI agent Daniel Clark is after the serial killer nicknamed Eve, who has been killing innocent women every full moon. When he finally gets close enough to see the killer, Eve turns on him and shoots him in the head. Daniel is resuscitated after being dead for many minutes, but since his near death experience, his mind has started to play games with him. He has panic attacks, with fear that hits him so hard he is knocked to his knees. Daniel has to see this to the end, especially when his wife is taken as the next victim.

We're Off to Look for Aliens by Colin McNaughton

2011-09-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

We got three really great alien books this week! I love aliens...cute and cuddly or freaky and scary. Great for storytimes for girls and boys.

We're Off to Look for Aliens by Colin McNaughton

A man who writes children's books presents his latest book, which is about aliens, to his family to read. Includes a smaller book glued into the larger volume.

Very funny book, with a book inside a book. Lots of rhyming sounds with repetition make this a very good book for even little ones learning to play with the sounds within words.

Everyone seems to be promoting holidays earlier and earlier. It is the middle of September, and I am already seeing Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even some Christmas. So, I thought we would go all out and break out some Valentine's Day! Family Fun has this super cute V-alien-tine card craft that I thought would go cute with out book. The kiddos seemed to love it, and didn't mind at all I busted out a heart craft.

V-alien-tine Card featured on Family Fun!

The Last of the High Kings by Kate Thompson

2011-09-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

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The Last of the High Kings by Kate Thompson

sequel to The New Policeman

323 pages

J.J. Liddy is now a man, with a wife, and children, and still not enough time. The plan he had for his life, to stay at home with the kids and make special sounding fiddles with the wood brought from the fairy world seems to have fallen apart at the seams. And to make matters worse, his daughter, Jenny, has seemed to make friends with a strange goat who triggers past memories. These books are fantastic! Cannot wait until the third installment, The White Horse Trick.

The New Policeman by Kate Thompson

2011-09-12T07:16:00.001-07:00

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The New Policeman by Kate Thompson

442 pages

Love this fantasy! This books dives into the parallels between the world of the dying (the world as we know it) and the land of eternal youth (fairy world). Humans battled long ago with the fairies (who are actually just like humans but with a little bit of magic) and the two worlds were sealed off from each other. J.J. Liddy's family works from sun up to sun down, and time seems to seep away faster and faster. When his mother asks for more time for her birthday, he sets off for fairy world where there is no such thing as time. But, he must risk losing himself to stop the time leak. Beautifully written, rich in Irish folklore.

Clean by Amy Reed

2011-09-06T10:28:00.001-07:00

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Clean by Amy Reed

272 pages

Amy Reed captured the voice of teen rehab so well that it wouldn't surprise me to learn that she had gone down the same path. A group of teens fight their addictions, their parents, and their selves to get their foot in the door to a better future. I loved how they captured the fact that some parents are great, and sometime parents are the problem. Some times good kids do bad things, but sometimes those kids aren't so good. Loved the 'clean' writing on a subject that could be taken to a bad level. Just over all enjoyed this book.

The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers

2011-09-02T07:00:00.001-07:00

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The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers

270 pages

This book was very hard to get into at first. In fact, I started it, put it down, and only picked it up again a week later because my mom said it started slow but was great. It is set in the Appalachian Mountains, so it has a deep accent to it. Cadi is a young girl with a heavy heart, who blames herself for her sister's death. Not a far fetched idea, since it would appear that both of her parents also blame her. In her family's grief, she is basically on her own. With the heavy burden of guilt on her, she seeks out the Sin Eater. The Sin Eater is the man who comes down the mountain after a person dies in order to 'eat' their sin so that they may face the Lord at the gates of Heaven. Once you get past the mountain talk, and the character who comes to the people to tell them the gospel speaking in King James, this is a beautiful story, one filled with hope, forgiveness, and love. I flat out cried at the end, thinking of the sacrfice Jesus made for us so that we may not go to our death bed with the heavy burden of guilt.

Facts of Life by Gary Soto

2011-08-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

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Facts of Life by Gary Soto

174 pages

Like all short story books, some of these were amazing...and some fell incredibly flat.

and the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers

2011-08-26T05:55:00.001-07:00

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and the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers

448 pages

Paul and Eunice Hudson are called by God to pastor a small dwindling church. Samuel is an older Elder within the chuch who is blessed to have Paul and Eunice come into their small town church. Stephen is a man fresh out of rehab with a need to stay on the right track with God. All seems to be doing well, until it appears that the work being down within the church is more for the glory of Paul than the glory of God.

(from jacket cover)

He seemed like the perfect pastor to lead Cernterville Christian Church. She seemed like the perfect pastor's wife.

When Paul Hudson eagerly accepted the call to pastor the struggle church, he had no idea what to expect. He only hoped he could please the Lord with his plans and hard work. Together, Paul, his wife Eunice, and their son Tim packed up and moved halfway across the country to do the Lord's work.

It didn't take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Church around. Attendance was up, way up. People came to hear the charismatic Paul Hudson preach. The choir added members, ad the children's program was at an all time high. A building program was in the works. Everything was going so well. If only his wife could see it his way. Still, he tried no to let her quiet presence disturb him.

As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers

2011-08-23T13:44:00.001-07:00

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As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers

482 pages
Third book in the Mark of the Lion trilogy.

The story continues, this time following Atretes and Rizpah, along with his son. Their lives become endangered when people learn of his son and Christian Rizpah. When the information hits people in high places, they must flee, and they head back to Germania. Incredible story. These books really moved me, to the point where I was lost on what to read next.

Blank Confession by Pete Hautman

2011-08-18T06:09:00.001-07:00

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Blank Confession by Pete Hautman

170 pages

Shayne walks into a police station and confesses to a murder. He tells a long story, alternating view points with Mikey, the dorky kinda kid who always wears a suit even to school. The suspense builds throughout the book, leaving the reader with several ideas on who the victim might be.

Crunch Time by Mariah Fredericks

2011-08-18T06:04:00.001-07:00

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Crunch Time by Mariah Fredericks

317 pages

Really liked this book. A group of students sit down at a SAT prep class. The teacher is late, cannot find the books. Four students decide the class is pointless, and take off to have pizza. They are all different, but an unlikely group forms friendships, and start studying for the SAT on their own. Each take the test, and make plans for what to after high school. Until it is discovered that someone cheated on the test, and paid someone to take it for them. Each suspects the others, can their friendship survive?

Side Effects by Amy Goldman Koss

2011-08-18T05:46:00.001-07:00

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Side Effects by Amy Goldman Koss

143 pages

Izzy thinks she never got over her cold, must not have if her glands on her neck are still swollen. She is happy to escape school for one day to go see the doctor. Until that afternoon when her family is told she has cancer. I hate to say this is a funny book, but it truly is. Izzy is a very funny girl, and even through her painful treatments, and the side effects of chemo, the humor is there. Very touching story

I'll Sing You One-O by Nan Gregory

2011-08-18T05:41:00.001-07:00

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I'll Sing You One-O by Nan Gregory

220 pages

Twelve-year-old Gemma has lived on a farm with a loving foster family since she was abandoned at the age of four by her troubled mother. Until the day she is yanked out by an aunt and uncle and taken to live with them and the twin brother she never knew she had. Gemma tries very hard to be absolutely perfect in order to gain herself an angel, who will take her back to the farm.

An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers

2011-08-14T05:20:00.001-07:00

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An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers

Sequel to Voice in the Wind

453 pages

Loved this book even more than the first one. Steeped in fascinating historical fiction, and the message comes at a time in a time in my life I really needed it. As always, don't want to say to much about the sequel because with the Mark of the Lion books, it would give away too much about the first if you were want to read it.

Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

2011-08-08T07:01:00.001-07:00

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Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

522 pages.

Amazing story. Although the main character is Hadassah, a young Christian woman whose life is spared for reasons unknown to anyone, even the man who had set out to kill her, there are several very strong characters in this historical fiction novel. She is sold to a wealthy shipping family, and becomes the personal slave to a selfish girl only interested in money and the gladiator fights. Her brother, Marcus, is only interested in money, power, and women, and how to use them all. Atretes is the German soldier captured in battle, turned gladiator, who must battle to earn his freedom. Hadassah touches each in her gentle, Godly ways, even though she is frightened for her life to admit to being a Christian. This is the first book in the Mark of the Lion series.

Gentlemen by Michael Northrop

2011-08-02T04:19:00.000-07:00

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Gentlemen by Michael Northrop
234 pages

Micheal and his friends are you typical blow off school, lazy slacker, probably going to end up in juvie, group. But when their friend turns up missing, and the English teacher tosses out hints that his body may have been stuffed into the barrel on display for the class, they band together to convince that teacher to admit to what they have done. When Bones takes it way too far, they must decide what is more important, their friendship, or their freedom.
Quick read that really left me wondering what would Micheal's life be like after the fact.

Camo Girl by Kekla Magoon

2011-07-28T10:21:00.001-07:00

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Camo Girl by Kekla Magoon
218 pages

Before there was Ella and Bailey, there was Z, Ella, and Millie. The once inseparable trio has broken up. Millie is now popular, and has the equivalent of the time it takes the school bus to get to school to talk to Ella. Ella and Z are still friends, but Ella becomes more and more aware that Z's personality is getting a little weird for even her. Z escapes into fantasies more and more, and gets to the point where he never reaches for reality. But, Z is the only friend she has, that doesn't care about her color mottled skin, the only one who doesn't call her camo face. How can she turn her back on him?

The Hunt for the Seventh by Christine Morton-Shaw

2011-07-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

The Hunt for the Seventh by Christine Morton-Shaw

273 pages

Back into my suspense/scary mode. This was pretty good...Jim, along with his sister Sal, and their father, move to Minerva Hall. Dad has taken a head gardening job to help put their lives back together after Mom passed away. Until dead kiddos start appearing to Jim, begging him to find the seventh. A long time summer solstice mystery pops up, with a Minerva heir dying tragically, a total of 6 have died, and Jim is on the hunt for the seventh.

(from jacket cover)

A haunted mansion. Six Dead Children.

A garden of statues.

With every step he takes around the carefully manicured grounds of Minerva Hall, Jim is haunted by the ghosts of children, long dead, whom no one else can see. Urging him to "find the Seventh," the children leave him cryptic clues pointing to a devastating ancient prophecy that only he can stop from being fulfilled.

Jim befriends another boy-Einstein, who lives at the Hall. Einstein is autistic and very, very smart. If anyone can help Jim find the Seventh, perhaps he can-Einstein clearly knows more than he is saying. At the same time, the dead children seem to be leaving Jim some sort of macabre treasure trail.

If Jim doesn't figure out the clues, innocent people will die. But how can Jim find the answers while the dangers of the Hall grow ever more threatening? And even if he can, the real question is-is Jim already too late?

Darkside by Tom Becker

2011-07-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

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Darkside by Tom Becker
294 pages

Not a bad book...not the greatest, but I enjoyed the storyline enough to keep reading, just not enough to check out the sequel.

(from jacket cover)
Dark alleys,
Dangerous tunnels,
Creatures of the night...
There's no place like home.

Jonathan Starling's home has been attacked, his dad is in an asylum, he's running for his life, and there's nowhere to hide.

Jonathan has stumbled upon London's greatest secret. Darkside.

Incredibly dangerous and unimaginably exciting, Darkside is a place where vampires and werewolves walk the streets. It's a world of nightmares and deadly secrets, and Jonathan has to find a way out...

Much Ado About Grubstake by Jean Ferris

2011-07-22T13:44:00.001-07:00

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Much Ado About Grubstake by Jean Ferris

265 pages

Fun quirky story that I absolutely could not get into at all. One of those 'it's not you, it's me' kind of books. I have been seriously into the dark, creepy books, so I am not sure why I even picked this one up at this time. Maybe will go back and reread when I am in a lighter mood?

(from jacket cover)

Grubstake, Colorado. Just a grubby down-on-its-luck mining town filled with grubby down-on-their-luck miners. Nobody's dug up anything but dirt, dirt, and more dirt for years. So when a big-talking city slicker offers cold hard cash for all the worthless holes in the ground, everyone's tempted to sell out.

Well, nearly everyone. Sixteen-year-old Arley Pickett isn't tempted-she's suspicious. Nothing ever exciting happens in Grubstake. So what's with city slickers flashing cash and miners snatching it up? And what about the mysterious black-clad stranger who rides into town when all the going-on start going on? No matter how much trouble she has to stir up, Arley's gonna dig up the truth if it's the last thing she ever does.

And if she's not careful, it just might be.

Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey

2011-07-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

A Resurrection of Magic Book Two

Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey

554 pages

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I have one major beef with both books so far. There isn't a cliff hanger! Both books have ended with just a momentary pause, like you should be able to turn the page and get the rest of the story. After the first, it was fine...I just went to the library and got the next. But after Sacred Scars, I almost want to cry...I want more, and I want it now! Does Hahp convince the others to join in the pact to kill the wizards and bring down the school? Does Sadima regain her memories, and will she be reunited with Franklin? AAAgggghhhh! So, I guess more that a beef it is just good writing...but still! #3 has no title or release date yet.

Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey

2011-07-20T07:55:00.001-07:00

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Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey

357 pages

I finished this book at around 6:30pm last night. By 6:35 I was in my car, headed to the library to pick up the sequel.

Two stories are intertwined in this fantasy tale: Sadima, a farm girl, and Hahp, a young man sent off to a school for wizards. It is a slow building, treacherous story. You feel thier two lives touching each other on the fringes although their stories are set hundreds of years apart. There is an underlying evil and corruption. In Sadima's world, magic has been outlawed, leaving only fakes, who came in to help Sadima's mother give birth. They leave her mother dead, the infant child laying on a cold stone floor after robbing them of everything. Sadima has the magical gift of speaking to animals, which she must keep hidden. Hahp is sent off to a wizardry school, where he is starved and abused. Only one of the boys will become a wizard, if any at all. The rest slowly die off. This story was powerful enough to make me dream of it both nights I was reading it, and the third night, when I had begun Sacred Scars, I actually started sleepwalking, thinking I had to make it out of the caves.

Do You Know the Monkey Man? by Dori Hillestad Butler

2011-07-18T09:28:00.001-07:00

Do You Know the Monkey Man? by Dori Hillestad Butler

193 pages

(from jacket cover)

For thirteen-year-old Samantha, life consists of too many unanswered questions. Why has her father not tried to contact her all these years? How could he have allowed her twin sister to drown in the old Clearwater quarry when they were only three? And how can Samantha's mother expect her to accept some man she hardly knows as her new father? Samantha already has a father out there. Somewhere.

A fateful decision sets into motion a chain of events and confrontations that will change Samantha's and her family's lives forever. As she sets out to find her father and discover what really happened the day her sister was presumed drowned, she uncovers painful secrets that threaten to destroy her family all over again.

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

2011-07-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

343pages

(from jacket cover)

Mackie Doyle is the replacement.

Mackie is not one of us. Though he lives int he small town of Gentry, he comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess.

He is a replacement-left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is slowly dying in the human world.

Mackie would give anything to live among us. He just wants to play bass guitar and find out more about an oddly intriguing girl named Tate.
But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the under world of Gentry, known as Mayhem.
He must face the dark creatures of the slag heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.

No and Me by Delphine de Vigan

2011-07-15T08:08:00.001-07:00

No and Me by Delphine de Vigan

244 pages

At home, Lou is left to her own devices while her father cries hidden away in his room, and her mother lays in a catatonic stupor. She knows that she is not loved, at least not since her baby sister died. Without realizing what she is getting herself into, Lou blurts out that she is doing her project on the homeless crisis. Her teacher loves the idea, so there is no backing out. She meets No in a train depot and after interviewing her about her homeless life, an what led to it, she is moved to ask her parents to let No stay with them.

This a truly heartbreaking book. You find yourself rooting for No, hoping that she can pull herself out of the hole she is in. Then you find yourself half hating her for destroying the trust and love Lou and her family has shown her.

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

2011-07-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

312 pages

This book made me feel stoopid!

Loved the story line...Jasper Jones, the town bad boy, knocks on Charlie's bedroom window in the middle of the night. He leads him to his secret spot in the woods, to the dead body of a local girl. Jasper enlists Charlie's help in hiding the body until they can find who has done this horrific crime. Because, of course, no one will ever believe that Jasper did nothing more than find her strung up and beaten. Very suspenseful, with some great twists, but...

The book is filled with Australian vernacular...and cricket terms. Not the insect. The game. I am obviously not Australian, and I could just barely point out a cricket ball in a lineup. I got so very lost (might have been easier if we weren't pulling late nights with boy scout camp) and I will admit, it hurt just a little bit in my head. I am not sure if I could have finished it if I weren't going for the goal of reading 225 books this year.

Adventurers Wanted The Horn of Moran by M.L. Forman

2011-07-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

Adventurers Wanted

The Horn of Moran by M.L. Forman

373 pages

I was so wildly impressed by this book that I am sure my husband got very tired of me talking about it. Alex continues on another adventure, taking off shortly after the 1st book, Slathbog's Gold. He is a wizard in training, traveling with a group of fellow adventurers. He gives great thought on every action and behavior, with the emphasis on doing what is right. He is generous with friends and relative strangers. If you had to use one word only to describe this book it would be honor. Every little thing they do is tied into their honor, what will add to it, and what will take away from it.

Their are plenty of elves, goblins, shaman, brownies (a group of very small, giggly creatures) wizards, with lots of action to keep the reader hooked, whether the reader is a boy or a girl. Everyone will want to continue this epic adventure.

The discussion guide at the back coves bullying, controlling your emotions and temper, honor, pride, reputation, and responsibility. All this within a well written fantasy...I find not only do I enjoy the read, but I have a great deal of respect for M.L. Forman. I look forward to my children being old enough to read these books, and hope there are more to come!

Check out the awesome web site for Adventurers Wanted...there are quizzes, sample chapters of the book, and info on the author!

Adventurers Wanted!

I Has a Button!

2011-07-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

I has a button!!!!! Have no idea what to do with it yet...but I has a button!

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

2011-07-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

376 pages

It does not really matter if Lucy believes that her ancestors are cursed (she does) because she is sane and rational, and this will not affect her. And she has foster parents who love her, and surely that will make a huge difference.

Her mother, Miranda, abandoned her as a child, after suddenly going mentally insane. Periodically she shows back up, singing the old Simon and Garfunkel song "Scarborough Fair". It isn't until Lucy finds the journal pages her mother hid for her long, long ago, that she begins to understand...each generation is to complete three impossible tasks before the birth of her first child...or sink into a deep madness. But Lucy knows that this will not happen to her. Though her due date is drawing closer, she has it under control...until her control slowly slips away. Loved this book!

Sight by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

2011-07-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

Sight by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

254 pages.

Fifteen-year-old Dylan has a big secret, that of course leads to more secrets. But it is not exactly like she can tell her school friends that she sees dead kids. She gets sudden visions of children who have been taken, and leads investigators to their bodies. Her mother is little help, her best friend grows sullen when she is not around to hang out, her best guy friend is getting deeper and deeper into trouble, and the new girl is way too into her business.

Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

2011-07-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

227 pages

Donnie sister has died. 1st page. She has starved herself literally to death. Then go back in time. Donnie and Karen spend a lot of time huddled on the back porch, summer and winter. They listen to their parents fight, it is so common, they keep a lunch box full of sweets always handy. Until Karen makes a friend out of the new neighbor, Amanda. Then it kind of just becomes Donnie. He tries to keep it together as everything falls apart. Trying to make friends at school, fantasizing about his eventual first kiss, parents separating, sneaking bits of protein powder into what little food his sister will eat in an effort to keep her from having to go back to the hospital.

Everything You Want by Barbara Shoup

2011-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

Everything You Want by Barbara Shoup

307 pages

There is a goose on the cover. That in itself is pretty cool. Love the cover!

Emma is off to college, feeling lonely and dejected. She professed her love to her best friend, which obviously weirded him out, and he becomes a jerk. She is pretty low on herself, and wishing she could just go home. Then, thanks to the goose, her family wins $50 million in the lottery (after taxes and taking a lump sum, it's actually $17 million, but try explaining that to anyone) and surprise! Her life is still lacking, in fact, it gets much harder.

Rough read, starting out. I am not that big into the self pity, self loathing genre. But it picks up speed, and ended very well.

All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall

2011-07-04T12:59:00.001-07:00

All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall

234 pages

In 2002 an urban middle school in Cleveland completed a Stage 7 tetrahedron in an attempt to break a record for Guinness Book of World Records. It consisted of 16,384 smaller tetrahedrons. This is a fictionalized account of what some of the students lives might have been like growing up in a community such as this. James in a home with a father gone due to drug problems and a brother headed the same way, Sharice in a home with a neglectful foster mother, Marcel hoping the make it out of the family's failing BBQ joint, Shandell wishing nothing more that to be calm and plain. They all came together to work on this math club project. Amazingly touching story.

Milagros Girl From Away by Meg Medina

2011-07-03T05:04:00.001-07:00

Milagros Girl From Away by Meg Medina

275 pages

Interesting book, beautifully written, and I have no idea how to explain it. Filled with magic, fantasy, pirates, manta rays, and bandits.

(from jacket cover)

Milagros de le Torre hasn't had it easy. Ever since her father left his family behind to become a pirate, she's been teased at school. Still, Milagros loves her small island-Las Brisas-in the Caribbean that can't be found on any map, and she finds comfort in those around her who recognize her special gifts. But everything changes when marauders destroy the island and, with it, most of its inhabitants. Milagros manages to escape in a rowboat where she drifts out to sea with with no direction, save for the mysterious manta rays that guide her to land. What is she to make of this strange new place, and who will watch over her now that she is all alone?

Miriam's Well by Lois Ruby

2011-07-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Miriam's Well by Lois Ruby

263 pages

Adam gets paired up with super religious Miriam for a poetry partner, when she falls sick at home. She gets sent home, with the instructions to pray harder, for only the Lord can take away her pain, if only she believes. But Miriam has bone cancer, and the doctors need to treat it right away in order to save her life. The church, and the family refuses...so a judge steps in. And who ends up defending Miriam's family? Adams own father.

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier

2011-07-01T10:45:00.001-07:00

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier

307 pages

(one of my 'must read a girlie book so that i can stay in touch with my girlie patrons...i hope it doesn't kill me' books)

This is the cover of the copy we have at the library. While searching for the image I found another cover.

I love this cover even more! In New Avalon, everyone has their own personal fairy, whether they believe in fairies or not. There is the 'good hair' fairy, that enables you to never have a bad hair day. The 'shopping fairy' which lets your find the best clothes at super cheap prices. The 'grip fairy' which makes it impossible to drop the ball until you are ready...which is super great for sports. But Charlie has a 'parking fairy' which gets you the best parking spots. But she is fourteen...and hates cars. So she is on a mission to ditch her fairy. How far will she go? Loved the girlie book after all! :)

Whose Garden Is It? by Mary Ann Hoberman {with a CATAPULT!!!}

2011-07-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Whose Garden Is It? by Mary Ann Hoberman

When Mrs. McGee passes through a beautiful garden asking whose it is, the gardener is the first to claim it, followed by all of the garden's inhabitants plus the sun and the rain, who also claim it as their own.

So...what do some people put in their gardens? Gnomes, of course! Which leads, of course, to...

GNOME CATAPULTS!!!

Found this craft over at Kleas, and knew we had to have a storytime to go with it. We did make a few adjustments, according to supplies we had here at the library, and what could actually be purchased in our small town.

We used white ping pong balls for the heads of our gnomes, and felt half circles for our hats.

Using a hot glue gun, glue a line where you see the black line (if you can actually see anything in the pic...I have one of those super small, dark offices, just the way I like it).

Fold your half circle to form a cone hat, and hold for a second to let the glue dry.

Glue the cone hat onto your ping pong ball, or whatever spherical object you have on hand. Make sure and use the hat to cover any logo that might be printed on the ball.

Make an army of gnomes. Take a break to let the swelling go down from the numerous burns you got from hot gluing. Take a walk...sing a song...eat chocolate in a sunny spot...whatever is needed to get your mind off the pain! :)

Decorate your gnome with a face!

I could not find boards for the catapult like on Kleas, but I found a very easy on to make over at a 4H site. You need big popsicle sticks, little one, a bottle cap, and some rubber bands.

First, glue your cap almost to the end of one of your sticks. You need a little lip left to put your finger on when catapulting. (Look at that goofy little gnome...he has no idea what he is in for! hee hee) Do this first so the glue has a chance to dry.

On the opposite end of your cap, rubber band LOOSELY two big popsicle sticks together (little ones will work, but the gnome doesn't fly as far).

Slide four or five small popsicle sticks in between the two bigger ones. You are going to band everything together now, and lock the little sticks in place. Loop your band under one of the sides of the little sticks. Cross the band over the middle section, and then go under the other arm of the little sticks. Keep looping and twisting till you use up all of your rubber band. (The 4H site has a good video if my instructions are vague and not easy to understand at all)

Load up your gnome, and fire away!

The kids had a blast decorating their gnomes, and even their catapults. But the most fun was making a firing squad line, and flinging those puppies across the library!

WonderDads!

2011-07-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.wonderdads.com/kansas-city

Ok, Dads! (or Moms) You have to check out this site! All you have to do is enter your closest major city and WonderDads gives you all kinds of stuff to do with your kids! I entered 'Kansas City', and this is just a little of what is going on!

July 4th Weekend in Kansas City

Check out these great Dad/Child activities for this weekend:

Go See Cars 2 - The newest Pixar movie is guaranteed to entertain Dads and kids alike

KC Riverfest - Saturday & Sunday 1-11pm, carnival rides, music, food & fireworks

Kids Workshop at Home Depot - Saturday 9am-12pm, for kids ages 5-12

Booms & Blooms Festival - Picnic by the lake at Powell Gardens, 9am til fireworks

Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls by Lynne Jonell

2011-07-01T06:43:00.001-07:00

Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls by Lynne Jonell

(sequel to Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat)
358 pages

This tale starts off right where the last ended, with Emmy no longer under the spells and rat tricks of Ms. Barmy. She quickly falls into another mystery when she discovers that the faces on Ms. Barmy's cane are all girls who have gone missing. No one may ever find them. They investigated the Home for Troubled Girls, but find it is actually only a doll house in Ms. Barmy's parents home, not in fact something where girls could be spirited away. But of course Emmy knows that a certain rat can indeed shrink people. She struggles with the desire to be normal, which doesn't include rats with special powers. Can she give up her new found friends to help her old friends in Rodent City?

Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy

2011-06-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy

266 pages

This is a powerful story set in modern day Afghanistan, about a young woman with a cleft lip. It is unheard of here to go without medical treatment, but in Afghanistan, there are few doctors, and one must travel far to get treatment. This novel is based on some of the author's actual events while stationed with the Army. It is saddening, yet filled with so much hope. It would be very hard to read this, and not have the girl, Zulaikha, change your life forever.

Geek Fantasy Novel by E. Archer

2011-06-30T16:00:00.001-07:00

Geek Fantasy Novel by E. Archer

320 pages

This book made me feel super stupid. Hard to read, kept getting confused. I feel like the storyline was great, but maybe written for a much older crowd.

UPrinting 250 Sticker Giveaway Winner!!!

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone who

came to check out my little blog!

Every comment, on every post means so much to me! I absolutely love what I do, and I enjoy being able to share.

Working with kids is definitely my calling, and I have met some truly amazing people in doing this! We are in the middle of Summer Reading here at the library, and I get to go out and share my love of reading with the summer programs throughout Marshall.

I have a great boss, who totally appreciates my goofy side, and is willing to help out in any way she can.

And the winner of the UPrinting Sticker giveaway is

Autumn from I Don't Need a Parachute...!!. I am sending your information to UPrinting! Again, thank you to everyone who

signed up for this great prize!

UPDATE!!! {GIVEAWAY} UPrinting set of 250 Stickers

2011-06-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Since my followers have disappeared, and I am having a hard time figuring out how to fix this, you do not have to follow Library Lady Bobbie to enter this giveaway. (Feel free to come back and follow later, of course) I would hate for anyone to miss out on this great prize due to technical problems.

Roll Stickers

UPrinting has generously offered one reader of Library Lady Bobbie a set of 250 stickers!

Prize Details:

250 Stickers for One (1) Winner

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Guidelines:

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Contest runs through June 29th midnight, winner will be announced June 30th in a blog post and by email.

All entries must have a valid email in their comments, or have their email visible in profile.

How to enter:

~(Not Required, but would love to have you as a follower!) Follow Library Lady Bobbie! To follow, click that simple little 'follow' box. New and existing followers leave a comment telling me you did so! 1 entry

~Head over to UPrinting and leave a comment on this page another product you might like to try. 1 entry

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Disclaimer:This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive stickers for hosting. Check out standard label templates standard label templates on UPrinting.com.

Tales of the MADMAN Underground by John Barnes

2011-06-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Tales of the MADMAN Underground by John Barnes

532 pages

At first I would hate this book. The plot was slow to pull me in, and there was so much language! But, truth be told, I started it on the weekend, didn't want to go the library for a new book, and I had nothing better to read...so I stuck with it. So glad I did!

Karl, in the 1970's, is bound and determined that he will not have a single teacher write him a slip for the therapy group, dubbed by its own members as the Madman Underground, for the rest of his school year. He has been going to school therapy for years, and for once, he would really like to be 'normal'. But he quickly realized that the friends he made in that group are the only ones who truly have his back in the crazy insane world that got them all where they are....and you really can't turn your back on friends like that.

Like I said...beware of the very strong language, and some disturbing scenes. I would definitely not recommend this one for younger readers.

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

2011-06-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

346 pages

This book had me laughing out loud! The sarcastic humor of the characters brought this fantasy tale down to earth. Emmy's parents literally changed overnight. After they received a huge inheritance from a distant relative, they dumped the bookstore they had worked so hard on, moved into a fancy mansion, quit all family activities and started jet setting all over the world....leaving Emmy ignored, lonely, and trying so hard to win back the love of her parents. And until the day she hears the class rat actually speaking to her, she never believes that there may be more going on than she would ever think possible!

Tortuga in Trouble by Ann Whitford Paul

2011-06-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Tortuga in Trouble by Ann Whitford Paul

When Tortuga arrives at Abuela’s house to bring her supper, Abula looks suspiciously like Coyote. Includes a glossary of Spanish words used.

Love this book! Paul uses lots of Spanish words in the text, then smoothly gives you the English word.

With all of the rice left over from studying The Story of Kites, I thought we could make some homemade maracas!

You will need rice (or bean, rocks, popcorn kernels), paper plates, tissue paper, crayons or markers, glue, and a stapler.

Color the bottom of your paper plate with crayons or markers.

Fold your paper plate in half, and glue strips of crepe paper streamers to hang down on your maraca. If you don't have those, or if the only ones you had left are orange and black and seem to Halloween-y on such a hot summer day, cut strips of regular old tissue paper.

If you are using rice to fill your maraca, put a small line of glue all around the rim of your plate before stapling all around. Unbelievable how far rice will fly!

You can shake your instrument along to any song, or use them to shake the syllables in words!

The Story of Kites by Ying Chang Compestine

2011-06-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

The Story of Kites by Ying Chang Compestine

Long ago in China, three brothers become tired of chasing birds from their family's rice fields and experiment with ways to make the job easier.

We are going to make a very easy, very fun craft today! Rice pictures...take hand fulls of rice and place in a plastic baggy. Add a drop or two of food coloring (or ten) and about a half cap of rubbing alcohol. Seal it back up, and shake the rice till the color spread throughout your rice. Open your bag up, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. You have beautiful colored rice. You can also do this with uncooked pasta...but the pasta takes forever to dry, and the uncooked rice dries instantly. You can draw with a pencil to have a guide for your glue, or just draw with the glue bottle itself. Sprinkle colored rice over the glue, let sit for a second or two to set, and then dump the excess. That's it!

You could use this as a texture lesson on letters, shapes, colors, really anything.

But what to do with all of the leftover rice...

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

We learned the French version of hopscotch
called 'escargot' and the Tibet game of jacks
for our Summer Reading program!

I have been super horrible about posting our books and crafts, and I am so sorry! Just bear in mind, if I am too busy to post, that must mean there are tons of fun and great things going on here at the library, so come on over and see what we are doing this summer!

Did you know Marshall Public Library is on Facebook finally? Like our page to keep up to date with all o our exciting activities!

Here are some fun Daddy themed books to read this weekend!

I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña

2011-06-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña

310 pages

Kidd is knows without doubt that even though his life is going pretty well right now, with people to help and support him, that he definitely will mess everything up. The rich girl seems to be into him, and he is truly in love with her. Maria and Red both know he will go far, and Red even helps him get an internship at a zoo so he can work with the animals he loves. But, he will mess it all up. Devon is there to remind him of that. Devon has a death wish, and literally pulls Kidd down with him.

From Booklist

After running away from a group home, 17-year-old Kidd Ellison sets up camp at a beach, where he is put to work by Mr. Red, an aging surfer who runs a maintenance shop. Hardworking and handsome, if somewhat slow, Kidd begins to make friends with some of the camp’s teens, especially Olivia, a blond beauty who wears a ski cap that covers part of her face regardless of the weather. Then Devon, Kidd’s former best friend and nemesis, finds Kidd and threatens to destroy the peaceful life that he has fallen into. De la Peña has crafted a taut psychological novel that will both frustrate and fascinate readers. Narrated by Kidd, it moves from the immediate past and a possible murder to the present, then to the far past, constantly offering clues to the mysteries of Kidd’s sad and violent life. The intriguing, well-developed characters introduce themes of class and gender friction, creating a puzzling and sobering yet strangely hopeful book that will stay with readers. Grades 8-11. --Frances Bradburn

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

2011-06-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

249 pages

I have become addicted to reading Newbery winning books, and this one was a fun read. It took the award in 1959 with a plot set in 1687 in the Colony of Connecticut. Kit takes off on her own to live with her aunt and uncle after her grandfather passes away. She is headstrong with her own opinions, so...of course she must be a witch. These amaze me for the fact that if I had lived, they would most definitely had tried to sink me, or burned me at the stake many times over. Thank goodness we live in the times that we do! Kit befriends a cast out Quaker woman, who also must be a witch. There is sickness and death, romance, good old evil biblical playacting, everything a good book must have!

The True Story of Mary Bryant: The Escape from Botany Bay by Gerald and Loretta Hausman

2011-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

The True Story of Mary Bryant: The Escape from Botany Bay

by Gerald and Loretta Hausman

220 pages

Caught stealing a woman's silk bonnet, Mary is sentenced to hang, then has her sentence commuted to travel to Botany Bay, with thousands of other's to colonize New Holland. Aboard ship, a marine befriends her, bringing her extra rations to help her stay alive. Mary's story becomes heartbreaking when she is impregnated by the marine, and left on her own. Botany Bay is a dangerous place, with little food, surrounded by criminals. Mary knows that she must escape in order to save herself, and her children.

(from jacket cover)

The year is 1786. The place: Cornwall, England. Nineteen-year-old May is sentenced to hang for the crime of stealing a lady's bonnet. Then, at the last moment, her sentence is commuted, and Mary is placed aboard a prison ship bound for Botany Bay in New Holland (present day Australia). Chained below deck in crowded, hot, and filthy conditions, Mary and her fellow prisoners fight for survival on a journey of several thousand miles. A marine named Watkin Tench helps Mary, giving her food and clothing-at a price. But Mary's resolve grows stronger with each challenge thrown her way, and she manages to survive and nurture her own and other prisoners' hope for freedom. From her marriage to Will Bryant in the harsh conditions of the New Holland settlement at Botany Bay, to the birth of her two children, to her family's daring escape from Botany Bay, Mary is a heroine for any century.

Relic Master, Book One The Dark City by Catherine Fisher

2011-06-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Relic Master, Book One The Dark City by Catherine Fisher

376 pages

I absolutely loved Fisher's Incarceron, as well as the sequel, Sapphique. I was so super excited to see this series coming to the library. Found the first few pages very daunting, however. The details were tedious to the point my head was spinning. But within a few chapters I was completely drawn into the story of the relic master and his apprentice. We are talking supernatural powers, ancient relics filled with magic, a totalitarian Watch searching to imprison all Relic Keepers, and an even older race of furry Sekoi, who may be able to assist the Keeper's in bringing back the light.

Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf

2011-06-09T05:54:00.001-07:00

Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf

200 pages

In the 1940's resistant fighters parachuted into Czechoslovakia to assassinate Heydrich, Hitler's favorite officer. Although it did not go as planned, Heydrich did eventually die from his wounds. Hitler was so angry at this act of defiance, he obliterated the town of Ludice, where he thought he had found ties to the assassination. The town was innocent, but they paid the price. Men and boys were shot, women sent to work camps, designated as political prisoners. Girls who fit the Aryan profile were kidnapped, trained to be perfect German women, and adopted to high ranking German families. Very few of the children were found after the war had ended. Some were so young when taken from their families, that they did not remember their previous lives. This is a fictional retelling of these true events in history. It is truly heartbreaking to watch Milada torn from her family, go through 'Germanization', find the love in the German household where she was placed, only to be ripped away from her adopted family at the wars end. It is a stunning reminder that so many German's, especially the youth, were also victims.

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

2011-06-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

227 pages

A quarter of a million Jews were housed in Lodz ghetto in Poland. Only 800 survived. Of those 800, 12 of them were children. Only 12 children lived. This is the powerful story of one of those twelve.

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 5-9–In thoughtful, vividly descriptive, almost poetic prose, Roy retells the true story of her Aunt Syvia's experiences in the Lodz Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland. The slightly fictionalized story, re-created from her aunt's taped narrative, is related by Syvia herself as a series of titled vignettes that cover the period from fall, 1939, when she is four years old, until January 1945–each one recounting a particular detail-filled memory in the child's life (a happy-colored yellow star sewn on her favorite orange coat; a hole in the cemetery where she hides overnight with her Papa). The book is divided into five chronological sections–each with a short factual introduction to the period covered. An appended author's note tells what happened to Syvia's family after the war. A time line of World War II, beginning with the German invasion of Poland, is also included. This gripping and very readable narrative, filled with the astute observations of a young child, brings to life the Jewish ghetto experience in a unique and memorable way. This book is a standout in the genre of Holocaust literature.–Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-06-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

251 pages

In 1793 an epidemic of yellow fever hit Philadelphia, wiping out 10% of the entire population. This is an amazingly accurate historic fictional account of the pain and suffering that touched literally thousands of lives.

Amazon.com Review

On the heels of her acclaimed contemporary teen novel Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson surprises her fans with a riveting and well-researched historical fiction. Fever 1793 is based on an actual epidemic of yellow fever in Philadelphia that wiped out 5,000 people--or 10 percent of the city's population--in three months. At the close of the 18th century, Philadelphia was the bustling capital of the United States, with Washington and Jefferson in residence. During the hot mosquito-infested summer of 1793, the dreaded yellow fever spread like wildfire, killing people overnight. Like specters from the Middle Ages, gravediggers drew carts through the streets crying "Bring out your dead!" The rich fled to the country, abandoning the city to looters, forsaken corpses, and frightened survivors.

In the foreground of this story is 16-year-old Mattie Cook, whose mother and grandfather own a popular coffee house on High Street. Mattie's comfortable and interesting life is shattered by the epidemic, as her mother is felled and the girl and her grandfather must flee for their lives. Later, after much hardship and terror, they return to the deserted town to find their former cook, a freed slave, working with the African Free Society, an actual group who undertook to visit and assist the sick and saved many lives. As first frost arrives and the epidemic ends, Mattie's sufferings have changed her from a willful child to a strong, capable young woman able to manage her family's business on her own. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan

2011-06-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan

313 pages

Extraordinarily fun fantasy! Josephine falls into a time warp that carries her to the far world of Gulm, where all of the children have been given to the master. With the help of orphans Ida and Fargus, can this quiet little girl save the day?

From Booklist

Twelve-year-old Josephine, ignored by her father and scorned by classmates, is lonely until she meets Fargus, who appears (and disappears) from her garden shed. Josephine follows, and is magically transported to the Higgins Institute where Fargus and Ida are orphans. Threatened by beasts (the Brothers) who are controlled by a villain (the Master), the trio escapes, setting in motion a far-flung adventure. Cohagan’s first novel is a time-slip fantasy set in a world in which childhood is threatened yet infinitely prolonged in order to satisfy the Brothers’ hunger and the Master’s desire for total domination. The main characters are well developed, particularly the spunky and plain-spoken Ida, the laconic but loyal Fargus, and Josephine, whose journey uncovers hidden strengths and helps her to understand her enigmatic father. Although the story is wrapped up a little too neatly, Fargus’ secret will especially intrigue. Share with fans of Mary Downing Hahn’s Time for Andrew (1994) for another look at solving family problems through time travel. Grades 4-6. --Kay Weisman

Healing Water by Joyce Hostetter

2011-06-02T14:23:00.001-07:00

Healing Water by Joyce Hostetter

212 pages

Inspirational novel about a Hawaiian leprosy colony. Father Damien was a Belgium priest who volunteered in the leprosy colony in 1873, and quickly decided this was his life's work, and asked if he could stay here to help the people. This story was built upon actual letters that went between family members and the inhabitants of the island. Very moving story...how outcasts thrown aside, left to battle to survive in a lawless community, bodies failing, still have the strength to turn towards God.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Mirjam Pressler

2011-06-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Mirjam Pressler

207 pages

Review

It's 1995 in Germany, and eighteen-year-old Johanna has been changed irrevocably by a school trip to Israel for a history project that involved interviewing old alumnae of their school. Since then her grandfather has committed suicide (as did his wife thirty years previously), and Johanna is struggling with new revelations about her family history: the family store was bought cheap in 1938 from oppressed Jews seeking to flee the country, and her grandfather had the opportunity to buy it because of his established status in the Nazi party. The story is deliberately paced and the exposition is elliptical, realistic in the way that characters rarely bother to explain references that eventually become clear to the reader through greater exploration and consideration, and the result is a gradual teasing out of Johanna's familial history that keeps pace with our deepening knowledge of the family. Johanna's quandary is a gripping one, and it's explored with sensitivity but also fairness and sad practicality: the narration acknowledges the impossibility of reparation even as it condemns the refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing - even though that acknowledgment is only a start, not a solution. Characters are clear and rounded, with the book speaking skillfully in specific, individual terms; even Johanna's sexual experience involves a personification of the political when she has an encounter with the grandson of the woman whose store her grandfather conveniently acquired. Books for young people have rarely directly addressed the moral issues surrounding the legacy of historical sins; this thoughtful and provocative volume will elicit plenty of discussion about American historical heritage as well as European. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Nothing by Janne Teller

2011-06-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Nothing by Janne Teller

227 pages

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Indelible, elusive, and timeless, this uncompromising novel has all the marks of a classic. A group of Danish seventh-graders have their insulated suburban world jolted when classmate Pierre Anthon stands up and announces, “Nothing matters.” He promptly takes up residence in a plum tree and creates an existential crisis among the group with his daily reports on the pointlessness of life. Feeling a need to refute the alarming notion, the kids decide to assemble a pile of objects that will prove Pierre Anthon wrong. It starts simply: Agnes gives up her favorite shoes; Dennis, his beloved books. But as each sacrifice grows in intensity, each kid enacts revenge by demanding an ever-greater sacrifice from the next. With chilling rapidity, the “heap of meaning,” which they keep stored in an abandoned sawmill, is towering with gut-wrenching artifacts of their loss of innocence—if innocence is something that ever existed. Teller offers just enough character detail to make the suffering and cruelty palpable. The terse purposefulness of her prose may put off some readers, but that singularity is also what will endure the test of time. Already a multiple award winner overseas, this is an unforgettable treatise on the fleeting and mutable nature of meaning. Grades 7-12. --Daniel Kraus

Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos

2011-05-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos

162 pages

If this book doesn't make you think differently, I am not really sure what would.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 7-10. What is it like to be an illegal alien in New York now? In a moving first-person, present-tense narrative, Nadira, 14, relates how her family left Bangladesh, came to the U. S. on a tourist visa, and stayed long after the visa expired ("Everyone does it. You buy a fake social security number for a few hundred dollars and then you can work."). Their illegal status is discovered, however, following 9/11, when immigration regulations are tightened. When the family hurriedly seeks asylum in Canada, they are turned back, and Nadira's father, Abba, is detained because his passport is no longer valid. The secrets are dramatic ("Go to school. Never let anyone know. Never."), and so are the family dynamics, especially Nadira's furious envy of her gifted older sister, Aisha. But Aisha breaks down, and Nadira must take over the struggle to get Abba out of detention and prevent the family's deportation. The teen voice is wonderfully immediate, revealing Nadira's mixed-up feelings as well as the diversity in her family and in the Muslim community. There's also a real drama that builds to a tense climax: Did Abba give funds to a political organization? Where has the money gone? Will Immigration hear his appeal? The answer is a surprise that grows organically from the family's story. Readers will feel the heartbreak, prejudice, kindness, and fear. Hazel Rochman

Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton

2011-05-25T12:12:00.001-07:00

Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton

384 pages

This sequel to Chanda's Secrets is even more heartbreaking and chilling.

Product Description (from Amazon.com)

She promised her mama she'd keep them safe.

It's been six months since Mama died, and Chanda is struggling to raise her little brother and sister. Determined to end a family feud, she takes them to her relatives' remote rural village.

But across the nearby border, a brutal civil war is spreading. Rebels led by the ruthless General Mandiki attack at night, stealing children. All that separates Chanda from the horror is a stretch of rugged bush and a national park alive with predators. Soon, not even that. Before she knows it, Chanda must face the unthinkable, with a troubled young tracker as her unlikely ally.

Chanda's Wars is the unforgettable story of a teenager who risks everything to save her brother and sister. Epic in its sweep, intimate in its humanity, here is a gripping tale of family intrigue, love and courage, forgiveness and hope.

2011-05-25T12:07:00.001-07:00

Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton

193 pages.

Amazing book!

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 9-12. The statistics of the millions infected with HIV/AIDS in southern Africa find a human face in this gripping story of one teenager, Chanda Kabele, who sees the disease threaten her family and community. Far from case history, Chanda's immediate, first-person, present-tense narrative is neither sentimental nor graphic as it brings close the personal struggle with all its pain and loss, shame and guilt. Chanda's stepfather and baby stepbrother died of the disease. Now Mama may have it. No one will talk about the cause. Is Chandra infected? Her best friend, driven to prostitution, does get AIDS, which is dormant. Should Chanda take her in? Stratton, who has lived and worked in southern Africa, creates an authentic sense of the community in town and in the bush, including the poverty, overburdened hospitals, struggling schools, and packed cemeteries. The message about overcoming ignorance and shame and confronting the facts is ever present, but the tense story and the realistic characters--caring, mean, funny, angry, kind, and cruel--will keep kids reading and break the silence about the tragedy.

Can't Get There From Here by Todd Strasser

2011-05-21T05:56:00.001-07:00

Can't Get There From Here by Todd Strasser

198 pages.

Very sad story about a homeless girl named Maybe, who feels very close to her street tribe. But, living on the streets destroys them all one by one as they fall to drugs, alcohol, prostitution, all while living on the below freezing streets. Despite an angry library security guard, who would prefer to throw the kids out of the building, one librarian offers shelter, food, friendship, and help to get out of their desperate situation.

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu

2011-05-20T05:38:00.001-07:00

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu

210 pages

Ummm. Wow. I have a secret. I am one of those who watches Hoarders, then immediately gets up and throws 15 things away. Hoarding is very sad, and it is definitely a mental disorder. But what about the kids? How could they possibly have a normal, healthy life living in squalor...let alone have a social life? This is the story of a 16-year-old girl, living with a mother who hoards. Her brother and sister have already been able to fly the coop. She has tried to clear away the mess, but her mother will not have it. But when her mother is killed by the 'treasures' falling on top of her and smothering her, she must find a way to hide her dirty little secret before everybody knows. This was so well written...I loved Lucy's voice. Her sadness, and the hope that someday she can get everything clean, have a sleepover, have a boyfriend who she is not to embarrassed to have him pick her up at the front door. In her hopelessness, she doesn't give up on the dream of one day having her own home, children, and doing things so differently.

Blue Fire by Janice Hardy

2011-05-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Blue Fire by Janice Hardy

373 pages

(sequel to The Shifter, Truman Nominee)

I was super impressed with this sequel. The story continued very smoothly, without bogging you down with details from the first book. Nya, who is a Shifter, is able to place her hand on an injured victim, draw that pain out, and send it into somebody else. In The Shifter, she stays away from her talent, hating that she has the ability to hurt someone. But when her sister, a Healer is kidnapped and held against her will, she learns to use this skill to free her sister, as well as the other Healers, and take down the evil dictator controlling them all. Nya gets her sister and the others away, but the Duke escapes.

In the sequel, Nya and her friends go after the Duke once again, this time determined he will not escape.

Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz

2011-05-16T09:53:00.001-07:00

Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz

292 pages.

This was a view point on the Holocaust that I have not read much of: from Germans. Daniel has waited a long time to be able to join the Hitler youth, to fight for his country, and do what he can to rid the world of Jews. Until he discovers his family's secret...his own mother is Jewish.

(from jacket cover)

All his life, Daniel has been hiding. He just doesn't know it.

Until the spring of 1933, he's enjoyed a comfortable German boyhood with his well-to-do family, in school, at soccer. Daniel's even enjoyed jail-for one exciting night-with his best friend, Armin, after they've been caught painting a swastika on a wall in the hated Communist section of Hamburg. In their cell, the boys cut their wrists, mingle blood, and swear lasting brotherhood.

Then, a thunderclap: Daniel learns to his horror that is mother is Jewish, that he is therefor half-Jewish and, in Aryan eyes, half-human. Daniel keeps the truth a secret. He and Armin still talk of joining the Hitler Youth. But Armin's father, an out-of-work longshoreman and a Socialist, forbids it. Armin joins anyway, with fateful consequences for Daniel's family.

Throughout World War II, and until the story's haunting final scene, each friend holds the life of the other in his hands.

Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan

2011-05-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan

216 pages

This book didn't grab me like I thought it would. Couldn't focus on all of the characters.

(from jacket cover)

Jake Semple is a scary kid. Word has it that he burned down his old school and then was kicked out o every other school in his home state. Only weeks into September, the middle school in Traybridge, North Carolina, has thrown him out too.

Now there's only one place left that will take him-a home school run by the most outrageous, forgetful, chaotic, quarrelsome family you'll ever meet. Each and every Applewhite is an artist through and through-except E.D., the smart, scruffy girl with a deep longing for order and predictability. E.D. and Jake, so nearly the same age, are quickly paired in the family's first experiment in "cooperative education."

The two clash immediately, of course. The only thing they have in common is the determination to survive the family's eccentricities.

Beastly by Alex Flinn

2011-05-09T13:23:00.001-07:00

Beastly by Alex Flinn

304 pages

Amazing fantasy about a gorgeous conceited man who is turned into a beast so that he may be as ugly on the outside as he is on the outside. He is described quite like the Beast in the famous Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast...covered in hair. He is given two years to find someone to fall in love with him, he in love with her, and of course, to proclaim their love with a kiss. Wonderful modern twist to this old fairy tale...but I have a question. I know they made a movie out of this, and I truly cannot wait to see it. And I know they change details for movies. But they totally changed the looks of both characters...completely. I still don't have a problem with that. What I do have a problem with is this...

Why does the cover of my book look like this? In the book, the man is a hairy monster, and the girl is a redheaded Plain Jane kind of girl. If you wanted to change it for the movie, fine. But don't mess with the cover!

My to Read List!

2011-05-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

This is my 'to read list'. My page I jot titles down is quite full, and instead of trying to keep track of that, thought I would list it here!

~~Jacob's Rescue~Drucker JF~~

~~Fever~Anderson JF~~

~~Shanghai Shadow~Ruby JF~~

~~Yellow Star~Roy JF~~

~~Efrain's Secret~Quintero YA~~

Miriam's Well~Ruby JF

When My Name was Keoko~Park JF

Torn Thread~ Isaacs JF

~~Weedflower~Kadohato JF~~

Emil and Karl~Glalstein JF

~~Tyrell~Booth YA~~

The Dog in the Wood~Schroeder JF

Jack's Run~Smith JF

The Witch~Speare JD

The Road to Memphis~Taylor Jf

Shanghai Passage~j bio

Someone Named Eva~Wolf JF
Do You Know the Monkey Man~Butler YA
~~Ask Me No Questions~Budhos YA~~
~~Daniel, Half Human~Chotjewitz YA~~
Diamonds in the Shadow~Cooney YA
~~Healing Water~Hostetter YA~~

Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Forman

2011-05-06T07:15:00.001-07:00

Adventurers Wanted: Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Forman

387 pages

Truman Nominee

(TRUMAN LIST DONE!)

Ok...this might be one of my favorite fantasies! The characters were a rich variety of dwarves, elves, humans, wizards, and of course, a dragon. But what I loved? The didn't go into miles of background information on the land and the races...that was just the way that it was. Sometimes I feel so bogged down by the details, that by the time I get to the adventure, all I wanna do is nap! This was a quick read, and I definitely cannot wait for the already released sequel to get to the library. First thing I did when I got to work was put in a request for purchase, it was that good!

(from jacket cover)

The sign is small, tucked into the corner of Mr. Clutter's bookshop window: "Adventurers Wanted. Apply Within." No one but fifteen-year-old Alex Taylor even seems to notice it is there. And for Alex, who has wished for a change in his life, it is an irresistible invitation.

Upon entering Mr. Clutter's shop, Alex is swept away on an incredible adventure to a faraway land filled with heroic warriors, mysterious elves, and hard-working dwarves.

Alex becomes the eighth man in a band of adventurers seeking the lair of Slathbog the Red-an evil dragon with a legendary treasure. Along the way, Alex and his new friends must battle dangerous trolls and bandits, face undead wraiths, and seek the wisdom of the Oracle in her White Tower.

Alex's adventure takes him to distant and exotic lands where he learns about courage, integrity, honor, and, most importantly, friendship.

Shanghai Shadows by Lois Ruby

2011-05-05T09:19:00.001-07:00

Shanghai Shadows by Lois Ruby

282 pages

Lois Ruby's mother was a translator who worked with the American embassy for the Jewish refugees coming into the country in the 1940's to escape Hitler. She met a Polish man who had escaped into Shanghai, who needed an American wife to get into the states. Her mother married that man, and divorced weeks later. Although contact with that man was not kept up, it fueled her curiosity about the stateless refugees living in Japanese occupied China. When she visited the park built in memory of these people, Shanghai Shadows begin to form. This book was interesting, rich with details about the food, architecture, and customs. Beautifully written.

(from jacket cover)
After the Nazis move into Austria, Ilse's family makes plans to escape. But the only place they're able to go is Japanese-occupied China. Life in Shanghai is far harsher than Ilse ever expected. While she and her brother join the resistance, their mother keeps connections to the past, and their father holds tight to the violin that had been his livelihood for so long. But life grows harder and harder as they are forced to relocate to Shanghai's ghetto. Yet they always manage to take solace in one another-that is, until a mother's secret threatens to tear them all apart.

Jacob's Rescue by Malka Drucker and Michael Halperin

2011-05-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Jacob's Rescue by Malka Drucker and Michael Halperin

117 pages

An amazing story based on true events of a young boy and his brother, who are hidden away during the Holocaust. Alex and Mela hide Jacob and his brother, David, sometimes going without shelter and food to save these boys.

(from jacket cover)

Once Jacob Gutgeld lived with his family in a beautiful house. He went to a proper school and played hide and seek in the woods with his friends. But everything changed the day the Nazi soldiers marched into Warsaw, Poland. The year was 1939. Suddenly it wasn't safe to be Jewish in Poland anymore. Eight-year-old Jacob and his relatives who remained found themselves convinced to a walled in ghetto, where night and day the terrible click click of the soldiers' boots echoed on the cobblestones. It was then that Jacob's aunt Hannah decided that the boy had only one hope of rescue-to pretend he was not Jewish.

One afternoon, while the soldiers were on their break, Jacob slipped through a hole in the wall to meet Alex Roslan, a kind non-Jewish man who agreed to be Jacob's new 'uncle.' The Roslan family called Jacob 'Genyek,' and at the risk of their own lives they kept his identity as a Jew hidden.
For all of them, every day of hiding meant a new danger, a new threat of discovery. Jacob worried about his real family, longed to go to school and to go outside like the Roslan children. Yet the fear, the hardships, and the hunger brought Jacob closer and closer to all the Roslans-until at last the time of hate and war came to an end and a new chapter began in all their lives.

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane

2011-05-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane

Sherlock Holmes The Legend Begins

308 pages

I am not a Sherlock Holmes fan...not that I don't like him. Just never really got into it. But I truly enjoyed this book. This is Sherlock's first 'case', and tells how he fell in love with the investigative process. The background was rich with details, the characters full of life. Guys are going to love this series!

(from back of book)

A teenage Sherlock solves his first murder mystery.

A cloud of smoke began to rise from the object just as Sherlock recognized it for what it was: a man's body, lying twisted on the ground. The smoke wafted away, driven by the breeze, but there was no sign of fire. For a moment Sherlock thought the man was lying there smoking a pipe, his face wrapped for some reason in a red-spotted white handkerchief, but as he got closer he realized that the red blotches were neither markings on a toadstool not spots on a white handkerchief.

They were bloody boils on the face of a corpse.

Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata

2011-05-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata

260 pages

Amazing book about a young Japanese girl, already orphaned when a car wreck kills her parents, leaving her and her younger brother in the care of Aunt and Uncle, who are relocated to an interment camp after the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor.

(from jacket cover)

Twelve-year-old Sumiko feels her life has been made up of two parts: before Pearl Harbor and after it. The good part and the bad part. Raised on a flower farm in California, Sumiko is used to being the only Japanese girl in her class. Even when the other kids tease her, she always has had her flowers and family to go home to.

That all changes after the horrific events of Pearl Harbor. Other Americans start to suspect that all Japanese people are spies for the emperor, even if, like Sumiko, they were born in the United States! As suspicions grow, Sumiko and her family find themselves being shipped to an internment camp in one of the hottest deserts in the United States. The vivid color of her previous life is gone forever, and now dust storms regularly choke the sky and seep into every crack of the military barrack that is her new 'home.'

Sumiko soon discovers that the camp is on an Indian reservation and that the Japanese are as unwanted there as they'd been at home. But then she meets a young Mohave boy who might just become her first real friend...if he can ever stop being angry about the fact that the internment camp in on his tribe's land.

Efrain's Secret by Sofia Quintero

2011-04-26T05:53:00.001-07:00

Efrain's Secret by Sofia Quintero

263 pages

Efrain is a high school senior with dreams of going to an Ivy League school, preferably Harvard. But, like most kids in the Bronx, money is always an issue. How is he supposed to pay $30,000 a year tuition, if he is scraping by getting the money together for tutoring and prep classes to retake his SAT? All around him is either poverty, or riches beyond belief from drug sales. He takes up with his old friends and starts selling drugs to cover expenses...and that goes about as well as you would imagine. The neighborhood is explained in such a way that truly draws you in...you feel like you are propped up on a crumbling street corner, watching the neighborhood gangs battle for territory, but I felt the side characters really lacked the strength that could have made this a more rounded story. But I did like it...I actually thought about Efrain long after I finished the book, wondering where he might be if he were a real character.

(from back of book)
Being brown and broke has been a seventeen-year test in just how badly I want an average life. life where doing the right thing is punished with the luxury of having to choose between the things I need and those I want. Why does the valedictorian have to choose between the class ring and an SAT prep class? Why does a clean-cut teenager have to decide between showing up to a minimum-wage job and going to the movies with the most popular girl in school? Why do I have to fight so hard just for the mere chance to have it all?

Maggie's Door by Patricia Reilly Giff

2011-04-25T11:15:00.001-07:00

Maggie's Door by Patricia Reilly Giff

156 pages

I truly love reading survival stories, fiction and non-fiction both. I have not read a lot on the potato famine in Ireland, and when I came across this book while doing some cataloging, I was very interested.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-Fans of Nory Ryan's Song (Delacorte, 2000) will not want to miss this sequel. It begins as Nory leaves her home in Ireland a few days behind her friend Sean Red Mallon, his mother, and Nory's four-year-old brother, Patch, to embark on their journey to America. In alternating stories, Nory and Sean relate their distressing experiences as they make their way toward Nory's sister's house in Brooklyn. Both characters face trickery, cruelty, starvation, filthy conditions, and storms at sea, but they are determined to reach their destination. The theme is one of courage and hope for the future. The characters are developed fully, revealing their determination and courage, as well as their fears. Both Nory and Sean grow as individuals as they face each obstacle to their final goal. The mood of anticipation and apprehension is sustained as readers travel with them toward Maggie's door. Giff's descriptive language and detailed descriptions enable children to visualize the countryside and events along the way. Factual information on the potato blight and the resulting emigration is explained in an afterword. A welcome addition to any historical-fiction collection.

I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson

2011-04-25T07:11:00.001-07:00

I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson

216 pages

Amazing memoir of a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl going into the concentration camps. Her amazing ability to hold herself together, along with her mother, is truly inspiring.

(from jacket cover)

Imagine being a thirteen-year-old girl in love with boys, school, family-life itself. Then suddenly, in a matter of hours, your life is shattered by the arrival of a foreign army. You can no longer attend school, have possessions, talk to your neighbors. One day your family has to leave your house behind and move into a crowded ghetto, where you lose all privacy and there isn't enough food to eat. Still you manage, somehow, to adjust. But there is much, much worse to come...

This is the memoir of Elli Friedmann, who was thirteen years old in March 1944, when the Nazis invaded Hungary. It describes her descent into the hell of Auschwitz, a concentration camp where, because of her golden braids, she was selected for work instead of extermination. In intimate, excruciating details she recounts what it was like to be one of the few teenage camp inmates, and the tiny but miraculous twists of fate that helped her survive against all odds.

The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan

2011-04-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan

346 pages

Truman Nominee

Amazing book! I loved that the main character was a very strong Christian, to the point where when his friend denounced God, he stepped up quick to try to remind him that Christ was with him, and had not abandoned him. Several times through his journey, he stops in prayer. It is good to see such an action packed thriller like this. Cannot wait for the second book in the Homelander series!

From Booklist

Charlie is a squeaky-clean high-schooler who gets good grades, dreams about joining the Air Force, and loves practicing his karate—and it’s this last skill that comes in especially handy when he wakes up tied to a chair next to a tableau of torture instruments. In an attempt to understand how he landed in such dire straits, he flashes back to the last thing he remembers: a seemingly typical day at school. So begins the fantastic first half of this post-9/11 thriller in which each bit of recovered memory directly informs how Charlie deals with his mysterious captors. The excitement plateaus once Charlie escapes and realizes that he’s wanted by more than just a band of terrorists, but the chase scenes, gunfire, and fistfights never let up. The rah-rah patriotism may put off some readers, particularly given Charlie’s apparent unwillingness to moderate his black-and-white views. On the other hand, this is just the first book in the Homelanders series, so there is still plenty of time for Charlie to develop shades of gray.

A Summer of Kings by Han Nolan

2011-04-18T09:54:00.001-07:00

A Summer of Kings by Han Nolan

334 pages

Wonderful historical fiction novel set in 1963 during the Civil Rights movement. Upper-class Esther and suspected murderer King-Roy are paired in this novel.

(from jacket cover)
Last summer a murderer came to live with us. Well, that's what I had called him. Out neighbor Pip and my Auntie Pie called him the cold-blooded killer; but my mother and father said he was just a victim of prejudice and circumstance.
It's 1963 and fourteen-year-old Ester Young is looking for excitement. Overshadowed by a family of accomplished performers, Esther craves attention and vows to get it by initiating a romance with King-Roy Johnson, a black teen accused of murdering a white man in Alabama.
King-Roy arrives on Esther's doorstep an angry young man who feels betrayed by the nonviolent teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. His anger and frustration are fueled by a follower of Malcolm X, who advocated black revolution. Both fascinated and frightened by King-Roy's hatred, Esther is empathetic even as she question his beliefs. As their friendship deepens, Esther and King-Roy each find the strength and courage to stand up for what is truly important.

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

2011-04-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

336 pages

This is an amazing story about finding your strength and courage to go on with life after all seems lost. Jessica is a runner, was truly born to it, until the day her track team bus was hit and her leg is amputated. She is promised a good recovery time, and a prosthetic leg, but Jessica is not interested, in fact feels that she wishes she had died herself in the accident. An unlikely friendship blooms with Rosa, a girl in a wheelchair herself due to cerebral palsy. This book had me tearing up at almost every chapter, and I found myself cheering for both Jessica and Rosa.

(from jacket cover)
What would you do if you lost the one thing that mattered most?
Sixteen-year-old Jessica is a runner. It's not just what she does, it's who she is. So when a tragic accident causes her to lose one of her legs, she is shattered-inside and out.
Though the doctors say she'll be able to walk with a prosthetic limb, recovery is slow and full of pitfalls. Jessica wonders if the girl who died in the accident didn't get the better end of the deal. But as she struggles to reclaim her life, Jessica gets to know Rosa-a girl with cerebral palsy whom she and her friends had always overlooked. Not only does Rosa come to Jessica's rescue in math, she also helps her reach for a future that is full of unexpected opportunities. And Jessica starts to wonder: Is it possible not only to walk again, but to run?

Butterfly by Sonia Hartnett

2011-04-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Butterfly by Sonia Hartnett

232 pages

I hate to say this, and I generally try to avoid saying negative things about a book, because I honestly believe there is a book for everyone, and some one for every book. But...I did not like this book at all. Plum's story is told around her 14th birthday, but she is so childish and mean and pouty, I keep thinking her age should be 10-12 years old. I felt there were gaps, or leaps, or something that kept this book from being complete, and was so totally glad to be rid of this book. My biggest complaint on this is the declaration of Plum very early on that she is not going to church again, she doesn't believe in God, he doesn't exist. And then it is dropped. No revelation, no more pondering...she's just done. Pretty hefty subject that was just dropped as if it were nothing.

(from jacket cover)

Here is Plum Coyle, on the threshold of adolescence, striving to be new. Her fourteenth birthday is approaching: her old life and her old body will fall away, and she will become graceful, powerful, at ease. The strength in the objects she stores in a briefcase under her bed-a crystal lamb, a yoyo, an antique watch, a penny-will make sure of it.

Over the next couple of weeks, Plum's life will change. Her beautiful neighbor, Maureen, will begin to show her how she might fly. The older brothers she adores-the charismatic Justin, the enigmatic Cydar-will court catastrophe in worlds that she barely knows exist. and her friends-her worst enemies-will tease and test, smelling weakness. They will try to lead her on and take her down.

City Chicken by Arthur Dorros

2011-04-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

City Chicken by Arthur Dorros
Egged on by the cat next door, a chicken from the city visits the country to see what she's been missing, and finds that it's not "all it's cracked up to be."

I absolutely love the fresh spring chick in the springtime! One of our favorite family rituals is to go see the chicks, ducklings, and rabbits at our local farm store. I came across this hatching chick craft at Free Kid Crafts and couldn't resist. You will need yellow, white, and orange construction paper, googley eyes, yarn or feathers, scissors and glue.

From white paper, cut out 2 identical egg shapes, then cut a jagged crack in one. Cut out some oval-ey shape from yellow (it doesn't need to be exact (eggs-act! hee hee) just as long as the head looks okay.) Free Kid Craft used feathery feathers, but all I had were the skinny sleek ones, so I cut strands of yellow yarn and frayed the ends. Then cut orange diamonds for your beek.

Glue your chick body onto your egg. Looks like a runny egg yolk at this point, ya think?

Add your frayed yarn between the head and egg shape, then add eyes and beak.

Glue your bottom egg shell over your body.

Add a brass brad to your top shell piece, and fasten it so your egg can hatch and re-hatch all you want.

Looking for more great chicken books? These titles are all at the Marshall Public Library!

The Smile by Donna Jo Napoli

2011-04-14T12:05:00.001-07:00

The Smile by Donna Jo Napoli

260 pages

So far, I have loved every Napoli book I have read so far, so I was anxious to pick up another after The Wager. But, to be completely honest, I did not much care for this one. I felt at times the story moved so slowly, it was barely creeping. And the politics drove me insane. I am not a political person by any means, so I am sure this is only a valid opinion if you are the same. Was actually glad to see this one done.

(from jacket cover)

Hers is the most famous portrait in the world.

Who was she?

Who was the person behind the smile?

She is called Lisa, short for Elisabetta. When Elisabetta is fifteen, she will be betrothed to one of the nobles of Florence. Hopefully he will not be too old, or too mean, or too ugly. She longs for romance, to marry for love, but she knows that this is not the fate of most girls like her.

Even though she does not think she is beautiful, Elisabetta catches the eye of her father's famous friend, the great Leonardo da Vinci, who insists he will one day paint her portrait. It is Leonardo who introduces Monna Elisabetta to Giuliano de' Medici. He is the heir to the most powerful and wealthy family in Florence. He is young and fair and swears his love to the girl he calls Monna Lisa. But Florence is changing, and as Elisabetta soon finds, it is a dangerous time to love a Medici. Again, her fate is not within her control.

Bystander by James Preller (and links to help talk with your child about bullying)

2011-04-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Bystander by James Preller

226 pages

Wonderful realistic book about standing up to bullies, finding your voice for the victim, not just being a bystander.

Here are some great links on talking with your child about bullying:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/bullies.html

http://www.parentfurther.com/high-risk-behaviors/bullying?utm_campaign=parentfurther-search&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_term=bullying

http://www.parentsconnect.com/articles/talk-to-your-teen-about-bullying-now.jhtml

(from jacket cover)

Eric is the new kid in seventh grade. Griffin wants to be his friend. When you're new in town, its hard to know who to hang out with-and who to avoid. Griffin seems cool, confident, and popular.

But something isnt' right about Griffin. He always seems to be in the middle of bad things. And if Griffin doesn't like you, you'd better watch your back. There might be a target on it.

As Eric gets drawn deeper into Griffin's dark world, he begins to see the truth about Griffin: He's a liar, a bully, a thief. Eric wants to break away, do the right thing. But in one shocking moment, he goes from being a bystander...to the bully's next victim.
I think the silver lining on the bullying that

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

2011-04-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

323 pages

This was a very heartbreaking read. Vera tries so hard to do the right thing at times, and dives right into the wrong mix at others. Her best friend since childhood, dies under questionable circumstances, and only Vera and the girl who drug him down know how. But she has spent most of her life ignoring and not interfering in his abusive home life, following in her parents footsteps, she has no idea how to not ignore it. Very realistic novel in the characters dialog and reactions.

Starred review from booklist:

High-school senior Vera never expects her ex-best friend, Charlie, to haunt her after he dies and beg her to clear his name of a horrible accusation surrounding his death. But does Vera want to help him after what he did to her? Charlie’s risky, compulsive behavior and brand-new bad-news pals proved to be his undoing, while Vera’s mantra was always Please Ignore Vera Dietz, as she strives, with Charlie’s help, to maintain a low profile and keep her family life private. But after Charlie betrayed her, it became impossible to fend off her classmates’ cruel attacks or isolate herself any longer. Vera’s struggle to put Charlie and his besmirched name behind her are at the crux of this witty, thought-provoking novel, but most memorable is the gorgeous unfurling of Vera’s relationship with her father. Chapters titled A Brief Word from Ken Dietz (Vera’s Dad) are surprising, heartfelt, and tragic; it’s through Ken that readers see how quickly alcohol and compromised decision making are destroying Vera’s carefully constructed existence. Father and daughter wade gingerly through long-concealed emotions about Vera’s mother’s leaving the family, creating the most powerful redemption story of the many found in King’s arresting tale. Although King’s characters turn into the people they’ve long fought to avoid becoming, they ultimately rise above their challenges, reflect, and move on. A worthy, well-crafted addition to any YA collection.

Hothouse by Chris Lynch

2011-04-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hothouse by Chris Lynch

198 pages

A firefighter dies is the line of duty, leaving his wife and son behind, who are proud enough of him that they do not mind so much the community honoring 'one of their own'. But, as it turns out, he is not seen by everyone as the hero Russ knows his father is.

(from jacket cover)

IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, IT CAN BE A LIFE. THE HOTHOUSE, THE GUYS, THE GLORY. BUT JUST LIKE THAT, IT CAN ALL GO UP IN SMOKE.

In the beginning it was strange, ya know, because of all that we had lost. But there was something about it that felt so good and so right, too: "I'm so proud of you, Russ," "We'll always be here for you, man," "Heroes don't pay for nothin' in this town." it was nonstop. The mayor shook my hand. Ladies sent food. I've never eaten so much baked ham in my life.

And now? now the phone won't stop ringing from the crazies ready to blame me. My mom has to cry herself to sleep. They take a firefighter, a man, and they pump him up so big...But once they start taking it away from you, they don't stop until they leave nothing on the bones.

First they needed heroes, then they needed blood.

The Wager by Donna Jo Napoli

2011-04-10T10:28:00.001-07:00

The Wager by Donna Jo Napoli

259 pages

I love all of Napoli's work, her rewritten fairy tales are amazing. I first discovered her when I read Bound, a rewriting of the Cinderella story. This is by far my favorite so far.

(from jacket cover)

"Come here, beggar."

Don Giovanni is no beggar. A few months ago he was the wealthiest and handsomest young man in Messina, until a tidal wave washed away everything he owned. Though he's now homeless and poor, he still has his pride-and his good looks. Yet winter is coming, and Don Giovanni has nowhere to go, nothing to eat.

When a well-dressed stranger offers him unlimited wealth in exchange for a simple-sounding wager, Don Giovanni knows he shouldn't take it. Only the devil would offer a deal like this, and only a fool would accept. but don Giovanni is desperate. Against his better judgment he enters into a deal with the devil' he will not change his clothes or bathe for three years, three months, and three days.

Beauty is a small price to pay for worldly wealth, isn't it? Unless Don Giovanni loses the wager-and with it, his soul.

The Cage by Ruth Minsky Sender

2011-04-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Cage by Ruth Minsky Sender

245 pages
(Non-fiction)

This book was truly amazing! I have read a lot of Holocaust survival memoirs before, but this book starts out in the ghetto of Lodz. I didn't know much about Jewish life at this point. I was moved by tears at their way of life, and the sacrifices they made for those around them. The one new thing I learned...many Jewish men in the beginning actually volunteered to go into the labor camps. They were manipulated into believing that their family back in the ghetto would receive better treatment and more food rations for the men volunteering.

(from back of book)
Motele is standing near the wagon, calling, "Mama, jump!" She is trying to jump into Motele's arms, but the two steel hands of a ghetto policeman hold her back. Motele tries to pull her away from the policeman, pull her off the wagon. The policeman kicks him to the ground and speeds up the wagon. I hear Mama's agonizing scream, and the wagon disappears from sight.
It is September 1942. For two years the Minsky family, along with 180,000 other Jews, have suffered hunger, fear, and degradation inside the barbed-wire cage that is the Lodz ghetto. But at least they have been a family. Now Riva and her brothers are alone.
At sixteen Riva becomes her brothers' guardian. She nurses the sick Laibele, recites the stories of Sholom Aleichem, sings to him. Together with Motele and Moishele, she hides him from the Nazis. And when he dies she thinks, "Now we are only three." She can hardly imagine that before long the Minskys will be deported to Auschwitz-and there will be only one.

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

2011-04-08T09:27:00.001-07:00

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

165 pages

This is one of those very slow about-to-happen train wreck type of books. Keir spends most of the book stressing what a great guy he is, to the point that you feel something very, very bad is going to happen. He doth protest too much. Would love to talk to a teen that had read this to see if they saw the same thing coming, or if it just made more sense being somewhat of an adult. I cannot wait until my kids are old enough to start reading junior and young adult fiction to have lively book talks.

(from jacket cover)

I am a good guy.

Keir Sarafina may not know much, but he knows himself. And the one thing he knows about himself is that he is a good guy. A guy who's a devoted son and brother, a loyal friend, and a reliable teammate. And maybe most important of all, a guy who understands that when a girl says no, she means it. But that is not what Gigi Boudakian, childhood friend and Keir's lifelong love, says he is. What Gigi says he is seems impossible to Keir...It is something inexcusable-the worst thing he can imagine, the very opposite of everything he wants to be.
As Keir recalls the events leading up to his fateful night with Gigi, he realizes that the way things look are definitely not the way they really are-and that it may be all too easy for a good guy to do something terribly wrong.

A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza (Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting)

2011-04-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza

A lonely little bird named Choco goes in search of a mother.

Very cute little book about Choco going to look for his mother. All of the animals deny being his mother because they look nothing like him until Mrs. Bear shows him that being a mommy has nothing to do with looking alike.

I saw this adorable felt bird craft at Sew Mama Sew. It is a sewing craft, but I loved these little birds so much I knew we had to make some out of paper for storytime.

I cut out bird shapes in various colors, along with half circles for wings. We glued them together, with the yarn sandwiched between.

I think these would look so cute hanging by an open window so they can flutter in the breeze.

Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting. This is definitely not a book I would choose to read at storytime at the library, but I immediately took it home to read to my son. A young boy, and his father, are homeless, living in an airport. They have learned how to not draw attention to themselves so as not to get caught, and even have made some friends that the boy stays with while his father goes to work. One day a bird flies indoors and gets caught. He eventually makes his way out the door, flying back home, giving the boy inspiration that someday he and his father may make it out of the airport, to an apartment like before his Mom had died. Heartbreaking story, but a very touching way to teach children about those who may not have all we do.

Interested in more bird themed books (that do NOT want make you want to sit down and cry?) Check these out at the Marshall Public Library:

In the Eye of War by Margaret and Raymond Chang

2011-04-07T11:38:00.001-07:00

In the Eye of War by Margaret and Raymond Chang

197 pages

Fascinating book.

(from jacket cover)

To ten-year-old Shao-shao, the increasingly frequent air raids by American bombers striking at targets near Japanese-occupied Shanghai during the last year of World War II were both frightening and exciting. Shanghai was in the eye of war and the battle storm could hit at any time. The youngest in a large family, Shao-shao went to school every day, played with his fr4iends, and studies.

No matter how hard Shao-shao studies, his stern father was never satisfied. Shao-shao's resentment came to a head when his father forbade him to keep a brilliantly colored bird he had bought. But slowly, through odd happenings at home, Shao-shao came to understand that his father was active int he underground movement against the Japanese invaders. Overshadowing the routines of daily life, the war drew ever closer-until the extraordinary day when the Emperor of Japan surrendered and advance units of American soldiers rolled in to the city.

Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson

2011-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson

Of course, as with all of her books, I loved this! Wilson's books are always beautifully written, excellent for read alouds, and full of early literacy material. And, who doesn't enjoy watching a hippo dance in a leotard or disco pants?

We are making a cute little hippo that I found at A Class of Her Own. She has tons of great ideas for introducing the letter H!

You will need a large circle, an oval, rectangles for teeth, and ear shapes. Pretty easy shapes to free hand and cut out.

Glue down your circle

Add your oval...color some nostrils and a mouth line.

Add some buck teeth and eyes.

Color in some irises for your hippo eyes and add your ears.

Here are some more great Karma Wilson books available at Marshall Public Library!

Paper towl painting

2011-04-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

LOVE this bulletin board idea I found here. I adapted it a little, and used paper towels I had colored and squirted down with water. An easy craft down on a smaller scale at home...we never seem to have the time at the library to color, wet down, let dry, and make something.

Take paper towels and color with markers.

Every tutorial I have found says to 'lightly spray with water'. For some reason that never works well for me...maybe lack of patience? I prefer the totally drench method. Make sure and do this over newspapers because your markers will seep through. Let your paper towel dry completely.

Cut into shapes. For the billboard I cut butterflies and flowers.

I layered the flowers for a fluttery effect around the base of a tree form.

I used butterflies to make a complete tree form. Bad pic, but come see it at the library...looks pretty cool.

I did the same thing for the banner...colored paper towels and squirted with water. After it had dried, with markers I wrote "butterflies dancing...flowers blooming...readers growing and learning". I put the story time kiddos names around the room in butterfly and flower cut outs. Had a lot of fun doing this one.

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

2011-04-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

301 pages
Newbery Honor

Heart of a Samurai is quite an amazing story, based on the life of Manjiro, who is but a lowly fisherman who dreams of becoming a samurai. This book is full of historical facts, both in geography and superstitious beliefs. It is followed by notes on who Manjiro grew up to be, as well as glossaries and bibliographies for samurais, whaling, the gold rush, and Japan. On an interesting note, it is believed that Manjiro is possibly the first Japanese person to set foot on American soil. Loved this book!

I got curious and went to look up more on the life of Manjiro, who became a teacher, translated American navigation books into Japanese, and wrote the first English book for Japanese, about how to learn the English language. Sadly, until the day he died, some still saw him as some kind of spy, and even had to hire his own bodyguards to protect him from assassination attempts. I found this amazing website with loads of info on both Manjiro and Captain Whitfield, the captain who saved Manjiro and his friends after being shipwrecked. They have even set up an Earthquake Relief fund to benefit the survivors of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

(from jacket cover)
In 1841, fourteen-year-old Manjiro and his four friends find themselves stranded on a deserted island after a storm at sea. Beyond the island is the unknown, filled with monsters, demons, and barbarians. Or so they have been told. They know they cannot return to their homes in Japan-the country's borders are closed both to foreigners and to citizens who have strayed. No one may enter, under penalty of imprisonment and even death!
One day an American ship passes near the island and takes the castaways aboard. Manjiro's curiosity overcomes his fear of the "barbarians." He joins in the work of the whaling vessel, eager to learn everything he can about this new culture. Over the next ten years, Manjiro travels the high seas, visiting places he never dreamed existed, including America. It is a time filled with new experiences and adventure, as well as friendship and treachery. Manjiro sustains himself on a dream of returning home and somehow-though he knows it is impossible for a simple fisherman-becoming a samurai.
Will he ever be able to go back to his native land? And if he does, will he be welcomed, or condemned?

Library Lady Bobbie

The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

Adam by Ted Dekker

We're Off to Look for Aliens by Colin McNaughton

The Last of the High Kings by Kate Thompson

The New Policeman by Kate Thompson

Clean by Amy Reed

The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers

Facts of Life by Gary Soto

and the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers

As Sure as the Dawn by Francine Rivers

Blank Confession by Pete Hautman

Crunch Time by Mariah Fredericks

Side Effects by Amy Goldman Koss

I'll Sing You One-O by Nan Gregory

An Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers

Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

Gentlemen by Michael Northrop

Camo Girl by Kekla Magoon

The Hunt for the Seventh by Christine Morton-Shaw

Darkside by Tom Becker

Much Ado About Grubstake by Jean Ferris

﻿﻿Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey

Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey

Do You Know the Monkey Man? by Dori Hillestad Butler

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

No and Me by Delphine de Vigan

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

Adventurers Wanted The Horn of Moran by M.L. Forman

I Has a Button!

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Sight by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Everything You Want by Barbara Shoup

All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall

Milagros Girl From Away by Meg Medina

Miriam's Well by Lois Ruby

How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier

Whose Garden Is It? by Mary Ann Hoberman {with a CATAPULT!!!}

WonderDads!

Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls by Lynne Jonell

Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy

Geek Fantasy Novel by E. Archer

UPrinting 250 Sticker Giveaway Winner!!!

UPDATE!!! {GIVEAWAY} UPrinting set of 250 Stickers

Tales of the MADMAN Underground by John Barnes

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

Tortuga in Trouble by Ann Whitford Paul

The Story of Kites by Ying Chang Compestine

Happy Father's Day!

I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña

From Booklist

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

The True Story of Mary Bryant: The Escape from Botany Bay by Gerald and Loretta Hausman

Relic Master, Book One The Dark City by Catherine Fisher

Someone Named Eva by Joan M. Wolf

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

From School Library Journal

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Amazon.com Review

The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan

From Booklist

Healing Water by Joyce Hostetter

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Mirjam Pressler

Review

Nothing by Janne Teller

From Booklist

Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos

From Booklist

Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton

Product Description (from Amazon.com)

From Booklist

Can't Get There From Here by Todd Strasser

Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu

Blue Fire by Janice Hardy

Daniel Half Human and the Good Nazi by David Chotjewitz

Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie Tolan

Beastly by Alex Flinn

My to Read List!

Sacred Scars by Kathleen Duey