Related Links
Teacher Assignments
Conditions of Use
|
|
The Demon King
Article posted December 27, 2009 at 08:11 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 1071
|
|
During the holidays I can finally catch up with my reading. I stayed up until the wee hours reading a new book, “The Demon King” by Cinda Chima.
This fantasy novel is the first in a series about a magical world. Han Alister is the male protagonist and Princess Raisa is the female protagonist. The first “Seven Realms Novel” describes a land of wizards and clans. A thousand years ago the wizards nearly destroyed the world until the clans tamed the magic and put rules in place to control the wizards. The wizards are now trying to break the rules and challenge the clans. Han is from the bottom rung of the society and struggles to support his sister and mother. Raisa is the crown princess of the Fells. The two story lines are separate until the middle of the book. The book has a satisfying ending yet sets the reader up for the next book in the series.
|
|
Article posted December 27, 2009 at 08:11 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 1071
|
|
Cirque du Freak
Article posted December 24, 2009 at 08:42 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 211
|
|
Darren Shan writes Cirque du Freak as an autobiography. “The Saga of Darren Shan” is CREEPY and believable!
The first book of the “Cirque du Freak” series explains how Darren becomes a vampire’s assistant and establishes the characters of the series. All of the cadets at my school love to read this series.
|
|
Article posted December 24, 2009 at 08:42 PM GMT0 •
comment (1) • Reads 211
|
|
The Chosen
Article posted December 19, 2009 at 06:27 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 250
|
|
I grew up with a lot of Jewish friends who were always going to hebrew school. After reading the book “The Chosen” by Chaim Potok I understand the importance of Jewish religious traditions.
Danny, a Russian Hasidic Jew, befriends Rueven, an Orthodox Jew. Both of them attend Jewish parochial schools in Brooklyn, New York, near the end of World War II. Danny’s father is a religious fanatic and Rueven’s father is not. Both families react to the formation of the Jewish state, Israel. This novel was mostly about the friendship of two teenagers and how they grew in understanding of the world and their religion. This book was a fascinating read.
|
|
Article posted December 19, 2009 at 06:27 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 250
|
|
The Giver
Article posted October 11, 2009 at 10:39 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 981
|
|
Jonas is a twelve year old living in a benevolent totalitarian state. Lois Lowry portrays a world of sameness and superficiality in her book “The Giver.” Jonas is able to see things others cannot and rebels against the status quo.
Lowry’s book is horrifying and thought provoking. Does our knowledge of true pain and pleasure make us more human?
|
|
Article posted October 11, 2009 at 10:39 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 981
|
|
The Red Necklace
Article posted September 27, 2009 at 09:13 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 306
|
|
Sally Gardner has written an engrossing story of the French Revolution. The Red Necklace conveys the horror of the time while telling the story of two teenagers.
The story focuses on Yann Margoza, a gypsy boy, possessing magical powers. Yann meets Sido and falls in love with her. Sido is a French aristocrat whose destiny is linked with Yann. Count Kalliovski is the villain that Sido and Yann must overcome.
|
|
Article posted September 27, 2009 at 09:13 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 306
|
|
Hunger Games
Article posted August 16, 2009 at 08:59 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 674
|
|
Suzanne Collins has written a fantastic story entitled “Hunger Games.” This book was the ultimate reality TV show! In this futuristic society 24 teens are chosen to participate in the annual Hunger Games. The games take place over many days and are broadcast to all twelve districts and the Capitol. The winner must kill the other participants to win the game. I stayed up past midnight to find out the winner.
|
|
Article posted August 16, 2009 at 08:59 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 674
|
|
The Name of the Wind
Article posted August 3, 2009 at 12:04 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 311
|
|
Patrick Rothfuss has written a superb fantasy, The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day One, “The Name of the Wind.” I was somewhat intimidated by the length but I was intrigued after reading the first page. Kvothe is the protagonist and the story is told as a flashback. This is the first book of a trilogy and I immediately wanted to find the second book which has not been released to the publisher. I certainly hope to get a copy of “Day Two.”
Kvothe’s world is filled with tales of a civilization long gone. This book describes Kvothe’s early life and teen-age years. Kvothe goes to the University and learns many things about magic. He also makes friends and enemies. This book was long but well worth the read!!
|
|
Article posted August 3, 2009 at 12:04 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 311
|
|
The Graveyard Book
Article posted July 12, 2009 at 04:57 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 513
|
|
Neil Gaiman’s book, “The Graveyard Book,” starts out creepy and the rest of it does not disappoint! The illustrations by Dave McKean are also spooky. Really COOL read. This book was extraordinary and imaginative.
Nobody Owens (Bod) is the hero. Bod is raised in a graveyard by ghosts. He has several friends; a human girl, a witch, a werewolf, and a vampire. Bod also has enemies. Bod is a living human but he has some supernatural, ghostly powers. Bod is fifteen when the book ends and many mysteries are solved.
|
|
Article posted July 12, 2009 at 04:57 AM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 513
|
|
Bog Child
Article posted July 6, 2009 at 03:25 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 294
|
|
“Bog Child” takes place in Ireland during the 1980s. I liked this book because it teaches me of a time and place that is NOT America. I learned about Great Britain, Sinn Fein, and domestic terrorism.
Eighteen -year -old Fergus is the hero of the story. Fergus is struggling with entrance exams and the anguish of having his older brother in prison on a hunger strike. Fergus also discovers a mummified body in the bog. Fergus dreams of the bog child’s story. I also learned the definition of the Celtic word lough! Siobhan Dowd has written a captivating book for young adults.
|
|
Article posted July 6, 2009 at 03:25 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 294
|
|
Peak
Article posted June 23, 2009 at 05:48 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 454
|
|
Wow, I never realized mountain climbing is so dangerous. Roland Smith’s book “Peak” is a great read. Peak is also the name of the hero. Peak is fourteen and sentenced to Juvenile Detention for climbing a New York skyscraper. Peak’s father rescues him and takes him to Nepal where he runs expeditions up Mount Everest. Peak wants to be the youngest person to get to the summit of Everest. Peak learns many lessons about mountain climbing and friendship. This was a very satisfying read.
|
|
Article posted June 23, 2009 at 05:48 PM GMT0 •
comment • Reads 454
|
|
My Classes & Students
About the Blogger
I am the Library Media Specialist for a private boarding school in Mexico, Missouri.
Latest 10 Comments:
|
