Paper Towns by: John Green

I read Paper Towns....again. This is probably my fourth time, I just love John Green's humor and characters. If you are a high school student and have never read Paper Towns, you are missing out. If you are a high school student and have never read any of John Green's books, you are really missing out. This story revolves around Quentin Jacobsen who has been infatuated with his neighbor all his life. Margo Roth Spiegelman is every boys dream girl. When she ends up disappearing, Quentin is determined to find her. You won't regret getting to know Quentin, Margo, Ben and Radar. Every time I read this book, it never fails to be a five star read.

Catching Fire and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I created a trailer for Hunger Games, but saw that Scholastic has trailers for the rest of the trilogy. I absolutely love the Hunger Games trilogy and its main character Katniss. Listen to Collins read an excerpt of the first book, Hunger Games, then watch the two trailers for Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Dr. Lesesne and Dr. Chance TLA BOOKLIST

I went to see Dr. Lesesne and Dr. Chance discuss the Hot New Books for 2011. Those of you who actually sit in class with these ladies are so lucky. For those of you who couldn't make it, they book talked these books and it was awesome, I can't wait to get started.

T L A Booklist Lesesne and Chance 2011

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The Vampire Diaries - Stephan's Diaries

I have a teenage daughter obsessed with The Vampire Diaries, so we decided to read the series over the Christmas break. LJ Smith's characters are intriguing, but the difference between book Elena and T.V. show Elena is like night and day. The main male characters are probably what keep the teens grabbing up the series. Stephan is the good boy and Damon is the bad boy. In his diaries, you see why Stephan struggles with himself and why Damon is out to make Stephan's life miserable. I think as long as writers keep romance in their vampire novels, teens will read them. I give this book 3 stars, but the series 4 stars.

Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota Story by S. D. Nelson

Click on this comic strip to read my comments.....

I am Number Four

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I made the mistake of seeing the movie first and then reading the book. It has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for a while, so I decided to give it a try. I definitely think this series will have a big teen following because of the movie, but the book itself is mediocre. Lore's writing grabs you initially, but you find yourself wondering if you should take the movie's version and put the book down. I will definitely read, I am Number Six, in hopes of a better read. Read the first chapter thanks to Harper Collins. 3 stars

The Uglified Ducky

The Uglified Ducky: A Maynard Moose Tale is a picturebook that will certainly delight young listeners. Willy Claflin will delight all with his wonderful take on The Ugly Duckling told by Maynard Moose.

Ship Breaker

Ship Breaker by: Paolo Bacigalupi. This novel introduces a dystopian future where Bacigalupi develops characters that create a connection to young adults today. Nailer is a 17 year old struggling to keep work, because if he can't manage, there are many others who can. This novel will make you think and pose questions about society in this fictional novel. I give this book a resounding 5 stars!

Between Shades of Gray

Between Shades of Gray by: Ruta Sepetys novel has left me speechless. It is truly a heart-wrenching story with so much depth. I loved Lina who told her story about having to re-locate by the order of Stalin. As a Lithuanian, Lina witnessed the injustice of her people as they were persecuted and enslaved by Russians. She witnessed atrocities while being imprisoned for at least twelve years and lived to see the death of her father, her mother, and many friends. This novel brings to light the Cruelty and injustice that Lithuanians endured at the hand of Russia. This historical fiction novel will enthrall tweens and young adults alike. I give this novel 5 stars.

GOAL! by: Mina Javaherbin

Goal! by Mina Javaherbin and illustrated by A.G.Ford is a book that celebrates the spirit of a country. Javaherbin tells the story of a young South African boy who wins a football or what we know as a soccer ball. Ajani celebrates by inviting his friends to play with him in the streets. The problem is, bullies roam the streets looking for trouble. Ajani and his friends must be careful and keep watch because the bullies are on their way. The paintings by Ford bring the story to life and heighten the confrontation the boys endure. This is a beautiful book to share with elementary age children. This book deserves 5 stars.

Forgive My Fins

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs has quite a bit of suspense in it. 17-year-old Lily is a mermaid princess who must find a mate before her 18th birthday; otherwise, she won’t inherit the throne of Thalassinia. Tweens and Teen girls will find themselves enthralled in this fishy romance. I give this book 5 stars!

An Unspeakable Crime: The Prosecution and Persecution of Leo Frank

An Unspeakable Crime: The Prosecution and Persecution of Leo Frank was well written and a great read. I am a fan of true crime books and looked forward to reading this one, but I had happened upon this story many years ago and had already formed some opinions about the whole Mary Phagan murder. It is one thing to read about murders of women, but reading about the murder of a young thirteen year-old girl is heartbreaking. After reading Elaine Marie Alphin’s version, I immediately saw how difficult it is to keep unbiased until you have heard both sides. This book is extremely detailed and uses photos strategically throughout. Once I finished this book, I found myself searching the Internet for pictures and details about the actual murder and lynching of Frank. The graphics in this book are actual footage and can be quite disturbing. I encourage both high school students and teachers to read this book and talk about it. What a wonderful tool to use in class and to teach the evaluation of web sites. This book also lends itself to question how prejudice and anti-Semitism keeps the Leo Frank trial questionable after 98 years.

Star Wars Visual Dictionary

The Star Wars Visual Dictionary by Simon Beecroft and Jeremy Beckett is a fun book for any Star Wars Lego fan. There are so many Star Wars Visual Dictionaries out there, but this one targets the die-hard Lego fans. Boys and Girls of any age will appreciate the detail and graphics that you'll find in this book. Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett will delight children as they read through this visual dictionary. Loved this book and give it 5 stars.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by: Tom Angleberger

This cute story addresses whether Origami Yoda is real or not. He happens to be a puppet that Dwight carries on his finger. Dwight seems to have words of wisdom when he has Origami Yoda on his finger, making Tommy and his friends wonder if Origami Yoda has special powers. This coming of age novel will entertain young readers and keep you guessing as you read it. This book definitely holds up to 4 stars.

Watch this video on how to make your own Origami Yoda -

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

Barack Obama's, Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters, is a beautifully illustrated book that explores the qualities of thirteen American icons. Loren Long's illustrations are rather phenomenal and really enhance the text. Sneak a peak at my book trailer and see what you think. This book deserves 4 stars.

Silverlicious

Silverlicious by Victoria Kann is the fourth book in the Pinkalicious series. Any girl who loves pink will appreciate Kann’s spunky character. Pinkalicious has a loose tooth and loses it after stealing her brother’s cookie. She then realizes that she not only lost a tooth, but she lost her sweet tooth. You’ll enjoy Pinkalicious’ letter to the Tooth Fairy as she tries anything to get her sweet tooth back. I give this book 4 stars.