Monday, February 27, 2012

Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising is a compelling story that delivers many messages. Esperanza's journey will move its readers.

Monday, February 20, 2012

I read Elizabeth Fama's, Doodle Time with John Green, on her blog. I couldn't help but laugh. She talks about John Greens promise to sign 150,000 copies of The Fault in Our Stars. She says,

"Now, say you allot 2 seconds for each signature, that means John devoted 83.3 hours to just moving the pen. At 5 hours a day (who could do it longer without going mad?), he worked 16 days on it. Factor in unpacking the boxes, keeping stacks straight, searching for pens ("Are there any markers that aren't dry in this house?"), re-packing, mailing, meals, sleep, showers, a toddler, and a dog who needs walking, and it's more likely his rash promise consumed a month of his life. If I had tried this, it would have taken a decade. It's no wonder each individual result is a little disappointing - I think this is right side up." Then she shows his autograph:


So what did she do? She had her kids play a doodle game with John Green's signature where they had to turn it into pictures. This is what she posted....




Sally, painter and scholar.



Eric, comic artist. (Hint: you have to imagine that this copy of TFiOS is 332/150,000.)



Gene, composer/musician, doodle champion.



Lydia, genius teen animator, killjoy.

I couldn't help but chuckle at Elizabeth Fama's blog post, because it was so funny. However, I was thrilled to have a signed copy of John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and the students in my book club were thrilled also. 150,000 signed copies was quite a feat and I can't imagine how he got it accomplished. Anyway, I had a great time reading Ms. Fama's take on John Green's autograph quest!

Works Cited:

Fama, Elizabeth. "Doodle Time with John Green." Author Elizabeth Fama. Elizabeth Fama, 20 02 2012.
Web. 20 Feb. 2012. .

Friday, February 17, 2012

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Ransom Riggs' unique book mixes antique photographs with a unique story. This is an unforgettable read. Watch the trailer below!


Thursday, January 12, 2012

The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

As I read on a friend's tweet today.... John Green, you can break my heart any day. This novel is wonderfully written, but just know, you will cry and you will laugh. John Green is by far one of the best Young Adult writers of our time. You will fall in love with Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace as they battle illness and find love along the way.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Crossed by Ally Condie


Crossed is a wonderful sequel to MATCHED. Cassia's determination to find Ky shows her strength and willingness to risk everything. The secret that Ky keeps about Xander adds drama to the story. I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the final installment by Ally Condie! Wish I didn't have to wait until November 2012....

Monday, January 9, 2012

Matched

Matched by Ally Condie


I really enjoyed this novel by Ally Condie. --Seira Wilson summarizes as, "For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. As author Ally Condie’s unique dystopian Society takes chilling measures to maintain the status quo, Matched reminds readers that freedom of choice is precious, and not without sacrifice."

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Infernal Devices - The Clockwork Prince




I just finished The Clock Work Angel. I AM LOVING CASSANDRA CLARE EVEN MORE NOW!
THE PRAISES DON'T STOP....

WINNER OF THE 2011 YALSA TEENS TOP TEN AWARD!
Winner of the 2011 Silver Inky Award!
A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A #1 GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLER

A WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER

A LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER

A PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY BESTSELLER

A USA TODAY BESTSELLER

AN INDIE BOUND BESTSELLER

A NEW ATLANTIC INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION BESTSELLER

A SOUTHERN INDIE BESTSELLER LIST BESTSELLER

NOMINATED FOR ROMANTIC TIMES’ BEST YA NOVEL OF 2010

A 2011 RITA AWARD FINALIST

Monday, December 12, 2011

The Clockwork Angel

My students absolutely loved The Mortal Instrument Series, now we will read the prequel to how it all began. Hurray for Cassandra Clare's The Clockwork Angel!




Darth Paper Strikes Back


Kids love this follow up novel to Origami Yoda! Take a look at Tom Angleberger's video on how to make your own Darth Paper.


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cabin Fever

I am watching Jeff Kinney as he discusses his Diary of a Wimpy Books - live on a webcast. I love him because he is so down to earth and real. I can't wait to get my copy of Cabin Fever which comes out today!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

The Mortal Instruments Series

Quest High School Book Club finished up City of Bones and just started City of Ashes. Loving Cassandra Clare right now!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

SHELTER

Shelter : A Mickey Bolitar Novel



GOING TO READ THIS WITH MY HIGH SCHOOL BOOK CLUB, I CAN'T WAIT!

Monday, August 1, 2011

The Book Thief



The book thief is an incredibly beautiful book. It is narrated by Death and chronicles Leisel as she steals books in Nazi Germany. You won't read this book just once, you'll finish it and want to read it over and over. This young adult book is 5 of 5 stars.

Inheritance

Love this series - Inheritance coming out in November!

Babble's Top 20 Book List of all Time

Young Adult List:

1 The Hunger Games Trilogy

2 Mockingbird

3 Stargirl

4 Okay for Now

5 Peter and the Starcatchers series

6 The Giver

7 The Graveyard Book

8 The House of the Scorpion

9 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

10 What the Moon Saw

11 Bridge to Terabithia

12 Fever 1793

13 Sabriel

14 The Outsiders

15 The Westing Game

16 Walk Two Moons

17 Wintergirls

18 The Dark is Rising

19 Tell Me a Secret

20 The Book Thief

List taken from Babble:
http://www.babble.com/products/kids-products/best-kids-books-by-age-young-adult-back-to-school-guide/