A King's Ransom

A King's Ransom : 39 Clues, Cahills vs. Vespers by Jude Watson

It's here, and I've made more than one readers' day. For those of you on the holds list, don't worry it's a fast read and will be in your hands before long.

Summary:
Amy and Dan are in a race for their lives... and the enemy may be even closer than they think. When seven members of their family were kidnapped by a sinister organization called the Vespers, thirteen-year-old Dan and his older sister Amy, vowed that they stop at nothing to bring the hostages home.  But then the ransom comes in and the Vespers demand the impossible. Amy and Dan have just days to track down and steal an anicent map. The only catch? No one has seen the map in over half a century.
Now Amy and Dan are on a desperate search that will lead them to the Nazis, spies, a mad king and some of histories dirtiest secrets . It's the race of their lives ... and one misstep will mean certain death for the hostages.

Book trailer for the series.

The Flying Canoe

The Flying Canoe : a Christmas Story by Eric A. Kimmel

Each year I try to add at least one Christmas story to our collection and this year this was my pick. Maybe it's because my Mom was a French Canadian. Anyways, I hope you'll enjoy this years' pick.
Here's the summary:
One frosty Christmas Eve in the Canadian wilderness, six homesick fur traders are visited by a mysterious stranger. The man claims he can send them home to far away Montreal that very night, but on one condition:  they must not utter a word until they reach their homes. Agreeing to the terms, the fur traders climb into an enchanted canoe and paddle through the sky. But when hot-headed Armand cannot keep silent, it will take a daring move to outwit the stranger.

Blindsided

Blindsided by Priscilla Cummings

There were definately parts of this book I really enjoyed and then there were parts that I felt weren't so believable, a little over-dramatic, or maybe too convenient. I guess I'll rate it a 3 outta 5.

Here's the summary:
Natalie is a typical fourteen-year-old girl: a great student, lots of friends, a loving family. Her life seems perfect. But when a routine visit to the eye doctor reveals that she will soon go blind, she is devastated. As if this wasn't shocking enough, she is then forced to leave everything behind and go to a school for the blind to learn the skills she will need to survive. While she does what she's told, inwardly she desperately hopes for a miracle that will save her sight. But ultimately, Natalie must decide how to go on when her future isn't what she expects.

Titanic Sinks!

Titanic sinks! by Barry Denenberg

I think this has to be my new favourite Titanic book. to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic this book makes you feel as though you were living during that time period and you'll be in the same kind of disbelief that people around the world were that fateful  night 100 years ago. Denenberg has created a unique way to tells his story, he has created a fictional magazine that then relays all the people and events leading up to April 14, 1912.

Summary from the book jacket:
Filled with photographs, details and firsthand accounts, Tintanic Sinks! is a meticulously researched account that uses fact and fiction to tell the dramatic tale of the building, launching and sinking of the legendary ship. It explores the people behind the Titanic's creation, imagines what it might have been like to be a passengers on the doomed crossing, and shares how some survivors coped in the aftermath. This is the ultimat "you are there" experience - welcome aboard!

TinTin

Tin Tin and the Secret of the Unicorn by Herge

My family devoured the adventures of Tin Tin. Originally published in 1943 they have kept young people entertained since then. And now they are being recreated for another audience by none other than Stephen Spielberg. Yes, they are coming to a big screen near you - December 23.

Here's a look at the movie poster and a trailer.

I hope you'll go looking for these classic graphic novels, you will travel the world on countless adventures with a young man called Tin Tin and his little white dog Snowy.

A Season of Gifts

A Season of Gift by Richard Peck

Recently I had a display of holiday and winter inspired books in the library. I am able to book talk many of them, and believe they set the tone for the upcoming holiday and get us ready for winter. But I hadn't read this gem yet, so I brought it home with me last night and finished it in one reading.
In August of 1958 the Barnhart family has moved in next door to the mysterious, unflappable Mrs. Dowdell. What could be worse? The fact that your the new kids in town or the fact that your the new kids in town and the preacher's kids? Along the way to making friends and adjusting to small town life there's ghosts, and pranks, Elvis, stealing Christmas trees and much more.

Kinetic Contraptions

Kinetic Contraptions : build a hovercaft, airboat, and more with a hobby motor by Curt Gabrielson

This book is chock full of cool projects, right away we wanted to build a hovercraft and the three wheeler car. I sent my husband off to find us a hobby motor (found one at Best Buy for $3.50), rounded up a paint stick, some rubberbands, a bulldog clip, the gluegun, and some connection wire and I think we're ready to create.
Things we both liked about the book:
 - simple materials that can be found around the house, everything from paperclips, paint sticks, and clothes pins to paperplates, empty pop bottles and corks.
- Black and white photos explaining the steps to take in contructing the contraption.
- The science behine what makes it work.
- The basics of how electricity works (my husband is an electrician and he thought some of his first year apprentices should have a look at this.)
- The projects are cool and once you've built one, you could easily disassemble it and build a different one.

Once we've got it up and running I will post some photos.
Read On

Candy Construction

Candy Construction: How to build edible race cars, castles, and other cool stuff out of store-bought candy by Sharon Bowers

With shows like Cake Boss, Ace of Cakes, Cupcake Wars and Kid in a Candy Store inspiring our future bakers is it any wonder that I could not resist picking up this book for our library.

In Candy Construction author Sharon Bowers reveals how inexpensive and readily available store-bought candy offers an irresistable treasure trove of crafting material. Armed with a bedazzling variety of sugary shapes, there is no limit to what kids can build. Every project is accompanied by full-colour photos and easy to follow, step-by-step building instructions.

I can't wait to sample some of your creations.
Read On

The Magic of Paper Sculpture

The Magic of Paper Sculpture by David Swinton

With Christmas just around the corner, I seem to start getting crafty, this year I'm into  making paper ornaments, so I took a little trip to the public library for some inspiration and look what i found :-D
This is so cool I can hardly wait to start trying my hand at paper sculpture. Who know maybe you'll be seeing some of my creations or this title added to our collection soon.

Plain Kate

Plain Kate by Erin Bow

The winner of the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award for 2011. Congratulations Erin Bow on such a wonderfully written, heartfelt tale. It's one of those books which will be hard to describe but when you put it into someones hands , you'll say "you have to read this."

Summary from the publisher:
Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden charms are so fine that some even call her "witch-blade" - a dangerous nickname in a town where witches are hunted and burned in the square.
For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate's father has died, leaving her alone  in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.
Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he'll give Kate the means to escape the town that seems set to burn her, and what's more, he'll grant her hearts wish. It's a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes that she can't live shadowless forever - and that Linay's designs are darker than she ever dreamed.
Thank you Keara C. for putting it in my hands and saying "you have to read this."
Book Trailer.

January

January by Gabrielle Lord

Last week I was asking students for something good to read, something  with  a strong male protagonist. I had lots of suggestions, many I had already read, some were just too big. I ended up taking January -book one of the Conspiracy 365 series home with me and well -- WOW! I certainly got what I asked for. It was a crazy wild ride from beginning to end, and then ending well what can I say they left the poor guy inside an oil storage tank with it slowly being refilled with the heavy smelly slick stuff. If you're not grasping for book 2 February , you'd better check to see if you have a pulse.
If you like Alex Rider or the 39 clues series then this might be a good pick for you.
Here's the summary from the back cover.
On New Year's Eve Cal is chased down the street by a staggering sick man with a deadly warning...
They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days!
Huried into a life on the urn , wtih a price on his head, the 15-year-old fugitive is isolated and alone. Hunted by the law and ruthless criminals, Cal must somehome uncover the truth about his father's mysterious death and a history-changing secret. Who can he trust, when the whole world seems to want him dead?
The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last.


Book trailer.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
by Catherynne Valente

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman  in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talismen the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn't ... then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fariyland. September is already making new friends, including a book loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.
For all readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience that is unforgettable and beautiful.

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes

The Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a little less predictable -- until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he's ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who oppose the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.

In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also drawn mysteriously to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to peice together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

Book trailer.

 

The Last Little Blue Envelope

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

Well, I hadn't had a big dose of chic-lit in quite awhile so that is what's up with this post and the previous one. I have to admit that I am a fan of Johnson's first book 13 Little Blue Envelopes and was happy to go along for the ride in this follow up book, The Last Little Blue Envelope. Heading off with  Ginny on a European adventure is a bit of a lark for me, cottoncandy kind of stuff - great once in a while but I wouldn't want to have it every day.

Here's the summary:

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer travelling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack- and the last little blue envelope inside - she resigned herself to never knowing how it was susposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he has found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure - one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits ... and her heart. This time there are no instructions. 

A long, long sleep

A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

I've started digging through the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) boxes and have been picking afew jems - or what I hope will be jems, out to be reading. I also realized that I had been reading a whole bunch of non-fiction titles or dystopian future books and that it was time to change some of that up. So this one got brought home with me and while it is a dystopian future book it is also kind of a retelling of  the sleeping beauty story. I wasn't disappointed, but I don't think it will make "can't wait to tell you guys about it" list either. It reminded me a lot of - Across the Universe by Beth Revis.

Summary from the publisher:
Rosalinda Fitzroy has been asleep for sixty-two years when she is woken by a kiss. Locked away in a chemically induced slumber of a stasis tube in a forgotten sub-basement, sixteen-year-old Rose slept straight through the DarkTimes that killed millions and utterly changed the world she knew. Now, her parents and her first love are long gone, and Rose - hailed upon her awakening as the long-lost heir to an interplantetary empire - is thrust alone into a future in which she is viewed as either a freak or a threat. Desparate to put the past behind her and adapt to her new world, Rose finds herself drawn to the boy who kissed her awake, hoping that he can help her to start fresh. But when a deadly danger jeapordizes her fragile new existence, Rose must face the ghosts of her past with open eyes  - or be left without any future at all.

Icefall

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

I read this book last week and felt completely caught up in it. If your looking for your next action / adventure book that is somewhat based in mythology (like the Percy Jackson books), I would recommend that your give this one a try. I especially liked the aspect of Solveig becoming a storyteller, and retelling the myths and legends of her people (Norse, I think) to keep the peace, to keep them hopeful or motivate them. It truly showed the power of story and the strength of her character.

Summary:
Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering moutains and a frozen sea, Solveig, along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors, anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle. But as the winter stretches on and the unending ice refuses to break, terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst. A malevolent air begins to seep through the fortress walls and a smouldering claustrophobia slowly turns these prisoners of winter against one another.
Those charged with protecting the King's children are all suspect, and the siblings must choose their allies wisely. But who can be trusted so far from their father's watchful eye? Can Solveig and her siblings survive the long winter months and expose the traitor before he succeeds in destroying a kingdom?

Roadsworth

Roadsworth by Roadsworth and Bethany Gibson

Yesterday I took our "Guess the Reader" contest winner with me on a lunch hour shopping spree. The above is one of the choice books we brought back with us for our library.

Here's the write up:
In Oct. of 2001 paint was spilled on the streets of Montreal. A stark primative bike symbol, looking suspiciously like the one the city used to designate the bike path; a giant zipper, pulled open down the centre line of the street on a busy commuter route ; the footprint of a giant, stomping through the city while the people slept. By 2004 Roadsworth had pulled off close to 300 pieces of urban art on the streets of Montreal. In the fall he was charged with 51 counts of public mischief. It seemed to signal the end of his career. Instead the citizens of Montreal and lovers of his work from around the world rallied their support. A year later he was let off with a slap on the wrist.

This is a thought provoking look at-  What is considered public space?, Is graffiti art? When is graffiti art?  Will societies views on graffiti change? Are they changing now?

Here's a small clip from the National Film Board  film titled -  Roadsworth: Crossing the line.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever

Today is the day, we are hosting a free webcast with author Jeff Kinney author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and today is also the release date for book six Cabin Fever. If you are a fan don't miss out, be ready at 8:00 a.m.
See you there.

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick : 14 amazing authors tell the tales by Chris Van Allsburg, with an introduction by Lemony Snicket

I've been patiently waiting for this one to arrive, and yippee it's finally here. I know many of you will be familiar with the original book The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, with those wonderful black and white illustrations and just one simple story opener and a couple of dots that invite the reader to continue on ...
Well now we have some of our favourite authors finishing those sentences and creating a full fledged short story around them. It requires a closer look at the illustration and an imagination that is ready and raring to go. Some are scary, some humorous and many will be memorable. This will make a perfect Xmas gift for that favourite LA teacher (hint, hint.)
Here's the list of authors: Serman Alexie, M.T. Anderson, Kate DiCamillo, Cory Doctorow, Jules Feiffer, Stephen King, Tabitha King, Lois Lowry, Gregory Maguire, Walter Dean Myers, Linda Sue Park, Louis Sachar, Jon Scieszka, Chris Van Allsburg.

Curious what kind of stories young aspiring writers create, have a look here and don't be afraid to submit your own.
http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/harrisburdick/readers_stories.html

Check out the

Inheritance

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

I know that the true fans of this series devoured their own copy of Inheritance this weekend, but for those of you who are patiently waiting for our library copies I should have them ready to go sometime on Monday. In the meantime here is a teaser.

Not so very long ago, Eragon - Shadeslayer, Dragonrider - was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on thier shoulders.
Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heart breaking loss. And still the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.
The rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaesia? and if so at what cost?

Epitaph Road

Epitaph Road by David Patneaude

Summary from the back cover:

A modern utopia where 97% of the men are dead.

Kellen Dent feels all alone. In 2097, he practically is. thirty year earlier, an airborne virus nearly caused man's extinction. Now women rule the world, and poverty, crime, war and hunger have all disappeared. With tight restriction on men's behaviour, fourteen-year-old Kellen fells like he has no say in his future. When a rumored outbreak of the virus threatens Kellen's outcast father, he knows that he must warn him of the coming danger, no matter what the consequences. During his desperate race to hind his dad, Kellen uncovers a secret so frightening that his life and the future of the world will never be the same.

I only got started this morning, so far the first 50 pages have gotten my attention.   

MC Escher

M C  Escher by Sandra Forty

M C Escher's works might be some of the most famous, most recognized works going. You've probably seen posters, cards or prints of these amazing perspective drawings and block prints. This will be the perfect book for those aspiring artists or those of you fascinated with optical illusions. The book contains a brief history of Escher, followed by a chronology of his works. I hope you enjoy this one, I did.

Read On.

Book Inspiration

This past spring my husband and I were at the public library, browsing around, this was the book he brought home with him. It was his inspiration to build a go-cart (he had one when he was a kid, and dreamed of building his own). He quickly gathered pieces and began the build. Here are some photos.

So I guess it isn't any wonder that I've added a new title to the Lakie collection. I'm hoping it will inspire some of you. P.S. his next build is book mobile. Maybe you'll be seeing it at a school near you ;-D

In search of Sasquatch

In Search of Sasquatch by Kelly Milner Halls

I'm not sure whether it was all the creepy stories my brothers told me about mysterious creatures lurking in the dark and the shadows or if it's because it's Halloween night. But as I sat curled up reading this book, I couldn't help but wonder if there really is or could be such a thing as Sasquatch.

This book takes a look at the native american myths and legends of Bigfoot, current scientists that are actively researching and investigating any evidence that comes up, as well as debunking some stories that have circulated. It was fascinating to hear of real science being applied to these investigations. The question is do you believe? and if not maybe this book will convince you for the next time your out in the woods.
Oh Yeah, this book even references an article from the Lethbridge Herald of 1959. And I especially love the end papers featuring a deep dark forest and quotes Hall has collected during her research of the book.

The Always War

The Alway War by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I'm a big fan of Magaret Peterson Haddix, her books are always thought provoking, what would life be like it??? And she once again has created a story where we ask that exact question. What would life be like if your entire life your country has been at war, how about not just your lifetime but also your parents lifetime, what if this war had been going on for as long as people could remember? Interesting and a scary thought.

Here's the summary from the back cover.
For as long as Tessa can remember, her country has been at war. When local golden boy Gideon Thrall is awarded a medal for courage, it's a rare bright spot for everyone in Tessa's town - untile Gideon refuses the award, claims he was a coward, and runs away. Tessa is bewildered, and can't help but follow Gideon to find out the truth. But Tessa is in for more than she bargained for. Before she knows it, she has stowed away on a rogue airplane and is headed for enemy territory. But all that pales when she discovers a shocking truth that will change the world. But is Tessa strong enough to bring it into the light?

Teachers got caught reading

Can you guess who's reading what? All these readers are from our G.S. Lakie staff. Check out the bulletin board in the library to enter the contest and win fabulous prizes.

Pie

Pie by Sarah Weeks

This book will have your mouth watering with all the talk of pie, but I think you'll also enjoy the tasty mystery and colorful characters Sarah Weeks has created in her latest novel.
"Polly Portman was a natural born pie maker. When she was little, even her mud pies were a cut above what anyone else in the sandbox was doing."

I enjoyed how each new chapter starts out with a recipe card for a pie, and how each of these pies is meant for a particular person of the story. Wonderful, charming read - and now I think I'm off to try my hand at one of the recipes.

Case closed?

Case closed? nine mysteries unlocked by modern science by Susan Hughes

This was a fascinating read suggested by one of our students. The nine mysteries are: ancient eypgtian female pharoh Hatshepsut -was it murder?, Could early explorer Hsu Fu reach North America in a bamboo boat?, What happened to the city of Ubar? Where did the Anasazi people disappear to? What happened to the men of  Sir John Franklin's mission to find the North West Passage?, Could Russian princess Anastasia escaped ?,  Did George Mallory summit Mt. Everest first?,   What happened to the airliner Stardust?,  Where did INS Dakar go?,

These mysteries are researched and debunked with the use of modern science. I learned alot and found these cases to be filled with intrigue, some of them get completely solved, others are still part mystery. 

Dark Eden

Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

I've had the good fortune of receiving the advanced reading edition of this one and having been consuming it for a couple of days and I have to admit to being caught right up in the scary side of phobias. And of course Patrick Carman is still on the cutting edge of bringing his books to life this time with an interactive apps for your iphone / android phone / ipad / ipod / techno gadget. It will make it way to our library soon, get your name on the hold list.
Summary.
Fufteeb-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares - with the help of the group facilitator, Ransford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains ... What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?
  Heres the book trailer and some info from Patrick Carman

The Grimm Legacy

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

What if fairy-tale magic really existed?
Elizabeth has just started working as a page at the New York Circulating Material Repostitory, a lending library of objects - contemporary and historical, common and obscure. And secret, too - for in the repository's basement lies the Grimm Collection, a room of magical items straight from the Grimm Brothers fairy tales. But the magic mirrors and seven-league boots and other items are starting to disappear. And before she knows it, she and her fellow pages - handsome Marc, perfect Anjali, and brooding Aaron - are suddenly caught up in an exciting but dangerous adventure.

Trailer.



60sec recap

Blizzard of Glass

Blizzard of Glass : the Halifax Explosion of 1917
by Sally M. Walker

Summary from back cover:
December 6, 1917, started lie any other day in Halifax, but everything stopped shortly before 9 a.m., when two ships collided in Halifax Harbour. One of those ships was loaded with munitions and the other held medical supplies, both intended for war-torn Europe.
The resulting disaster was the largest man-made explosion until the detonation of the atomic bomb in 1945. The blast flattened two towns, Halifax and Dartmouth, and killed nearly 2,000 people. As if that wasn't devastating enough, a blizzard hit the next day, dumping more than a foot of snow on the area and slowing much needed relief efforts.
Packed with period photographs, Blizzard of Glass is just what today's young nonfiction lovers are looking for: a fascinating true story and a gripping read.

Back in 2004 Cathy Beveridge wrote a fiction story based on the Halifax explosion titled : Chaos in Halifax, it's a great book and this is also a great book filling in some details about this harrowing event in Canadian history. I liked how the book followed the story of several young people (survivors) as they started their day and the aftermath that followed. The photos from the Nova Scotia archives also provide the reader with a true sense of how forceful the blast and the following tsunami was on the towns of Dartmouth and Halifax.
I can't wait to share this narrative non-fiction with G.S. Lakie students.

Son of Neptune

Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Yes, it's finally here! and we have a couple of copies, and our first folks on the holds list are fast readers, so your turn will arrive quickly (I hope?).

Here's the cover summary.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demi-gods, revies fearsome monsters and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a  demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells for him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth.

Book trailer.

Losing Joe's Place

Losing Joe's Place by Gordon Korman

I love so many of Gordon Korman's books that they're getting hard to list, and here's another one to add. Quirky characters, unbelievable events and laughs - what more could you ask for?

Summary:
"Whatever you do, DON'T lose me this lease. It's the best deal in town. Sell your friends, but hang onto the apartment."

Jason and his two best friends are about to have the ultimate summer experience in the big city. And they get to use Jason's brother's apartment for the summer. All they have to do is be sure to pay Joe's rent each month. No problem, right?
Wrong.
They didn't count on dealy with the sleazy landlord, or Joe's strange friend, Rootbeer. And they certainly weren't expecting Joe's Camaro to go missing. Keeping Joe's place turns out to be way harder than they'd expected.

Everything on it

Every thing on it by Shel Silverstein

Have you ever read a book with every thing on it?

Well, here it is, an amazing collection of never before published poems and drawings from the creator of Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling UP. You will say Hi Ho for the tiolet troll, get tongue-tied with Stick-a-tongue-out-Sid, play a highly unusual horn, and experience the joys of growing down.

What's that? You have a case of the Lovetobutcans? impossible! Just come on in and let the magic of Shel Silverstein bend your brain and open you heart.

Although I cannot see your face

As you flip these poems awhile,

Somewhere from some far off place,

I hear you laughing -- and I smile.

Floors

Floors by Patrick Carman



Charlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel.
The Whippet Hotel is a strange place full of strange mysterious people. Each floor has its own quirks and secrets. Leo should know most of them - he is the maintenance man's son afterall. But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when a series of cryptic boxes are left for him ... boxes that lead to hidden floors, strange puzzles, unexpected alliances. Leo had better be quick on his feet, because the fate of the building he loves is at stake... and so is Leo's own future.

Here's  the trailer

This Dark Endeavour

This Dark Endeavour : the apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel

Wow! just finished and yes WOW. From the opening chapter, I was hooked, dark, mysterious, historical, brothers, jealousy, love, action/adventure, magic, villans. Hooked yet? If not -here's the summary from the book jacket.

The purest intentions can stir up the darkest obsessions.
Sixteen-year-old Victor Frankenstein leads a charmed life. He and his twin brother, Konrad, and their beautiful cousin Elizabeth take lessons at home and spend their spare time fencing and horseback riding. Along with their friend Henry, they have explored all the hidden passageways and secret rooms of the palatial Frankenstein chateau. Except one.
The Dark Library contains anceint tomes written in strange languages and filled with forbidden knowledge. Their father makes them promise never to visit the library, but when Konrad becomes deathly ill, Victor know he must find the book that contains the recipe for the legendary Elixir of Life.
The elixir needs only three ingredients. But impossible odds, dangerous alchemy and a bitter love triangle threaten the quest at every turn. Victor knows he must not fail. But his success depends on how far he is willing to push the boundaries of nature, science and love - and how much he is willing to sacrifice.

The Stone Child

The Stone Child by Dan Poblocki
This was a book that was recommended by one of our students, I can definately see why he thought it would be a good addition to our library. Scary. - You guys know I don't like scary books, so why did I take it home on a  gloomy, rainy, dark afternoon? Thanks for setting me up to jump at every little noise around me!
Here's the summary.
How cool! Eddie loves scary stories, and he is moving to the small town where his favourite author, Nathaniel Olmstead, used to live. The author vanished without a trace thirteen year ago, like something out of one of his own creepy novels.
But Eddie soon learns that life in Gatesweed isn't as idyllic as he hoped. He keeps seeing strange things, unreal things, horrible things that shoule only exist in Olmstead's books. How have they escaped the pages to terrorize the town?
Soon Eddie realizes that he and his new friends Harris and Maggie must solve the mystery of Olmstead's disappearance before Eddie's mom finishes writing her own scary tale, unleashing the most horrific creature of all.

Trash

Trash by Andy Mulligan

I was resisting this book, I though this book is gonna break my heart, this book is gonna depress me. Instead I got quite a surprize, I got a book so packed with mystery and suspense I could barely put it down. I got a book that is still with me a week after. I got a book that shows the hopeful side of the human condition in the dirtiest, smelliest, aweful settings I've ever read about. Resiliency, a powerful attribute, an excellent theme for a book if it can be done thoughtfully - Andy Mulligan succeeded in designing an amazing book about it.
Summary from the back cover:
Raphael is a dumpsite boy. He spends his days wading through mountains of steaming trash, sifting it, sorting it, breathing it, sleeping next to it. Then one lucky-unlucky day, Raphael's world turns upside down. A small leather bag falls into his hands. It's a bag of clues. It's a bag of hope. It's a bag that will change everything. Soon Raphael and his friends Gardo and Rat are running for their lives. Wanted by the police. It takes all their quick thinking, fast talking to stay ahead. As the net tightens, they uncover a dead mans mission to right a terrible wrong. And now it's three street boys against the world.

Here's the book trailer.

Lunch Lady series

This graphic novel series is clever and fun, perfect for a quick read during math.
Could our mild mannered Lunch Ladies actually be superheroes with a great disguise? According to Jarret Krosoczka the answer is definately YES.
Creative, clever, love Betty's kitchen spy gadgets, hilarious.

I So Don't Do Makeup

I So Don't Do Makeup by Barrie Summy
Summary:
This third mystery about fast thinking sleuth Sherry Holmes Baldwin is perfect for those that love investigating with heroines they can relate to.
What's better than a sleepover? A sleepover with makeovers! Sherry and her friends have an awesome time with eye shadow, glitter, and more hair products than a salon. But when the girls wake up the next morning with serious skin issues, Sherry is freaked. Someone must have tampered with her makeup. And if anyone can solve a mystery involving mascara, it's Sherry Holmes Baldwin.

Withering Tights

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison

Confession of Georgia Nicholson is back with Georgia's younger cousin Tallulah Casey. Yes! more hilarity from Jolly Ole England.

Summary:

Picture the scene: Dother Hall preforming arts college somewhere Up North , surrounded by rolling dales, bearded cheesemaking villagers (male and female) and wildlife of the squirrely type. On the whole its not quite the showbiz experience Tallulah was expecting ... but once her mates show up and they start their FAME I'm gonnnna liiivvvve forevvvver, I'm gonna fill my tiggghts summer course things are bound to look up. Especially when the boys arrive (When DO the boys arrive?) Six weeks of parent-free freedom, BOY freedom, artistic freedom, cos it's the THEATRE dahling, theatre.

Here's the trailer.