For fans of Greg Heffley's

For fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, I thought you'd love to see the trailer for the movie that will be coming out this spring. Sometimes when I'm looking out across the forier at lunch I cast some of you for my own wimpy kid movie. This looks like they've done a pretty good job of casting it too.

Extra Credit

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

It isn't that Abby Carson can't do her schoolwork, it's just that she doesn't like doing it. And that means she's pretty much failing sixth grade. When a warning letter is sent home, Abby realizes that her slacking off could cause her to be held back - for real. Unless she want to repeat sixth grade, she'll have to meet some specific conditions, including taking on an extra-credit project: find a pen-pal in a foreign country. Simple enough (even for a girl who hates homework.)

Abby's first letter arrives at a small school in Afghanistan, and Sadeed Bayat is chosen to be her pen pal. Well kind of. He is the best writer, but he is also a boy, and in his village it is not appropriate for a boy to correspond with a girl. So his younger sister dictates and signs the letter.Until Sadeed decides what his sister is telling Abby isn't what he'd like Abby to know.

As the letters flow back and forth between Illinois and Afghanistan, Abby and Sadeed discover that their letters are crossing more than an ocean. They are crossing a huge cultural divide and a minefield of different lifestyles and traditions. Their growing friendship is also becoming a growing problem for both communities, and some people are not happy. Suddenly things are not so simple.

A thoughtful book, that I wish would have been around when I was a kid. I think it suggests at ideas of so many cultural difference - I just wonder if many kids will take it that step further than what Abby did?

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Calamity Jack

Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale

Jack thinks of himself as a criminal mastermind with an unfortunate amount of bad luck. A schemer, a trickster... maybe a thief? But, of course he's not out for himself, he's trying to take the burden off his hardworking mom's shoulders. She'd understand, right? He hopes she might even be proud. Then, one day, Jack choose a target a little more ... "giant" than usual, and as one little bean turns into a great big building destroying beanstalk, his troubles really begin. But with the help of Rapunzel and other eccentric friends, Jack just might out-swindle the evil-giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of the people who live there ... whilst catapulting them and the reader into another fantastical adventure.

A fun follow up to Rapunzel's Revenge.

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Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee

How did Robin of Loxley become Robin Hood? Why did he choose to fight injustice instead of robbing for his own gain? Expressive and gritty, this graphic novel whisks readers back to Crusades era England, where the Sheriff of Nottingham rules with an iron fist, and in the haunted heart of Sherwood Forest, a defiant rogue- with the help of his men and the lovely Maid Marian - disguise himself to become an outlaw.

This was a real fun graphic novel, the legend of Robin Hood is one that we're all familiar with and in this retelling we're once again met with our hero Robin of Loxley (Robin Hood), and his band of merry men - Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet and Maid Marian - who steal from the rich and give to the poor (and a little bit extra).

This definately isn't the Disney version, in fact it give lots of the history of the culture, customs and politics of the time, without dragging the pace of the story down.

The art work is dark and brooding - giving the perfect atmosphere for the deep dark Sherwood Forest, unfortunatley sometimes this dark look made it difficult to tell some characters apart.

Overall I think this will be a popular graphic novel for our library.

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Shiver

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf, her wolf, is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives - In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human or risk losing himself, and Grace forever.

Told from both Grace and Sam's point of views this paranormal romance will make you shiver with anticipation, excitement and dread as winter creeps its way into the story.

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Fireflies in the dark

Fireflies in the dark : the story of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis and the children of Terezin

From School Library Journal:

A profoundly moving testimonial to the resilience of the human spirit under intolerable conditions. Sent to the Terezin concentration camp (perhaps more widely known under its German name Theresienstadt), art teacher Dicker-Brandeis packed art supplies rather than personal items. Here, in poignant narrative, is a record of her wonderful influence over hundreds of doom youngsters, terrified by the separation from their families. Her teaching ability and artistic talents were instrumental in providing an island of sanity in a horrific situation, and in giving an outlet to the children's emotions. Lavishly illustrated with artworks by Terezin children (preserved in two suitcases in a barracks attic), the book is a chronicle of light in the blackest of hours and of a despicable period in human history. Elegant in appearance, devastating in content, almost overwhelming in its quiet intensity, this book is a shining augmentation to the literature of the Holocaust. (Patricia Manning.)

A beautiful reminder of personal strength, a giving spirit and the devastation of the Holocaust, as it took so many creative, beautiful souls.

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Maximum Ride vol. 2

Maximum Ride vol. 2 by Jame Patterson, adapted by NaRae Lee

Having recovered Angel, Max and the flock head to New York City to pursue a lead regarding their true identities. But where the flock goes, erasers are sure to follow. Even more troubling, though, is the voice that's begun whispering in Max's head. Is it her real destiny to save the world?

Once again I enjoyed the graphic novel version of this series, although not quite as much as the first one. This vol. doesn't have quite the same care and edge as the first did, but it's still a great adaptation of the novel, and a terrific fast read.

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Cabin Creek Mysteries

Cabin Creek Mysteries

The Secret of Robber's Cave by Kristiana Gregory

Action! Intrigue! Cliffhangers!

Jeff and David's Dad told them they weren't allowed to explore Lost Island until Jeff's 12 birthday, and that they should never go alone. Jeff and David are going to the deserted island to search for clues - and hidden treasure. Town legend tells of a robber and a secret cave, but the brothers have to piece the truth together. with the help of their cousin, Claire, they'll get to the bottom of the mystery, no matter what they have to dig up!

With a riveting overarching series storyline and a mini-mystery in each title Cabin Creek gives readers what they crave: immediate answers and ongoing suspense. Every book reveals clues, adds layers, and finds the characters investigating, plotting and unraveling clues. They'll need their wits, their courage and their gadgets to get to the bottom of these mysteries.

If you like the Hardy boys or Nancy Drew series you'll be a fan of Cabin Creek.

How to steal a car

How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman

Pete Hautman has given such fabulous reads as Rash and Godless, these books are entertaining, thought provoking and push at some YA boundaries. So it's no wonder that his next book How to Steal a Car once again set me up for an enjoyable, provocative read.

From the back cover-

Are you bored out of your mind? Sick of your friends and family? Wish you were somewhere (anywhere) else? Stealing a car might help.

15 year old Kelleigh enters the world of stealing cars quite by accident, finding a man's car keys in a parking lot and taking the car for a spin was just a prank, borrowing her Dad's Lexus in the middle of the night an escape from her torturous family, stealing the neighbours car was to help out a friend, but before long the sense of being alive only comes when she is driving a stolen car.

This is a short read, told in first person narrative with tight chapters and believeable characters and will make readers consider the challenges of coming of age.

Copper

Copper by Kazu Kibuishi

First off I have to say how much I admire the work of Kazu Kibuishi, the style and incredible workmanship of his drawings for Amulet, Flight and now Copper are outstanding.

Copper is a series of short 1 -4 page vinettes about an optimistic, hopeful boy - Copper and his best friend, sometimes fearful, not-so-optimistic dog Fred. The situations these two encounter are very much real life, but at the same time have a dreamy, other dimension feel to them. I love them, I love the idea of facing your fears with a sense of discovery rather than sense of dread.

i think my favourite - is The Waterfall on page 39.
I also appreciate Kibuishi's encouragement to young artists, and his efforts to explain the process he takes in making graphic novels and comic strips. If you'd like to see more of his work check out Amulet 1&2 at the library or visit his website and blog @ - http://www.boltcity.com/
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Do Not Open

Do Not Open : An encyclopedia of the world's best kept secrets by John Farndon

With a name like this who can resist the temptation to peek inside? I know I couldn't. And what was inside surprized and delighted me, answers to stuff I've always wondered about.

The book is divided into eight sections

The Unexplained, Unthinkable, Freaky Facts, Unknowable, Spine-chilling, Spooky, Strange Coincidences and Classified.

I loved finding out how they do magic tricks, conspiracy theories from around the globe and theories about mysterious places like the Bermuda Triangle and the Nazca Lines in Peru.

If your a reader who enjoys Guinness World Records or Ripley's Believe It or Not style of books then you'll probably enjoy DO NOT OPEN. This would definately make my top ten 2009 non-fiction list.

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The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

As you can see from my last post this was one of my favourites but I didn't get a chance to blog about it before we left for the break. So here goes...

Exciting, riveting, face-paced, curious these are all ways I would describe this book. The story centers around Thomas, a young man who arrives to a strange new world inhabited by a group of teenage guys. The glade is what they call the place and it is surrounded by sky-high walls with four openings leading out into a mysterious maze that changes everyday. The boys including Thomas have all had theirs memories wiped out and exist in a crude almost primative way, with most doing boring jobs - except for an elite group that goes out into the maze everyday trying to map and make sense of the maze, figuring that if they can solve it they can return home.

Life of the glade is changed the day after Thomas arrives and for the first time a girl is sent along with the message that she is the last thing to be sent. The pace of the story and the intensity just climbs and climbs from this point on.

This is the first book in what will be a trilogy. So here's hoping that book two will make its way to us in 2010.

Here's the book trailer-

Favourites from 2009

I took some time to look through my list of books that i read in 2009 - 112 in total (down from last years 134.) I found it hard to just do a top five so i've decided to make it a top ten for this year.

And my winners are---

10 - Pop by Gordon Korman
9 - 39 clues - the entire series so far
8 - The Maze Runner by James Dashner
7 - Impossible by Nancy Werlin
6 - Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur
5 - Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
4 - When you reach me by Rebecca Stead
3 - Map of the Known World by Lisa Sandell
2 - The Compound by S.A. Bodeen
1 - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Here's hoping that 2010 holds loads more great books to read.
Read On

Holiday Reading

As some of you know, I spend most weekends and holidays tucked away in my cozy cabin out west of Beaver Mines. The cabin is rustic and we don't have a computer or internet access there so blogging gets put on hold till I'm back in town. So I did spend the majority of my days outside skiing, cutting wood and playing in the snow but I also made time to read 8 books, 2 magazines and the Saturday paper.
Here's some of what I read.

Chasing RedBird by Sharon Creech
It started out as an ordinary summer. But the minute thirteen-year-old Zinny uncoved an old overgrown trail that ran through the woods behind her family's house, she realized that things were about to change. Right from the start, Zinny knew that uncovering the trail would be more than just a summer project. It was her chance to finally make people notice her, and to have a place she could call her very own. But more than that - Zinny knew that the trail somehow held the key to all kinds of questions. And that -- the only way to understand her family , her aunt Jessie's death, and herself, was to find out where it went. I love the simple stylings of Sharon Creech's writing. It reminded me of trying to find my own place amongst my 3 sisters and 3 brothers.


The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
Cursed!
David was only trying to be cool when he helped some of the popular kids steal Old Lady Bayfield's cane. But when the plan backfires, he's the one the "old witch" curses. Now David can't seem to do anything right. the cool kids taunt him and his only friends are weirdos. He even walks into Spanish class with his fly unzipped! And when he finally get up the nerve to ask out a cute girl, his pants fall down in mid-sentence. Is it the Bayfield curse at work? Or is David simply turning into a total loser?

This book often turns up on the challenged / banned book list - but really it takes a great look at how we treat each other, peer-pressure, bullies, real friendship. Even though it was published in 1989 the issues remain the same. Wonderfully funny, thoughtful even if it does have some swears in it. You can tell that Louis Sachar has spent time with Middle Schoolers.


Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
This was the book that kicked off my winter holiday reading - it totally set the mood for the frosty temperature we were having. Loved it - No wonder its a Newbery Award Winner. Here's the summary.

Miyax, like many adolescents, is torn. But unlike most, her choices may determine whether she lives or dies. At 13, an orphan, and unhappily married, Miyax runs away from her husband's parents' home, hoping to reach San Francisco and her pen pal. But she becomes lost in the vast Alaskan tundra, with no food, no shelter, and no idea which is the way to safety. Now, more than ever she must look hard at who she really is. Is she Miyax, Eskimo girl of the old ways? Or is she Julie the modernied teenager who must mock the traditional customs? And when a pack of wolves begins to accept her in their community, Miyax must learn to think like a wolf as well. If she trusts her Eskimo instincts, will she stand a chance at survival?


The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice #1) by John Flanagan

Summary:
He had always wanted to be a warrior. The Rangers, with their dank cloaks and shadowy ways, have always made him nervous. The villages believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now fifteen-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't yet realize is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night , is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied...
Thanks to all the grade sixers that told me I had to read this, it turned out to be great!!


The Year My Sister Got Lucky by Aimee Friedman

Katie and Michaela Wilder are sisters, New York City girls, and best friends. They attend a renowned dance school together and tell each other everything. But the sisters' world changes when they move upstate to rural Fir Lake. Katie is horrified by their new surroundings: the too- friendly neighbors, the lack of a subway, the fact they live near actual cows. Katie is shocked when Michaela adapts to the country life effortlessly by making friends, dating a cute football player, and attending homecoming. But nothing compares to finding out that Michaela's been keeping secrets from her - especially the biggest secret of all.

I wish I could say I like it more but I can't but on the other hand I know quite a number of girls that I will hand it over to as soon as we're back at school.

There's a couple more but that's all I have time for right now.
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