Random Acts of Kindness

So, I created a bulletin board for other people to enjoy -- when I entered our library Monday morning this is what I found.

Thank you Mrs. Hudson and your awesome group of Grade Seven's, you not only made my day but quite possibily my whole month. I hope your Random Acts of Kindness keep spreading.

All These Things I've Done

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant DA's son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidentally poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly Anya finds herself thrusts unwillingly into the spotlight - at school, in the news, and most importantly within her mafia family.

I've enjoyed all of Gabrielle Zevin's books so far, so I was not disappointed with this one either. I quickly fell into liking the character Anya and her family, I love the Romeo / Juliet concept of forbidden love - and family duty, I liked the dystopian future ideas although I think that they could have been elaborated on. So I'd probably give it 4/5 on the readability scale - unfortunately I think they've talked Gabrielle into making this a series, when it really is a great stand alone story.
I think lots of you will enjoy it.
REad On

Romeo and Juliet

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

This version of the classic Romeo & Juliet also contains (and starts the book) a retelling - Juliets Story by Jacqueline Ritten, this story is written normal, like a work of fiction - a story not a play. Then the second part of the book is the actual play written by William Shakespeare. So the retelling acts as a bridge or a summary of the story told in language that is more understandable and preps you for whats coming up -- The play.

I know in the past we've had readers become interested in Shakespeares works, it's challenging, so having a book that can help with explaining the language and storyline can be a great help. this is one of those books. I especially liked at the end of the book what Romeo and Juliet's facebook pages might look like.

Here's the summary from the publisher:
These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which, as they kiss, consume.
When Romeo first lays eyes on the bewitching Juliet, it's love at first sight. But thought their love runs true and deep, it is also completely forbidden. With family and fate determined to keep them apart, will Romeo and Juliet find a way to be together?
William Shakespeares masterpiece is one of the most enduring stories of star-crossed love of all time. Beautifully presented for a modern teen audience with both the original play and a prose retelling of the beloved story , this is a must have edition of a timeless classic.