Ms. Nevitt's Sixth Grade EST

I had a chance to meet the sixth grade class the other day. It was great. I have to be honest I was pretty nervous when Ms. Nevitt said she was taking me to meet her sixth grade EST. I don't get out of the library during the day; I mostly go out at night. Once in class I felt pretty good.
Ms. Nevitt did a great job talking about me and my blog. I'm glad you couldn't see my red face.
I hope you visit often and tell me about what book you are reading.

The Mysterious Benedict Society Review

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Reviewed by: Shelby
This was one of the best books I've ever read, and you won't want to put it down until you've finished. The book is about four children (later known as the Secret Benedict Society) chosen for their skills and intelligence to go to a school and figure out how Mr. Curtain is sending secret messages through T.V. broadcasts. And why....
They are in more danger than they think. They speak with Mr. Benedict, the manthat has been researching this for years, throught Morse code. Talking in riddles they have to find out how to stop Mr. Curtain from carrying out his plan. Though the Whisperer may be stronger than they think! Each child has his/her own story and problem that may help in the end.

Coraline Book Review

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Reviewed by Shelby
Coraline is a very interesting book about a child that moves into a new house with 14 doors. Only one is locked, and when opened it opens to a brick wall. At night, curious Coraline opens the door to the mirror image of her house, not a brick wall. The other mother and father want her to stay and to let them love her. She leaves but the other mother traps her parents. In her adventure to find her parents and three lost souls she finds the true personality of the mother with black button eyes, but also makes friends with her crazy neighbors and a talking black cat. Will she be trapped with her other parents in the mirror world or will she unlock the secrets to getting out?

Earthseed Review

Earthseed by Pamela Sargent
Review by Shelby
This is a great book that catches your eye and makes you not want to put it down until you finish. This science fiction book is about Ship, who cares for children brought from Earth to live on a habitable plant trying to preserve pure humankind. As Ship gets close to a habitable planet. Ship sends probes to search it. While preparing for their departure, Ship sends them into the Hollow, a small piece of Earth to prepare for what they will face on the new planet. When new people arrive and real personalities appear it's up to Zoharet and her friends to save Ship and even their own destinies.

Long Time

It's been a long time since I've posted. I'm sure you have guessed by now that school is back in session. Dude, is this place busy.
I can hardly believe it some of you people have already met your AR goals.
NEWS FLASH! I have a new friend living in the library. Her name is Ollie. She is from Ireland and very well traveled. She is small but does she have a ginormous intelligence. Come in and meet Ollie.
Her favorite thing is being green. No, not just color but living green. Really is passionate about the three R's. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Ollie is teaching me so much about being green. We'll keep you posted on what we are learning.
Great news, Ollie has agreed to reviewing books. It's going to be great to have her reading and sharing. So many books, so little time.
Come in and check us out.

My Summer Fun

School's Out

Wow, school is out for summer. This year went fast. I have been getting my summer reading list ready. Looking at some travel books. Looking forward to seeing some sights and hanging with friends.
Ms. Nevitt, she's the high school librarian. She is going to Scotland this summer. She'll be staying at the castle that was used in the Harry Potter films. How cool is that. SA WEEET! I have been trying to figure out a way to hide in her suitcase but I'm afraid I'm too big for that. I sure hope she brings back alot of pictures and will share them with us. Maybe she can post.
My family will be coming this evening for me. Heading back to the high caves and all my dragon friends. Looking forward to having time with them this summer. I don't know what the family vacation plans are yet. Hoping it will be someplace really interesting.
I am going to go to the Minnesota Science Museum and see the Star Wars exhibit. It should a great time. Maybe I'll see some of you there.
I will try to post about a good book I read this summer.
I'll say good-bye for the summer and be safe.
Happy Reading, Dewey

New Books

Have you "checked out" the new books that the middle school library has gotten?
Here' a few titles to look for:
Peter and the Secret of Rundoon #3 in the series by Dave Barry
SnakeHead - #7 in the Alex Rider series
Into the Wild - #1 in the Warrior Series by Erin Hunter
Castaways
Alchemyst - My favorite at the moment
Nine books in the Star Wars series
Graphic Novels - like comic books
American Born Chinese
Exploring the Eco System
Nancy Drew too name a few.

Come on in a browse a while.

I'm baaaaacccckkk!

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted.
Been really busy here in the library. The computer has been used every time I was going to post something. Inventory of the books in the library had to be done. That is now completed. Let you in on a secret, you can't use the excuse that you don't have the book and it's somewhere in the library. They know what's in here and what's not.
I read the sign that last check out is May 16th, that's Friday. Better get the books read and AR test done and books back. If you don't have the books back and fines paid by finals you don't get to take finals. That will make your grades nose dive and make unhappy parents.
Heads up - Start looking for any books you might have lost.

Swindle by Gordon Korman

Griffin Bing has spooky sleepover in a haunted house. He discovers something more valuable than gold: a rare Babe Ruth baseball card.

He's on his way to a million dollars until a mean collector tricks him out of the card. Griffin puts together a team of friends in order to get the card back.

A great read. It is funny. The planning that goes into getting the card back is inventive. You'll enjoy this book from beginning to end.

4 scales

AR 4.9, 5 points

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

It's a mixture of mystery, magic and adventure centering around a girl called Meggie and her father, Mo. The author creates great characters and really imbues the story with her love of books. It's a hard book to put down and definitely should not be seen as a children-only book because there's so much in it to enjoy.

Find time and read this book. It might be a little slow to start but stick with it you'll find it's a good story.

4 scales

AR 5.4, 23 points

Time Tripper - YesterMorrow

This book is about Harry Keller an average High school student. Who can go into another dimension called A-time. Well I guess he's not so average. In A-time Harry can view people time lines, the past, present, and future of people depending on the choices they make

Everything is going great in A-time when he discovers creatures that he calls Quirks. Quirks are bad events in time that try to force their way into people's time lines. Most of the unfortunate events are minor for instance, drop your mail or have a cramp in your leg but Harry finds a huge Quirk, a suicidal Quirk on Todd Penderwhistle's future time line. On top of all of this, Harry is faced with a huge conflict in his own life- the same boy, Todd threatened to kill Harry earlier that morning. Harry is faced with a decision- Will he use his power to save his enemy Todd, or just say "Well that's too bad for him."
The author, Stefan Petrucha (who has written many popular books including some of the Nancy Drew series) does a phenomenal job of story telling what otherwise could have been a confusing A- Time.

This book is not in the middle school library. It can be found at the Paynesville Public Library.

4 Scales

AR 4.7, 7 points

Popcorn and Pop

Last night (Friday). I was laying on the counter reading and I heard music floating through the air. Being the exceptional dragon that I am, my hearing is great. Anyway, I heard the music and I had to investigate. I shimmied into the nearest vent. Now it was a tight squeeze because I've been hitting the Snicker bars pretty hard lately. I slithered around school following the music. It brought me to the auditorium. I found the Popcorn and Pops concert. Found a vent with a view and made myself comfortable. The 4th and 5th grade Prelude singers were there. The 6th grade choir and even some of the high school choir members. The concert was a success. I liked the songs. Some of the kids were singing and dancing. The fourth grade kids got up there with their recorders and did a great job. As I listened my tail was tapping.

The concert also was a fundraiser for the local food shelf. I took a peek at the stuff the people donated. All I can say is, Wow.

The popcorn and pop after the concert looked good but since I'm fitting in the vents pretty tight I figured I'd better skip the refreshments this time around.

The concert was brilliant. Mrs. Strand and Mrs. Bungum, hats off to you for your fine job.

To all - Bravo!

Something to read.

I was thinking since it's now 4th quarter and you'll be looking for something new to read. I'd like to suggest Scott Westerfeld, Midnighters series. There are 3 books in the series. They read really fast and it has a good story.

A girl moves to a new high school in Bixby, Ok. and finds out that there is a secret hour only a very few know about.

The books are like popcorn you keep going until the last kernel is gone.

4 scales

elsewhere

I just finished reading elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin.
I had read different reviews and they were all good.
I will be honest as I read the book I had to keep telling myself to keep going. It wasn't a bad book but I kept waiting for something big to happen. When I was done I realized it was a good book. It's about a girl being dead but it's not creepy.
Give it a try.
You can find it at Paynesville library. If not on the shelf request it.

3 1/2 scales

AR 4.3, 9 pts.

Whew!

It's Saturday and so quiet in the library today. It was quiet yesterday too but I was exhausted from the week I had to take a few naps before I felt like my dragon self. This past week was short but really busy. End of quarter, everyone getting there AR test done. The computers decided not to print the TOPS reports. It was pretty wild. I watched the students and I'll say they handled themselves really well. Everyone was patience while Mrs. Porter printed the TOPS report. I could tell she was pleased with how you acted.
Now that we have had a few days off and are all relaxed.
It's time to find the books to read to make our AR goals. I like the saying "So many books, so little time".
I have a few book reviews here in my blog to help you find a book. Mrs. Porter can help you too. If you don't find a book in our library there is a link to the Paynesville library in the links section. What's great about the Paynesville library is that they can get you any book you want through the inter loan library system. See a book at the book store, school library doesn't have it, you probably get it through the inter loan system. I use it all the time. Boy, does it save on the money. Ask Mrs. Porter or Ms. Nevitt and they can explain it. I know if you ask at the library in town they'd be happy to help you out.
Now, get reading. Your last quarter for the year has started.
Dewy

Cool website.

I was cruising through the Internet the other night and I came across a website that is really cool.
www.teenread.com There are book reviews and author interviews. You can find reviews on new books or books you might want to read but not sure about. Look up your favorite author and read their interview. They even have a monthly contest to win prizes.
Check it out!

I just finished reading Beastly by Alex Flinn. It is the contemporary retelling of Beauty and Beast the fairy tale from the beast point of view. It a charming story with the beast being a self centered teen boy who's father is famous and wealthy. The beauty is a girl who is smart, poor and unnoticed in the well do private school.

A very good read.

Dewy's rating 4 scales.

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

"The Alchemyst" was most definitely a page-turner. One of the most major things I liked about the main characters was that they weren't perfect. Sophie and Josh both had their own personal fears and like normal fifteen year old, they were not immune to making mistakes. This makes them a lot easier to understand and connect with. Also, there is a lot of mythology mentioned in this book, and afterwards, I had an incredible urge to go read some mythology for myself, making this book a good start on becoming interested in mythology. "The Alchemyst" is a fabulous book and I would recommend it as a must read.

4 Scales

AR level 6.4, points 14

What a librarian hears.

Jeff Kinney Rules!!!!!

Ohhhh, my sides hurt from laughing so hard. Give me a second to wipe the tears from my eyes.

Jeff Kinney's second book Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules is as funny as the first.

Enjoyed every minute reading it. There's a secret in this one that Greg is trying to keep under wraps. You'll have to read it to find out if he does.

I have heard the kids in the middle school talking about the book and it's all been good. You have to get a copy and read. Make sure you have Kleenex near by to wipe your eyes from laughing.

5 Scales

AR level 5.2 Points 3

I just finished reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. I had a hard time writting this review since I had so many tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.


It's not your typical diary. He tells you from the start of the book, it's not going to be "dear diary this or dear diary that". It's about Greg just trying to get through middle school. You meet his family and friends. You meet his brother Rodrick who joy is torturing Greg.


I liked everything about the book from the story to the pictures. It was a fast and fun read. I am looking forward to Mr. Kinney's next book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Rodrick Rules.



It's must read. 5 scales

This book is AR. Level 5.2, 3 points.

I have email!

Dude or dudettes! Thanks for the emails. I pasted them here for all to read.

omg im so excited to read all the new books! i love reading and i love popcorn. sometimes i read books about popcorn and sometimes i like to listen to music when i read and i want to read the new akenhaten trilogy book that just came in ... everyone sould read the first one its amazing. just ask mrs. porter about it. and you all have to read the artemis fowl books. they are so amazing im going to marry artemis because i love him. and i love all the books by tamor pierce she is amazing. the best author ive ever read. and you need to read the books in this library by the author O.R. Melling. they are very amazing but i need to go now. more books to read and you need to read the book called sleeper code... very cool. <3 Diego Ronaldo Sebastian Vincendo

Hey Dewy!! Sup, buddy?? Those books look pretty awesome, I shall have to read a couple of them. It's too bad we can't chat like we used to be able to. Darn high school, being so far away from the middle school library, tis a real shame. A real shame...You should give me a call though if you hear anything about new Garth Nix books though. They are so unbelievably amazing!! Garth Nix is my hero...Also tell me if InkDeath comes out. I gotta read that. Inkheart and Inkspell were totally awesome. I should read them again...So how have things been for you lately? I hope you've been well. Bubye for now friend!
-Dor Tog Diego

Book Shelf

book shelf
Originally uploaded by tcgep

These are some of the new books on the shelves. I haven't had a chance to read them. I plan to soon. All of these books have AR test. Jump over to www.renlearn.com and find out the book level and points for the book you're interested in.

Help me out and read a new book and email me at dewystacks@gmail.com what you think. If it's a good review I'll post it here.

Dewy

Library Paintings

Introduction

Hi, I’m Dewey Stacks. I took this name because in my language, which is dragon, I found that humans couldn’t pronounce it. So given where I live I figured the name Dewey Stacks fits. Let me give you a quick history about me.
You probably have seen me. I usually lay on the counter in the Paynesville, MN. middle school library. If you haven’t seen me, where have you been? I lay and watch the comings and goings in the library. Sometimes I pretend to be a spy dragon.
I’m handsome for a dragon, if I say so myself. Only one thing about me that is different from my peers is my wings. My body kept growing but my wings stayed small. This makes flying difficult for me. I just get enough lift to take very short flights. Since I'm only able to do short flights I can’t make it to the high caves where my family and friends live. My mode of transportation is slithering. I do that well.
The reason I live here in the library is my parents feel it’s a safe place for me. Don’t feel bad for me. My parents and friends stop by and visit. We have a great place to gather when the school is empty. We hang out in the courtyard right outside the library doors. P.S. keep this our secert.
My friends and I talk about dragon stuff, such as which one has started breathing fire, which one is having scale problems. We also talk about books. As you can imagine living here in the library I have access to a lot of books. My friends and I review books we have read. I developed a dragon scale of 1 to 5 to rate the books, 5 being the most awesome read.
When the building is empty I slither through the shelves and check out the books and read what looks interesting.
I’ll let you in on a secret. When I read I like to munch. I slither over to the vending machines and get myself a Snickers bar. My favorite. I do have to be careful because too many Snickers make getting into the vents tight. I use the vents to get around the building and check out what’s happening. I go into the high school library and slither around the shelves to see what books I might want to read there. I go over to the gym and watch a game. When there is something going on in the auditorium I make sure to make it there. I’ve seen some great things while out for a slither.
I started this blog because I really want to talk about books I’ve read. Since I use a rating scale with my friends I can use it here too.
Hey, I just had a light bulb moment. You can email me about a book you have read and give it how many scales you think it deserves. I can post it here.
Now I have to tell you I’m really excited about this idea. Remember the email must pertain to a book. I may be a dragon with scales and thick skin but my feelings can be hurt just like yours. Respect will always be used by you and by me.
I’ll keep posting, you keep checking.
Dewey