Reading list for July 2009

Here's a reading list I have put together. I haven't read any of these. However they look interesting. If you would like to help me out and read one or more of these books and let me know what you think. I'd appreciate it. Tell me if they it's a good read, does the book fit in for the middle school library, do you think it's worth putting on a want list. If there is a lot swearing or the subject might to mature for middle school let me know. I need your honest opinion. I would suggest going to Flamingnet.com or readingrants.com or even Amazon.com to read a review before getting. I would also suggest getting the books from the public library to read. No one needs to buy any of these titles. Thanks for your help.

The Universe by Paul Melko

Reality Check by Peter Abrahams

Dog on it by Spencer Quinn

Destroy all cars by Blake Nelson

Punkzilla by Adam Rapp

Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel

Heroes of the valley by Jonathan
Stroud

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

A Small White Scar by KA Nuzum

The Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd

How to ditch your fairy by Justine
larbalestier

Book of a thousand days by Shannon
hale

Sirena by donna jo napoli

The unlikely disciple a sinners
semester at Americas holiest university by Kevin roose

Repossessed by am jenkins

Flygirl by sherri l smith

Here lies Arthur by Philip reeve

Milkweed by jerry spinelli

Dairy queen by Catherine gilbert
murdock

The case of the left handed lady an
enola holmes mystery by nancy springer

The thirteenth tale by diane
setterfield

Pretty little liars by sara shepard

Liar by Justine larbalestier

Janes in love by cecil castellucci
jim rugg

How to be bad by e lockhart sarah
mylnowski Lauren myracle

Sweet valley high series 2008
by-francine-pascal

The disreputable history of Frankie
landau banks by elockhart

Jinx by meg cabot

How to be popular by meg cabot

Twenty chickens for a saddle by robyn
scott

Betwixt by Tara Bray Smith

Eternal by Cynthia Leitirich Smith

Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

Freaked by J.T. Dutton

Octavian Nothing by M.T. Anderson

A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson

The Storyteller’s Daughter by Cameron Dokey

Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey

Bad Connection Review

Bad Connection by Melody Carlson

Reviewed by Shelby

This is a really good book about a girl named Samantha Mcgregor. She is a 16 year old strong christian who sometimes gets the gift of dreams or visions from God, showing her someone in trouble. When her former friend Kayla goes missing, God sends her clues to help find her while she's also trying to balance out her fathers death, a brother on drugs, and a cute boy who likes her. Can she do it all before Kayla and another girl die?

Check this book out at the Middle School Library.

AR 4.5

Pts. 9

Mister Monday Review

Mister Monday by Garth Nix
Reviewed by Kellen


What do a plague, a burning school, and minute hand of a clock have in common? They all have one thing in common, Arthur Penhaligon. Arthur is the new kid in a very normal town, or so it seems. One day at school, Arthur was jogging with a few classmates, now he had a hard time doing this chore because of his severe asthma. While jogging his lungs just stopped! He thought he was going to die, and he was going to. But then something strange happened. Two men came out of no where! One of them was in a stroller type device, the other was the stroller man's servant. The man in the stroller asked Arthur if he was Arthur, he said yes. Then the man in the stroller gave Arthur a minute hand of a clock and then the story begins......
Mister Monday was a very mystifying book about a kid who really was apart of a bigger scheme in life. Most guys would like this book. I'd say that you should at least be 12 to read this book because they use some very interesting vocabulary.
I'd give this book 10 out of 10 for it's marvelous use of fantasy and reality. This book will always keep you guessing and trying to figure out what is Arthur really in for and is he over his head?
Well, read the book and find out!

AR 5.9, 12 pts

New Background

New Year, New Look.
I'm trying out some new skins for my blog.
The castles are the same as in the Harry Potter movies. I thought they looked cool. I like having the pics of the castles. Reminds me of home.
Keep checking I might find another background to add.

Fairest Book Review

Book Review by: Shelby
Aza, the daughter of innkeepers was a very homely girl, but she could sing very, very well! She found out that she could illuse, or seem like she was singing from elsewhere. One duchess who didn't insult her like normal people did, brought her to see the king and queen's wedding. Aza met the prince, king, and queen and the queen make Aza into her lady-in-waiting.... As long as she sang for her at the townSings! (Singing and beauty are very VERY important.) The king fell ill and Aza is now struggling with her heart for the prince and singing for the queen who threatens her! After being accused or persuasion and not being loyal, she runs away and finds out who she really is......

AR 4.1
Pts. 8

Happy 2009!

Wow, a New Year to start new ideas.
I have so many ideas in my head swimming around it almost makes me dizzy. We'll see where that leads us.
I did read over the school break. Will be posting reviews.
If you read a book and want to see your review on this blog bring it into Mrs. Porter. She'll make sure I get it online. The book doesn't need to be a new book; a book you found on the shelves of the library is great too.
If you have ideas for this blog let us know. Always open to ideas.
Let's have a great 2009!

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