Check out this Bearded Dragon playing Ant Crush!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
New Arrival! The Bridge to Never Land
Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson wrote the Starcatcher series, a retelling of the famous Peter Pan story. The two authors joined forces once again and wrote The Bridge to Never Land. Here's what Destiny says:
"Aidan and Sarah Cooper begin to decipher a mysterious coded document that they discovered in a secret compartment of an antique English desk their father recently bought at an auction, and as they become more involved in the piece, which seems to be referring to the story about the origin of Peter Pan, a powerful being begins to pursue them."
I can't wait to read this book!
"Aidan and Sarah Cooper begin to decipher a mysterious coded document that they discovered in a secret compartment of an antique English desk their father recently bought at an auction, and as they become more involved in the piece, which seems to be referring to the story about the origin of Peter Pan, a powerful being begins to pursue them."
I can't wait to read this book!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
New Arrival! Ocean of Blood
Darren Shan writes books that are among the most popular here at Smith. He recently started a new series called The Saga of Larten Crepsley, a prequel to the Cirque du Freak series.
Here's what Destiny says about the latest book in the series, Ocean of Blood: "Larten Crepsley and his blood brother Wester, both young vampires, travel widely, trying to experience fully the violent, hedonistic pleasures of the human world before committing to the vampire life."
Are you a fan of the Cirque du Freak universe? If so, don't miss this latest prequel event, Ocean of Blood!
Here's what Destiny says about the latest book in the series, Ocean of Blood: "Larten Crepsley and his blood brother Wester, both young vampires, travel widely, trying to experience fully the violent, hedonistic pleasures of the human world before committing to the vampire life."
Are you a fan of the Cirque du Freak universe? If so, don't miss this latest prequel event, Ocean of Blood!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Jedi Squirrel!
Jedi come in all shapes and sizes, including our favorite woodland critter, the squirrel! Enjoy!
Monday, November 28, 2011
BoTW: The Eleventh Plague
I am a big fan of The Walking Dead series. I've read the first graphic novel compendium and watched both seasons of the TV series on AMC. Young adult literature didn't really have an equivalent until Jeff Hirsch wrote The Eleventh Plague, a book that mirrors everything about The Walking Dead except for the roving hordes of flesh-eating zombies.
The book opens up with Stephen helping his Dad bury Stephen's grandfather. Some years ago, the United States went to war with China. The U.S. launched nuclear weapons at China, China reciprocated by unleashing a deadly flu virus at the United States called P11H3, aka the Eleventh Plague. Stephen's grandfather just died, his mother died some years ago, and now it's just Stephen and his Dad. They are scavengers, people who roam the desolated U.S. landscape looking for bits and scraps that they can trade for food, clothes, and ammunition.
After they bury grandfather, the father and son set out again, making their way south towards Florida and a trading outpost. Along the way, they stumble upon a crashed U.S. Airforce bomber. They investigate inside the busted fuselage and discover some treasures, a warm blanket and a can of pears. The latter they choose to devour rather than save to trade later. In this post-apocalyptic world, a can of food is worth its weight in gold. Stephen and his Dad can't resist eating its contents anyways.
The two linger too long at the plane crash site and a pair of slavers stumble upon them. A thunderstorm erupting above them, Stephen and his Dad flee for their lives after unsuccessfully confronting the evil men. Running for their lives, they end up at the edge of a sharp ravine, a raging river below them. Scanning for a new escape avenue, the ground suddenly gives way underneath Stephen's Dad and the river takes him. Stephen sheds his gear and clothes and dives in after him. He grabs Dad in the middle of the churning water, but when he drags him ashore, he finds his father badly injured: a skull fracture and a broken arm and leg.
Truly alone now, how will Stephen survive? How will he care for his father without the modern luxuries of a hospital or medical supplies? Read The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch and find out! It may not have hungry, brain-munching zombies but it's still a great read!
Friday, November 18, 2011
New Arrival! Only the Good Spy Young
By the same author that wrote Heist Society, Only the good Spy Young by Ally Carter is the latest in the Spy School for Girls series.
Destiny says, "Cammie Morgan questions the loyalty of her classmates and friends after she learns that one of her most trusted allies is actually a double-agent, and now danger follows her everywhere."
If you like danger, intrigue, and espionage, this sounds like a must read!
Destiny says, "Cammie Morgan questions the loyalty of her classmates and friends after she learns that one of her most trusted allies is actually a double-agent, and now danger follows her everywhere."
If you like danger, intrigue, and espionage, this sounds like a must read!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Run for your life! It's the Wampug!
What do you get when you cross an adorable pug with a ferocious wampa? This!
Monday, November 14, 2011
BoTW: The Dead and the Gone
The Dead and the Gone by Susan Pfeffer is a book about a Puerto Rican family trying to survive a devastated planet Earth. The story begins when a meteor slams into the moon, knocking it out of its typical orbit. The collision brings about catastrophic climate changes to Earth, plunging the world into a sudden Ice Age. As the temperature drops worldwide, crops fail, hunger ensues, and people starve and die by the millions.
Alex Morales, all of sixteen years old, must protect and provide for his two sisters. The entire books takes place in the middle of a New York City in the midst anarchy and destruction. Be forewarned, this book is stark and serious and not for the faint of heart. It deals liberally with a variety of moral issues, including the bleak choices that come with hard survival.
The Dead and the Gone is a 2009 Lone Star award winner. It can be found on the new release shelf with the other Lone Star winners.
Alex Morales, all of sixteen years old, must protect and provide for his two sisters. The entire books takes place in the middle of a New York City in the midst anarchy and destruction. Be forewarned, this book is stark and serious and not for the faint of heart. It deals liberally with a variety of moral issues, including the bleak choices that come with hard survival.
The Dead and the Gone is a 2009 Lone Star award winner. It can be found on the new release shelf with the other Lone Star winners.
Monday, November 7, 2011
BoTW: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
When I first saw the cover of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, my immediate thought was, "I don't want to read this book." I'll be the first to admit, I was once again judging a book by its cover. In my defense, the cover does depict the silhouette of a girl holding her hand out for a hovering dragonfly, a butterfly net slack at her side. At first glance, I thought the book was about frolicking in meadows and sewing pretty dresses, and as a dude accustomed to reading manly books like Leviathan, I had no inclination to read about a girl and her butterfly net.
You'd think I'd learn.
On a whim, I decided to give Calpurnia Tate a chance. I'm glad I did. Inside, I found an engrossing book about a young girl growing up in central Texas more than one hundred years ago. I love historical fiction and Calpurnia Tate does an exceptional job of painting a picture of what life must have been like in turn-of-the-20th century Texas.
Each chapter of the book begins with a quote from Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species and depicts one in a series of typical events in the life of Calpurnia Tate, the book's main character. Calpurnia is eleven years old, the only daughter of a family of six boys! She lives on a pecan farm not far from Austin and loves more than anything to spend time with her grandfather exploring the countryside studying the local flora and fauna.
What Calpurnia doesn't enjoy doing is everything expected of a girl growing up in 19th century Texas: sewing, cooking, knitting, piano playing, and behaving like a lady. Calpurnia struggles with the weight of these expectations throughout the entire book because deep down she knows she wants nothing more than to go to college and become a natural scientist, a life-long dream that runs counter to her mother and the community in general.
In the middle of Calpurnia's struggle to be a scientist instead of a housewife, Jacqueline Kelly masterfully describes life in the post-Civil War era. One of my favorite chapters entitled "Thanksgiving" tells the story of how Calpurnia's little brother Travis gets the responsibility of caring for the family's three turkeys, all destined for the holiday plate. Travis, a softy for all critters, wastes no time naming all three turkeys and they soon become his very own pets to the point where the turkey trio come running up to greet him whenever he approaches. When Travis discovers the family means to eat the turkeys come Thanksgiving, he does everything he can to "accidentally" allow the birds to escape. It's a hilarious and insightful chapter, but not one that ends happily for Reggie, Tom Turkey, and Lavania.
In some ways, the book's series of anecdotal stories reminds me of the 70s show Little House on the Praire. Calpurnia Tate bears a passing resemblance to the spunky Laura Ingalls. However, Calpurnia Tate is not nearly as full of homespun goodness as Little House. Unlike the TV show, which very often preached a moral code, Calpurnia Tate very much feels like a real person growing up in a unique period of U.S. history.
As you can tell by now, I highly recommend the book. It's smartly written, contains interesting, admirable characters, and is an invaluable prism for gazing into life in Texas a century ago, and yet another example of giving a book a try despite its butterfly girl cover.
You'd think I'd learn.
On a whim, I decided to give Calpurnia Tate a chance. I'm glad I did. Inside, I found an engrossing book about a young girl growing up in central Texas more than one hundred years ago. I love historical fiction and Calpurnia Tate does an exceptional job of painting a picture of what life must have been like in turn-of-the-20th century Texas.
Each chapter of the book begins with a quote from Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species and depicts one in a series of typical events in the life of Calpurnia Tate, the book's main character. Calpurnia is eleven years old, the only daughter of a family of six boys! She lives on a pecan farm not far from Austin and loves more than anything to spend time with her grandfather exploring the countryside studying the local flora and fauna.
What Calpurnia doesn't enjoy doing is everything expected of a girl growing up in 19th century Texas: sewing, cooking, knitting, piano playing, and behaving like a lady. Calpurnia struggles with the weight of these expectations throughout the entire book because deep down she knows she wants nothing more than to go to college and become a natural scientist, a life-long dream that runs counter to her mother and the community in general.
In the middle of Calpurnia's struggle to be a scientist instead of a housewife, Jacqueline Kelly masterfully describes life in the post-Civil War era. One of my favorite chapters entitled "Thanksgiving" tells the story of how Calpurnia's little brother Travis gets the responsibility of caring for the family's three turkeys, all destined for the holiday plate. Travis, a softy for all critters, wastes no time naming all three turkeys and they soon become his very own pets to the point where the turkey trio come running up to greet him whenever he approaches. When Travis discovers the family means to eat the turkeys come Thanksgiving, he does everything he can to "accidentally" allow the birds to escape. It's a hilarious and insightful chapter, but not one that ends happily for Reggie, Tom Turkey, and Lavania.
In some ways, the book's series of anecdotal stories reminds me of the 70s show Little House on the Praire. Calpurnia Tate bears a passing resemblance to the spunky Laura Ingalls. However, Calpurnia Tate is not nearly as full of homespun goodness as Little House. Unlike the TV show, which very often preached a moral code, Calpurnia Tate very much feels like a real person growing up in a unique period of U.S. history.
As you can tell by now, I highly recommend the book. It's smartly written, contains interesting, admirable characters, and is an invaluable prism for gazing into life in Texas a century ago, and yet another example of giving a book a try despite its butterfly girl cover.
Friday, November 4, 2011
New Arrival! Torn
Torn by Margaret Peterson Haddix is the fourth book in the popular and suspenseful The Missing series. Destiny says:
"Time travelers Jonah and Katherine arrive in 1611 to rescue John Hudson, the missing son of explorer Henry Hudson, but just as the mutiny on the "Discovery" is supposed to start, Jonah and Katherine's knowledge of history is tested once again and they fear that more is at stake than just one boy's life. Includes facts about Henry Hudson's explorations."
Stop by the library and check out Torn today!
"Time travelers Jonah and Katherine arrive in 1611 to rescue John Hudson, the missing son of explorer Henry Hudson, but just as the mutiny on the "Discovery" is supposed to start, Jonah and Katherine's knowledge of history is tested once again and they fear that more is at stake than just one boy's life. Includes facts about Henry Hudson's explorations."
Stop by the library and check out Torn today!
Monday, October 31, 2011
BoTW: Gym Candy
Gym Candy by Carl Deuker is a 2009 Lone Star award winner. It's about a young high school football player who feels so much pressure to excel, he turns to steroids to improve his game. The book paints a pretty bleak picture of steroid use, and doesn't pull any punches in describing the drug's many side effects. The ending is especially intense and hard hitting. Gym Candy is a must-read for any sports fan, but also has broad appeal for any reader that likes a good book.
And if you like Gym Candy, you should also check out Pop by Gordon Korman, another football themed book with quality writing, great characters, and a good message.
And if you like Gym Candy, you should also check out Pop by Gordon Korman, another football themed book with quality writing, great characters, and a good message.
Friday, October 28, 2011
New Arrival! Guinness World Recrods 2012
The annual favorite is back! Guinness World Records 2012 is crammed full of the crazy records you love to browse through. Stop by the library and check it out today!
Monday, October 24, 2011
BoTW: When You Reach Me
An event by itself often doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of a person's life. But when you string them together, can they divine a grander meaning? When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead takes a stab at answering that question within a suspenseful, mysterious novel.
Miranda, a twelve-year old of a single parent, witnesses a series of seemingly random events that eventually converge into a mission of life and death. Her mom is preparing as a contestent on the game show The $20,000 Pyramid. Miranda's best friend Sal is inexpicably punched by a new student. Miranda's apartment key goes missing. And then Miranda's received the first of many letters that says:
I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.
The notes keep coming and very often describe events that haven't even happened yet, leading Miranda to the conclusion that only she can prevent someone's premature death.
When You Reach me is the 2010 John Newbery Award Winner and features prominately on the 2010 Lone Star list as well. The American Library Association describes the book as having a "brilliantly constructed plot." Stop by the library and check it out for yourself!
Friday, October 21, 2011
New Arrival! The Berlin Boxing Club
We've got a new arrival here at Smith, The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow. If you like historical fiction about World War II and the holocaust, then this is the book for you! Here's what Destiny says about The Berlin Boxing Club:
"In 1936 Berlin, fourteen-year-old Karl Stern, considered Jewish despite a non-religious upbringing, learns to box from the legendary Max Schmeling while struggling with the realities of the Holocaust."
"In 1936 Berlin, fourteen-year-old Karl Stern, considered Jewish despite a non-religious upbringing, learns to box from the legendary Max Schmeling while struggling with the realities of the Holocaust."
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Library Tip of the Week
Did you know that you can check the status of your library account anytime you want? Want to know what you have checked out? Need to check if you still have that book on hold? Want to find out when your books are due? You can do all of that with the "My Info" button in Destiny. Here's how:
1) Go to Destiny
2) Log in using your Novell usernames and password
3) Click on the My Info tab
4) That's it! You're now looking at a summary of everything you have checked out and on hold.
1) Go to Destiny
2) Log in using your Novell usernames and password
3) Click on the My Info tab
4) That's it! You're now looking at a summary of everything you have checked out and on hold.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
BoTW: Leviathan
I raved about Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld last January (you can check the archive to read what I had to say about this new series) and I'm highlighting the book again because it's just that good!
Leviathan is a steam-punk re-imagining of World War I, full of genetically modified animals and clanker metal war machines. The plot revolves around young prince Aleksander Ferdinand, son of the Archduke Ferdinand and leader of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When the Archduke is brutally assassinated, Alek must flee for his life and muster a plan to fight the men behind his father's death.
You need to read this book now because Behemoth is already out and the third book in the series, Goliath, came out just last month!
Friday, October 14, 2011
New Arrival! Lego Harry Potter
Check out this awesome Lego Harry Potter book! Fans of Legos or Harry Potter or both are going to love this book! Here's what Destiny says about it:
"A guide to the LEGO Harry Potter series that covers the minifigures, creatures, vehicles, buildings, and more, explaining how the LEGO Harry Potter sets get created, examining the details on Hogwarts Castle, Hagrid's Hut, the Burrow, and other sets, and providing an illustrated time line of the production of every LEGO Harry Potter set through the beginning of 2011."
"A guide to the LEGO Harry Potter series that covers the minifigures, creatures, vehicles, buildings, and more, explaining how the LEGO Harry Potter sets get created, examining the details on Hogwarts Castle, Hagrid's Hut, the Burrow, and other sets, and providing an illustrated time line of the production of every LEGO Harry Potter set through the beginning of 2011."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
BoTW: Uglies
This Monday's book is Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.
First and foremost, Uglies is a science fiction book. It's about a society in the future that surgically modifies its teenage children to look beautiful. Before the surgery, a child is called an Ugly. After the surgery, they are a Pretty.
So the book is about a civilization of gorgeous models? Not even close. A minority of kids refuse to have the surgery. Instead, they flee New Pretty Town and form their own community. The government that runs New Pretty Town and conducts the transformations of Uglies to Pretties seeks to crush this rebellion and actively pursues any Ugly that chooses to think for themselves.
Looking for a great sci-fi story with a thought-provoking message about conformity and self-worth? Then look no farther than Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.
Friday, October 7, 2011
New Arrival! Halt's Peril
Are you following the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan? If so, we've got the ninth book in the popular fantasy series! Here's the Destiny summary:
"Tennyson, the false prophet of the Outsider cult, has escaped and Halt is determined to stop him before he crosses the border into Araluen, but Genovesan assassins put Will and Halt's extraordinary archery skills to the test."
"Tennyson, the false prophet of the Outsider cult, has escaped and Halt is determined to stop him before he crosses the border into Araluen, but Genovesan assassins put Will and Halt's extraordinary archery skills to the test."
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
BoTW: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
When I first saw the cover of The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly, my immediate thought was, "I don't want to read this book." I'll be the first to admit, I was once again judging a book by its cover. In my defense, the cover does depict the silhouette of a girl holding her hand out for a hovering dragonfly, a butterfly net slack at her side. At first glance, I thought the book was about frolicking in meadows and sewing pretty dresses, and as a dude accustomed to reading manly books like Leviathan, I had no inclination to read about a girl and her butterfly net.
You'd think I'd learn.
On a whim, I decided to give Calpurnia Tate a chance. I'm glad I did. Inside, I found an engrossing book about a young girl growing up in central Texas more than one hundred years ago. I love historical fiction and Calpurnia Tate does an exceptional job of painting a picture of what life must have been like in turn-of-the-20th century Texas.
Each chapter of the book begins with a quote from Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species and depicts one in a series of typical events in the life of Calpurnia Tate, the book's main character. Calpurnia is eleven years old, the only daughter of a family of six boys! She lives on a pecan farm not far from Austin and loves more than anything to spend time with her grandfather exploring the countryside studying the local flora and fauna.
What Calpurnia doesn't enjoy doing is everything expected of a girl growing up in 19th century Texas: sewing, cooking, knitting, piano playing, and behaving like a lady. Calpurnia struggles with the weight of these expectations throughout the entire book because deep down she knows she wants nothing more than to go to college and become a natural scientist, a life-long dream that runs counter to her mother and the community in general.
In the middle of Calpurnia's struggle to be a scientist instead of a housewife, Jacqueline Kelly masterfully describes life in the post-Civil War era. One of my favorite chapters entitled "Thanksgiving" tells the story of how Calpurnia's little brother Travis gets the responsibility of caring for the family's three turkeys, all destined for the holiday plate. Travis, a softy for all critters, wastes no time naming all three turkeys and they soon become his very own pets to the point where the turkey trio come running up to greet him whenever he approaches. When Travis discovers the family means to eat the turkeys come Thanksgiving, he does everything he can to "accidentally" allow the birds to escape. It's a hilarious and insightful chapter, but not one that ends happily for Reggie, Tom Turkey, and Lavania.
In some ways, the book's series of anecdotal stories reminds me of the 70s show Little House on the Praire. Calpurnia Tate bears a passing resemblance to the spunky Laura Ingalls. However, Calpurnia Tate is not nearly as full of homespun goodness as Little House. Unlike the TV show, which very often preached a moral code, Calpurnia Tate very much feels like a real person growing up in a unique period of U.S. history.
As you can tell by now, I highly recommend the book. It's smartly written, contains interesting, admirable characters, and is an invaluable prism for gazing into life in Texas a century ago, and yet another example of giving a book a try despite its butterfly girl cover.
You'd think I'd learn.
On a whim, I decided to give Calpurnia Tate a chance. I'm glad I did. Inside, I found an engrossing book about a young girl growing up in central Texas more than one hundred years ago. I love historical fiction and Calpurnia Tate does an exceptional job of painting a picture of what life must have been like in turn-of-the-20th century Texas.
Each chapter of the book begins with a quote from Charles Darwin's The Origin of Species and depicts one in a series of typical events in the life of Calpurnia Tate, the book's main character. Calpurnia is eleven years old, the only daughter of a family of six boys! She lives on a pecan farm not far from Austin and loves more than anything to spend time with her grandfather exploring the countryside studying the local flora and fauna.
What Calpurnia doesn't enjoy doing is everything expected of a girl growing up in 19th century Texas: sewing, cooking, knitting, piano playing, and behaving like a lady. Calpurnia struggles with the weight of these expectations throughout the entire book because deep down she knows she wants nothing more than to go to college and become a natural scientist, a life-long dream that runs counter to her mother and the community in general.
In the middle of Calpurnia's struggle to be a scientist instead of a housewife, Jacqueline Kelly masterfully describes life in the post-Civil War era. One of my favorite chapters entitled "Thanksgiving" tells the story of how Calpurnia's little brother Travis gets the responsibility of caring for the family's three turkeys, all destined for the holiday plate. Travis, a softy for all critters, wastes no time naming all three turkeys and they soon become his very own pets to the point where the turkey trio come running up to greet him whenever he approaches. When Travis discovers the family means to eat the turkeys come Thanksgiving, he does everything he can to "accidentally" allow the birds to escape. It's a hilarious and insightful chapter, but not one that ends happily for Reggie, Tom Turkey, and Lavania.
In some ways, the book's series of anecdotal stories reminds me of the 70s show Little House on the Praire. Calpurnia Tate bears a passing resemblance to the spunky Laura Ingalls. However, Calpurnia Tate is not nearly as full of homespun goodness as Little House. Unlike the TV show, which very often preached a moral code, Calpurnia Tate very much feels like a real person growing up in a unique period of U.S. history.
As you can tell by now, I highly recommend the book. It's smartly written, contains interesting, admirable characters, and is an invaluable prism for gazing into life in Texas a century ago, and yet another example of giving a book a try despite its butterfly girl cover.
Monday, September 26, 2011
BoTW: Peter and the Star Catchers
Looking for a great fantasy book? Love Peter Pan and Tinkerbell? Then check out Peter and the Starcatchers, a retelling of the Peter Pan story by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Check out Wikipedia's entry about Peter and the Starcatchers, including summaries of the book and the major characters, comparisons between this book and the original written by Barrie, and critical opinions of the book.
And if you like Peter and the Starcatchers, read the sequels, Peter and the Shadow Thieves,Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, and Peter and the Sword of Mercy.
Look for all four books in the Fiction section, under the call number FIC BARRY. For lots more information about the book, visit the website http://www.peterandthestarcatchers.com/
Friday, September 23, 2011
New Arrival: The Throne of Fire
Have you been reading The Kane Chronicles series by Rick Riordan? If so, I bet you can't wait to read The Throne of Fire! Here's what Destiny says about the book:
"Carter and Sadie must outsmart the House of Life and the gods of chaos in order to complete their worldwide search for an ancient Egyptian book."
"Carter and Sadie must outsmart the House of Life and the gods of chaos in order to complete their worldwide search for an ancient Egyptian book."
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Library Tip of the Week
Have a pass to come to the library during class? No problem! Just keep in mind the following:
See you in the library!
- Sign in at the circulation desk. Be sure to include the time that you arrived.
- If you see Mr. Thomson talking to a class, return to class and try coming another time.
- If you have books to turn in, hang on to them if you plan to check out more.
- If you don't see Mr. Thomson in the library at all, don't wait for him to come back! Return to class and try coming another time.
See you in the library!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
BoTW: SLOB
When you pick up SLOB by Ellen Potter and you stare at the book's cover with an Oreo cookie substituting as the title's "o," you might think you know what the book means by "slob."
To Ellen Potter's immense credit, you would be wrong.
The story opens with Owen Birnbaum, who declares at the beginning of the book that he is likely fatter and smarter than you are. Being overweight AND smart means Owen doesn't fit in well at school. He's got a friend or two, but most everyone at school makes fun of him. Bullies delight in humiliating him, especially Owen's sadistic gym teacher.
But being a social misfit isn't what troubles Owen the most. Well into the book you will find that even though Owen lives with someone he calls Mom, something happened to his real parents. Something tragic. Owen can't let go and move on from his parents' untimely death and so he works on his own personal invention, a device he calls Nemesis, to better cope.
Like Owen tells you from the start, he's smart. Genius smart. Owen knows all about satellite waves and he plans to build Nemesis so that it can grab some security camera footage of his parents the night they were killed.
Heavy stuff.
The book is also very funny and lighthearted. Owen's sister belongs to GWAB: Girls Who Are Boys and insists everyone start calling her Jeremy. The school's thug reportedly carries a switchblade in his sock. Owen's friend Nima makes tasty momos and talks about Tibetan Buddhism karma.
It's the ending, however, that makes SLOB shine. The most beautiful and saddest aspect of the book is how Ellen Potter makes you think slob means one thing, only to turn it around on its head in the book's final pages. Potter artfully combines the themes of her book--loss, grief, forgiveness--and drives them home so poignently. If you don't like crying in public, read the ending in private!
To Ellen Potter's immense credit, you would be wrong.
The story opens with Owen Birnbaum, who declares at the beginning of the book that he is likely fatter and smarter than you are. Being overweight AND smart means Owen doesn't fit in well at school. He's got a friend or two, but most everyone at school makes fun of him. Bullies delight in humiliating him, especially Owen's sadistic gym teacher.
But being a social misfit isn't what troubles Owen the most. Well into the book you will find that even though Owen lives with someone he calls Mom, something happened to his real parents. Something tragic. Owen can't let go and move on from his parents' untimely death and so he works on his own personal invention, a device he calls Nemesis, to better cope.
Like Owen tells you from the start, he's smart. Genius smart. Owen knows all about satellite waves and he plans to build Nemesis so that it can grab some security camera footage of his parents the night they were killed.
Heavy stuff.
The book is also very funny and lighthearted. Owen's sister belongs to GWAB: Girls Who Are Boys and insists everyone start calling her Jeremy. The school's thug reportedly carries a switchblade in his sock. Owen's friend Nima makes tasty momos and talks about Tibetan Buddhism karma.
It's the ending, however, that makes SLOB shine. The most beautiful and saddest aspect of the book is how Ellen Potter makes you think slob means one thing, only to turn it around on its head in the book's final pages. Potter artfully combines the themes of her book--loss, grief, forgiveness--and drives them home so poignently. If you don't like crying in public, read the ending in private!
Friday, September 16, 2011
New Arrival: Angel
Have you been reading the best-selling Maximum Ride series? If so, we've got the latest book, Angel by James Patterson.
Here's what Destiny says about Angel:
"Heartbroken after her best friend and soul mate, Fang, leaves her flock, Maximum Ride begins to believe the evil scientists trying to convince her she needs to save the world, and that Dylan, the newest member of her flock, is her perfect mate."
Pick it up today!
Here's what Destiny says about Angel:
"Heartbroken after her best friend and soul mate, Fang, leaves her flock, Maximum Ride begins to believe the evil scientists trying to convince her she needs to save the world, and that Dylan, the newest member of her flock, is her perfect mate."
Pick it up today!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Library Tip of the Week
Did you know you can put your own books on hold? You can!
Here's how:
1) Go to Smith's Destiny library page.
2) In the upper right hand corner, click "Login."
3) Enter your student id number (sxxxxxx) and password.
4) If you logged in correctly, your name should display in the upper right hand corner.
5) Now, do a search of the book you want to put on hold.
6) When you find the book, click on its title to bring up its detailed information.
7) Off on the right side, you should see a red symbol that says "Hold It."
8) Click on that symbol.
9) You're done! When the book comes in, Mr. Thomson will check it out to you.
Keep in mind that when you put a book on hold, you are put in a queue. There could be one or five or twenty people in front of you that get to check the book out before you do. Also, holds expire after a few weeks. So if you put a book on hold and you don't get the book in a month or so, put in another hold.
Here's how:
1) Go to Smith's Destiny library page.
2) In the upper right hand corner, click "Login."
3) Enter your student id number (sxxxxxx) and password.
4) If you logged in correctly, your name should display in the upper right hand corner.
5) Now, do a search of the book you want to put on hold.
6) When you find the book, click on its title to bring up its detailed information.
7) Off on the right side, you should see a red symbol that says "Hold It."
8) Click on that symbol.
9) You're done! When the book comes in, Mr. Thomson will check it out to you.
Keep in mind that when you put a book on hold, you are put in a queue. There could be one or five or twenty people in front of you that get to check the book out before you do. Also, holds expire after a few weeks. So if you put a book on hold and you don't get the book in a month or so, put in another hold.
Monday, September 12, 2011
BoTW: Heist Society
Heist Society by Ally Carter reminds me of the movie Ocean's 11. Both involve a main character with a burglar background who has to assemble a team of fellow thieves and orchestrate a complex heist.
In the case of Heist Society, Katarina "Kat" Bishop recruits her friend Hale and cousin Gabrielle to match wits with an international criminal Arturo Taccone. Taccone thinks that Kat's dad, an infamous cat-burglar, broke into his high-tech fortress and stole his collection of priceless art. Kat's father denies that he is behind the heist, but Taccone doesn't believe him and threatens to kill him if the art isn't promptly returned.
Up to now, Kat has tried to leave her cat-burglar career behind her. She's a natural thief,a chip off her father's block, but she longs to live a normal, law-abiding life. However, Kat can't just stand aside when someone threatens her father. She takes it upon herself to investigate the heist, discover who actually pulled it off, and exonerate her father.
Does Kat succeed? Read Heist Society, a 2011 Lonestar book and find out!
In the case of Heist Society, Katarina "Kat" Bishop recruits her friend Hale and cousin Gabrielle to match wits with an international criminal Arturo Taccone. Taccone thinks that Kat's dad, an infamous cat-burglar, broke into his high-tech fortress and stole his collection of priceless art. Kat's father denies that he is behind the heist, but Taccone doesn't believe him and threatens to kill him if the art isn't promptly returned.
Up to now, Kat has tried to leave her cat-burglar career behind her. She's a natural thief,a chip off her father's block, but she longs to live a normal, law-abiding life. However, Kat can't just stand aside when someone threatens her father. She takes it upon herself to investigate the heist, discover who actually pulled it off, and exonerate her father.
Does Kat succeed? Read Heist Society, a 2011 Lonestar book and find out!
Friday, September 9, 2011
New Arrival! Cloaked
Did you read Beastly by Alex Flinn? Or maybe you saw the movie this past spring? If so, you might want to read its sequel, Cloaked.
Destiny summarizes Cloaked as, "Seventeen-year-old Johnny is approached at his family's struggling shoe repair shop in a Miami, Florida, hotel by Alorian Princess Victoriana, who asks him to find her brother who was turned into a frog."
Swing by the library and checked out Cloaked today!
Destiny summarizes Cloaked as, "Seventeen-year-old Johnny is approached at his family's struggling shoe repair shop in a Miami, Florida, hotel by Alorian Princess Victoriana, who asks him to find her brother who was turned into a frog."
Swing by the library and checked out Cloaked today!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Repost of Baby Monkey!
Did you miss the Baby Monkey Riding Backwards on a Pig YouTube video? Or do you need to see it again? And again? And again?
Well here it is! Enjoy!
Well here it is! Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Library Is Open for Business!
We had 6th grade classes visit the library all last week. They were treated to a special viewing of the YouTube sensation Baby Monkey Riding Backwards on a Pig and a review of how to check a book out from the library. They also got to check out books!
A reminder, everyone can check out up to two books for two weeks and one magazine for three days. Only one of those books can be a manga or graphic novel. There's lots of opportunities to visit the library, but make sure you come with a pass during a class or advisory.
We'll see you in the library!
A reminder, everyone can check out up to two books for two weeks and one magazine for three days. Only one of those books can be a manga or graphic novel. There's lots of opportunities to visit the library, but make sure you come with a pass during a class or advisory.
We'll see you in the library!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Welcome Back!
Welcome back!
The library isn't quite open for business yet, but stay tuned to the blog for more information! When we do open, swing by the library before school, between passing periods, and after school and pick up some awesome books to read.
6th grade classes will be coming to the library starting next Monday, August 29th. I'll be presenting a brief orientation on how to check out books, where books are located in the library, and how to find books in Destiny, our electronic catalog.
As for the blog, Mondays will still be devoted to Book of the Week, or BoTW for short. I will highlight a book that I've read and that I recommend you read too. Wednesdays are for Library News (like today). Fridays will be all about newly published books that I haven't necessarily read, but look promising.
So stop by often and keep up-to-date with the Smith library!
The library isn't quite open for business yet, but stay tuned to the blog for more information! When we do open, swing by the library before school, between passing periods, and after school and pick up some awesome books to read.
6th grade classes will be coming to the library starting next Monday, August 29th. I'll be presenting a brief orientation on how to check out books, where books are located in the library, and how to find books in Destiny, our electronic catalog.
As for the blog, Mondays will still be devoted to Book of the Week, or BoTW for short. I will highlight a book that I've read and that I recommend you read too. Wednesdays are for Library News (like today). Fridays will be all about newly published books that I haven't necessarily read, but look promising.
So stop by often and keep up-to-date with the Smith library!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Have a great summer!
We're winding down here in the library but summer reading has just begun! Check out the Destiny home page for links to brand new summer reading lists. I recommend reading as many 2011 Lone Star books as you can. Have a great summer and we'll see you next fall!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Pizza Party!
We had a great time at yesterday's pizza party! The participants scarfed much pizza and guzzled much soda. We had four winning entries that qualified for the party and I am posting their book trailers below. Enjoy!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Pizza Party Time!
The library is throwing a second pizza party, Thursday May 5th! How can YOU qualify?
1) Take a look at some of the book trailers on this blog.
2) Create a book trailer of your favorite book. Use Windows Movie Maker or Animoto.
3) Email Mr. Thomson at frank.thomson@cfisd.net your final product by April 29th.
4) Mr. Thomson will choose the seven best book trailers and post them on the Scrolling Scholar. The seven winners will attend the pizza party with a friend of their choosing!
Windows Movie Maker is free software you can download here: http://explore.live.com/windows-live-movie-maker?os=other
Animoto is a free site you can use to make up to a 30 second trailer. You have to pay money to create something longer. You can visit their site at http://animoto.com/
FreePlayMusic is a site that provide free mp3 music files. You can visit it at http://freeplaymusic.com/
Friday, April 8, 2011
New Arrival!
Mistwood by Leah Cypess is a new book we have here in the library. Destiny says:
"Brought back from the Mistwood to protect the royal family, a girl who has no memory of being a shape-shifter encounters political and magical intrigue as she struggles with her growing feelings for the prince."
Sounds intriguing!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Book Trailer for Heist Society
Ally Carter is the popular YA writer of such famous titles as I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You and Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy. Her latest book departs from a teenage spy to a teenage . . . thief! Check out this book trailer narrated by Ally Carter herself.
Friday, April 1, 2011
New Arrival!
I know we've been talking about Neal Shusterman a lot lately, but one of his older books just arrived at the library, Everwild, the second book in the Skinjacker Trilogy.
If you've read the first book, Everlost, then stop by the library and check out the second in the series!
If you've read the first book, Everlost, then stop by the library and check out the second in the series!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Book Trailer for Bruiser
I've got a good book trailer for Bruiser by Neal Shusterman complete with some background music by one of my favorite bands, MGMT! Enjoy!
Friday, March 25, 2011
New Arrival!
We've got a new book in the library, How to Speak Dragonese by Cressida Cowell. Here's what Destiny has to say about the book:
"Recounts the further escapades of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third as he continues his Viking training during which he escapes from a boatload of Roman soldiers and searches for his kidnapped dragon."
If you enjoy the How to Train Your Dragon series, you owe it to yourself to pick this book up today!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Book Trailer for The Demon King
Here's another professionally produced trailer, for the book The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima.
Monday, March 21, 2011
BoTW: Bruiser
Bruiser by Neal Shusterman is a 2011 Lone Star book, the very first highlighted on this blog! I've read the first third of the book and I can reliably report that it's a steep departure from Unwind, though it contains some of the teenage angst found in Ansty Does Time. The book's overall theme seems to revolve around child abuse and neglect, and how children persevere against the starkest of family life.
From the beginning, Shusterman introduces some of the most unique characters in recent young adult literature. Bronte and Tennyson are twin siblings named by their literature professor parents after the famed novelist and poet. Bronte has begun dating an infamous boy at school, Brewster "The Bruiser" Rawlins. "The Bruiser" is a hulking teenager, voted by his class as "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty." And now he's dating Tennyson's sister.
Tennyson will have none of it. He stalks Bronte and Brewster during their mini-golf date, corners Brewster, and threatens Brewster to stay away from his sister. The two nearly come to blows. Later Tennyson accidentally stumbles upon Brewster in the boy's locker room with his shirt off, his back covered with unbelievable scarring and bruising which Tennyson likens to the cratering on the moon. Curious about Brewster's bewildering disfigurement, Tennyson secretly follows him home after school. Hiding behind a nearby dumpster, he witnesses Brewster's uncle brandish a belt, threatening to beat Brewster and his little brother Cody!
From the beginning, Shusterman introduces some of the most unique characters in recent young adult literature. Bronte and Tennyson are twin siblings named by their literature professor parents after the famed novelist and poet. Bronte has begun dating an infamous boy at school, Brewster "The Bruiser" Rawlins. "The Bruiser" is a hulking teenager, voted by his class as "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty." And now he's dating Tennyson's sister.
Tennyson will have none of it. He stalks Bronte and Brewster during their mini-golf date, corners Brewster, and threatens Brewster to stay away from his sister. The two nearly come to blows. Later Tennyson accidentally stumbles upon Brewster in the boy's locker room with his shirt off, his back covered with unbelievable scarring and bruising which Tennyson likens to the cratering on the moon. Curious about Brewster's bewildering disfigurement, Tennyson secretly follows him home after school. Hiding behind a nearby dumpster, he witnesses Brewster's uncle brandish a belt, threatening to beat Brewster and his little brother Cody!
Is that where Brewster's scars come from? Tennyson suspects yes. But then something strange happens. After hanging out with Brewster at his house, Tennyson notices that his scraped knuckles have inexplicably healed?
What could have caused such miraculous healing? And who (or what) is causing the scars and bruises on Brewster Rawlin's back? Read Bruiser and find out!
Friday, March 11, 2011
New Arrival!
Boom!(or, 70,000 light years) by Mark Haddon just arrived at the library today. Destiny says:
"When Jim and Charlie overhear two of their teachers talking in a secret language and the two friends set out to solve the mystery, they do not expect the dire consequences of their actions."
Sounds like a great alien conspiracy book, especially if you enjoy the notion of aliens posing as human teachers!
"When Jim and Charlie overhear two of their teachers talking in a secret language and the two friends set out to solve the mystery, they do not expect the dire consequences of their actions."
Sounds like a great alien conspiracy book, especially if you enjoy the notion of aliens posing as human teachers!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Book Trailer for Found
Most book trailers are created by students, teachers, and librarians, but more and more you can find professionally developed book trailers developed by the very company that publishes the book. The book trailer below, for instances:
Monday, March 7, 2011
BoTW: Found
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix is the first book in the Missing series. Found starts with a bang when a plane pulls up to an airport terminal full of nothing but crying . . . babies! That's right, babies. No pilot. No flight attendants. No adults. Just a plane load of very loud, angry babies. After the babies are unloaded, the plane vanishes from sight as mysteriously and suddenly as it appeared.
Fast forward more than a decade later to Jonah and Chip, two adopted boys who both receive a letter in the mail that contains one, brief statement: You are one of the missing. The two eventually piece together that they both were aboard that creepy plane thirteen years ago. The boys join forces to investigate their mysterious past and stumble upon a vast conspiracy involving nothing less than evil manipulation of the space-time continuum.
If you like science fiction with a healthy dose of intrigue, Found is your book. And we have the other two books in the Missing series, Sent and Sabotaged. Swing by the library today to check them out or put them on hold. Look for the call number FIC HADDIX.
Fast forward more than a decade later to Jonah and Chip, two adopted boys who both receive a letter in the mail that contains one, brief statement: You are one of the missing. The two eventually piece together that they both were aboard that creepy plane thirteen years ago. The boys join forces to investigate their mysterious past and stumble upon a vast conspiracy involving nothing less than evil manipulation of the space-time continuum.
If you like science fiction with a healthy dose of intrigue, Found is your book. And we have the other two books in the Missing series, Sent and Sabotaged. Swing by the library today to check them out or put them on hold. Look for the call number FIC HADDIX.
Friday, March 4, 2011
New Arrival!
We've got a new book in the library today, Sources of Light by Margaret McMullan. Here's the Destiny summary:
"Sam, having moved with her mother to Jackson, Mississippi, after the death of her father, finds the conservative 1960s values of the town clashing with her family's liberal views and struggles to navigate difficult relationships and understand segregation."
Sounds like a pretty serious but interesting book! Swing by the library today and pick it up!
"Sam, having moved with her mother to Jackson, Mississippi, after the death of her father, finds the conservative 1960s values of the town clashing with her family's liberal views and struggles to navigate difficult relationships and understand segregation."
Sounds like a pretty serious but interesting book! Swing by the library today and pick it up!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Unwind Book Trailer
I really like this book trailer of Unwind. It's very minimal, covering only the initial premise of the book. Nevertheless, I think it's very effective at getting people interested in the book.
Monday, February 28, 2011
BoTW: The Dead and the Gone
The Dead and the Gone by Susan Pfeffer is a book about a Puerto Rican family trying to survive a devastated planet Earth. The story begins when a meteor slams into the moon, knocking it out of its typical orbit. The collision brings about catastrophic climate changes to Earth, plunging the world into a sudden Ice Age. As the temperature drops worldwide, crops fail, hunger ensues, and people starve and die by the millions.
Alex Morales, all of sixteen years old, must protect and provide for his two sisters. The entire books takes place in the middle of a New York City in the midst anarchy and destruction. Be forewarned, this book is stark and serious and not for the faint of heart. It deals liberally with a variety of moral issues, including the bleak choices that come with hard survival.
The Dead and the Gone is a 2009 Lone Star award winner. It can be found on the new release shelf with the other Lone Star winners.
Alex Morales, all of sixteen years old, must protect and provide for his two sisters. The entire books takes place in the middle of a New York City in the midst anarchy and destruction. Be forewarned, this book is stark and serious and not for the faint of heart. It deals liberally with a variety of moral issues, including the bleak choices that come with hard survival.
The Dead and the Gone is a 2009 Lone Star award winner. It can be found on the new release shelf with the other Lone Star winners.
Friday, February 25, 2011
New Arrival!
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood just arrived at the library. Destiny says:
"Fifteen-year-old Miss Penelope Lumley, a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, is hired as governess to three young children who have been raised by wolves and must teach them to behave in a civilized manner quickly, in preparation for a Christmas ball."
If you're a fan of the Lemony Snicket books, this series might be right up your alley!
"Fifteen-year-old Miss Penelope Lumley, a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, is hired as governess to three young children who have been raised by wolves and must teach them to behave in a civilized manner quickly, in preparation for a Christmas ball."
If you're a fan of the Lemony Snicket books, this series might be right up your alley!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
BoTW: Suck It Up
Suck it Up by Brian Meehl is yet another vampire book in the crowded vampire sub-genre of fantasy and realistic fiction books. The story focuses on Morning McCobb, a teenage vampire who guzzles a blood soy-substitute rather than sink his fangs into real people. He belongs to the IVLeague, an organization of vampires who preach a message of tolerance and inclusion between vampire and humankind. Morning isn't interested in being a "traditional" vampire. He doesn't dress and in black and red, doesn't sport a massive cape, nor does he spring from a coffin at dusk and declare, "Good evening" or "Blah, blah, blah!"
Instead, Morning wants to bring vampires into the social mainstream. He wants slobbering, pointy-fanged blood-suckers to hang out with average Joe's, their mothers, their grandmas. Opposing Morning's social dream is a Loner by the name of DeThanatos. Loners are rogue vampires who almost always live apart from their fellow vampires and view humans as bipedal grazing cattle. DeThanatos hates the IVLeague and all its vampire members and does everything in his power to bring it down and prevent vampire integration into human society. While Morning sees a future of social harmony and goodwill, DeThanatos still enjoys biting people and thinks vampires evolutionarily superior to humans.
To make matters worse, Morning really likes a girl he just met, Portia Dredful. She's human, but brings out the Loner in Morning. Does Morning manage to defeat DeThanatos and bring vampires and humans together? Can Morning control his vampire heritage and win Portia as his girlfriend? Read Suck It Up and find out!
Instead, Morning wants to bring vampires into the social mainstream. He wants slobbering, pointy-fanged blood-suckers to hang out with average Joe's, their mothers, their grandmas. Opposing Morning's social dream is a Loner by the name of DeThanatos. Loners are rogue vampires who almost always live apart from their fellow vampires and view humans as bipedal grazing cattle. DeThanatos hates the IVLeague and all its vampire members and does everything in his power to bring it down and prevent vampire integration into human society. While Morning sees a future of social harmony and goodwill, DeThanatos still enjoys biting people and thinks vampires evolutionarily superior to humans.
To make matters worse, Morning really likes a girl he just met, Portia Dredful. She's human, but brings out the Loner in Morning. Does Morning manage to defeat DeThanatos and bring vampires and humans together? Can Morning control his vampire heritage and win Portia as his girlfriend? Read Suck It Up and find out!
Friday, February 18, 2011
New Arrival!
The Fizzy Whiz Kid by Maiya Williams is our latest and greatest book here at Smith. Destiny says:
"Moving to Hollywood with his academic parents, eleven-year-old Mitch feels like an outsider in his school where everyone has connections to the powerful and famous in the entertainment industry, until he is cast in a soda commercial that launches a popular catchphrase."
"Moving to Hollywood with his academic parents, eleven-year-old Mitch feels like an outsider in his school where everyone has connections to the powerful and famous in the entertainment industry, until he is cast in a soda commercial that launches a popular catchphrase."
Want to read more? Swing by the library and pick up The Fizzy Whiz Kid today!
Monday, February 14, 2011
BoTW: Antsy Does Time
If you look at the cover for Antsy Does Time by Neal Shusterman, you might think the book is about some goofy cartoon characters. It's not. The book begins with a group of boys witnessing a man plunge to his death in a bizarre hot-air balloon accident. Pretty heavy stuff.
In fact, the entire book is about death, though from a teenage boy's perspective. Even so, the book is funny. Antsy is a clever, witty young fellow. He has to handle the issue of life and death with a stranger, a friend, and eventually his own father. The book is a big departure from Shusterman's other famous book, Unwind, so if you've read the latter, adjust your expectations accordingly.
Friday, February 11, 2011
New Arrival!
Urchin and the Rage Tide by M.I. McAllister is book five in the Mistmantle Chronicles. Destiny summarizes the book as:
"The peace and prosperity enjoyed by the animals of Misthaven under the guidance of King Crispin comes to an end when a series of tidal waves threatens the island, and efforts to get everyone to safety on higher ground are hindered by Mossberry, a squirrel whose ambition to rise to power puts everyone in danger."
"The peace and prosperity enjoyed by the animals of Misthaven under the guidance of King Crispin comes to an end when a series of tidal waves threatens the island, and efforts to get everyone to safety on higher ground are hindered by Mossberry, a squirrel whose ambition to rise to power puts everyone in danger."
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Library Pizza Party Rescheduled!
I had to cancel the library pizza party last week because of inclement weather. The party is rescheduled for this Thursday, February 10th. If you received an invitation last week, I will see you there!
Monday, February 7, 2011
BoTW: Killer Pizza
When I first saw Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor, I jumped to the conclusion that it was about a monster pizza roaming the city streets eating hapless citizens. I was admittedly disappointed to discover I was wrong. Not completely though. Killer Pizza may not feature a gigantic, carnivorous pepperoni pizza, but it is about monsters. And a team of teenagers recruited to track them down and fight them.
The book opens with a horrific roar. Something huge and slobbering chases Chelsea Travers through darkened woods. She stumbles in the end and the thing catches up with her. What happens to Chelsea? The book cuts to the next chapter before we find out, leaving Chelsea's fate to the reader's fertile imagination.
We next meet Toby Maghill, a teenage boy who has vainly spent the summer looking for any part-time job. His hunt ends when Steve Rogers from Killer Pizza calls offering him a position. But Killer Pizza isn't just any run-of-the-mill food chain. It turns out its employees double as MCOs, Monster Combat Officers, girls and boys trained to hunt and fight monsters. Killer Pizza doubles as their headquarters and front.
Toby eventually accepts the MCO position and finds himself tracking down the very monster that surely must have eaten poor Chelsea Travers at the beginning of the book. How does it all turn out? Stop by the library and check out Killer Pizza to find out!
The book opens with a horrific roar. Something huge and slobbering chases Chelsea Travers through darkened woods. She stumbles in the end and the thing catches up with her. What happens to Chelsea? The book cuts to the next chapter before we find out, leaving Chelsea's fate to the reader's fertile imagination.
We next meet Toby Maghill, a teenage boy who has vainly spent the summer looking for any part-time job. His hunt ends when Steve Rogers from Killer Pizza calls offering him a position. But Killer Pizza isn't just any run-of-the-mill food chain. It turns out its employees double as MCOs, Monster Combat Officers, girls and boys trained to hunt and fight monsters. Killer Pizza doubles as their headquarters and front.
Toby eventually accepts the MCO position and finds himself tracking down the very monster that surely must have eaten poor Chelsea Travers at the beginning of the book. How does it all turn out? Stop by the library and check out Killer Pizza to find out!
Friday, February 4, 2011
New Arrival!
Scumble by Ingrid Law is the companion to the beloved Savvy, and is newly arrived at the library. Destiny says:
"Mibs's cousin Ledge is disappointed to discover that his "savvy"--the magical power unique to each member of their family--is to make things fall apart, which endangers his uncle Autry's ranch and reveals the family secret to future reporter Sarah."
Intrigued? Swing by the library and check it out!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Pizza Party Tomorrow!
For those of you invited, don't forget about the Library Pizza Party tomorrow, February 3rd, after school in the library from 2:30 to 3:30!
Monday, January 31, 2011
BoTW: Igraine the Brave
While we're talking about Cornelia Funke, I feel obligated to mention her other outstanding fantasy novel, Igraine the Brave. Igraine is a twelve-year old girl who dreams of being a brave knight one day. She gets her chance when her parents mess up a spell and turn themselves into pigs! Igraine must brave the nearby country-side and quest to find the rare ingredient that will change her parents back into people.
The evil and greedy Osmund stands in her way, however. Osmund lays seige to Igraine's castle in hopes of capturing her parents' singing magical books. If Osmund gets his hands on those books, he will be the most powerful man of the land, and Igraine and her family will lose everything.
What I like most about Igraine the Brave is how much of a departure it is from The Thief Lord. Funke writes within a variety of genres and is as adept at high fantasy as she is (relatively) realistic fiction. I highly recommend the book, especially for those who enjoy a light-hearted, adventurous story.
The evil and greedy Osmund stands in her way, however. Osmund lays seige to Igraine's castle in hopes of capturing her parents' singing magical books. If Osmund gets his hands on those books, he will be the most powerful man of the land, and Igraine and her family will lose everything.
What I like most about Igraine the Brave is how much of a departure it is from The Thief Lord. Funke writes within a variety of genres and is as adept at high fantasy as she is (relatively) realistic fiction. I highly recommend the book, especially for those who enjoy a light-hearted, adventurous story.
Friday, January 28, 2011
New Arrival!
Three more copies of Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero arrived today! They went straight to hold requests, so swing by the library and put this book on hold if you want your turn to read it.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Library Pizza Party!
I drew the winners for next Thursday's Library Pizza Party and below are the 15 winners!
Ben S.
Penelope R.
Amanda L.
David O.
Julian M.
Michael B.
Azmara F.
Kayleigh F.
Cameron G.
Alexander O.
Payton M.
Prince B.
Natalie S.
Mia K.
Sarah C.
Congratulations to all the winners! We'll see you next Thursday, February 3rd at 2:30 to 3:30!
Ben S.
Penelope R.
Amanda L.
David O.
Julian M.
Michael B.
Azmara F.
Kayleigh F.
Cameron G.
Alexander O.
Payton M.
Prince B.
Natalie S.
Mia K.
Sarah C.
Congratulations to all the winners! We'll see you next Thursday, February 3rd at 2:30 to 3:30!
Monday, January 24, 2011
BoTW: The Thief Lord
Cornelia Funke is famous for her Ink books, titles like Inkheart and Inkdeath. One of her lesser known books, The Thief Lord, is a beautifully adventurous book set in the back alleyways, canals, and abandoned buildings of Venice, Italy! Bo and Prosper are two orphan boys who run away from their abusive aunt and uncle and decide to find their fortune in Venice. There, they soon stumble upon the mysterious "Thief Lord," a skilled and cunning thirteen-year old boy who single-handedly leads a children's gang of thieves and cut purses.
Adventure and action abound as the children track targets, sneak into wealthy villas, and pile stolen loot within the confines of their cozy hideout. Soon after Prosper and Bo join the gang, they discover that the "Thief Lord" hails from a wealthy family himself, and actually helped his gang steal from his own house!
A mysterious secret lies at the heart of the Thief Lord's motivation to steal riches from his very own family. Read The Thief Lord to find out more!
Adventure and action abound as the children track targets, sneak into wealthy villas, and pile stolen loot within the confines of their cozy hideout. Soon after Prosper and Bo join the gang, they discover that the "Thief Lord" hails from a wealthy family himself, and actually helped his gang steal from his own house!
A mysterious secret lies at the heart of the Thief Lord's motivation to steal riches from his very own family. Read The Thief Lord to find out more!
Friday, January 21, 2011
New Arrival!
We've got two new arrivals today, both the latest in the 39 Clues series. The first is book 8 in the series, The Emperor's Code by Gordon Korman. The second is book 9, entitled Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park.
Have you been reading the 39 Clues series? If so, swing by the library and check out the two newest books in the series!
Have you been reading the 39 Clues series? If so, swing by the library and check out the two newest books in the series!
Monday, January 17, 2011
BoTW: Black Book of Secrets
The Black Book of Secrets by F. E. Higgins (no relation to our esteemed principal, Mrs. Higgins) is set in a 19th century village not far from a city similar to London, England. It tells the story of a young boy, Ludlow Fitch, who becomes the assistant to a strange pawnbroker. Ludlow soon begins performing the strangest of tasks: transcribing people's deepest, darkest secrets into The Black Book of Secrets.
Not all is as it seems, however. As more and more villagers pay the pawnbroker to relieve them of their burdening secrets, a web of intrigue emerges involving everyone including Ludlow himself. This 2009 Lonestar title is the perfect book for those who love a good mystery.
Friday, January 14, 2011
New Arrival!
It's cold outside this week which means you might be in the mood to read a book set in the Arctic! Destiny summarizes Icecore by Matt Whyman:
"Seventeen-year-old Englishman Carl Hobbes meant no harm when he hacked into Fort Knox's security system, but at Camp Twilight in the Arctic Circle, known as the Guantanamo Bay of the north, he is tortured to reveal information about a conspiracy of which he was never a part."
Fight cold with cold and swing by the library and pick up Icecore today!
"Seventeen-year-old Englishman Carl Hobbes meant no harm when he hacked into Fort Knox's security system, but at Camp Twilight in the Arctic Circle, known as the Guantanamo Bay of the north, he is tortured to reveal information about a conspiracy of which he was never a part."
Fight cold with cold and swing by the library and pick up Icecore today!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Keep Those Reviews Coming!
The book reviews continue to flow in! Remember, every approved review you write gives you one entry for the February 3rd pizza party in the library!
You can't just write, "I liked the book" or "I hated the book." Instead, be specific about what you liked or didn't like. The more details you provide, the better! The broad point of writing a review is giving another student advice on whether they should read a book or not.
Keep those reviews coming in!
You can't just write, "I liked the book" or "I hated the book." Instead, be specific about what you liked or didn't like. The more details you provide, the better! The broad point of writing a review is giving another student advice on whether they should read a book or not.
Keep those reviews coming in!
Monday, January 10, 2011
BoTW: How Not to Be Popular
This week's Book of the Week is How Not to Be Popular by Jennifer Ziegler, a 2009 Lone Star Award winner.
Maggie has a couple of hippies for parents. She loves them dearly, but Maggie has grown tired of constantly moving from town to town, leaving behind friends and boyfriends. The latest move to Austin, Texas is the last straw. Pained at the thought of making new friends and finding a new boyfriend, Maggie decides to do everything she can at this new school to NOT be popular, to be a loner right up until the point her parents move again. The results are as predictable as they are funny.
Friday, January 7, 2011
New Arrival!
Twelfth Grade Kills by Heather Brewer is the fifth book in the Chronicles of Vlad Tod series. Unless Vlad attends college, this might be the last book in the series! Here's what Destiny says about this latest in the popular series:
"The Council of Elders, having been informed that Tomas still lives, puts off Vlad's execution, providing Vlad the opportunity to try to set some things right."
There's a ton of vampire books out there, but the Vlad Tod series might be one of the most popular among Smith students!
"The Council of Elders, having been informed that Tomas still lives, puts off Vlad's execution, providing Vlad the opportunity to try to set some things right."
There's a ton of vampire books out there, but the Vlad Tod series might be one of the most popular among Smith students!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Library Pizza Party!
We're having a pizza party in the library Thursday, February 3rd! How can get in pizza action? Easy! Read a book and write a Destiny review!
Not just any review though. A review that describes why you loved or hated something about the book you read. Reviews that say nothing more than "I liked the book" or "I like chipmonks" won't qualify!
Write a good review and I'll put you in a drawing for the February 3rd pizza party! I'm going to pull fifteen names so chances are good that you're going to be snarfing down pizza, chugging down Cokes, and flaying some guitar on Wii Rock Band come February 3rd.
So what are you waiting for? Read a book and write a review today!
Not just any review though. A review that describes why you loved or hated something about the book you read. Reviews that say nothing more than "I liked the book" or "I like chipmonks" won't qualify!
Write a good review and I'll put you in a drawing for the February 3rd pizza party! I'm going to pull fifteen names so chances are good that you're going to be snarfing down pizza, chugging down Cokes, and flaying some guitar on Wii Rock Band come February 3rd.
So what are you waiting for? Read a book and write a review today!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
It's a brand new year chocked full of great books to read! Stop by the library and grab one!
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