HHS Reads for January

The HHS Reads book for January is The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult, a story of one family's journey through their own version of Dante's Inferno. When fourteen-year-old Trixie Stone, daughter of comic book illustrator Daniel and Dante professor Laura, accuses her boyfriend of rape, all the family's demons are brought to light. This is reflected in the graphic-novel illustrations interwoven throughout the novel, Daniel's artistic interpretation of the trials his family is going through, and how his own past influences the present.

Extra copies are available now at the library, so be sure to stop in to claim your own! We will be discussing the book on Thursday, January 10th during all three lunch periods.

It's a Giving Season...

'Tis the season for giving, and a number of authors just love to post holiday giveaways to fans and friends. Follow the links in this post for some terrific reading opportunities and contests!

Writer Tiffany Trent, author of the new YA series Hallowmere, is hosting a drawing to receive signed copies of the first two books of the series, as well as other goodies (who doesn't like cookies and chocolates?). The Hallowmere books are a post-Civil War gothic fantasy series that should appeal to those who favor Holly Black or M.T. Anderson's The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation.

Jo Knowles, whose book Lessons from a Dead Girl has been nominated to the YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, is doing a stocking-stuffer drawing for signed copies of her book. Post to your own blog to advertise the drawing, and get an additional name in the stocking!

Lisa Schroeder's blog on both MySpace and Livejournal is hosting The Twelve Books of Christmas! For twelve days in December, Lisa is giving away twelve different books to those who comment with interest. The list includes a copy of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, and Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli - an upcoming HHS Reads book. Sign up and win!

For a basket of possibilities, Teenreads.com is hosting its Holiday Basket of Cheer giveaway ending the 17th; sign up for the possibility of winning a gift basket of twelve books - and Christmas stocking stuffers and sweets.

Event Reminder!

Just a reminder: Read It 1st this Thursday and Friday features Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause. Come to the movie this Thursday, December 13th at 6 pm and the lunchtime discussion this Friday, December 14th. If you would like to read this book, we still have copies available at the library!

TTT--Results are In!!

According to teens across the country, New Moon by Stephenie Meyer is the one book of the year!. Check out the other books on the Top Ten List.

Anime and Manga Club @ La Crosse Public Library

There is an Anime and Manga Club at the La Crosse Public Library. Check out the article, "Group helps librarian mind her animes and mangas", in the La Crosse Tribune.

It's Teen Read Week

We are celbrating Teen Read Week along with libraries all over the country.
Join in the activities at HHS!

Book Swap and Sale--You brought the books in, you get to pick new ones. If you didn't bring in books to swap don't worry on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 you can purchase books for a quarter ($0.25).

Vote for the Teen Top Ten--nominated by teens from all over the country and voted on by YOU!

Vote for movies for our Comedy Film Fest on Friday--Vote today for what you want to watch on Friday, October 19, 2007 @ 3:30 p.m. during the Comedy Film Fest in the library.

Create your own comic strip for our Comic Strip Book Mark Contest--Pick up the form today and turn in the finished comic strip by Thursday, Octboer 18, 2007. You will get to choose the best comic strip on Friday which will be made into a bookmark and published here at HHS.

Visit HHS Library's very own Photobooth--On Tuesday, October 16, 2007 and Wednesday, October 17, 2007 and you can look like this too!

HHS Reads--Lunch Discussion of Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock on Thursday, October 18, 2007

The Results are In!

The November Book is Inexcusable by Chris Lynch. Thanks to those of you who voted. Inexcusable will be discussed on Thursday, November 15th during all lunches. Reserve your copy today--we will be getting additional copies of the book in the next couple of weeks.

New Book(s)!

I'd vote in the poll, but I don't think my opinion should matter for it, being as I won't be around for the discussion D: But! I've been reading, and I figured I'd share my opinions on a few new reads with everyone :D

Girl Overboard, by Justina Chen Headley
I actually read this novel as part of a new bookclub, and really enjoyed it. They talk a lot about manga in it, which is awesome, and is just a really cute book. I could easily see it as being a book club book for you guys at some point, so Bee, check it out!

Tithe series, by Holly Black
I'm calling it a series, though I honestly don't know if it is. So far there are 3 books: Tithe (about Kaye), Valiant (about Val), and Ironside (about Kaye again, but Val is a minor character). I really enjoyed them, and read them much too fast--I'll definately be going back and re-reading them at some point soon. They're about faeries, but if you liked Twilight, you'll probably like these :)

Vote on the Book=======================>

You get to choose the book we are reading in November. Your choices are:

Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going
His name is Troy, but to the world--and in his internal dialogues— he is the Fat Kid. Really Fat. Almost 300 pounds of sweating, unhappy insecurity. Then out of a moment of despair comes magic. As Troy considers whether to splatter himself on a subway track, Curt MacCrae, a charismatic punk rocker/homeless kid/dropout, comes along and stops him. For the price of a meal, Curt befriends Troy, and he sees something under all those layers: a potential musician, a friend, and someone with the ability to see through life's bull.

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch
High school senior and football player Keir sets out to enjoy himself on graduation night, but when he attempts to comfort a friend whose date has left her stranded, things go terribly wrong.

Vote in the Poll in sidebar to the right, on or before October 3 @ 4:00pm.

readergirlz.com

I stumbled on readergirlz.com tonight and thought some of you would be interested in it. Next month readergirlz.com has teamed up with YALSA, sponsors of Teen Read Week, they will be facilitating online discussions with 31 different YA authors! And some of your favorites will be there...Stephenie Meyer, John Green, Meg Cabot, Ann Brashares, Carolyn Mackler and many more. Check out the full schedule here.

From their manifesta, "Reading a book isn't the same thing as experiencing a book. You know what we mean. There's a reason why we readergirlz are known to shove books at our best friends: books that have rocked our world, books that have revealed our souls, books that are gifts of the heart." This statement totally shares how I feel about reading. Reading is an experience that is worth sharing. Share it with each other, your family, your teachers, your friends, everyone!! As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing."

Fall Events

We are back in school! A few of you have stopped by to check out and say Hello. It is good to see you back and hear about your summers.

I wanted to remind you that this Thursday, September 13, we will be discussing Scott Westerfeld and his books during all three lunches. You don't have to have to read all of his books to attend. As usual, you bring lunch and will bring dessert.

On September 27, 2007, we will be reading, discussing and watching Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. Discussion will be during lunch and the movie will be in the library starting at 6:30 pm. We now have copies of Hoot to be checked out, get yours today!

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

I know many of you have already read it and are itching to discuss this book. Here is your chance. If you haven't read this book do not read the comments to this post THEY WILL HAVE SPOILERS!!!

So those of you who want to discuss post comments to this post. By the way I finished less then a week after it came out and am itching to hear what you all think!

Road Trip Photo & Information

Mrs. B said you all had a great time and Stephenie was wonderful. I hope to see more photos posted here (hint, hint) of the activity. I hope you are all enjoying the rest of your summer.

Remember it is a Scott Westerfeld summer and we are discussing his books here this summer with a lunch discussion on Thursday, September 13, 2007.

More Stephenie Meyer/Twilight series things.

Several of us from HHS were at the Eclipse signing with Stephenie Meyer last Friday, and I have to say, it was AWESOME. I knew that Elizabeth, her publicist, knew who I was, but I was pleasently surprised when Stephenie and Elizabeth both started to holler my name to get my attention and wave in between the Q&A and the book signings :P I already commented on this to the people that were at the book signing, but they could have had it set up a lot better. 20-30 chairs for 500+ people will give you an idea how prepared they weren't. Regardless, Stephenie was funny (as always) and it was a really fun night.

Over the past few days I've read several articles about her and/or Eclipse, which I'll link below, along with an excerpt of my favorite:

"Ask any high school girl: boys can be a pain. Fall for one who seems appealing, and he turns out to be a monster. One moment he acts like you don’t exist, the next, he drives you crazy by playing it cool — while his brothers circle you with hungry eyes. If you take a break to cut the tension, and hang out “just friends”-style with a younger guy who’s puppy-dogging you, what happens? Wouldn’t you know, he turns out to be a nightmare too."

-- New York Times book review
-- Wall Street Journal: After Harry Potter
-- Wall Street Journal article
-- Deseret Morning News: a Utah newspaper

Happy reading!

Stephenie Meyer Trip!

REMINDER! You must have your money and permission slips in by Wednesday!!

We are going! Here is what you need to know...

What? Author, Stephenie Meyer Q&A and book signing

When? Friday, August 10^th 1pm from the Kwik Trip parking lot in Holmen.

The event starts at 7pm at the bookstore. We have allowed time for travel and dinner. We do not have an end time for the event. Students will have access to a phone at Kwik Trip when they return home to contact parents for a ride home.

Where? Borders Book Store Woodbury, MN

Cost? The event is free! You will need to pay $15 for transportation. Bring spending money for food and any other items you plan to purchase.

You will find the permission slip on the HHS LMC's website, to be printed off. Permission slips need to filled out and returned to the High School Office by Wednesday, August 8th @ 3 pm. There are 6 seats available in the van--availability is first come first serve. Also, we need 6 of you to go otherwise we will cancel the trip.

If you have any questions email me, recbec @ holmen.k12.wi.us (take out the spaces before and after the @ symbol).

The Borders Book Club featuring Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer has won an enormous following for her very well-written page turners about a high-school girl who unwittingly falls head over heels in love with a vampire. What is a girl to do when the boy whom she obsesses over happens to not be human? This third book in the dark romantic saga, coming August 7, finds Bella at a crossroads as graduation approaches.

Click below to view The Borders Book Club featuring Stephenie Meyer. This video is quite long, and features Stephenie speaking with several fans about Twilight, New Moon, and her upcoming novel Eclipse. Enjoy!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I would love to discuss this one with you. DO NOT READ the COMMENTS they will include SPOILERS!!!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--Have you...

...finished it yet? I am about 1/3 of the way through it and realized I needed to do some homework for my class and came across this article which I thought some of you might enjoy. Jim Dale is the narrator for the Harry Potter Series on audio. I have listened to the first five on audio, Dale does a wonderful job with the voices of all the characters and I always wondered how audiobook narrators kept track of the different voices (I can barely keep track of two characters voices when I am reading picture books to my nieces and nephews!). The New York Times published this article last week: "The Voice of Harry Potter Can Keep a Secret".

Suggestions and a Survey

I am taking a class this summer on YA lit called "Making the Match." Next week 7/26/07-8/2/07, I need to read two books that teens have suggested, so I need some suggestions! I would like to read something new (some of you know what I have already read--so give me some different ideas and remember I have to read 2 of them next week!). Please put your comments in the suggestions. Also, next week I need to survey at least 12 of you. If you are interested in that, please comment as well. I have your email addresses, so you don't need to leave them in the comments.

More on Stephenie Meyer

Here is another article you might enjoy on Stephenie Meyer

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2007-07-12/news/charmed/

Happy reading!!

Battle of the Books 2007-2008

It is official this is the list...it looks like a promising list.

• Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos
• The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: A Fable by John Boyne
• Copper Sun by Sharon Draper
• Eagle Blue: A Team, A Tribe, and a High School Basketball Season in Arctic Alaska by Michael D'Orso
• Escape!: The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman
• Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
• Firestorm: The Caretaker Trilogy: Book 1 by David Klass
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling and Mary GrandPre'
• Heat by Mike Lupica
• Invisible by Pete Hautman
• Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein
• My Sister's Keeper: A Novel by Jodi Picoult
• New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
• The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
• Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon by Catherine Thimmesh
• The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
• The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel by Diane Setterfield
• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

I know a lot of you have already read some of these and if you haven't there looks like some really good ones here. If you haven't participated in Battle of the Books before you should start this year. The idea is for a team to read all of these book (that doesn't mean everyone has to read all the books, but that isn't a bad idea) and know them inside and out before February when the state competition is. The more you know about the books the better chances you will have of answering the questions. You may start reading these books right now and watch for more information here and at school when you come back in the fall.

What is you favorite Westerfeld?

What is your favorite book by Scott Westerfeld? Why?

I had always really liked Uglies, but after reading both of the books in the Peeps series I think I might have a three way tie. I really like Westerfeld's ideas about vampires. It is actually a disease. I liked the way he brought a lot of information about parasites into Peeps. In a weird way, Peeps seemed a little bit more believable to me (ok I know that might sound like a stretch).

I haven't read the Midnighters Series, yet and was hoping to this summer, but I decided to take a Online course this summer about young adult lit. You guys better watch out--I am reading a lot of great stuff and getting some good ideas! Speaking of which if you need something to read, I would highly recommend Sold by Patricia McCormick--it didn't make me cry but it was pretty close. Sold has short, poetic chapters that make you keep reading and wanting to know more. Sold tells the story of a young Nepali girl who is sold by her family (knowingly or unknowingly, I'm not sure) into the sex trade in India. I will definitely be looking at it for book club next year and if you are in forensics I think there is some great material there as well.

Happy reading!!

Book Club!

Has anyone else been good about participating in book clubs over the summer? I just found out within the last week or so that I'll be doing one, and I'm really excited for it. I've missed talking with others about books I like/dislike.

It's kind of fitting, actually, since I was working during the Twilight/New Moon discussion that was at the High School that the book club I'm going to is to discuss these two books, and bits and pieces of the third.

Unlike our book clubs at the HS though, there is one difference: this book club will have the author at it. I'm thrilled for the opportunity and I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes--it will actually be video taped and used for publicity for Borders so I'll try and find the link and post it here after it's edited and whatnot.

Here's hoping the rest of you are having fun, book filled summers!

Summer Reading

What are you reading this summer?
I am about 3/4 the way through A Thousand Splendid Suns. It is an amazing book. I have cried and I have smiled--there is a touch of romance and is all about life in Afghanistan from a woman's perspective starting in the 1970s. It is by the same author as The Kite Runner--Khaled Hosseini. If you haven't read The Kite Runner it is a thought provoking must read much like A Thousand Splendid Suns. I would highly recommend either books.

John Green Interview

Recently John Green visited the Netherlands promoting his book An Abundance of Katherines. While there he did an interview. Check it out! It is almost as good as seeing him in person, he talks a lot about his books Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines, so if you haven't read either you may want to wait to watch the interview because he does talk about the endings of the books.

Happy reading!

La Crosse County--Summer Reading Program

More summer reading opportunities...

You can participate in the Teen Reading Raffle--for every book you read you receive a ticket to enter in a drawing at the library. Teen nights will be held at the Onalaska Public Library with a variety of activities. Check out their website for more information.

ZOMGGGGG!1!!!1!

Stephenie Meyer will be touring, starting on August 7th--the release date for Eclipse. So here's what my tenative week is going to look like:

August 6th: St. Paul --> Mall of America: Eclipse Release Party
August 7th: Read Eclipse, get some sleep, drive to Chicago --> Eclipse Booksigning #1
August 8th: A fun day in Chicago, assuming at least a few of my friends come --> Eclipse Booksigning #2
August 9th: Drive to Milawukee, spend the day with a girlfriend that lives there --> Eclipse Booksigning #3
August 10th: Drive home to my apartment in St. Paul --> Eclipse Booksigning #4

Wahoo!

I sent Bee an e-mail so hopefully she'll set up something for bookclub, either to come to the release party and a booksigning or maybe just a booksigning. Either way it's going to be a BLAST. Wisconsin area is certainly getting hit by Mrs. Meyer very well indeed on this tour!

New Poll--Summer Reading Time

Check out the new poll in the right sidebar. How many hours a week do you usually spend reading during the summer? After you vote you will be able to see the reults.

I love the summer because I read a lot more then I do in the winter. I get to spend time outside in the sunshine with a good book and on rainy days curled-up in my "reading" chair. I can't wait for a few hours of downtime.

Free Stuff to Do @ the La Crosse Public Library

The La Crosse Public Library is sponsoring a Teen Summer Library Program. There are a lot of great events that even I want to participate in! Breakdancing 101, Blood and Chocolate, Making Gocks, Mehndi, Manga & More, Madden '07 Tournament, other gaming and FREE PIZZA! For more information take a look at the Teen Connection Website.

The La Crosse Public Library recently remodeled and updated the teen area to make it even more comfy for hanging out on hot summer days (and other days too). Check out the open house on Monday, June 11 from 2-3 p.m.

Library Comic Strip--An Abundance of Katherines

Unshelved is a comic strip set in a library. I find it absolutely hilarious and occasionally there are ones that I just have to share. On Sundays, it is Unshelved's Book Club. This week they "presented" An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (also the author of Looking for Alaska and the funny video blog Brotherhood 2.o.


Used with permission. (Overdue Media LLC).

Oh my goodness!

Barnes & Noble @ the Mall of America is interested in doing an Eclipse Release Party, if I can find between 50-100 people who would be willing to come. So far my list is at 25 of people who I think would come but please please please let me know if you're not on the list and would want to come. Of course I'll have to check with everyone on it to make sure they'll come but this would be so much fun, and the twin cities isn't that far away. Wahoo for one last book event before the seniors leave?

Mrs. Rech
Mrs. Foster
Mrs. Bennett
Nissa T
Liz R
Danielle H
Danielle S
Jordan M
Megan O
Megan W
Sara L
Sami F
Stefi J
Emily L
Lauren/Haley
Nathen O
Sami M

Below this line is a list of people from work & the Twilight Lexicon, just to add a few more in number <33
Echo
Mel
Trinity
Jess
Tess
Moonlight_Sonata
Velvet_Night
Chaos

So far this list puts us right at 25, though Chaos told me that "some other people" from the Twilight Lexicon are in the area and would probably want to come--how many that is, I don't know. But oh oh oh I'm so excited!

For those of you who are questioning why not have a party in La Crosse, the lady in charge at our Barnes & Noble is...less than willing to host events. I actually complained to the corperate offices and will have a chat via telephone with someone tomorrow about it (yikes!).

BUT YAY ECLIPSE IS COMING OUT I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Online Book Club

I just discovered what looks to be an interesting website that I thought might interest you. The Reading Lounge is another place where you can discuss books online. They discuss a variety of books including YA titles, coming up in July there will be a discussion of I Am the Messenger by Marcus Zusak. One of the books currently being discussed is The Glass Castle which won an Alex Award in 2007.

More Photos

I added photos to the HHS Reads Photo Album.


We had a huge discussion during 2nd lunch 19 people (including me)!! Way to go you guys I hope you enjoyed the discussion. I can't believe it is the last one of the year. We will miss the seniors--Megan O, Megan W, Dani H, Jordan M, Sara J, Holly B, and Nissa T--next year!

For more library photos visit our other albums.

TTT 2007

Start Reading Now so you can VOTE for Teen Top Ten 2007
The nominations are:
Firegirl by Tony Abbott
Clay by David Almond
Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks
Secrets of My Hollywood Life: On Location by Jen Calonita
The Loud silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
In Search of Mockingbird by Loretta Ellsworth
The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson
What Happened to Cass McBride by Gail Giles
Hello, Groin by Beth Goobie
River Secrets by Shannon Hale
Shock Point by April Henry
Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe
Born to Rock by Gordon Korman
New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
Kiki Strike:Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller
Prom Anonymous by Blake Nelson
Maxium Ride:School's Out--Forever by James Patterson
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Penelope Bailey Takes the Stage by Lusanna Reich
All Hallows Eve by Vivian Vande Velde
Skin by Adrienne M Vrettos
The Unresolved by T.K. Welsh
Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce


Remember to read as many of these as possible, so you can make an informed choice in the fall

Happy Reading!!!!!

Library Lock-In

Check out the photos from the library lock-in. So what did you think? What did you like what didn't you like? Make suggestions!

Library Lock-In

Eragon @ the Library Lock-In

The next book on your to do list should be Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Eragon was made into a movie in 2006. If you haven't seen the movie Read It 1st--In Aagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters. With a description like that how can you not try it.

Lunch Discussion

Check out the photos from the lunch discussion. We had great discussions. Feel free to continue the discussion online here on the blog!

HHS Reads

Happy reading!!

Who's Your favorite?

Who is your favorite character from American Born Chinese? Tell us why!

American Born Chinese

I started reading the book, and all I kept thinking was, "what the heck?" I was not getting the whole monkey thing. Did not like the book all that much until it came together in the end. I really need to re-read it because it really is a good book and I think I will enjoy it knowing what the monkey thing is. It has a ton of great discussion points! I am excited to discuss it next week! Hope you all enjoy : ) Don't get hung up on the monkey...

Authors

So, if anyone's curious as to how authors write, etc... in his latest video blog John has filmed himself with several other authors (including Scott Westerfield; I haven't read anything by the other authors). It's not his typical hilarious video, but it is interesting to see what authors do while they write :)

Also, if you're a Twilight/Stephenie Meyer fan: READ MY LAST ENTRY. It really would be nice to know so I can figure something out about it.

Bee, hopefully you're having a nice vacation!

Stephenie Meyer Goodstuff

Ok, so. I have a few points to make, all of which center around everyone's favorite author :D

01. Prom Nights From Hell by Meg Cabot, Stephenie Meyer, and a few other authors didn't come out on April 1st like it was supposed to. The current release date is April 24th--hopefully they don't change it again! For anyone who's interested it's 4-6 short stories about paranormal prom dates, all of which go very wrong. It looks really good, and is by several fantastic authors so you should definately check it out once it's released!

02. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer comes out in paperback soon, and this is supposidly a "special edition" book, from what I understand. It will have the first chapter of Eclipse in it (yay!) as well as a few other goodies (I want to say a poster and maybe something like stickers but I can't remember for sure). Originally I thought it came out May 5th, which is the date of the Eclipse Prom (a Stephenie Meyer event in Phoenix, for those who aren't aware ^^), but after talking to the bookstore that is sponsering the event the current release date for this book is April 10th. Make sure to watch for it if you want to read the first chapter of Eclipse!

03. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer comes out August 7th. I talked to a few people at Barnes & Noble last night and asked them nicely to have a Eclipse release party, similar to what they do with Harry Potter. I got a name and e-mail to contact, but before I did so I wanted to find out how many people would be interested in going to it. That way we would be able to get the book at 12:01 AM rather than waiting until normal opening hours--if you're anywhere as obsessed with these books as I am you won't want to wait the extra 10 hours or so. Plus, what could be more fun than a party for it!?

Oh, and in terms of what I've read recently. Frankenstein, which wasn't very good. I wouldn't reccomend it, though learn about the author if you're bored. Mary Shelley had a very interesting life...

More on American Born Chinese

Check out this review of American Born Chinese, it is interesting and gives us some interesting information. It will also give you a great overview without giving away the story. I would encourage you to check it out if you a little skeptical about reading it.

Something else to check-out is an interview with the author of American Born Chinese, Gene Luen Yang.

Rate American Born Chinese

What did you think? Is it the worst book you've ever read (1 star)? Is it the best (5 stars)? Tell us why in the blog comments (not the poll comments)! You must vote to see the results.
Happy Reading!

Our Visit with Jodi Picoult

A few of your favorite HHS staff members visited (and others) Madison, WI to see and listen to Jodi Picoult. Mrs. Court, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Wopat, Mrs. Swobada, my mom and I headed to Madison after school on Friday. Jodi read from her latest book Nineteen Minutes which is about a school shooting. I love to listen to authors read from their own book and listen them answer questions about how they work, what they are currently working on and even give insite about why they write what they do. This was my third time seeing Jodi and I know it won't be my last. Check out the photos!

Elsewhere

I'm reading Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin currently and have to say it's really good. Lately every book I've looked at on Amazon has recomended it as something I would like (Twilight, New Moon, Looking for Alaska, Uglies, Peeps, etc...) and Amazon is correct--the book is wonderful. I'm 200/275 pages into the book and would highly recomend it.

The End of the World?

One of the best books I have read all year!! Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. An asteroid hits the moon and changes everything for Miranda and her family. The life as they knew it is over. Will Miranda and her family survive the tsunamis, the volcanoes, the cold, the snow...other people. Read Life as We Knew It, in Miranda's journals starting before the moon is hit. Be with her and her family as they survive day to day life in a way they never anticipated. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Done

I'm done with the book Where The Heart Is.

Authors Who Blog

Check out this article from Publisher's Weekly about authors who blog. The article features authors Meg Cabot, Sarah Dessen, Stephenie Meyer, John Green and others. The authors talk about why they blog and what they like and don't like about it.

Do you like it when your favorite authors have blogs? Do you read their blogs on a regular basis? What/Who are some of your favorites?

Where the Heart is

I've started reading it and so far it is pretty good.

Snow Day...lots of time for reading!

I hope you are enjoying your day off, I plan on doing some reading and cleaning--at the same time! Thank goodness for audiobooks. I am listening to Rash by Pete Hautman right now. Bo, the main character is one of the characters you like, but constantly want to yell at because of the studpid decisions he makes. Rash occur some time in the late 2000s, Bo's grandpa was born around the same time as you guys in the 1990s and talks about the way things were which is pretty much how they are for us! It is really interesting to imagine what life will be like in our lifetime. It is kind of out there, but not so out there that you don't believe it. I really think Rash could be a very good book club book especially since many of you like Feed by M.T. Anderson.

Library Thing

A few book clubs ago we read Looking for Alaska by John Green, and since then we've had a hay-day with the whole "in-your(my)-pants" phrase and his & Hank's video blog.

Also, I know several of us here are on Library Thing, and lo and behold the most recent video blog of John's talks about Library Thing. So if you know what Library Thing is, and haven't been watching the Brotherhood 2.0 blogs you should check this out--I'm sure you'll be able to relate to it. And if you don't know what Library Thing is you should still watch it because it will make you laugh (and really not want to eat horshradish).

/random.

And on to books! I'm 90ish pages into Are We There Yet? and have to say I really am not liking this book. Bleugh.

For my British Literature course at UWL though we have to read Sense & Sensibility which I'm pretty excited for. The public library doesn't open for another 7 minutes though so I haven't checked mine out yet. Hopefully I'll like it, I've been wanting to read something by Jane Austen.

Boy Meets Boy

I just finished (actually I finished this a couple weeks ago and forgot to finish my post until this morning) Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan. At first it annoyed me that the city was so nice. Everyone seemed to accept everyone. There didn't seem to be conflict in the normal sense of things. However, after finishing it and thinking it through, I think that is the point. Levithan gives us a picture of how life in an accepting community looks. Initially I think I was irritated that Boy Meets Boy was unrealistic, but I think I was more irritated that our school doesn't necessarily live up to the school environment that Paul's does. I don't know that any school can live up to the example set in Boy Meets Boy, but I think it would be wonderful if it could. The community accepts people as they are and doesn't try to change them to fit molds of our society.

so i just finished reading Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares. it's really good and it's the end of the series and it really made me mad, but it is so addicting that it's not even funny. for those of you who have read it, tell me what you think.

In the news

On Monday night, your very own Bee was on the news with Martha on My Community TV featuring us using the blog. So I thought I would share it with you...

**Unfortunately, as of last week 3/1/2007 (when I checked), the video is no longer on their website.**

Reading Rants

Reading Rants

This is a cool website created by a middle school librarian, Jennifer Hubert, she creates unique reading lists for young adults. There are a few that I thought you would be especially interested in...

Just "Fanging" Around
Nail Biters
Graphic Fantastic

If you could...

In Timeline, scientists develop way to time-travel. If you could travel through time, would you? What time would you travel to? Why? Is there someone you would like to meet? Why? What questions would you ask this person?

Looking Ahead

Our next discussion is for Read it 1st. We will be discussing Timeline by Michael Crichton. An action packed novel where scientists researching time travel get stuck in Medevil Europe. Will they get back? Read it to find out. The discussion will be on February 22 during all thre lunches and at 6:30 p.m. we will be showing the movie in the library. Pick-up your copy in the library today!

Happy reading!

John Green...

...is a fantastic author. For sure :) I haven't been so taken by an author since Twilight last April (though in a completely different way--no offence Miles, but Edward is 100x better :P). Anyways, Looking for Alaska was FANTASTIC. I know a lot of people had issues reading it because it was kind of hard to relate to at the beginning (I did too, but I blamed that on having just finished Eldest...Alabama is just slightly a different setting). I don't know what it was about the book that has me so obsessed, but it's really good.

There are a lot of thought provoking events in it, and a lot of hilarious ones. A definate must read, in my opinion :D (I would sort of classify it with The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Donnie Darko, etc..., and I'm not even quite sure why because they're definately different but there's something about it that is similar).

Currently I am three chapters into An Abundance of Katherines, also by John Green. I didn't want to start it right after finishing Looking for Alaska due to the, event, that occurs during the book (the entire thing is dated a x many days before/after the event) but now a week or so later I'm loving it. John Green is definately an author that if I ever see a new book by him I won't hesitate to buy a copy ^^

John Green--The Author

John Green won the Printz Award last year for his book Looking for Alaska (which we are reading right now for book club). This year he won the Printz Honor for his book An Abundance of Katherines. This is one of my favorite books of the year. Two city boys go on a road trip and end up in this small town (smaller then Holmen) in Tennessee. Colin, a washed-up child prodigy, has recently been dumped by the 19th Katherine (yes he has dated 19 Katherines!!) and graduated from high school. He is working on a mathematical equation to predict romantic relationships. I found this book to be funny and well written and I am so happy to see it honored with the Printz Honor.

I have linked to John Green's website, so you can check out his blog and other interesting facts about him and the books. He has a section on famous last words and anagrams (both of which will make more sense to you once you have read his books).

Looking For Alaska

Has anyone finished this yet? I am so ready to talk about it and everyone is taking forever to read it. If there is a single soul out there who has finished it, please leave comments.

*Spoiler*
What did you think when Eagle announced Alaska was dead? I couldn't believe it. What do you think Alaska's last words were? This book is one of those "thinker" books. I like it!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Just a reminder Read It 1st is this week on Thursday, January 11, 2007. Come to lunch time discussion and the movie @ 6:30 p.m.

If you haven't read it yet we still have copies available @ the library.

Happy reading!

Posting with New Blogger

Some of you have noticed that Blogger looks a bit different. They have changed their layout and login procedure. If you have a google login the process will be easy, if you don't you will need to create one and you will need to use your email address. If you have any questions regarding this process, please stop by the library or email me @ recbec@holmen.k12.wi.us.

A Certain Slant of Light

Reminder...Book Club will be during all three lunches tomorrow January 4th. We are discussing A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb.

Check out her website and publisher's website.

I look forward to discussing this book with you. I know many of you have said that you enjoyed it and are looking forward to the discussion. I made the cookies (from scratch) last night. Joel (Mr. Rech) said they were very good--I think they are called "Five Chip Cookies"

Happy reading!