Visiting Author - Tiffany Trent

I'm really happy to have the opportunity to introduce author Tiffany Trent to Holmen High School in person on May 20th. Tiffany's third book, Between Golden Jaws, a part of her fantasy series Hallowmere, was recently released under the Mirrorstone imprint, following the first two titles. Tiffany has written nonfiction about environmental issues, worked as a technical writer, and currently teaches creative writing at Virginia Tech. She also really cares about literacy and teen issues, and was featured this past Teen Read Week -- a visit from Tiffany was one of the prizes offered by the ALA in 2007. As Tiffany has family in this area, and was planning appearances in Wisconsin in May this year, she jumped at the chance to add an appearance here to her itinerary.

Tiffany writes historical fantasy very much in the Libba Bray vein. Hallowmere takes place in the antebellum and Victorian period to follow, in which the orphaned Corrine is plagued by visions of dark faeries and ominous warnings, and as a result of heeding these things, her strict uncle sends her to a girl's reformatory school called Falston. (Reform school in these times = bad news! Definitely a lot more like prison than Gemma Doyle's Spence.) At Falston, Corrine makes a discovery of some old and hidden letters from a medieval monk who talks about forbidden romance -- and vampiric faeries that resemble those stalking Corrine.

And that's just where the fun starts!

Tiffany will be spending time with classes, except for during Lunch period. During that time, book club members are welcome to come hang out with her and the librarians for a more casual event. Bring your lunch in and be ready to socialize!

Stephenie Meyer TOUR!

Stephenie Meyer is touring for her new science fiction book The Host -- and she's coming to our area!

Her tour begins at none other than the Mall of America starting on Tuesday, May 6th. Logistics for attending are a bit difficult -- see Stephenie's website for details for wristbands for the signing -- but for those of you who are wild about her work, the information on how to attend can be found there.

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.

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).

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.

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!

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).

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!

Robert Cormier on NHPR

Listen to author Patricia Campbell talk about her new book Robert Cormier: Daring to Disturb the Universe on New Hampshire Public Radio.

http://www.nhpr.org/node/11974