Thirteen Reasons Why, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

Thirteen Reasons Why: A Novel
Jay Asher
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Audiobook Available in HS Library

This book opens with an anonymous person mailing a package--a package that is delivered to Clay's doorstep. Clay opens the package to find seven audio tapes--thirteen sides of which are filled with the voice of Hannah Baker, a girl who has committed suicide. The words she's recorded on the tapes include the thirteen reasons she has decided to end her life. The directions are for Clay to listen to them, and then pass them onto the next person on the list--and the list has thirteen people on it.

What makes this book unique is that the reader knows what happens before the book even begins. We know the ending won't be good--yet we are compelled to read it anyway--and see into the tortured mind of a person whose life gets so bad she decides it's not worth living any more. This is a fantastic debut novel...I sure hope Jay Asher is busily writing something else!

Pretty Little Liars, posted by Hannah L, Senior

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS
Sara Shepard
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

Having read the first 3 books in this series, this one is my favorite. I can relate to all of the characters because they deal with real life situations. The book is suspenseful and kept me at the edge of whatever I was sitting on at the time. The author's writing style is so funny at points I thought I would pee my pants...but I didn't, so don't worry. I recommend this book to any high school girl who is into suspense, but also into some comedy as well. Peace, Love, and Happiness!

-Hannah, Senior,PHS (That's right...I am the greatest!)

These are my favorites....what are yours?

These are my top five, although there are so many books that I would rank among my favorites. This was a hard list to think up, because I've read so many over the years. I tried to think about books that make me go "Wow..." when I read them. Here's why they're where they are on my list: (They're not in any real order, because each book is so different from the others)

THE LIFE OF PI, by Yann Martel: This is a wonderful story, and the ending really messed with my head.

DINNER WITH A PERFECT STRANGER, by David Gregory: This one definitely made me go WOW! You'll have to read it to understand...

THE FALL OF FREDDY THE LEAF, by Leo Buscaglia: I read this book in a bookstore, and it totally captured my heart. I actually want this book to be read at my funeral.

THANK YOU, MR. FALKER, by Patricia Polacco: This book epitomizes the reason I am in education--Patricia Polacco is at the top of my list of people I'd love to meet one day. She's my hero! I can't read this one without crying.

The Holy Bible: I had to include this one, because I spend a lot of time with it.

NOW...what are YOUR favorite books? Please click on "comments" and share--it doesn't have to be five; it could be one, three, or ten!

P.S. Other favorites of mine include: Little Women, Twilight (series), Tantalize, Are You There, God, It's me Margaret, Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Uglies, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Copper Sun, Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Left Behind Series, God Went to Beauty School, 90 Minutes in Heaven, The Purpose Driven Life, The Giver, Speak, Moses: When Harriet Tubman led her People to Freedom, The Giving Tree, The Keeping Quilt, Christmas Tapestry, and many more....

The Life of Pi, posted by Mrs. Schauer

LIFE OF PI, by Yann Martel
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Audiobook Available in HS Library

One of my very best friends in the whole world recommended this book to me, so I picked it up at an airport. I have to admit that through most of the experience of reading it, I was thinking to myself, "This is an OK book, but I wouldn't rave about it" I stuck with it, though, and boy am I glad I did! It's the story of a sixteen year old boy named Pi--it has nothing to do with the number Pi--it's his nickname, which is short for Piscine...a name that sounded a lot like another unflattering word, (think urine) so he changed it to just Pi. Pi is a deeply spiritual person who, after learning the teachings of Hinduism, Islam, and Catholicism, creates his own spiritual practice from all three traditions. This is the story of how Pi survived 227 days on a lifeboat in the Pacific, with a royal bengal tiger, a zebra and a hyena...or is it?

Specials, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

SPEICALS, by Scott Westerfield
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Audiobook Available in HS Library

I don't want to tell a whole lot about this one, because I don't want to spoil it for those of you out there that haven't read UGLIES or PRETTIES. This is the final book in the UGLIES trilogy and it's full of action, suspense and high drama. Tally, Shay, David and Zane are all back--as well as the sinister Dr. Cable. I wanted to start EXTRAS this weekend, but wouldn't you know it...one of my students checked it out! This one had a definite ending to it, though...and while EXTRAS does say it's part of the UGLIES series....I am curious to see who's back.

American Born Chinese, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, by Gene Luen Yang
AR Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

"It was I who formed your inmost being, I who knit you together in the womb of that rock. I do not make mistakes…”

Wow…I just finished reading this one, and I’m not sure exactly what to say about this graphic novel. It’s a combination of ancient Chinese parables, modern-day teenage angst, racial unrest and ignorance.

I am planning to read this one again when I can give it more attention—but the main message is acceptance—of others and of ourselves and the way we were made to be. If we look for guidance from the one who created us, instead of listening so much to our own human free will—life will be so much easier.

Standing Against the Wind, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

STANDING AGAINST THE WIND, by Traci L. Jones
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

This is a story of perseverance and how it’s possible to use intelligence and tenacity to pull oneself out of even the darkest place. Patrice Williams is a thirteen year old girl who has been raised by her grandmother in the south until her mother forces her to move to the projects of Chicago—only to wind up in jail after eight weeks, forcing Patrice to move in with her aunt and children. They live in a run-down apartment building and Patrice is bullied and picked on until Monty, the leader of a group of tough boys takes a liking to her and defends her. She begins to tutor his younger brother and they form a strong friendship. The majority of the book centers on Patrice applying for a scholarship to a prestigious African American preparatory school in Mississippi—the biggest issue is getting her mother’s signature on the application—because her mother is in prison, and Patrice doesn’t have the means to get to her—until Monty steps in and saves the day. In the end, Patrice is awarded the scholarship, and the reader is left wanting to know the rest of Patrice’s story.

To Dance, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

TO DANCE, A BALLERINA’S GRAPHIC NOVEL, by Siena Cherson Siegel
No AR Quiz Available
Interest Level: All Ages

I was so happy to see a graphic novel win as a Sibert Honor book—and I’m very happy to add this particular book to my library’s collection. I have a feeling it will not spend a lot of time collecting dust on the shelves. My fourth grade daughter actually read it before I did, and after reading it, she went further to research the School of American Ballet. The book tells the story of Siena’s beginnings, and then her twelve year course of study at the school, where she danced with many famous principal dancers. The graphic novel format makes it easier for the reader to really grasp the words that are written—I think this book is going to be gobbled up by reluctant readers. It also touches on the pain of divorce, and how she used dance as a means of escape—I think many kids will be able to relate.

Team Moon, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

TEAM MOON: HOW 400,000 PEOPLE LANDED APOLLO 11 ON THE MOON, by Catherine Themmish
AR: Yes

I will admit that I wasn’t too excited about reading this one, since non-fiction reading for pleasure usually isn’t my cup of tea. Boy, were my impressions wrong—what a fantastic book! When we think of the first men landing on the moon, we tend to think only of those men—and not all the men and women who were behind the actual missions that led up to that exciting event. I didn’t have any idea there were that many people involved. In addition to the vast amount of scientific information that is contained in this book, there are a great many personal accounts and stories that, along with the fantastic pictures, make this a truly enjoyable educational read.

The Road to Paris, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

THE ROAD TO PARIS, by Nikki Grimes
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

"Always remember to keep God in your pocket."

Wow. I just finished this book and I’m sitting here crying. What a powerful story that will touch so many hearts. Our school services the South Texas Children’s Home, and so many of my students are looking for this book, exactly. The title definitely does not give the reader a clue to its content. I assumed it dealt with a girl in the city of Paris, and wasn’t all that keen on reading it—once again I was wrong in my assumptions! The story follows eight year old Paris on a journey that starts out in such pain—being mistreated in an abusive foster home along with her brother. When they decide to run away, they are separated and placed in different homes. Paris slowly starts to heal and learns to trust…and to love again. In the end, she and her brother are reunited and move back in with their birth mother and her new husband. It is a bittersweet ending because Paris has to take a huge leap of faith—from the arms of her loving foster family, into those of her mother, who has already hurt her once, and her new stepfather, a virtual stranger. Grimes sure left room for a sequel—I’ll keep my eyes open for it!

Copper Sun, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

COPPER SUN, by Sharon Draper
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Audiobook Available in HS Library

I have to admit that I wasn’t excited about this book at first. I had seen it in the bookstore and it just wasn’t one that reached out and grabbed me. Boy, were my first impressions wrong! I listened to the audio book during my drive to and home from the book conference and it definitely made the time fly. As the book opens, the reader learns how fifteen year old Amari’s tranquil life in an African village is forever changed when it is pillaged by white slave traders. Most of her family is murdered and she is taken on an inhumane journey across the ocean to the Americas. Once there, she is given as a birthday gift to the spoiled son of a wealthy plantation owner. She finds an unlikely friend in Polly, an indentured girl who is purchased by the same man. When the master’s wife delivers a long-awaited baby and it is obviously a black child, the reader learns that the plantation mistress has been carrying on an affair with her personal male slave. After the master murders both the slave and the newborn baby, Polly, Amari and the son of Teenie, another slave, escape and head to Fort Mose, a Spanish colony in Florida, where all people are free. I fell in love with the characters in this book. I must have been a sight driving down the road, because I cried through most of this book.

This One's for Teachers of Reluctant Middle School Readers!

WHEN KIDS CAN'T READ, WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO, by Kylene Beers

You know you’re a reading geek when you receive a professional book for Christmas from one of your dearest friends. Either that or your dearest friends know you well enough to know that anything that will help turn kids into readers is something you’d want to get your hands on! Such is the case with this book—I received it as a Christmas gift two years ago and have almost worn out the copy I have, to the point of having to buy a new one.
I knew I was going to love this book when I read the first chapter. In it, Beers describes her first year teaching, and how it differed dramatically from the romantic notion she had formed of the profession. She describes George, a struggling reader that she failed to help, due to a lack of knowledge about how to help him. Probably the most dramatic statement in this chapter is when Beers states, "the gesture of just showing up is a strength of character." George, in his perseverance, made Beers want to learn how to help the reluctant reader—and twenty years later, she has written a book that is invaluable to the middle/high school reading teacher.
This book is written to be used as a guide for getting through to reluctant readers. It is filled with strategies that the reader can take directly into his/her classroom and use. The major emphasis is that there are so many things involved in reading—phonics instruction, fluency practice, comprehension strategies, sight words—and the list goes on. Each chapter, along with the appendices, provides a wealth of information that can be used now, with little to no preparation, other than reading the book, and knowing your students.
Each chapter begins and ends with a note to George, and the book ends with a final letter to George, in which she expresses her regret at not helping him, and her admiration of his ability to just show up—and persevere. Even though it’s filled with wonderful, usable information, what drew me to this book was Kylene Beers’ true love of teaching, and the personal spin she gave to this book—she wrote it for George, and in turn, is helping so many other "Georges" that are out there. I wonder if the real George even knows what he started?

New Moon, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

NEW MOON, by Stephenie Meyer
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Audiobook Available in HS Library

I read this one cover to cover the day it was released—yes, I am a die-hard Bella/Edward fan! In this sequel to Twilight, Edward decides it’s far too dangerous for Bella to remain near his family, when a paper cut causes one of the Cullens to almost lose control. After the Cullens leave, Bella sinks into a deep depression. The only solace she finds is in her friendship with Jacob Black, who happens to be a werewolf, and arch-nemesis of Edward and all vampires. Bella is faced with the painful decision of whom she belongs with. While New Moon isn’t as fast-paced, or romantic as Twilight, it does end in a way that makes the reader crazy with anticipation for the third book in the trilogy.

Gossamer, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

GOSSAMER, by Lois Lowry
AR: Yes
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Audiobook Available in HS Library

This is another one I listened to on audio, in the car. I attempted to start it three different times. The first time was with my best friend—she declared that “Lois Lowry is weird,” and we turned it off. For the second attempt I was with my oldest daughter, who is thirteen—she also declared it “weird and boring.” Finally, on the way home from our deer lease in Laredo, I plugged it in while riding with my ten year old, and hit pay dirt. We both loved this book. While it does start off slow, once more characters are introduced, this book causes the listener/reader to become engrossed in its story. It’s the tale of a group of dream-givers and the humans they encounter in their work. There is an old woman who takes in a young boy named John who’s been badly abused—and the boy’s mother who is trying to get her life together so she can regain custody of her son. The dream givers must bestow enough happy dreams on the humans, so that when the sinisteeds, or nightmare-inflictors attack, they will be able to overcome them. The book really made me reflect on my own weird dreams.

The Higher Power of Lucky, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, by Susan Patron
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Audiobook Available in HS Library

This is the story of Lucky, who is left in the care of her father’s ex-wife Brigitte, (who moves from France to care for her) when her mother dies. She lives in a tiny town called Hard Pan, which has a population of 43, and is located in the California desert. Lucky eavesdrops on various 12-step meetings, such as Smokers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous, where she learns the term “higher power.” Throughout the book she’s trying to find her own higher power, which she does find during a memorial ceremony for her mother—which is also when she realizes that Brigitte loves her and wants to adopt her. This is a wonderful story of love and acceptance.

Hattie Big Sky, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

HATTIE BIG SKY, by Kirby Larson
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Audiobook Available in HS Library

I listened to the audio book for this one, and time definitely flew as I was swept away to another time and place, into the life of Hattie Brooks, a sixteen year old orphan who inherits 320 acres from her uncle and moves all by herself, from Arlington, Iowa to Vida, Montana. Upon arrival she learns that in order to “prove up” her claim she has to cultivate forty acres and set 480 rods of fence within a year. Hattie realizes it’s a huge undertaking, her tenacity takes over and she sets out to do whatever it takes. Set against the backdrop of war and unrest, Larsen weaves Hattie’s and the other Montana families’ story beautifully. I fell in love with the characters and hope that students will too.

I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

I WAS A NON-BLONDE CHEERLEADER, by Scott Kieran
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

Sophomore Annisa Gobrowski has just moved from New Jersey, to Sand Dune High School, in Florida and everything about her school and new environment is foreign to her. The first thing she notices is that every single girl, including the teachers—has blonde hair. With her pale skin and dark hair, she sticks out like a sore thumb. After two girls from the school’s championship cheer squad are kicked off for drinking, she decides to try out for the team, even though the majority of the girls on the squad do everything they can to make her life miserable. This book details her first weeks on the squad—from having to trust the other girls in stunts, to getting tossed in jail for “prank war” antics with a rival school. This is a humorous book that will be enjoyed by high school girls. It tells a story that shows what true “mean girls” can be like, and how one bright, funny and tenacious little pixie is an agent of change.

After, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

AFTER, by Francine Prose
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades


Tom Bishop is a sophomore at Central High School the day everyone’s cell phones start ringing at the same time. Apparently there has been a mass shooting (similar to that which took place in Columbine) several miles away in Pleasant Valley, and all of the parents are calling to make sure their kids are OK. From that moment on, life at Central High changes indefinitely. The first major change is the installation of a new “grief and crisis” counselor. This man, Dr. Willner, strips the principal of his power and institutes many changes, one after the other, slowly taking away the majority of the students’ freedoms, under the guise of making the school a safe and orderly place. Parents, after reading daily school emails from Dr. Willner, begin to act strangely, agreeing with all of Dr. Willner’s suggestions. Tom and his friends begin to think that something similar to the plot of INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS is taking place. Students who stand up to Dr. Willner are sent away to wilderness camps, or other “rehabilitation centers,” and never heard from again. Of course, you'll have to read the book for yourself to find out what happens!

The Twelfth Angel

THE TWELFTH ANGEL, by Og Mandino
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

John Harding's life is perfect—he is in love with his wife, they have a wonderful seven year old son, and they’ve just moved back to his hometown in the heart of New England. He’s recently been named the president and CEO of one of the largest computer companies in the nation—and then his world falls apart. His wife and son are killed in a car accident, leaving John behind, empty, alone, and ready to end it all. He’s got the gun out, pointed at his head, when he is interrupted by someone banging on his door, then on his window. One of his childhood friends has come to ask a favor—he wants him to manage a Little League team, the Angels, with him. Hearing his wife’s voice in his head telling him he can do it—he decides to give it a go, and meets Timothy in the process. Timothy, the twelfth Angel picked in the draft, is a tiny boy, with virtually no athletic ability. He has the heart of a champion though, and proves to be just what the team and John Harding need. Timothy’s fighting spirit and can-do attitude make John see that anything is possible in this life if you just believe, and never give up. This book will be enjoyed by any teenage boy or adult who loves the game of baseball—and has fond memories of Little League.

The Giver, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

THE GIVER, by Lois Lowry
AR: Yes
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Literacy Skills Quiz Available
Audiobook Available in HS Library

This is the tale of a boy named Jonas. It is set in a futuristic community that is completely monitored and streamlined so that everything has sameness. Individuality is not only a thing of the past, it’s a thing that no one can even comprehend. People are biogenetically engineered, and there are no such things as color, love, hatred, wildlife, or climate. Jonas, when he reaches the age of twelve, receives his life assignment. At the assigning ceremony, he is given the job of “Receiver of Memories,” which is the most honored position in the community. Only one person from each generation is given this role—and it is his job to gain wisdom from the memories of a time when there was freedom of choice and emotion. The current Receiver, who gives him these memories, Jonas calls “The Giver.” Throughout a year of memory transfer, Jonas realizes, as The Giver has long known, that there is something terribly wrong with their society. You'll have to read the rest to find out what happens, but this is one of my favorite books--very deep and thought-provoking.

Prom, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

PROM, by Laurie Halse Anderson
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

Ashley Hannigan is a “normal” teenager. In her eyes, this means she isn’t at the top of her class, and she’s not at the bottom—but she gets in enough trouble to keep her off the “favorites” lists of the majority of her teachers. Her best friend Natalie, is head of the prom committee, which is something that Ashley honestly could not care less about. She thinks prom is a ridiculous excuse for unattractive, unlucky people to live in a fantasy land for one night, only to wake up the next day to their same, boring lives. Then something happens to change her mind—the prom committee faculty advisor steals all of the prom money and she finds herself in the middle of planning a low-budget prom with her best friend. The book follows Ashley’s transformation from a young girl with no realistic ambitions in life, other than moving into an apartment with her slacker boyfriend, to a purposeful young woman who decides to enroll in community college and forge a plan for the rest of her life.

How Angel Peterson Got His Name, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

HOW ANGEL PETERSON GOT HIS NAME, by Gary Paulsen
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available

Gary Paulsen's hilarious retelling of the childhood antics of his friends had me laughing out loud. From trying to break the world record for skiing—by attaching to the bumper of a car, to getting picked up and carried away by an army surplus target kite, Paulsen recalls witnessing and taking part in experiences that sound remarkably like they could have been the beginnings of what have become extreme sports of today. He does offer the following words of caution at the beginning: “We were quite a bit dumber then,” and “There wasn’t any safety gear.” This book will appeal to boys of all ages—especially the little boys in grown men’s bodies who will be able to relate to and possibly even commiserate with the participants of Paulsen’s youth.

Kidnapped, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

KIDNAPPED, BOOK ONE: THE ABDUCTION, by Gordon Korman
AR Level: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available

Things have been rough for Aiden and Meg Falconer. Over a year earlier, their parents were found guilty of aiding foreign terrorists. During that time Aiden and Meg lived as fugitives, but now, fourteen months into their parents’ life sentences, it is uncovered that they had been framed. They are released from prison, and cleared of all criminal charges. The kids go back to school and try to return to a life of normalcy. This doesn’t last long however, as Meg is kidnapped while she and Aiden are walking home from school one afternoon. This book is a fast paced with lots of action. It leaves the reader wanting to run out and find the sequel, as any good first series book should do.

Fade to Black Posted by Mrs. Schauer

FADE TO BLACK, by Alex Flinn
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

Alex Crusan is HIV positive and feeling very isolated after his parents have to move to a small town in Florida and everyone knows about his condition. While driving to Dunkin Donuts early on a Monday morning, someone bashes in his windshield with a baseball bat, putting Alex in the hospital. There is an eyewitness, Daria Bickell. She actually witnesses two attacks, one of which is the incident with the baseball bat, and the other is when she sees one of Alex’s classmates, Clinton Cole, throw a rock through a window in Alex’s house on the night before the attack. The problem is, Daria is mentally handicapped and confused about what she sees. While she’s certain that it is Clinton who threw the rock, the only thing she’s sure of about the other attack is that the person with the bat had on a blue Letterman's jacket. Alex sees the attacker and knows it’s not Clinton, but he knows that Clinton despises him and probably did throw the rock through the window, so he’s tempted to let him take the rap for both incidents. You'll have to read it to find out what happens, but this is a powerful book that is definitely worth reading.

Boy Proof Posted by Mrs. Schauer

BOY PROOF, by Cecil Castellucci
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

Victoria is an incredibly gifted high school senior, living in Hollywood, California with her mother, a fading TV star. She is only sixteen years old, but is in the running to be Valedictorian of her exclusive prep school. She is a huge fan of science fiction and movies in general. In fact, she even goes by the name of “Egg,” after her favorite character in the movie, TERMINAL EARTH. She models everything about her personality after this character, who is a strong, independent woman who needs no one. Victoria considers herself “boy proof,” meaning she completely shuts herself off from the possibility of becoming vulnerable. That is, until Max Carter comes to her school. Max is also incredibly gifted, and gives her intellect a run for its money. I loved this book!

What My Mother Doesn't Know Posted by Mrs. Schauer

WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW, by Sonya Sones
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

Sophie is a quirky, tenacious, and boy crazy fourteen- year old. This book is a collection of her daily thoughts, written in verse. She waxes philosophical about everything from her gorgeous, popular boyfriend Dylan, to the state of her soap opera addicted mother and businessman father's marriage. She is utterly and completely in love with Dylan, until she starts to realize that, outside of his good looks and incredible kisses, they ultimately have nothing in common. She meets "Chaz" on the Internet, and imagines that she's finally met her prince, leading her to inadvertently end things with Dylan. She's considering meeting Chaz in person, until she finds out he's a bit on the weird side. So, over winter break, feeling abandoned by her two closest girlfriends, she is shocked to find herself falling for Murphy, a decidedly un-cool, unattractive, and very unpopular guy in her art class. As she finds herself falling more in love with Murphy, she is consumed with worries about telling her friends the man of her dreams is the one person whose name they've decided is synonymous with the word "dork."

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging Posted by Mrs. Schauer

ANGUS, THONGS, AND FULL-FRONTAL SNOGGING, by Louise Rennison
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Audiobook Available in HS Library

Georgia is a hilarious British teen and this is her diary. She details her days and nights, her joys and her sorrows—and her angst over not being able to snag Robbie, the “sex god” of her dreams. From accidentally shaving off her eyebrows to streaking down the street in her “nuddy pants” on a dare, everything is centered on Robbie—whom she finally begins “sort of” dating by the end of the book. This book will have the reader laughing from beginning to end—it’s hard to imagine a teenage girl who would not relate to Georgia’s life.

TTFN Posted by Mrs. Schauer

TTFN, my Lauren Myracle

AR: Yes

Interest Level: Upper Grades

In this sequel to TTYL, Junior year is off to a banner start for best friends Maddie, Angela and Zoe when one thing after another causes their perfect world to begin falling apart. First, Angela’s dad announces the family is moving across the country because he’s lost his job. Zoe has to keep her new boyfriend a secret, and Maddie falls for a guy who leads her down a destructive path. Through all of their trials and mishaps, the girls manage to stay in constant contact through instant messaging and text messaging via their cell phones. Written in a unique style, using “IM” boxes as the layout, this book is a great read for almost any teenager today.

Twilight Posted by Mrs. Schauer

TWILIGHT, by Stephenie Meyer
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Audiobook Available in HS Library

Bella and Edward are drawn together in ways neither of them can explain. Each knows, without a doubt, that they have found their soul mate in the other. This would be great in a perfect world, but this book is not set in a perfect world. While Bella is a normal, human teenage girl, Edward is a vampire, whose thirst for Bella’s blood is always under the surface, threatening both of them. When Bella is captured and bitten by a rival vampire, Edward saves her human life by sucking the venom out of her veins. This upsets Bella because she knows that if he would have let the venom work, she would have become a vampire as well, and they could have been together forever. In the end, this is exactly what appears to happen, as the book closes with Edward lowering his lips to her throat. This is a fantastic love story that will enthrall teens— it is beautifully written and a definite page turner.

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS, by Carolyn Mackler

AR Level: Yes

Interest Level: Upper Grades

Virginia Shreves has never felt like she fit in with the other members of her family. Her mother, a successful teen psychologist, her father, a prominent businessman, and her gorgeous and popular brother and sister all lead lives that Virginia finds herself unable to live up to. They are all thin, successful members of society, while Virginia has always been on the chubby side, and she always seems to fall just short of “average” on the “cool to dorky” scale she has come up with on which to categorize people. From her picture perfect family, to the skinny, backstabbing popular group of girls at school, it amazes her that people can be morally defunct, yet still be esteemed as “model” members of society. When her god-like perfect brother is suspended from Columbia University on charges of date rape, Virgina's view of her "perfect" family begins to shift. She realizes that everyone has character flaws. This is an inspiring book that combines sharp wit with a poignant view of life as seen through the eyes of a fifteen year old girl who is coming of age and figuring out her place in the world.

Number the Stars Posted by Mrs. Schauer

NUMBER THE STARS, by Lois Lowry
AR: Yes
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Literacy Skills Quiz Available

Ten year old Lutheran, Annemarie Johansen and her best friend, Ellen Rosen, a Jew, are worried and nervous about the German soldiers who have begun patrolling the streets of Copenhagen. Their worry turns to stark fear when they find out the soldiers are going to begin “relocating” all the Jews. By “not knowing everything,” Annemarie and her friend are kept enough in the dark about the escape plan they are being led to follow, so that their knowledge of how dangerous their situation actually is, does not give them away should they be questioned by German soldiers. In the end, Annemarie ends up saving the lives of many, and “not knowing enough” proves to be the one thing that keeps her from being caught. This is an excellent book—the pace will have the reader turning pages to find out what happens next.

Al Capone Does My Shirts Posted by Mrs. Schauer

AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS, by Gennifer Choldenko
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

Twelve year old Moose Flanagan has been forced to leave his home and friends in San Diego, so his father can get a job near the Esther P. Marinoff School in San Francisco. Moose's sister Natalie is autistic and their mother feels this school is going to be the answer for making Natalie "normal." Moose's dad takes a job at Alcatraz, which means the entire family is going to live on the island, right next door to notorious, vile criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Find out what happens when a twelve year old comes in contact with people like this!

Speak Posted by Mrs. Schauer

SPEAK, by Laurie Halse Anderson
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available

She rarely ever talks unless she's in a situation where it's entirely unavoidable. She hasn't always been this way, though. Before the party in August, she was a typical teenager, talking about all sorts of things, from clothes to boys. Now, though, she's afraid to speak because if she does, then she knows what might come out. If she speaks, the rage that is locked inside her might spill out. If she speaks, she might give her tormentor the power to hurt her again. Until she speaks, however, the healing can't begin--once she does, she's on the road to recovery.

Inexcusable Posted by Mrs. Schauer

INEXCUSABLE, by Chris Lynch
AR Level: 4.9 Points: 5
Interest Level: Upper Grades

I read this one while riding in the truck with my husband, listening to our two daughters alternate, as only sisters can, between bickering and giggling in the back seat. It's difficult for me to put into words the way I felt upon finishing this book. the main character, Keir Sarafian, is twisted--but he has a way of convincing himself (and the reader, to a point) that nothing he does is in reality the way it seems--from vandalism and hazing to other horrible acts--he continuously excuses his behavior and convinces himself that he's done nothing wrong. He's a master of self-deception, and of justifying his actions, no matter how horrific.

To quote Keir: "Here's what can happen: You can look at a thing and at the time it will look funny, if conditions are right. In the mean light of day an event from the night before might look plain nasty, but that does not automatically render it nasty, even in its context. Even if I might partway agree with you about the nastiness in the light, that still doesn't mean that at its original time the thing itself couldn't have been a very different, better thing."

I do think this is a book that teenage boys should read. It is written in the language of a teenage boy, and has many messages that young men coming of age need to hear.

King Dork, Posted by Mrs. Schauer

KING DORK, by Frank Portman (2006)
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Audiobook Available in HS Library

I listened to this one on audio and I will admit that at times I got lost, but overall it was a very entertaining listen. This book chronicles the days of Tom Henderson, AKA King Dork, Chi-Mo, and a few unsavory nicknames. Tom is a typical high school loser--he actually reminded me of a few of my own highly intelligent, slightly off-kilter friends from high school. He has a wicked sense of humor and takes refuge in his music. He and his best friend Sam are constantly changing the name of their band, for which they can't find a drummer who can count to four. After finding a stash of books that belonged to his deceased father, Tom starts putting together pieces of what he believes is a conspiracy, centering around, among other books, THE CATCHER AND THE RYE.

What Happened to Cass McBride Posted by Mrs. Schauer

WHAT HAPPENED TO CASS MCBRIDE, by Gail Giles (2006)
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

This book sucked me in from the first page. James Patterson, on the front cover states, "A smart, scary tale that moves like a bullet train." This sums up the experience of reading this book. It is told from several points of view. (Kyle, Cass, and a police detective) Kyle is an emotionally damaged jock type, who kidnaps and buries alive a girl named Cass McBride--the popular, social climbing mean girl who turns down a date with Kyle's younger brother David, who then commits suicide by hanging himself from a tree in the front yard of the house he shares with Kyle and his parents. Each chapter alternates, being told from different character viewpoints. I could not put this book down and read it from cover to cover in a little over an hour. Great book!

Knights of the Hill Country Posted by Mrs. Schauer

KNIGHTS OF THE HILL COUNTRY, by Tim Tharp (2006)
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

Set in the small town of Kennisaw, Arkansas, where high school football reigns as the most important aspect of life, this is the story of the fighting Kennisaw Knights and their quest for a fifth consecutive winning season. More than that, though, it's the story of their star linebacker, Hampton Green, who wishes he could think as clearly and eloquently off the field as he can while he's on it, in the midst of a tension-packed game. Hampton tells his story in the dialect of the Deep South--and he speaks from the heart about his struggles with friendships, football, love, and his place among them all.

I am not a huge fan of football fiction, but this book has a lot more to offer than just the gridiron--there are strong characters, with the main storyline revolving around Hampton figuring out just what kind of man he wants to become.

Rules of Survival Posted by Mrs. Schauer

THE RULES OF SURVIVAL, by Nancy Werlin (2006)
AR Level: 4.3 Points: 8
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Audiobook Available in HS Library

This is a truly powerful book. It opens with a letter from Matthew to Emmy, his baby sister. He tells her that he’s going to write down the details of their childhood to help her understand what they went through at the hands of their abusive mother, Nikki. The book chronicles the experiences of Matthew and his two younger sisters, Callie and Emmy as they try to deal with the emotional and sometimes drug-fueled mood swings of their mom. She swings like a pendulum from manic highs to depressive lows—and in all of her moods; her kids are the ones who suffer. The book climaxes when, after losing custody, their mom kidnaps Emmy and takes her to a trailer in the Boston dockyard. Matthew rescues her with the help of Murdoch, who is an ex-boyfriend of Nikki’s. The book ends with another letter to Emmy, in which Matthew tells her he realizes that he actually wrote the book for himself, to figure out who he was, and what his experiences with Nikki had done to him.

Small Steps (Sequel to Holes) Posted by Mrs. Schauer

SMALL STEPS, by Louis Sachar (2006)
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available

Having been caught up in the HOLES craze a few years ago, I was excited to get my hands on this highly anticipated sequel. I personally loved it, but reactions I've heard from others have been mixed. Part of the reason I may have liked it was because I listened to the audio book and the narrator did a fantastic job of capturing the essence of the characters through his voice tones and inflections. SMALL STEPS follows Theodore "Armpit" Johnson into his life in Austin, Texas following his release from Camp Green Lake. He does his best to stay on the straight and narrow, but this becomes more difficult when he finds himself mixed up once again with X-Ray, one of his fellow prisoners at Camp Green Lake. X-Ray has a "fool proof" plan for scalping tickets to a concert by Kaira DeLeon, a wildly famous pop/soul star. Things get complicated when Armpit finds himself caught up in a romance with the singer, and the drama unfolds amid counterfeit tickets, scandelous managers, and the emotions of teen love.

An Abundance of Katherines Posted by Mrs. Schauer

AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES, by John Green (2006)

AR: Yes

Interest Level: Upper Grades

"Books are the ultimate dumpees: put them down and they'll wait for you forever; pay attention to them and they always love you back." -Colin Singleton

"Complete idiots shoot guns all the time. That's why there are so many dead people." -Hassan Harbish

I think I could have written an entire blog out of nothing but one-liners from this book. I literally laughed out loud off and on for the entire hog hunting section. (My husband gets very annoyed when I do this while he's trying to sleep) This is the story of Colin Singleton, a child prodigy who is realizing that as he's growing older, people are catching up with him intellectually, and he's not as spectacular as he was when he was reading the front page of hte newspaper at the age of twenty-five months. This is a book about self-discovery, friendship, and budding love.

Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo Posted by Mrs. Schauer

NINJAS, PIRANHAS, AND GALILEO by Greg Leitich Smith (2003)
AR Level: 5.2 Points: 5
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available

I picked this book up at TLA last year, along with TANTALIZE, so I was very excited to hear that both authors were going to be at our SHSU YA conference. I read NINJAS on a plane and laughed the whole time--in fact, the person sitting next to me even asked what I was reading and I filled her in on the story. This novel chronicles the experiences of three best friends who attend the Peshtigo School of Chicago, and elite private school. There are two main storylines in this book--the first is the school's annual science fair, and the second is the fact that the friendship trio is threatened with secret crushes and unrequited love.

Tantalize Posted by Mrs. Schauer

TANTALIZE, by Cynthia Leitich Smith (2007)
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

I bought this book at TLA this year, and having read all three books in the TWILIGHT series, and being an overall fan of vampires in YA literature, I was excited to sink my teeth into this one. (pun intended) The story's lead character is named Quincie Morris, which is fitting--as the hero in Bram Stoker's DRACULA was named the same, if spelled differently. The book follows Quincie through the trials of opening a vampire-themed restaurant in Ausin, Texas, amid murder and intrigue, surrounding the brutal slaying of her chef. Quincie's uncle hires a new chef, Henry Johnson--who turns out to be a vampire--only not the loving hero that Edward of TWILIGHT fame is to Bella. I enjoyed this book, but will admit it took me until almost the very end to become completely absorbed in it. I found the discussion of the "werepeople" to be a little disconcerting. It was strange to me that the book seemed to have a very "real" quality to it, yet the existence of "shifters" was not strange to the "normal" people in the book. While I was reading it, I just assumed that since the setting was Austin, Texas--the werepeoples' existence was just helping to keep it weird. I became enthralled with the book during the last few chapters, and the ending made me think that a sequel could be very possible.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Cynthia at the YA conference at Sam Houston, and after hearing her talk about the process of writing this book, I ran home and read it again--and was enthralled the entire time.

On a side note, Cynthia's website is nothing short of amazing! Check it out!

http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/index.html