TWILIGHT...The Movie Posted by Mrs. Schauer

OK, I've waited a while to post this, not because I haven't wanted to post, but because I've been freakishly busy with other areas of my life and honestly haven't had time! I saw the movie in San Antonio the weekend it was released, and my reaction to it is mixed. First, let me say that overall I actually loved it and thought the filmmakers did a fantastic job of staying true to the book. For the most part the characters looked enough like the images I'd created in my mind that I had no trouble believing in them...with the exception of Jasper...what was UP with him? Every time he came on the screen, everyone in the theatre laughed...I realize that Jasper is in pain most of the time, but the movie portrayal of the book character was just a little over the top for me. That leads me to explain why my feelings are mixed. I've never had quite this reaction to a movie before...usually when a movie is made of a book, I either love it or hate it, with no in between. I have to say again that I loved it....but at the same time, it was one of the cheesiest, over the top movies I've ever seen. I think the deal is, the saga of Bella and Edward is just one of those things that is better left in the mind of the reader...it's too personal to put on the screen. Then again, I'm back to the fact that I loved it....hmmmm....what are your thoughts on the movie vs. the book?

BLOOD BROTHERS, by S.A. Harazin Posted by Mrs. Schauer

BLOOD BROTHERS, by S.A. Harazin

AR: Yes

Interest Level: Upper Grades

Clay is a seventeen year old loner who has grown up in poverty but dreams of being a doctor. His best friend Joey is wealthy, popular, valedictorian and an athlete. One night after his shift working at the hospital, Clay goes to Joey's house and finds him in the garage, completely wasted. He's hallucinating and tries to attack Clay with a garden hoe. Clay pushes him off in self defense and Joey hits his head, and winds up in a coma. What follows is an investigation into what happened...and who is to blame.

SHUG, by Jenny Han Posted by Mrs. Schauer

SHUG, by Jenny Han
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

Twelve year old Shug is confused about how much everything is changing now that she's starting middle school. She realizes she's in love with her best friend (since Kinder) Mark--only he never wants to spend any time with her anymore. Even worse, he's decided he has a crush on her big sister! All her friends are changing, and are totally focused on boys. Her parents fight a lot, her dad is gone a lot, and her mom drinks a lot. This book reminded me a little of ARE YOU THERE GOD IT'S ME MARGARET, which is still one of my favorite books of all time...

November Blues, by Sharon Draper Posted by Mrs. Schauer

NOVEMBER BLUES, by Sharon Draper
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

I finally had the chance to read this book, after being told by several people that it was one of the best books they'd ever read. I didn't realize that it's actually a sequel to another book, called THE BATTLE OF JERICO--which, by the way, I want to read...but it's always checked out! (I think Tori A has it now....) November Nelson feels as if her life is over when her boyfriend Josh is killed in a hazing stunt that went wrong. A few months after his death, November realizes she's pregnant with Josh's baby. her plans for college fly out the window--but she decides she wants to keep the baby no matter what, because she knows in her heart it's the right thing to do--and what Josh would want of her. This is a great book...I highly recommend it!

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen Posted by Mrs. Schauer

JUST LISTEN, by Sarah Dessen
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available

I can definitely see why this is one of the more popular books in our library. It is about Anabelle, a beautiful seventeen year old model, who has, on the surface, a perfect life. Under the surface, though, she's dealing with some major stuff. She's been cast our by her best friend, her sister is suffering from a serious eating disorder that's affecting her whole family, and modeling has become a burden to her, instead of the fun it used to be. I don't want to tell too much about the book...but as I said, I can definitely understand why it's been checked out so often.

Beige, by Cecil Castellucci Posted by Mrs. Schauer

BEIGE

AR: Yes

Interest Level: Upper Grades

I fell in love with this book from the first page. It's the story of Katy a "normal" teenager from Canada who has to go stay with her dad in LA while her mom goes to Peru on an arceological dig. Her father's name is Rat and he's a member of a washed up band named SUCK--the main thing they are famous for is for never making it big. Get ready to be taken into the minds of some very well-developed characters as Katy's experience in LA unfolds. READ THIS BOOK!

I'd Tell You I Love You but Then I'd Have to Kill You Posted by Mrs. Schauer

I'D TELL YOU I LOVE YOU BUT THEN I'D HAVE TO KILL YOU
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

There's much more than meets the eye when it comes to the Gallagher Academy for Girls, where Cammie Morgan attends, and her mother is the headmistress. Here, incredibly gifted girls are trained...to be spies. It's assumed that Cammie will follow in the footsteps of her parents, who were both spies until her father's mysterious death on a mission. Trouble ensues when Cammie falls for Josh, a local boy who can never know her destiny or what the school really does.

Being, by Kevin Brooks Posted by Mrs. Schauer

BEING, by Kevin Brooks

AR: Yes

Interest Level: Upper Grades

Sixteen year old Robert Smith thinks he's suffering from stomach ulcers, but when he goes in for an endoscopy,t he doctors discover that he's been wired with all kinds of advanced technological implants. Suddenly, Robert finds himself on the run from a government agent named Ryan, and in a desperate attempt to find out who or what he is. This book is a roller coaster ride of a thriller.

Shark Girl, posted by Mrs. Schauer

SHARK GIRL, by Kelly Bingham
AR: Yes
Interest Level: High School

This novel in verse tells the story of fifteen year old Jane, who is attacked by a shark in the waters of California. The book is broken into three sections. The first delves into her recovery process in the hospital, the second deals with Jane's fear of returning to her high school--she worries about how people will react to her and how she'll manage with only one arm. The final part describes how Jane comes to accept the reality of her situation.

For those of you out there that enjoyed CRANK, BURNED, and WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW, this novel in verse might be just what you're looking for...

CHEATED, by Patrick Jones Posted by Mrs. Schauer

CHEATED, by Patrick Jones
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

A couple of teenagers beat a homeless man to death after he stiffs them two bucks on a beer run. Talk about an opening that sucks the reader in! This is the story of Mick, one of the kids who was there and witnessed the murder. This book tells about the series of events that led up to the murder and the attempt to cover it up and avoid punishment. Jones does a fantastic job of taking the reader into the mind of a tortured and confused young man—a definite page-turner!

KISSING TENNESSEE, by Kathi Appelt Posted by Mrs. Schauer

KISSING TENNESSEE, by Kathi Appelt
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

A menagerie of short stories, all centering around one event—the Stardust Dance at Dogwood Middle School. Some of the stories include a boy questioning his sexuality, a girl remembering her upbringing in sadistically fundamentalist home, a boy trying to forget his dead girlfriend and move on, and a girl working up the courage to report that she’s been raped by the star athlete and most popular boy in town. Each one of these stories finds its way into the reader’s heart—I loved this book. It's a great, quick read that I was not able to put down.

UGLIES, by Scott Westerfield Posted by Hailee, Freshman

UGLIES, by Scott Westerfield
AR: Yes
Vocabulary Quiz: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

Picture this: you live in a world where everyone who's normal is ugly. That's what it's like for Tally Youngblood and she can't wait for what's coming up.... Her sixteenth birthday. Where Tally lives when you turn sixteen you have an operation that makes you stunningly gorgeous, and that is all that Tally has ever wanted. Everything is great and on schedule when one night someone new comes into her life and shows her that being pretty isn't everything. Tally soon has to make the decision to either become perfect and gorgeous or remain ugly.......... FOREVER. Now I'm not a reader at all and I loved this book and I am currently reading the third of its series. To find out what Tally's decision was do what I did and become hooked on this amazing series.

Eleven and Twelve, by Lauren Myracle, Posted by Ashlynn S., 6th Grader

ELEVEN, by Lauren Myracle TWELVE, by Lauren Myracle
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle Grade

I read both of these books and they were really great. I think it might be one of the best books I have ever read. Both of these books are about a little girl named
Winnie. The little girl reminds me of myself. We are very similar
in different ways. These books truly are some of the best books I have
ever read and I encourage you to read them.

Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer Posted by Teresa Schauer

Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer
AR: Not Yet

I am only a little ways into this book, but I wanted to blog it anyway because I know several people have already read it and might want to blog on it. PLEASE, though...if you blog this book, don't give away too many details. I downloaded it to my Kindle at 12:01 the day it was released but haven't had time to read it...I didn't want to start it because I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down...and man, was I right! So far, I am loving it...not going to give any details away, though!

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee posted by Mrs. Schauer

To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
AR Quiz: Yes
Vocabulary Quiz: Yes
Literacy Quiz: Yes

Before this summer I had not read this book since high school...and, while I loved the book then, I wanted to read it again as an adult, so I took the library copy home over the summer. I was so busy with work and grad school that I never found time to read, and when I did I would fall asleep....so I didn't get to read the book like I had planned. HOWEVER, I was in Barnes and Noble on my way home from Huntsville and found the audio book....and OH MY GOSH was it wonderful! Narrated by Sissy Spacek (with that Coal Miner's Daughter accent) this book swept me away to a time when life moved slower and people occupied themselves with things other than TV, computers, and constant action...I found myself making excuses to go somewhere in the car so I could get another chapter in. I absolutely love this book....Harper Lee definitely defines "classic."

What did YOU do this summer?

Hey Everyone! I know that practically no one reads this blog in the summer---which is good because I haven't posted a lot for you to read! I have been swamped with graduate school, my other job, and getting both my libraries ready for the new year. How about you? How did you spend YOUR summer? Tell us here.....Just click on "comments" then "post new comment." Remember....tell me who you are....I don't post annonymous stuff! Also, remember it won't show up on the blog until I approve it...so don't keep sending it over and over...

-Mrs. Schauer

Just Curious.... Posted by Mrs. Schauer

I am wondering if anyone out there actually LOOKS at this blog when they're not at school...If you are reading this...hit " comments" and post a reply. Remember to type in your name...don't post a comment as "anonymous...." If you do post as "anonymous," be sure to include your name in your post.

If anyone wants to blog over the summer, email me at tschauer@pettusisd.esc2.net and we'll keep the blog going! (I know, I know...it's probaby wishful thinking to think any of y'all even read the blog...much less want to READ BOOKS over the summer!)

Forged by Fire, by Sharon Draper. Posted by Mrs. Schauer

FORGED BY FIRE, by Sharon M. Draper
AR Quiz Available
Interest Level: Middle and Upper Grades

This book has been on the shelf for years--but only a couple of people have checked it out...and I am here to say: "CHECK OUT THIS BOOK!" I love summer because it gives me time to read books that I have in my "want to read but don't have time" pile. I actually listened to the audio of this book on my way to my graduate class in Huntsville and it definitely made the time in the car fly by.

Gerald is only three years old when he's left alone in the apartment while his mom goes out to meet with her drug dealer. While she's gone, Gerald plays with her lighter and sets the apartment on fire. As a result of her abandoning him, his mother is sent to prison and Gerald goes to live with is Aunt Queen. He lives in her loving home until the age of nine, when his mom gets out of prison and comes to get him. This time she's not alone--she has a new husband and Gerald finds out he has a half-sister named Angel, who is several years younger than he is. Aunt Queen is prepared to fight for him, but it's all decided when she dies suddenly of a heart attack and Gerald has no choice but to go live with his mother, step-father and new half sister.

I am not going to give away any more of the story line--but this is a wonderful book that I can't believe has been sitting unread on the shelf for so long! So...get to the library as soon as school starts again...and check out this book!

Story of a Girl, by Sara Zarr Posted by Cat P. 8th Grader

STORY OF A GIRL, by Sara Zarr

AR: Yes

Interest Level: Upper Grades

This book is a very good book. It is about a sophomore in high school who made the mistake of going too far with a Senior in high school when she was in the 8th grade. The senior also happened to be a friend of her brother's and her dad caught them together. After they got caught, Tommy (the senior) told everyone about it and ruined her reputation. Her dad won't forgive her even though she's regretted it ever since she did it. When she sees Tommy again for the first time since their dad caught them, chaos stirs up. So, if you like this blog, then you should read the book--it is very good and I really enjoyed it.

Call Me Hope, by Gretchen Olson Posted by Danielle H, 8th Grader

CALL ME HOPE, by Gretchen Olson
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

CALL ME HOPE is a book about a girl whose mom is verbally abusive. her mom calls her stupid and an idiot. In the book she is trying to get through life without her mom noticing that the words hurt her. While Hope tries to get through her life she makes a point goal that helps her get through her hard times. She also meets new friends at a store called Next to New. So she gets really close to these two ladies that treat her very nicely. At the end of this book she gets back from a think called Outside School and her mother tells her nice things because she has been taking parenting classes. This book was really good and heartwarming. I would recommend it to anyone.

DAIRY QUEEN, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock Posted by Mrs. Schauer

DAIRY QUEEN, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

AR: Yes

Vocabulary Quiz: Yes

Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

I have had this book on the shelves since I came to this library, but no one has ever read it. I had heard a lot of good things about it, but never took the time to read it. Well, I finally read it and I loved it! I put a different cover here--because I think this cover makes you want to read the book more than the cover that's on my library copy--it's got a picture of a cow.... In any case, this is a great book--it's about the summer of a 15 year old girl named D.J. who lives on a dairy farm. She's not very popular and she doesn't consider herself as pretty--she more of a jock. Her life is forever changed when Brian Nelson, the star quarterback for a neighboring school comes to work on her father's dairy farm. They develop a friendship, that starts to turn in to more...or at least it almost does. Brian kisses her one day and she is so shocked that she jumps up and gives him a bloody nose! The drama really starts to unfold when D.J. decides to try out for the varsity football team...I'd tell you more, but then you wouldn't need to read the book! Like I said, I loved this book, and am currently reading its sequel, THE OFF SEASON.

Night, by Wiesel, Elie Posted by Ryan B, 8th Grader

NIGHT, by Elie Wiesel
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Voc Quiz: Yes
Literacy Skills: Yes

A young boy named Eliezer, a Jew, gets taken away after someone warns them that the Germans are coming to take all of them and put them in a concentration camp called Buchenwald. They were taken off in cattle cars to a camp and were treated like animals. When they got to the camp his family was separated into two lines. One line was headed to the crematory and the other was the people who would live to make it another day. The places they stayed in were almost nothing. They only got to eat bread, and sometimes if they were lucky, they got to eat some soup, but the soup was never good. They ran them like cattle all over the place from camp to camp. As they ran there would be something called a selection. They would pick the weak and kill them and keep the strong so they could work them. This is a book that from the cover doesn't look very good, but if you read it you will find out that it is a great book. I wish I could tell you the ending but you will have to read the book to find out what happens.

Be More Chill, by Ned Vizzini Posted by Derek W.

BE MORE CHILL, by Ned Vizzini

AR: Yes

Interest Level: Upper Grades

BE MORE CHILL is a great book. In the beginning of the story a teenager has trouble dealing with his popularity issues and his family. He is always getting bullied by the jocks, preps, and gothic kids at his school until one day he finds a solution to his problem from one of his friends. His friend tells him about the "Squip" which is a pill that implants a tiny computer in his brain when he swallows it. It tells him what to do and say and how to act. Instantly he is friends with the jocks and the popular kids, and can have any girl he wants. Then it starts to catch up with him. he gets drunk at parties and enjoys himself until the "Squip" malfunctions and starts shutting off and speaking in different languages and he can't figure out how to fix it. When the "Squip" malfunctions he is at a party and the house of the party burns down. This book is great and it has a good ending, but I can't tell you about it, because then you won't read it!

The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold Posted by Shay M, 8th Grader

THE LOVELY BONES, by Alice Sebold
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

This is a story told by a young girl names Susie. (Who, by the way, is dead and in heaven.) In this book she tells your the story of her rape and death, which was caused by her neighbor, and the aftermath of what happened to her body. All the while she is watching over her family's forever changed life. She watches her family slowly falling apart and the investigation to find her missing body, all the while questioning herself why. Why hadn't she done what she was supposed to do, why hadn't she noticed that something was wrong? This book is verrrrrrry good and brings you to think that it could be about anyone--even yourself--even those close to you could be dangerous. This is the very first book that I read from Mrs. Schauer's collection and I loved it--and recommend it.

SPLIT IMAGE by Mel Glenn Posted by Ashley, D--8th Grader

SPLIT IMAGE, by Mel Glenn
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

Split image is about a girl named Laura Li. She is Asian, and she have everything--she's beautiful, popular, lovable, and has a picture perfect life. Or so everyone thinks, anyway. She has a split-life in a lot of ways. On the outside, everything looks perfect. In reality, her dad is never around and her mom makes her take care of her older brother because he is sick.

This is a great book--and it's very easy to read. It's a story written in poems, and from different character points of view.

OK PETTUS! GET READY, GET SET, READ!! Posted by Jeff Mathis

But OK, for real! We finally have a book club! The name, for right now, is "Pettus High School Library Book Club, but we might decide to change it. (hint, hint!) We made a blog just for the book club: http://pettuslibrarybookclub.blogspot.com/. We, would love to have you join the book club--Right now there are about eight students interested. We are trying to decide between two books at the moment...there is a poll posted on the book club blog. I am hoping we can meet at the high school library every Wednesday during High School lunch. During book club meetings we will eat lunch and talk about the book we are all reading. (Everyone will read the same book) Right now we are trying to figure out how we are going to pay for the books. We have had a few people volunteer to donate money--and as soon as we have enough, and we know who is going to be in the club, Mrs. Schauer will order the book and we'll start reading.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, email me at angel_of_angels@yahoo.com, or Mrs. Schauer at tschauer@pettusisd.esc2.net. Or you could just stop me and talk to me, or go by the library and talk to Mrs. Schauer.

Thanks!
-Jeff

WANTED: READERS Posted by Mrs. Schauer

If you are interested in being part of a high school book club, let me know. What exactly does a book club do? Well, basically, we'll decide that once we get our group together and figure it out! First, we will decide on a book that everyone wants to read. Once we choose the book, I'll order enough copies of it so that everyone will have one of their own. Then, we'll read, and meet once a week to talk about what we're reading....Interested? Let me know!

Kiss & Blog by Alyson Noel Posted by Cat P, 8th Grader

KISS & BLOG, by Alyson Noel
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

This is a very good book about two girls named Sloane and Winter who are considered losers. When Sloane gets accepted to the "A" table in the cafeteria, Winter finds herself all alone. Then she meets a boy who is considered to be an even bigger loser than she is. He won't leave her alone, and she starts to like him, but then she gives another girl her permission to go out with him--which is a huge mistake because she starts to realize that she really is in love with the guy--even though everyone else thinks he's a loser. Winter starts a secret blog where she writes about everything--the guy situation, the "A" table, and lots of other stuff. To find out more, you'll have to read the book...and you should...it's a great book!

Farewell to the Old English Biddie*

As I sit here typing this, I still can't believe it. A legend of English Literature will no longer walk the halls of Pettus High School. Future Juniors and Seniors will not have the privilege of listening to the perspicacious* pontification* of our beloved, illustrious*, if sometimes (admittedly) cantankerous* and crotchety* Mrs. Karen Johnston.

After years of tenaciously fighting her deteriorating health in her quest to enrich the great minds of upperclassmen here in Pettus, she has finally decided enough is enough--she must retire in order to maintain her health and quality of life. While I know this is the best decision for Mrs. Johnston, I am saddened almost beyond words by the realization that she won't be here anymore.

This wonderful lady and I go back more than ten years in our friendship, and we've had our share of laughter as well as tears. Knowing her as I do, I know that her heart is breaking with the knowledge that she will no longer be here for the students of Pettus High School. I know that this decision was the hardest decision of her life--and she didn't make it lightly.

Mrs. Johston pushed her students--sometimes beyond what they thought they (or anyone else!) thought they were capable of. If there is one special talent she has, it's making classic literature comprehensible and even likeable to people who otherwise would not have a clue. Her sardonic* wit and sarcasm are legendary...which leads me to the reason behind this blog...

What are your favorite memories of Mrs. Johnston? Do you have a favorite line that she always used? Let's take some time to do our own reflecting and pontificating on our beloved Mrs. Johnston.

My favorite line: "You're just a bunch of gargooters...and to think y'all are the future of America..." (gargouters? How do you spell that and just what is a gargooter anyway?)

Now's your chance...post your favorite memory or recollection of Mrs. Johston....Just hit "comment" and type away! Remember, Mrs. Schauer has to approve all comments...so keep 'em clean!

* Biddy: a fussy old woman
* Perspicacious: having keen mental perception and understanding
* Pontificate: to express opinions or judgments in a dogmatic way
* Illustrious: highly distinguished; renowned; famous
* Cantankerous: difficult to handle
* Crotchety: bad-tempered
* Sardonic: cynically mocking

Fly on the Wall, by E. Lockhart Posted by Ashley D, 8th Grader

FLY ON THE WALL, by E. Lockhart

AR: Yes

Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades



This book is really rather funny. It's about a girl who wishes she could be a fly on the wall in the boys' locker room at her school. her parents just told her they were getting a divorce. Her only best friend is avoiding her, so she makes this wish and it comes true. She sees all the boys in her school that go to gym. When I say she "sees" I mean she sees everything! I'd love to tell you more, but if I did, you wouldn't have any reason to read the book--and you gotta read it!

Glass, by Ellen Hopkins Posted by Hannah L., Senior

GLASS, by Ellen Hopkins
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

I cannot explain how much I loved Reading this book. Every page, every word, left me wanting more. I have never in my life read this long of a book in less than two days until I read this series. If you haven't read the first of the series, CRANK, it was amazing and this book, GLASS, is the perfect continuation. This book digs deeper into the life-altering addiction to drugs. GLASS doesn't just scratch the surface of what being a slave to Crystal Meth is really like, but tells of a girl and her feelings and emotions throughout her addiction. I couldn't help, but to feel at times that I was a part of the book, I was so into it. All in all, this series is the best series I've ever read and I encouage high school readers and up to read it. I hope you get into it just as much, if not more than I did...if that's at all possible.

Heaven Posted by Mrs. Schauer

HEAVEN, by Angela Johnson
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

Heaven is the name of the town in Ohio, where fourteen year old Marley lives with her family. One day her family receives a letter from Alabama, from the pastor of a church that's been burned down. He says he needs a copy of Marley's birth certificate because hers was destroyed in the fire. Marley finds out that her parents are not actually her parents--and that she's been adopted. She also finds out that Jack, an uncle who writes letters, but she doesn't remember, is actually her father. I don't want to give to much of this wonderful storyline away--so you'll have to read the book to find out the rest!

The Boy Book Posted by Ashley D., 8th Grader

THE BOY BOOK: A STUDY OF HABITS AND BEHAVIORS, PLUS TECHNIQUES FOR TAMING THEM, by E. Lockhart
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

This book is the sequel to THE BOYFRIEND LIST and it is just as good. It apparently has the same girl--Rudy Oliver. She is a junior in high school in this one and she is still dealing with more problems. She is still seeing the "shrink" and she's still trying to get over Jackson. She and her friends invented this thing called the Boy Book. The book is guidelines and tips about boys and it has stuff about all their boyfriends, past and present. That's all I'm going to tell you though--read the book!

The Boyfriend List Posted by Ashley D, 8th Grader

THE BOYFRIEND LIST, by E. Lockhart
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

This book is about a girl named Rudy Oliver. She is a sophomore in high school. She goes througha lot of drama. She gets a boyfriend named Jackson Clark and he is a jerk. She doesn't realize he's a jerk until he breaks up with her and goes out with her best friend Kim. Rudy gets so worked up by it that she starts having panic attacks and has to start seeing a "shrink." To find out more, you'll have to read the book!

Exposure Posted by Amanda L, Sophomore

EXPOSURE, by Patricia Murdoch
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

EXPOSURE is a book that's based on revenge. Julie (the main character) gets picked on a lot by this girl Dana (the popular girl) all the time and Julie never sticks up for herself. One day her brother Zack comes home early ona weekend, which is odd. Zack tells Julie that a guy names Scott threw a crazy party and that DAna let him take graphic pictures of her, but then the party got busted and luckily he got away. Come to find out, Zack had the camera in his backpack with scandalous pictures of Dana on it. So....will Julie expose the pictures for revenge on Dana, or will she give in and feel sorry for her? You'll have to read the book to find out! This book is another one of those books that sucks you in and keeps you there. I love books like that!

Second Helpings Posted by Erica H.

SECOND HELPINGS, by Megan McCaffertey
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

I read Second Helpings and loved it! It really does give a good description of what HIGH SCHOOL life is really like. I really liked that I could related to it because it kept me really interested. The narrator is really smart and kind of nerdy but she still has all these issues and a lot of drama to deal with, but she never lets it get her down.

Sticks and Stones Posted by Hannah L., Senior

STICKS AND STONES, by Beth Goobie
AR: yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

This book gives a very clear representation of how hard high school and a girl's life can be at that time. The trials the main character, Trudy goes through happen ever day thoughout many high schools. Trudy's life becomes altered when a rumor is started bya boy who didn't get what he wanted from her. In my opinion, this book shows how much boys at this age can be jerks. All in all, I would suggest reading this book becasue it's very relative to a lot of people.

My Sister's Keeper, Posted by Shay M, 8th Grader

MY SISTER'S KEEPER, by Jodi Picoult
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

This book takes you into the world of a family whose sister, daughter, and friend has had Leukemia since childhood. Her name is Kate and in order to stay alive, she needed a bone marrow transplant. When no donor could be found, her mom decided to have a baby--A girls named Anna--just to provide a source of bone marrow for Kate. In time, the family begins to fall apart. Anna has an arsonist for a brother, a father who is, ironically, a firefighter and a mother who is unsure of anything but a desperate need to save her first daughter. Anna files medical emancipation against her parents so as to save herself after a secret promise to her sister that she would do it. This is a great book and it takes you into a tragic life asking if it's correct to do anything to save a child's life--even if it means ruining the life of another.

Vampire Kisses, Posted by Amanda L, Sophomore

VAMPIRE KISSES--the series

1. VAMPIRE KISSES

2. KISSING COFFINS

3. VAMPIREVILLE

4. DANCE WITH THE VAMPIRE

AR Quizzes: Yes

Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades

VAMPIRE KISSES is a very suspenseful series of vampire books. If you like love, romance, crazy adventures,a nd most of all vampires, then you will love this book. Raven is the main character in this book and she is kinda odd. Raven has wanted to be a vampire since before she could remember. Will she every be a vampire? Will she get her wish? You'll have to read the books to find out!

I think these are the best books I've ever read because they contain all the things that interest me--all in one book. I recommend it to everybody because the books pull you in and keep you there and leave you wanting more.

The Lost Boy, posted by Cat P, 8th Grader

THE LOST BOY, by Dave Pelzer
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

This book is the sequel to A CHILD CALLED IT, which I blogged last week. It is about the same boy as the first book, only now he's been placed in foster care and he has to overcome difficult tasks. He misses his mommmy who gave him a sincere goodbye, and for the first time she meant it. This book is a really good book so please read it. I loved this book and hope that you will too, but it is about child abuse, so if that bothers you, you might not to read this one.

Lurlene McDaniels, posted by Raquel S., Senior

Books by Lurlene McDaniels
AR Quizzes Available
Many Titles Available in the HS Library
Interest Level: Middle to Upper Grades

Lurlene McDaniel's books are some of the best books I have ever read. In almost all of her books someone dies, but it is how the other characters deal with their death that makes the books so darn great. They aren't depressing at all--they are just the opposoite. They just show how death isn't a bad thing, but a blessing in disguise. The reason I say this is because most of her characters have cancer or some other deadly disease. Her books tell what they go through physically and emotionally, and how amazing friendships help them deal with their illness.

Go Ask Alice, posted by Hannah L, Senior

GO ASK ALICE, author Anonymous
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Literacy Skills Quiz Available

This book is honestly one of the craziest books I've ever read. The book is a real life diary of a girl caught up in the world of drugs in the 70s. Alice, the main character, goes from being a pretty much perfect girl that's adored by her parents, to a girl who gets completed mired in the drug scene of the 1970's. Alice eventually gets help with her problems, but is still faced with the aftermath of her decisions. I liked this book mostly because it was a real life diary of a girl who struggled with something that kids I know have gone through. In the words of Tony the Tiger, even though it was sad in places, this book was GRRRRRREAT!

Sixteen, posted by Ashley D, 8th Grader

SIXTEEN, STORIES ABOUT THAT SWEET AND BITTER BIRTHDAY
Edited by Megan McCafferty
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Uppper Grades

This book has a bunch of different stories that are written by 16 really good authors. Some of the authors are Sarah Dessen, (THAT SUMMER) Ned Vizinni (BE MORE CHILL), Carolyn Mackler (THE EARTH, MY BUTT AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS), Sonya Sones (WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW). The book has stories about girls and guys who turn sixteen and what they go through. It is easy to read, and it's really good. One of the best parts about it is there are so many different stories in it, and the stories are all pretty short. The best part about the book is that you can really relate to what happens to the different characters. READ IT! READ IT! READ IT!

Absolutely Normal Chaos, posted by Mrs. Schauer

ABSOLUTELY NORMAL CHAOS, by Sharon Creech
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Audio Book Available in HS Library

I listened to this on my way to Sam Houston this weekend. It's the journal of Mary Lou Finney, a thirteen year old girl who lives in a small midwestern town. It's summer vacation, and her English teacher has given them the assignment to keep a summer journal. This is Mary Lou's...and she talks about all of her feelings...from being exasperated by her family, to developing her first crush, who becomes her first boyfriend. Then there's Carl Rey, her 17 year old cousin from West Virginia who comes to stay with Mary Lou's family for the summer and begins dating Mary Lou's 13 year old, boy crazy friend Beth Ann. I loved this book...and think middle school girls will enjoy it as well. Now I can't wait to read WALK TWO MOONS, which is in my library...and also features Mary Lou.

CRANK, posted by R. Manuel, Sophomore

CRANK, by Ellen Hopkins
AR: Yes
Interest Level: UPPER GRADE

If you have ever thought about trying drugs cause you think it is cool, then you definitely need to read this book because I think it will change your mind. It is about this girl who is 16 fixing to turn 17 when she goes to visit her dad who does crank. (crystal meth) She starts hanging out with people who do the drug, and when she tries it she gets hooked on the monster. The story goes on to tell of how horrible the drug is. It totally consumes her life and nothing else matters. She goes from being a straight A student to down the drain real fast. There is also another book called GLASS--it is a sequel to this book.

Vanishing, posted by Mrs. Schauer

VANISHING, by Bruce Brooks
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle/Upper Grades
Vocabulary Quiz Available
Book on Order, Audio available in HS library

This is the story of 11 year old Alice, who is starving herself as a means of keeping herself in the hospital, rather than being forced to go home to her alcoholic mom and her sadistic step father. She entered the hospital after a terrible bronchial illness, but decided that she would do whatever it took to not be forced to go home to a place that was so unhappy and scary for her. While in the hospital, she befriends Rex, who is dealing with a terminal illness...and whom she knows will die very soon. Rex helps her to understand that you have to take life--whatever it gives you included--because any life, is better than no life at all. I don't have this book in the library yet, but I do have the audio book available for checking out if anyone's interested.

Maximum Ride...the Series, Posted by Jeff M, 9th Grader

MAXIMUM RIDE--THE SERIES
by James Patterson
AR Quizzes Available

Hey there Pettus! How are we doing?...Well, I just wanted to say hi and talk about a couple of things. For one, there is a great book series out there and you have probably seen me reading them over the past few weeks. The books are called MAXIMUM RIDE. These books are amazing and I just can't wait for the fourth book to come out which is going to be out on March 17th. Maximum Ride is about this girl Max and her "flock" of six: Max, Fang, Iggie, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel. These kids are actually avian hybrids. (for those who don't know what that is, it is a mix of human and bird--half man/half bird) Yes, these "kids" have wings and can fly. Max has a wingspan of 13 feet and Fang's is 15 feet across. (read the books to find out more!) They fight the Erasers, who want to take them back to "the school." Erasers are half wolf, half man. The school is where the evil scientist who created the flock live, but now they want to kill them. (how ironic!) There is so much more for me to say but maybe you should just read the books. Another thing, I wanted to see if maybe I or we could start a Book Club. It would be really fun! There are a lot of interesting books in our library and maybe we could get more! Well I'll talk about my next idea for the Book Club on my next blog tomorrow. See ya! Bye! -Jeffy-Jeff.