Book Trailer for MESSED UP

This trailer for MESSED UP by Janet Nichols Lynch was created by Mrs. Schauer. There is an AR quiz available and it's appropriate for upper middle grades and up.

Book Trailer for BOOST by Kathy Mackel

This trailer for BOOST, by Kathy Mackel, was created by Mrs. Schauer. There is an AR quiz available and the book is appropriate for middle grades and up.

ETERNAL, by Cynthia Leitich-Smith posted by Mrs. Johnson

ETERNAL
by Cynthia Leitich-Smith
AR: Not yet
Interest Level: Upper Grades

I loved this author's first book, TANTALIZE, which was about vampires in Austin, Texas.  When I saw ETERNAL in the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS, I knew I had to read it.

I love the idea that everyone has a guardian angel. Since one of the major components of our humanness is freewill, our guardian angels agonize over the choices we make, without being able to do anything about them. So is the case with Zachary and Miranda. Miranda has chosen the life of a vampire princess and Zachary tries desperately to save her soul. He loves her more than a guardian angel should. The ending brought a tear to my eye--total selfless love is a wonderful thing.

FEATHERED, by Laura Kasischke Posted by Rebeca S.. Freshman

FEATHERED
by Laura Kasischke
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Upper Grades

At first when I got this book and read the summary inside, I imagined the book would be kinda like that movie, "The Ruins." In a way it sounded the same as what happened in the movie, but as it turned out it was nowhere near like the movie. You see, Michelle, Anne, and Terri were going to Cancun, Mexico for Spring Break. Perfect for meeting cute guys, getting perfect tans, no parents around, and adventure. But going for a car ride with a perfectly total stranger takes them to a different place: A nightmare, where ancient myths take place in miles of jungle. This is a one story that you won't easily forget--I really recommend it!

The Book Thief, by Marcus Zusack posted by Mrs. Camden

Liesel. She sought words. She sought the mechanics and understanding of words. And once she found those, she loved words. Then she hated them. Words brought joy to her life -- through books -- in any way she could get her hands on them, whether they be gifts or loot. She treasured them just the same. And all the while, as she was discovering the joy that words could bring to her soul, she found also that words, spoken aloud, spoken with bigotry and hatred, would tear her world apart.

Still she found solace in words.

For years, Liesel struggled nightly over the loss of her mother and brother. And she learned daily to cope with her new foster family. In war-torn Germany, Liesel learns to adjust to new situations and circumstances beyond her control . . . and she blossoms from a scared timid child into a strong-willed, courageous young woman whose presence is a blessing to those who know her. Liesel's ability to persevere and honor her convictions despite potential consequences is amazing. Favorite line out of the book: "This is the good life" -- said by Rudy as he and Liesel share a single lollipop. Starving as they are for something other than their daily pea soup and chunk of bread, they are so appreciative and joyous to have a small bit of candy to share with each other. Wow! Puts me in my place.