A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

“Great courage breaks ill luck”. Charlotte Miller is the eldest daughter of the Shearing Millers. She has inherited her family’s woolen mill, following the death of her father. It has long been rumored that a curse surrounds the mill and while the mill has been passed from family to family through the generations no sons have been born or lived to take up the trade. From the minute she takes over, Charlotte and her sister Rosie endure their share of hardships. From freak accidents, to unknown debts, to fierce and bitter competition, Charlotte and the mill seem to be plagued with bad luck. Fortunately Charlotte has a strong head on her shoulders and will not go down without a fight. When bad turns to worse, a strange gentleman, Mr. Jack Spinner, appears to have the solution to each and every dilemma. But will the price of his help be more than Charlotte is willing to pay?

It is clear to see why this novel is the winner of the inaugural offering of the Morris Award, which is given to authors making their YA debut. A Curse Dark As Gold is a smart and inspiring yarn spun from the “Rumplestilskin” motif.

What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell

Do you remember the first time you realized that the world was not what it seemed? The first time that the innocence of childhood disappeared as the smoke screen lifted revealing things you didn't understand about people you thought you knew? The first time the truth wasn’t what you saw with your eyes but what required you to use all your senses to comb through the details and determine what really happened? The first time you had decide whether telling the truth was worth hurting and losing someone you loved?

Evie was fifteen when her father returned from World War II. As life slowly gets back to normal her father Joe decides to take the family to Palm Beach for an overdue family vacation. While it first seems like a great way to ditch the first few weeks of school, Florida isn’t all sunshine and palm trees. The off-season and small hotel clientle allow for new friendships and relationships to blossom but not everyone is who they appear to be. Handsome Peter Coleridge catches Evie’s attention and the stars in her eyes blind her to what others clearly see. As the smoke screen of childhood begins to fade, for the first time she's aware that the world isn't black and white. Her parents have a few secrets of their own and the mindset of bigotry didn’t suddenly vanish with the triumph of victory over Hitler. A natural disaster is the final crack in Evie’s naivete. As Evie copes with the new world around her, you'll discover through Evie’s eyes What I Saw and How I Lied.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

One mistake can change your life. Like a domino hitting the one beside it, sometimes there is no stopping the momentum triggered by one event. Before you know it, everything that was upright is now in a chaotic mess and the whole thing has crumbled. No matter how hard you try, sometimes you can't regain control. The worst part is that even if you aren’t to blame, if you’ve caused trouble before you are an easy target for blame the next time around.

Tyler Miller was busted for vandalizing school property and spent his summer vacation doing hard labor--through his community service assignment of helping the custodial staff fix the roof and working for a landscaping business. Not only has he learned many lessons but he's gained a buff body in the process. Tyler has always been a nerdy nobody. Most people have either ignored him or mercilessly bullied him. But now people are noticing him for the wrong reasons and he’s being labeled as a troublemaker. But Tyler’s hard physique is just a cover-up. He’s still the same insecure, confused teenager inside and now he’s full of anger; toward his father, who treats him like a criminal and at an unfair, unjust world that can’t seem to look beyond past deeds and see the honor in doing the right thing. How is it that just when it seems like you’re old enough to finally understand the world, it becomes a twisted mess?

2009 Youth Book Awards

The American Library Association announced their 2009 book awards this morning.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is the winner of the Newbery award, which honors the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.



Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta is the winner of the Printz award, which honors excellence in literature written for young adults. (This book is currently on order.)



A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce is the winner of the Morris award, which honors a book written for young adults by a first-time, previously unpublished author.



Laurie Halse Anderson is the winner of the Margaret A Edwards Award, which honors an author and a specific work for lifetime contribution in writing books of enduring popularity with teenagers. She is the author of Catalyst, Fever 1793, Speak, and more.


What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell won the 2008 National Book Award for young adults. The National Book Awards honor the best in American literature.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux, being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread is the story of an unlikely hero and the meaning of courage, love, and hope. Reader, you will soon meet Despereaux Tilling the smallest mouse you’ve ever seen. He was born with his eyes wide open and the most enormous ears ever bestowed upon a mouse. Despereaux doesn’t scurry about and rather than eat bits of paper, he enjoys reading the beautiful stories written upon them. He has fallen in love with Princess Pea. “Reader, you must know that an interesting fate (sometimes involving rats, sometimes not) awaits almost everyone, mouse or man, who does not conform.” The Mouse Council has decided to sentence Despereaux to a horrible fate in the dungeon, where the rats are awaiting a meal. But dear Reader, if you have been paying attention, the story must not end here for what about the soup and the spool of thread? Prepare yourself for the award winning Tale of Despereaux.

Marley: a dog like no other by John Grogan

Look at that face! Sure he’s man’s best friend but he might possibly be the worst-behaved dog ever. This version of the best seller Marley and Me is written for younger children and tweens. It includes most if not all of the funny doggy antics that Grogan shared in the original story.

If you've ever loved an animal, you'll love this book. It's packed full of episodes that will have you laughing and crying.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

It’s a New Year and Greg isn’t making any resolutions. Why fix yourself when you are just about perfect!?! But he has resolved to help others in their quest for self-improvement. In other less than perfect news, the bus stop has been rezoned so now Greg and Rowley must walk to school. A snack thief is on the loose in the Heffley house and without that extra sugary boost in his lunch (plus the extra exercise from walking to school), Greg keeps falling asleep in class. The new TV lineup as well as an after school nap routine (what teenager isn’t tired after working that hard all day?) leaves no time for homework. Greg has his eye on Holly Hills, but hasn’t figured out a way to get her attention… He’s pretty sure his diminishing wardrobe isn’t helping. (Thanks to Uncle Charlie’s gift of a laundry hoop, Greg is now responsible for washing his own clothing—how many times can you wear something without being referred to the nurse for a lecture on hygiene?) The Last Straw of this less than perfect start to the year would have to be impressing Dad into not making him attend to Spag Union (AKA Military Academy). How far will Greg be willing to go (soccer, Boy Scouts) in order to save a perfect summer vacation?

Those fans of the series will be excited to know that a 4^th and 5^th book are planned.

Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by CJ Box

Jack & Melissa are parents of a nine month old daughter they adopted after being unable to become pregnant on their own. Out of the blue they receive the phone call from the adoption agency; a call that adoptive parents have nightmares about. The birth father didn't sign the relinquishment papers and wants the baby back. To make matters worse, his father is a powerful US District Court judge in Denver. Judge Moreland wants his son to take responsibility for his actions and while Garrett is still in school, he and his wife will raise baby Angelina. Jack and Melissa are devastated and have declined the Judge's offer of helping them find another baby to adopt. The Judge "kindly" gives them Three Weeks to Say Goodbye to their daughter; he has looked into case law and legally they can do nothing to stop him. So in those three weeks, Jack, Melissa, and their close friends are determined to find out what the real story behind Garrett and Judge John Moreland and why these men are determined take a perfectly happy and healthy baby away from her family. It won't be easy doing battle with a top judge and a seemly squeaky kid with ties to the Mexican Mafia. But what else do they have to lose?

The People Magazine review described the book as “Juno with a body count.” This fast paced, easy to read mystery is a stand alone novel from the author of the Joe Pickett mystery series.

Hannibal Rising

If you are a fan of foul play, gruesome deaths, cannibals, and the horrors of World War II, this book should be a high priority on your reading list! Even though it is the most Recent Hannibal(the Cannibal)Lecter book, it is not in the present time of the deviously and deliciously insane doctor that we have been accustomed to. This book delves deep into Hannibal's past, starting at Castle Lecter in Europe, home of Hannibal's father, the duke. After the airbombing begins to become dangerously close to his home, Hannibal and his small sister, Mischa, are taken to the family hunting lodge deep within the woods. This is also where things go horribly, disgustingly wrong. Hannibal is later found wandering about with a heavy chain around his neck, utterly mute to the men that decide to show kindness to him, and suffering from slight memory loss of what had happened at the lodge. He is then taken to live with his father's brother and his beautiful Japanese wife, Lady Murasaki. As he grows with time, so do his deadly ideals. After regaining his memories piece by piece, Hannibal sets out to find the men responsible for the gory and mind warping scenes that plague his thoughts. Using his cunning intellect and smarts, he tracks them down one by one to exact his revenge. And in Hannibal Lecter's case, revenge tastes sweet quite literally.

5Q- Hard to imagine a better book.

3P- Some teen appeal. (Not for the squeamish or pure of mind!)

Let It Snow Three Holiday Romances By: John Green, Laureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

The book of January is none other than Let It Snow. I took the time to pick up this book during Christmas vacation, and I was not let down. Not only is Let it snow both for guys and girls, it has personal stories for those who enjoy a heart warming story around Christmas. The Book Let It Snow begins with the story the Jubilee Express. Jubilee the character in the Jubilee Express finds herself away from home on Christmas stuck with a misfortune and crazy-out of their mind parents. With a little love, as well as holiday spirit things may not be as unfortunate as they seem for Jubilee. Travel on a train, in a suburb, and in a waffle house on the first adventure for the town of Gracetown.

As this short story ended another story began. A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle is the second story of the novel, and is written by John Green. A group of friends staying home for the holidays watching James Bond discovers their latest adventure of love and curiosity awaits them in town. Travel with the group of friends to discover that a storm on Christmas Eve doesn't have the ability to stop the a heart warming desire. The last story of the novel is The Patron Saint of Pigs by Laren Myracle. In the same town of Gracetown another surprise awaits. Addie, who seems to be having issues with relationships devotes all her Christmas spirit as well as humbleness towards her friends. In trying to to be a good friend, and good ex-girlfriend she discovers being herself, and trying her hardest is all she can really do. As she undergoes a transformation of herself during Christmas her values become clear, as the unexpected happens.

The most interesting thing I found out about this book would be that the characters are totally different, the stories are different, yet in the end all the authors have the way of bringing these characters and stories together :)

I suggest this book to anyone and everyone in the mood for Christmas, although it seems to be a long ways away now in January.

I would rate this novel a 3P for some teen appeal, as well as a 4Q that is better than most :]

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

Before the Da Vinci Code there was Angels and Demons. (Soon also, to be a major motion picture.) The first of Dan Brown's novels to feature the famous synbologist Robert Langdon, I personally find this novel to be much more fast paced and enjoyable than the D Vinci Code. Not to say that the Da Vinci Code wasn't an excellent read. After being called to Switzerland to one of its most famous research sites, Robert Langdon is informed that one of the most powerful bombs known to man is hidden with in the Vatican walls. This is due to an ancient plot of revenge from the legendary Illuminati. In a race against time Robert Langdon teams up in Rome with the beatuifal scientist Vittoria Vetra in order to locate and diffuse the world's most fatal weapon. First however they must get past the cryptic puzzles, abandonned cathedrals, and long lost secrets from the ancient past. In this adventure you are surely not going to be able to stand putting this book down. It is fast paced, puzzling, and incredibly intelligent. It will leave you breathless.

P: 5 Q: 5

Kaylee's Review: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

In the Instan bulcalis, a single murder is committed in a sleeping compartment of a now infamous orient express. conveniently, detective Poiroit is aboard the same train, and is returning from Syria, to his hometown, Stamboat. The detective is prevailed upon by M. Bouc, a railway director, to investigate.
The unfortunate victim was named Ratchett, a rather successful business man in the States. The passengers include a princess, a missionary, a Russian, a maid, and a few other distant-like couples and singles who are not what they portray themselves to be.
As Poiroit is digging further and further into the event, a startling fact is revealed, and the Detective puts forward a final solution which is most audacious.
Rating: 4Q Better than most 4P

Forever Princess (Princess Diaries X) by Meg Cabot

With less than two weeks left until Prom, high school graduation, and the election of the first Prime Minister of Genovia, Prince Phillipe (Dad) vs. cousin René, Mia’s life couldn’t be any crazier. Add to the mix the fact that she was accepted at every college (even Ivy League) that she applied to (although she’s lied about it to her friends) and must decide where she’ll spend the next four years; her 18^th birthday party—a star studded event (the Clintons, Obamas, and Brangelina!) planned by none other than the over-the-top Grandmère (who has learned to text from her Blackberry!); the fact that her senior project (supposedly the history of Genovian olive oil pressing, circa 1254-1650 but is really a 400 page historical romance novel titled Ransom My Heart) has been rejected by every publisher imaginable; and we find Mia finally returning to her trusty journals and upgrading to texting friends rather than just writing notes and IMs. Oh yeah! There is also the fact that a certain someone, who invented the CardioArm, is now a millionaire and is back in Manhattan. If the return of Michael wasn’t enough, J.P. (who Mia claims to be in love with) hasn’t yet asked her to prom and Mia isn’t even sure she really wants to go anyway. Will Mia ever quit telling Big Fat Lies and finally be honest with her friends and especially herself about what she really wants? Even though this is the last volume in the Princess Diaries series, Mia will always be our favorite Forever Princess.

FYI—Ransom My Heart has actually been published and is available at NCPL!

Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss

We've all had one of those class project assignments where you learn through the process rather than just reading a textbook and taking a test. Ms. Gold has decided that rather than have her American Government class merely read about the workings of the judicial system, they will actually participate in a mock civil trial. After poking and prodding to find a complaint, Ms. Gold discovers that Ivy has been the "victim" of bullying for years at the hands of three popular girls. These "mean girls" become the defendants in the case while other students are chosen at random to serve a judge, jury, lawyers, etc. Will justice be served and will Ivy finally receive the apology she deserves and be left alone? Or will the intended lesson be lost on a group of teens who aren't prepared for such a major lesson in compassion and fairness?

While the premise of the book was good, it didn't seem like there was any resolution. I enjoyed the different perspectives and the length would appear to a reluctant reader. However, it just ended after the verdict. There was no follow-up as to what the students had learned about the judicial system and/or how Ivy was treated (or continued to be mistreated) afterward. It also would have been nice to hear the perspective of Ms. Gold, especially since the students didn't appear to have much respect for her and it didn't appear that she prepared them for all that was involved in the assignment.

Summer Promise, Christy Miller Series By: Robin Jones Gunn

In the first book Summer Promise by Robin Jones Gunn's Christy Miller Series. Is about a 14 year old girl named Christy who is stoked for her summer vacation to California with her Aunt and Uncle. Upon arriving to the place of New Port Beach California things appear great, but as time goes by things Christy realizes that she doesn't fit in with the crowd that lives in the town. After tons of embarrasment as well as rejection Christy's Aunt decides that if she undergoes a makeover things will be better. As Christy undergoes her transformation, she thinks that it will help gain the respect of Todd, Spencer, and Alissa who all seem to live different lives than she does. As things progress, and promises are broken. Christy not only realizes that beauty is skin deep, but fitting in is not always the best thing. Although Christy's friends have treated her different, there are still those who are there when you can't see. All promises are meant to be kept, and hopefully Christy will keep her summer promise. The other two books of the Volume inclue A Whisper and a Wish, as well as Yours Forever! I really enjoyed this book, and I hope you shall too!

The rating of this book would be a 4, because I enjoyed it very much.

The popularity of this book would be a 2 because it appeals to some teens, but not all.

Demonata Book 7 By Darren Shan

Ultimate gore master Darren Shan has done it again!

In book seven of his Demonata series, the story is told by, once more, none other than Bec. After being brought back to life by stealing Bill-E's body, Bec is at a loss of how to deal with the new world when her soul has been locked within a cave for thousands of years. After the death of Uncle Dervish's nephew, the man presses Bec harshly for the boy's memories, making her feel very much like a mistreated young girl, but this soon becomes the least of her problems. The notorious miser of misery, Lord Loss, has returned, only to be found working for an even more powerful force that even Beranabus cannot torture information about out of other demons. The only thing they seem to know is that it has been nicknamed, 'The Shadow." After many trials of blood, guts and pus, Bec manages to fight her way, along with her companions, to face off against the new foe. But they may have discovered something more than they ever could have bargained for. Will this finally be the end of humanity as we know it?

*Quality- 4Q (Better than most)

*Popularity- 3P (Some teen appeal, certainly not for the faint of heart)

Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me

Wonderful Tonight, by 60's model Pattie Boyd, is a wonderfully eloquent autobiography about the icon's personal experiences and adventures in the exciting era of the 60's and 70's. Pattie Boyd grew up in Kenya, Africa and after moving to England began a stunning career as a model. She even worked many times with the model legend Twiggy. In 1964 she was offered a small part in the Beatles first movie, A Hard Day's Night as one of many lovestruck school girls. She however, actually got to be in the same scenes as the Beatles. The connection was instant and the chemistry was undeniable George Harrison (the Beatles' guitarist) and Pattie Boyd fell in love. They soon were married, and being married to a Beatle would obviously not be an exactly normal life. However rough times were ahead and George's and Pattie's marriage began to fall apart. Enter: Eric Clapton. One of George's closest friends and hopelessly in love with Pattie. What began then was a confusing triangle which eventually led to the divorce of George and Pattie and the not so great relationship between her and Eric. Wonderful Tonight reads like a fictional love story rather than a biography. It is an excellent and fast paced read that any Beatles fan or 60's and 70's fan is sure to adore. It contains several pages of rare photographs from Pattie Boyd's personal collection and is a fascinating insight into the behind the scenes life of the 60's Rock N' Roll lifestyle. Sure to be a great read for any Rock N' Roll buff.

P:4 Q:5

Black and White by Paul Volponi

What does it mean to be a good friend? Does it mean you look beyond the color of someone’s skin? Does it mean you stick by them through thick and thin? Does it mean risking your life and taking the fall in order to protect them?
Marcus and Eddie are best friends. They do everything together including being the stars of the basketball team and have earned the nicknames “Black and White”, just like the color of their skin. While they have broken stereotypes and claim to have each other’s backs, one bad choice—one mistake—will change the course of their lives and their friendship forever. Can friendship have shades of gray or is everything just Black and White?

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

Charlie Gordon is 32 years old and has an IQ of 68. He holds a job at Donners bakery as a delivery boy and attends Beekman College Center for Retarded Adults, where he is learning to read and write. Charlie has been picked to have a special operation that may allow him to be the first person to their intelligence increased. The researchers have performed this same operation on a special mouse named Algernon and it has been extremely successful. Charlie has always wanted to be smart and this is his chance.

Charlie is asked to document his journey, his thoughts, feelings, and memories as progress reports or journal entries. It isn’t long before Charlie is reading multiple languages and acquiring knowledge that far surpasses that of the doctors responsible for his success. But have they done enough research into the side effects and lasting potential of the experiment? Will Charlie forever be a new man or is he only a flower, which will bloom and then fade away?

Review by Chanda L: Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

This book is the conclusion to the Inkheart trilogy. It is full of twists, turns, and unsuspected surprises. This would be one of those books that if you have a lot of time on your hands it would be great. Its action packed and very hard to put down believe me.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

“THE BILL OF LIFE
The Second Civil War, also known as “The Heartland War,” was a long and bloody conflict fought over a single issue. To end the war, a set of constitutional amendments known as “The Bill of Life” was passed. It satisfied both the Pro-life and Pro-choice armies. The Bill of Life states that human life may not be touched from the moment of conception until a child reaches the age of thirteen. However, between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, a parent may choose to retroactively “abort” a child……on the condition that the child’s life doesn’t “technically” end. The process by which a child is both terminated and yet kept alive is called “unwinding.” Unwinding is now a common, and accepted practice in society.” (intro)

Imagine living in the not so distant future, never knowing whether or not you will make it to adulthood. Never knowing if your parents will decide they have had enough of your attitude or whether you have reached your potential and you are no longer needed. In this future, you can become an Unwind and once your parents sign the Unwind order, there is no turning back. As an Unwind you aren’t “killed” but rather taken to a harvest camp whether your parts are divided up and used by others. Against your own will, you have become an organ donor. The plus side of this whole revolution –you and those you love will never have to wait on a donor list for a new organ, as they are in high supply. You could live forever… as a part of someone else.

Carrie's Review: Chain mail: Addicted to You by Hiroshi Ishizaki

Chain Mail: An escape from reality, a dive into the exciting world of fiction. Four Tokyo teenage girls who have never met all encounter loneliness, unhappiness, and the feeling of not fitting in. All in different situations, They are drawn together by one thing: Chain Mail. After a mysterious chain message is passed forward, each of these girls find an escape from reality by accepting the message's offer. Online they will each play a role in a story and take turns writing their parts to move the story forward. These four parts include: the innocent school girl being stalked, the creepy male stalker, the school girl's boyfriend, and the female detective. The story starts off innocent enough but after unsuspecting twists in the teenagers individual lives begin to occur, they begin to wonder if Chain Mail is real or fiction? This suspenseful novel is a light read and a fast one. Once started, it can be guaranteed that it will be hard to put down. Each chapter takes turns transitioning between three of the four teenage girls, and female readers will be sure to identify with at least one of the characters. It also provides a glance into the teenage life of Japan and will be sure to give you goosebumps. Hiroshi Ishizaki's novel is an excellent read.

P: 4 Q: 5

Immortal Rain by Kaori Ozaki

Looking for a manga series that has a bit of everything? Then you should look into "Immortal Rain". Within this exciting comicbook there is action, horror, romance, and comedy all rolled into one. You follow the main heroine, Machika, as she comes upon a man said to be Methuselah, a human being that cannot die. But there is far more to Methuselah than meets the eye. With a random and oddball personality, he informs Machika that his real name is Rain, and that he despises being immortal. From there, Machika decides to help him get revenge on the real Methuselah that lives under the name of Yuca Collabell, who was the one that killed Rain's past love and gave him the curse of immortality. Throw in a bunch of intersting and colorful characters that the two meet along the way, and you have a very entertaining read. If you are a manga fan, you shouldn't be able to resist picking up a copy of "Immortal Rain".

*Quality- 4Q (Better than most)

*Popularity- 4P (Broad general teen appeal)

Goddess Games Niki Burnham

Can you imagine taking your whole summer vacation to work at a spa? How about throwing in that you have to room with two other girls that you can't get along with. Claire, Seneca, and Drew must encounter this when they are put in a roller coaster with no way out. They must get over their differences, and accept each other for who they are. Each of the girls has different types of morals in this story, and are easily relatable to girls now days. If your looking for a book that can make you laugh and cry then I would suggest you to read Goddess Games, where Claire, Seneca, and Drew let go of the things they cannot change and persue a friendship that will change their lives forever. =]

If I were to give this book a rating I would give it a 4Q that it is better than most, and a 4P that can appeal to a broad general of teens now days.

Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata

Do you have a pet? If so, you know how much a pet can become a part of your family. Imagine if you had to move and could no longer keep your pet. What would happen to it? Would you be able to find it a safe home with friends, family or someone else or would you be forced to take it to the pound or shelter, not knowing whether it would be adopted or have to be euthanized?

Willie loves his German shepherd, Cracker, who is his best friend. But when his family moves into an apartment that doesn’t allow dogs or pets of any kind, Willie has a month to find Cracker a new home. He has begged people, his parents placed an ad in the newspaper, but no one wants a big dog. Willie even took Cracker to the pound, but in the end he couldn’t leave her there. Willie noticed an ad in the paper not far down the column from his, placed by the US Army, looking for German shepherds to go to Vietnam. While it breaks his heart to lose Cracker, Willie decides that the Army might be the best place for her, especially since Cracker will be the best dog in Vietnam.

During basic training, Cracker is teamed up with Rick, a young dog handler. While he isn’t Willie, Cracker and Rick soon become an inseparable team. Will Rick and Cracker be able to make it through the war and return safely home to the USA?

Lifting the Sky by Mackie D'Arge

Twelve year old Blue Gaspard has grown up with little in terms of a stable place to call home. Since her father left the family when she was only four, saying he was headed out for more mustard, Blue's mother has moved from ranch to ranch around the state of Wyoming. The jobs have never lasted long and all their worldly possessions fit in the bed of their old pickup truck. Blue has become accustomed to stealing cans of food and tucking them away in her just-in-case box well, just-in-case the day comes when she is forced to leave school in the middle of the afternoon and head out with her mom for greener pastures. Blue wishes for just one year, even six months, in one place but as her mother always says, "Just bloom where you are planted."

As luck would have it the next stop in the Gaspard girl's journey is a quiet secluded ranch nestled near the Indian reservation in Fremont County. Mom is hired on as the ranch manager and Blue soon finds herself in charge of feeding and caring for two premature bum calves. Blue also fully discovers her gift of seeing the lights, or auras, around people, animals, and places and is able to use these lights to heal.

Will this place be able to heal the holes in the Gaspard family? Have Blue and her mother finally found a home to call their own? What happens when all your dreams seem to finally be coming true?

This debut novel is sure to be a winner among those middle readers and teens looking for a wholesome, descriptive novel that celebrates the bonds of friendship, faith in oneself, and the healing power of love.

This book will be published in March 2009. The author, Mackie D'Arge, lives on the Wind River Reservation in Fremont County, Wyoming.

Mr. Roger's Review: Witch Child by Celia Rees

Set in England and the New England colonies during the 1650s, Witch Child is a book that explores how superstition, prejudice and fear can overwhelm people and cause them to react with terrifying results. Mary, the narrator, struggles with several blows to her young life: the death of beloved relatives and friends; new friendships discouraged because "they" don't belong; personal rejection and mistreatment as an outsider who is begrudgingly allowed into the community and, in a tense ending, confronting the person who caused the whole chain of events as he tries to finish the job he attempted in England: Kill her as a suspected witch. Filled with facts as to the everyday life of the time (food, herbal lore, social customs, etc.) I was hooked on this book as soon as I read the first paragraph.

Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Secrets. We’ve all had them. Some are small and insignificant. Some are gigantic and life-changing. Some you share with others and some you hold close to you as your own.

Regan has a secret, a secret she is keeping her for her brother Liam. She has always accepted the secret and Liam, but now it feels like it is about to break her apart. You see, Liam is transgendered. He was born a boy but has always been a girl inside. Now Liam, or Luna as he would rather be called, wants to be a girl inside and out. He wants to go to the mall and school dressed as a girl and really wants to have a sexual reassignment surgery. But is Luna really ready to meet the real world? How will it affect Regan and Luna, both at home and at school? Is Regan ready to release Liam’s secret and allow the rest of the world to know the truth?

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Kristina
The perfect student
Happy life

A second chance
To reconnect with
Absent father.

Rather
Than the reunion
Hoped for

Dad on drugs
Dirty apartment
Empty fridge

Adam/Buddy
A new reality
Chance to experiment

New discoveries
The monster
And Bree.

Return home
New person
Bad habits

The monster’s
Hold
Won’t let go.

No longer Kristina
Bree will do
anything

For a taste of
The monster:
Crank.

Sequel: Glass

Crank is a 2008-2009 Soaring Eagle nominee

Serina's Review: Carrie by Stephen King

It is easy to say that the book Carrie covers a vast amount of genres. While it mostly focuses on supernatural touches, it also delves into the life of an average high school girl, minus her ability to move things with her mind. Carrie is one of the many people that are outcast out of the popular society as well as the brunt of the school jokes. When the final and most terrible joke is played, Carrie takes things into her own hands on a parade of horror and utter destruction that will make people remember the school prom for years to come, and not in a good way.

Rating: 4Q, 3P

Rachel's Review: Witch Child by Celia Rees

Go back in time to the Salem Witch Trials. Mary Newbury lives with her grandmother and her grandma gets hung for being a witch. Mary is forced to act as a Puritan and go acrose the sea to America. Mary meets Martha, an herbal healer who is also a strong Puritan. Mary has to be able to fool the Reverend, and stay alive on the ship to America. People are sick, and having a baby is very dangerous, so when one person is sick and ready to have a child, people turn to Mary and Martha to deliver it safely. Can Mary stay hidden with every prying eye staring at her to fall?

Rating: 4Q, 3P

Shelby's Review: Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

For the month of October I chose to read a novel by Elizabeth Scott called Perfect You. Primarily in this novel Elizabeth Scott focuses on a character named Kate, who is miserable with her life. Scott works her way behind the scenes into the world of Kate including her troubles, hopes, and fears in life. To begin the story Kate's dad quits his job to sell vitamins at the mall. As a result her family is having money problems and the only solution is for her grandmother to come live with them. As if things couldn't get any worse Anna, Kate's best friend, leaves her for the popular crew at school, and acts like she has never known Kate. Just when things seem to get better again Kate's life is placed on a roller coaster and which causes Kate to have a hard time to tell which way is up. The only person who appears to be her friend is Will, and even at that Kate is afraid to let Will be her friend. As the story progresses Elizabeth works her way into your shoes, and makes you relate to Kate. After reading this book I felt really touched by Elizabeth Scott's writing, it's nice to know that in stories as well as in real life that we have ups and downs, but hope can keep us moving even with troubling situations present. I would recommend this book to girls out there with everyday troubles that want love, and friendship in life. The only thing that I disliked about the book was the beginning, it was so sad. I couldn't believe that Scott was able to write about a character that had so much going on with her life, and that things weren't getting better for her. As I continued reading things got better, and happier. In conclusion, if I were to rate this book I would probably give the quality a 3- readable. The popularity of this book I believe appeals to a broad general teen appeal, and I think any girl would enjoy reading this novel.

Carrie's Review: Ghost Ship by Dietlof Reiche

Twelve year old Vicki plans on spending the majority of her summer as a waitress at her dad's seaside restaurant Ye Olde Seashell Room, featuring seashell covered walls and the two-hundred-and-thirty year old figure head off of the infamous Storm Goddess which was lost at sea. At least, that's what everyone thought. When the ancient figurehead is taken down for restoration Vicki sees a vision of a man being hung on the mast of the Storm Goddess. At that moment the water in the local bay disappears leaving exposed the legendary ship itself. While the mayor seeks to make big bucks using the ship as a tourist attraction and a nosy reporter begins poking around, Vicki's dreams become haunted with ghostly memories still attached to the ship. Knowing there is only one thing left to do, Vicki realizes she must sneak aboard the ship and solve the mystery before the Storm Goddess disappears once and for all. A quick paced and spooky novel sure to delight anyone who enjoys a good ghost story. A perfect read for Halloween.
Rating: P:4 Q:5

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Once upon a time there was a little girl who had a perfect life, with two parents who would never dream of hurting her. That little girl didn’t know how lucky she was. During a field trip to an aquarium she met a man who would change her life, her name, her soul forever. She would become a hollow shell of a person, a Living Dead Girl. Once upon a time that little girl’s name wasn’t Alice and she wasn’t Ray’s little girl. Once upon a time that little girl’s life ended and her worst nightmare began.

Through the Storm: a real story of fame and family in a tabloid world by Lynne Spears

Lynne Spears, the mother of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears, talks about the real life of one of the most notorious families of the last decade. Why did she allow her girls to venture into show business? Did her marriage to their alcoholic father severely affect the family? How much control does a mother have over her teenage and adult children? Can faith in God pull a family through the worst storms life throws their way? During a time where tabloids report anything and everything, truth and lies, this is a refreshing look at the real life of a celebrity family.

Sucks To Be Me: the all-true confessions of Mina Hamilton, teen vampire maybe by Kimberly Pauley

In this post-Twilight era, we all know that the “rules” of vampires aren’t necessarily what they once seemed to be. Vampires could be living among us and you’d never know it. They can walk in sunlight, with some amazing results, and are creative in their dining preferences.
Mina, yes she was named after the Mina in Dracula, has always known her parents were vampires. But the Northwest Regional Vampire Council never knew about her and there enters the problem. Humans are not to know of the true existence of vampires. So Mina must know make a life changing decision. Will she or won’t she become a vampire? Lucky for her, the Council provides twice weekly classes so she can learn all about the life and times of vampires in order to make an informed decision. The decision would be hard enough to make without the added dramas of life as a teenager. What about the prom, hot guys, and sharing everything your best friend? It sure does suck to be Mina.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

My name is Junior and this is my story. I’m a member of the Spokane Indian Tribe. I’m a traitor and an outsider. I live on the rez but leave everyday to attend a white school over 20 miles away. I’m the son of an alcoholic and the brother of a girl who’d rather live in the basement than follow her dreams. I’m poor but so is everyone on the rez. I was born with water on my brain, wear ugly, thick, black plastic glasses. I’ve been to 42 funerals in my 14 years of life. I play basketball and I draw cartoons, because word are too limited and pictures are something anyone can understand. This is my Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

Carrie's Review: The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg

Margaret Rose is an extremely artistic and unique teen, and the sources of her talents are not hard to discover. Margaret is thrilled when her two beloved, yet eccentric uncles rescue her from the uptight and stuffy camp in which she is imprisoned in. She is thrilled to be able to stay at her Uncle's home for the summer. Their house is like a treasure trove of old fashioned odds and ends. However, the real heart of the place is the three looming towers that stand in the backyard. Margret's Uncles have been constructing these steel scrap and glass towers for over 45 years and are the essence of her childhood. Unfortunately, this would be the summer that Margaret discovers the city is ordering a demolition of these very towers. Margaret not only bands together with a group of unexpected allies in order to save the towers, but she also discovers who she is and what these structures truly mean to her. E.L. Koingsburg weaves a magnificent tale of friendship, family, and self discovery that I personally recommend for any teen.
Ratin: 5Q, 5P

Rachel's Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Melanie Stryder is a normal human being, and that's the problem. See, in Melanie's time, people are held captive in their minds by "souls". These "souls" take over the people's minds, and control their bodies. Melanie has had a soul inserted into her body, and will not keep quiet. Her soul goes by the name of "Wanderer" and is being followed by a Seeker. This Seeker is trying to find the last of the real humans so they can stop the war. Melanie is protecting their whereabouts, by thinking only of Jared, the man she loves. Can Melanie keep Jared and the others safe from the Seeker and her soul's mind-probing?
Rating: 4Q, 3P

Shelby's Review: Mixed Bags (Carter House Girls #1) by Melody Carlson

The book I chose to read and respond to this month was the book called Mixed Bags by Melody Carlson. Melody Carlson has a style of writing that is different than most authors I have read, and I think that the originality of this story is a 5. The story is about a teenage girl named DJ who is living with her grandmother who enjoys fashion, and keeping up with the latest trends. Her grandmother thinks that fashion is more important than most aspects of teenage girls lives, and with that she invites 6 other girls to live at the house and study fashion. Each one of the girls has a different story to their lives, and together the girls including DJ must live together. The main focus of the book is on DJ and her life as a teenager. I really enjoyed the fact that although DJ was different than all the girls Carlson did a nice job creating a character thant most girls can relate with in their lives. Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors. Although her books are not all popular, they appeal to certain teenagers that enjoy Christian fiction authors. I would recommend this story to any teenage girl who wants a funny and touching story about a girl who goes through troubles of life just like any other girl out there.
Rating: 4Q, 2.5P

Peak by Roland Smith

Peak Marcello was born into climbing. His parents were rock rats so he comes by it naturally. His mom quit climbing years ago and his father hasn’t stopped. Josh was climbing the day Peak was born (hence the name) and has been absent for most of Peak’s 14 year life. Peak has gone to summer climbing camps and tried the indoor climbing gyms but they don’t provide the rush he desires. So he’s taken to climbing NYC skyscrapers and tagging them with a blue mountain. Unfortunately his latest climbing stunt has left him standing in front of a judge, about to be slapped with hard jail time and a hefty fine, not at all what the 14 year old was looking for. However Josh has returned to save the day and take Peak to Nepal. But it quite isn’t the father son reunion Peak anticipated. Is the experience of a lifetime worth sacrificing the truth? Is it possible that Peak will become the youngest person ever to summit Mount Everest? Talk about the climb of a lifetime.

Peak is a 2008-2009 Soaring Eagle Award Nominee and will be the November selection for Afternoon Book Club.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

It is 1958 and Landon Carter is beginning his senior year of high school. He is student council president, the son of a weathly Congressman, and getting ready to apply for college at the University of North Carolina. Landon expects this year to be a breeze and has even signed up for drama rather than endure Chemistry-II. What Landon didn’t except was that he would end up inviting Jamie Sullivan to the homecoming dance. Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of a Baptist minister; the girl who wears plaid skirts, a plain brown cardigan sweater, hair pulled up in a bun, and carries an old Bible every single day; the girl who believes that everything is part of God’s plan. Jamie, the girl who will teach Landon that appearances aren’t everything and the love can change us forever. Join Landon on A Walk to Remember.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Peter Houghton is tired of being bullied. It started the first day of Kindergarten when he was tripped walking down the aisle of the bus and a bigger kid threw his Superman lunchbox out the window; it hasn’t stopped since. He’s tried to ignore it but the abuse has continued and escalated. He’s tried to defend himself but ended up being the only one punished. He’s tried to get help from adults, to no avail. He’s even lost his childhood best friend, Josie, who wants a shot at being part of the popular crowd.

Peter has retreated to the world in his computer, where he is in control, where he is smart, popular, and respected for his craft. But one fateful morning he finally snaps. The nineteen minutes he spends doling out his version of revenge to Sterling High School will forever alter the lives of everyone involved.


“In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game... It’s the length of a sitcom, minus the commercials… In nineteen minutes you can order a pizza and get it delivered… You can walk a mile… In nineteen minutes, you can bring the world to a screeching halt… In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge.”

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney

Greg is back for another year of middle school. He’s decided to continue his journaling, although he has a few secrets that aren’t even safe enough for the journal to keep.

Greg’s family is pretty typical. Mom is a preschool teacher who thinks any problem can be solved by talking it out and drawing pictures. His dad would rather be hiding out in the basement working on his model-size Civil War battle replica than watching chick-flicks with Mom. Greg has two brothers, Rodrick and Manny. Rodrick is in high school and loves to bully Greg. He also knows a secret from the summer that could ruin Greg’s life forever. Manny is 3 and a huge tattle tale.

So what else is new! Well, Greg still has the Cheese Touch from the end of last school year and he’s got to find someone to give it to. His parents decide to leave he and Rodrick alone for the night and Rodrick throws a huge party. Rodrick locks Greg in the basement but then threatens him to secrecy. Will the parents find out and if so, is there any sort of punishment that could make Rodrick finally leave Greg alone? Welcome to another addition of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley's Journal by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley just started middle school and he’d like this year to be different from the past. He’d like to be more popular, right now he’s ranked about 52nd or 53rd; more muscular, so he wouldn’t have to wrestle Fregley—the weirdest and 2nd lightest kid in class; not be embarrassed by his family during the school play, which Mom made him tryout for; and get the new “Twisted Wizard” videogame for Christmas. Will this year be all the Greg imagines it will be or will it be only year in the life of Greg Heffley, the self-proclaimed wimpy kid?

By the way, he specifically told his mom to buy a JOURNAL not a DIARY, so don’t get the wrong idea. This book isn’t about “feelings”. It was his mom’s idea, but will come in handy when he’s older, rich and famous. And it has great cartoon illustrations and a plan for a spectacularly spooky Halloween haunted house.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is an Indian Paintbrush Nominee for 2008-2009.

Tyrell by Coe Booth

Tyrell Green is 15 and ain’t been to school since December cuz someone gots to be out making money. Tyrell, his moms, and 7-year-old brother Troy are livin in a dirty, roach infested motel room cuz they got evicted 2 weeks ago. Moms knows Tyrell could make a killin selling weed but he don’t wanna go down that road. That road leads to jail, the same one where Tyrell’s pops is right now. Tyrell’s got a girl, Novisha, who says she loves him but has been keepin secrets of the worst kind. Tyrell just met a girl, Jasmine, who has a smokin hot body, a nicotine addiction, and don’t have a home either.

Tyrell’s gotta figure something out and fast. He got a plan and one week to make enough money to find a safe place to live. He gotta to find a location, equipment, promote, and host a party. Tyrell knows he gots the skills to DJ but will he be able to pull this off to save himself and his family before it’s too late?