The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

To: Reader
Special Covert Operation Report
Agents: Emily, Lydia, Cassie –Ashbury
Charlie, Seb, & “Matthew Dunlop” –Brookfield
Operation
Operation Pen Pal Project
Assigned by Mr. Botherit, Ashbury English Teacher

Assignment Description
Your mission, if you chose to accept it, will be to converse with students at the rival high school as part of a mandatory English assignment. What you write is up to you but keep in mind that this assignment is ongoing and will continue through the entire school year. The goal of this assignment is to create self awareness, friendships, and the Joy of the Envelope. No text messages or emails, please.
Warning: Although your letters will be completely confidential, participation will count toward your final grade.

Field Note #1
Although this assignment seems harmless, you never know who your pen pal will turn out to be.

Field Note #2
Pen pals may want to meet. While a face to face meeting is not mandatory, it will change the course of this assignment. Keep in mind that not everyone is who they claim to be.

Field Note #3
While pen pals are not required to do anything for each other, pen pals may choose to participate in certain secret assignments which could lead to such illegal activities as calling in false reports, fire alarms, breaking into and stealing cars, skipping school and other activities which could lead to classes and exams being postponed.

Field Note #4
Pen pals who issue ominous warnings and threats should be watched carefully. Pen pals who receive such letters should take caution when deciding on how to respond to such pen pals. Refer to field note #1 as to whether or not said pen pal is really should be trusted. When in doubt, consult friends as they may be able to plan additional secret assignments to uncover the identity of ominous pen pal and foil their plans.

Field Note #5
Enjoy Operation Pen Pal Project and The Year of Secret Assignments.

Look for The Murder of Bindy Mackenzie the followup novel by Jaclyn Moriarty.

Dane's Review: Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo

Now I know a great deal of you like the graphic novels and such, but a book/graphic novel that you absolutely must read whether you like them or not is Akira. The drawing skill its done with is definitely a retro style with some "corny" realism, but none-the-less good. The story itself takes place in some new-age future -yet not too future- Tokyo. A rockin' cycle gang (I'm not a motorcycle kinda guy, but boy, they kicked) is kind of composed of the "outcast" hardknocks of the school. While out riding to the "point of impact" or some such explosion destination crater, quarantined as off limits, one of the cyclists, (bear with me as I'm bad with Japanese names) Tustendo, gets in a wreck because some little child that looks like he's a bazillion years old was standing in the road. As he dissipates into thin air, an "ambulance" arrives to haul Tustendo. Queue crazy plot, awesome action scenes and bizarre children with mind powers on drugs. Tustendo is locked up and going crazy in some science lab of a hospital while his pals are trying to find him. I know, a-freaking-mazing. Seriously read this, once you're done, there's even a movie. It's stellar, too.
I know you're ALL about the great graphic novels, so I recommend this, or Watchmen, also good BTW. Just don't let all awesomeness make your head explode.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

**This book is availble throught InterLibrary Loan.**

Emily's Review: Blankets by Craig Thompson

Blankets is the story of the author's childhood and his first love told in visual format -a 600-page graphic novel, featuring lively black-and-white work with brush and ink (incidentally, I would willingly kill a man to have Thompson's skill with line and form). He grew up in a suffocatingly conservative family, and the book makes skillful use of his Christian teachings. No fear: Thompson is anything but preachy. (I strongly dislike the person who protests at the first mention of religion in a book.) The true power of Blankets, though, lies in the story of Raina: Raina meets Craig at church camp, and the two quickly become friends, before Craig begins -slowly- to love her. It sounds trite at my word, but then I have trouble describing the things that truly wow me. I've read a few books that pick you up, fly you in loops, over peaks and through valleys, and at last drop you, so you end a pile of flesh and bone, it's simply so shattering to turn the last page. This is one of them.

Rating: 5Q, 4P

Jessica's Review: Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee

Fiela's Child is a story of loss, learning, and searching. There is the loss of a child by two different women and the foundings of hope in one boy. In this same boy is the loss of identity, of who is he and who he is supposed to be. At one point, both meanings are lost to him. He learns to adjust to different environments relying on himself when no one else is around. This is Benjamin Kamoetie, the source of turmoil and rejoicing for Feila Komoetie, and Lukas van Rooyan, son of Barta van Rooyan and for her, he has died and come back to life. There is racial between the two families, one black and one white and a tug of war for superiority between the families themselves. I thought this was a great book filled with deeper meaning about identity as well as common issues existing in the region of South America, where this takes place. I would recommend it to others, but on special interest alone. It's not your everyday Harry Potter.
Rating: 4Q, 2P

**This book is available through InterLibrary Loan.**

Josh's Review: Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Richard Cypher is a woods guide in Westland. While he is up in the mountains near the Boundary he is bitten by a vine, sees a red spec in the sky which he thinks is a dragon, and meets the most beautiful woman he has ever seen dressed as if she were attending a formal party. Trouble comes in threes. Right? Well if that is the case then Richard is in for a killer of a day as it turns out. Four killers in fact. From then on, Richard is ripped from his world and thrust into making life changing decisions in a world that he has never set foot into, that threatens not only himself and his friends but the entire world. Richard must sift throught the web of lies and seek the truth about himself and of those around him.
Terry Goodkind is a master story teller, weaving words together so well it is a flawless canvas. This book and those that follow it are full of drakness and the will to prevail as well as plenty of blood, gore, and magic.
Rating: 5Q, 4P

Josh's review: Mister Monday by Garth Nix

Garth Nix strikes again. With the Abhorsen trilogy and the Seventh Tower series already under his belt as well as a collection of short stories, The Keys to the Kingdom series is just icing on an already fabulous cake. Arthur is a sickly asthmatic boy who is supposed to die. However, when a strange man appears out of thin air next to the dying Arthur and gives him what looks like the little hand of a giant clock, his entire life is transformed. Suddenly Arthur is seeing things. Things that shouldn't be able to exist. Horrible winged creatures and a house that couldn't possibly be real are showing up and following him around. He finds himself immersed and struggling to survive in a place full of paper and strange people stuck in the early 1900's as well as trying to stop a plague affecting the rest of his world. Garth Nix's Mister Monday captures and draws you into a fascinating world while weaving the story around you.

Rating: 4Q, 3P

Josh's Review: Sabriel by Garth Nix

The Old Kingdom is overrun and across the Wall. The existence of magic is denied. Sabriel must travel to the Old Kingdom a place that she can't remember and assume a name that is spoken in only whispers and is feared by the dead. ABHORSEN. With her father missing and the Old Kingdom sinking further into disarray, she must come to terms with the past and future that awaits her. In a place where the dead stalk the living and the river of Death is never far away she must fight an evil so old that no one can remember when it came to be. Garth Nix takes the world of magic and turns it upside down and backwards, weaving a story that is totally original.

Rating: 4Q, 4P

Mary's Review: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Ms. Anderson, famous for her acclaimed book Speak, seems to be rather at a loss for words. Twisted has a somewhat meandering plot, and the novel suffers for it. Things happen of course-the narrator is framed for photographing the girl of his dreams naked and unconscious at a party, battles it out with his workaholic father, and contemplates committing suicide. But the question about it all seems to be "So what?" Surely the audience is supposed to care that all of this is happening, but by the time enough sympathy is darned for them to actually do so the novel is practically over. It's doubtful that many readers will make it for enough to begin to care. "This book is not suitable for children" the fly page boldly states. And yet as grown up as this novel tries to be, it never quite stops handling the issues with kid gloves.
Final Verdict: 2Q, 3P

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

Welcome to Tangerine, Florida where you aren’t likely to find its namesake fruit and housing developments rise from the graveyards of citrus trees. Where it pours rain daily and lightning always strikes more than once. Where schools disappear into sinkholes but sports must go on. Tangerine, where there are more questions and secrets than answers.

Do You Know the Monkey Man by Dori Hillestad Butler

“Do you know the monkey man, the monkey man, the monkey man? Do you know the monkey man, who lives on Hartman Lane?”

How far would you go in order to uncover a mystery, something about your past that didn’t feel quite right? What if that mystery was finding your dad, whom you haven’t seen in almost a decade? Would you consult a psychic, pay for a private investigator, or dig through old boxes in the basement? Would you call people all around the country with his name in hopes of hearing his voice? The voice you would know anywhere? Would you sneak away from home to check out an address after calling leads you nowhere? Would you go or would you just decide the search was pointless?
What if I told you there was another piece to this mystery, a piece that seemed at first insignificant, but could be the answer to everything? What if I told you that the psychic says your twin sister, who died tragically at the age of three, is alive and well? What would you do?

Marley & Me by John Grogan

Look at that face! Sure, he’s man’s best friend but he might possibly be the worst dog ever.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

What was the last CD you listened to or song that played on your iPod? Would the person sitting next to you be able to guess what it was? Would they like it, understand it, or ridicule you for listening to it?
What does the music you listen to say about you? Are you a leader or a follower? Do you take the easy road or look for a challenge? Is it an honest portrayal of you or do you hide behind the shadow of others? Is it really you or are you just a player? Does the music you listen to have a deep meaning for you or is it just noise? Would you have the courage to analyze yourself and let others in? Would you be willing to try something different even if at first you dislike it? What if you Just Listen?

This title is also available on CD audiobook.

Dane's Review: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Classic, epic, and by no means platitudinous, is the novel, known far and wide, by Ray Bradbury. The Martian Chronicles is a piece of literature, nay a work of art, that boggles the mind with plausibilities, unique fantasy, expert craftsmanship and imagery that is simply superb. The book is a collection of "mini-stories", each building amazing scenery and voice; taking us from the existence and culture of the Martian race, to Earth's own expeditions to the red globe, and even to far beyond, colonization of the planet. Bradbury's incredible mind paints wonderous pictures of Martians that aren't incredulous, but believable. The book will pull any avid lover of the abstract, abnormal, and all that it is SCI-FI, into its clutches.
Wonderful writing and awesome plot join the main peoples of Earth in their pilgrimage to Mars! This book is so much better if you read it by choice rather than in class; so make the best of a great book and do yourself a favor and read this classic.
Rating: 5Q, 3P.

Emily's Review: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Are you a fantasy fan searching for something, you know, original? Tired of trudging through nonsense-laden, logic-lacking wrecks (with stereotypical elves and dwarves and I-don't-really-care-what-else)? Then you should read the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin. If you don't, I will probably punch you. (Alternately, I will slay you with the twelve words of death I learned from Knockoff Fantasy #87.)
Inspired by The War of the Roses (a fierce fight over royal succession), the Ice and Fire books are more politically focused than the usual high fantasy plot; they're also entirely character-driven, rather than having to rely on some quest or prophecy for the story's sake. None of the cast are entirely good or evil -yeah, some are twisted and some are saintly, but mostly they're just people. This, if you didn't know, is TOTALLY AWESOME.
I feel I should note that Martin is infamous for the brutal treatment of his characters. In addition to this, the books are graphic -sometimes more than they should be- in all respects (blood and gore, adult situtations, etc.) Drama, violence, and depression. There's nothing you can't love! The series begins with A Game of Thrones and has yet to be finished.
Rating: 5Q, 3P

Jessica's Review: Name Dropping by Jane Heller

Although this particular book carried the same plot as so many television shows, movies, and other novels, it was still enjoyable. What I mean in these similarities is where girl meets guy, pretends to be someone else, falls in love, breaks his heart with her lies, and somehow they still end up together. The twists and turns are predictable for the most part, but its the smaller details that kept my attention, like Fischer Levins and his continuous disruptions and each new level added to the mystery.
Rating: 3Q, 3P

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

At age 10, Lucky has already lost her mother and been abandoned by her father. The one thing Lucky is sure about is that her backpack survival kit is always packed and ready to go, along with her faithful companion, HMS Beagle. Everything else in Hard Pan, CA., Pop. 43, she’ll have to learn to live without. Lucky is sure that Brigitte, her guardian, is going back to France so Lucky’s gonna have to run so she won’t end up in an orphanage. And it’s really too bad because she’ll miss her best friend Lincoln, although he might not stop tying knots long enough to notice she’s gone, and Miles, although at age 5, he’s young enough to find someone else to share stories and cookies with.
What Lucky will miss the most is eavesdropping on 12-step anonymous meetings and learning how she can find this “Higher Power”.

2007 Newbery Award Winner

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang [Graphic Novel]

American Born Chinese is a collection of three parallel stories of adaptation. The first tale is of the Monkey King, whose only goal is to be part of the dinner party in heaven. After he is shunned for being merely a monkey, the Monkey King decides to continue to master the disciplines of Kung Fu and fight those who won’t accept him.
Jin Wang starts a new school and is introduced as being from China, although he was born in San Francisco. He is a loner and is often bullied. When Wei-Chen, a new student from Taiwan, joins the class, Jin Wang is unsympathetic and tells him to speak English in America. Jin Wang develops a crush on a Caucasian girl but her friend delivers him a harsh message –that he (an ABC) is not good enough for her.
Danny is the All-American white boy. His cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit once a year and Danny is humiliated. Chin-Kee is the ultimate representation of the negative Chinese stereotype and Danny feels Chin-Kee is ruining his life.
When these three stories collide, the reader learns about identity and what it might feel like to be an American Born Chinese.

This is a graphic novel and the 2007 winner of the Printz Award.

Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

Ever wonder what it would be like to ACTUALLY be a part of the video games you love to play? Be able to really make the slam dunks in NBA Live, go fishing in Runescape, or be a sniper in Halo?
Well—here’s your chance. Rasmussen Enterprises now offers a total immersion video game, where your brain is wired to the computer for the total experience of the game –sounds, smells, etc. You are in the game. And it’s only $50 for a half hour of play. Rasmussen Enterprises newest Total Immersion game is Heir Apparent. In this game, you are a sheepherder and the illegitimate child of the newly deceased king and must return to the kingdom to be crowned Heir Apparent. There are many ways to win but along the way you must… find the magic ring, outwit your 3 half-brothers and the queen, recite poetry to a head chopping statue, save the kingdom from barbarians, find the stolen treasure, chase away a group of pesky ghosts, answer riddles from a lonely dwarf, and steal a crown from a man-eating, gold loving dragon.
Sounds easy, right? And like all video games, if you die, you have to start the game over from the beginning. But there is one catch. The group Citizens to Protect Our Children has broken in and damaged the computer system. So time is limited, not just for your character but for you. If your character loses another life, so could you…
Wanna play?
Rasmussen Enterprises is not responsible for any personal injury occurred on the premises. A small number of users participating in Total Immersion may experience short term effects not limited to but including “light-headedness, decreased appetite, increased heart rate, blurred vision, memory loss, inability to concentrate, and/or loss of motor control.”

Mary's Review: Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K Hamilton

When one is tired out from classics, books that have that frustrating component of thought, there is something to be said for pulp. No meat, all frills novels that you won't remember in the morning, but made for great reading material while it was there. And that's exactly what this is. Ms. Hamilton certainly isn't going to win any awards, but take it for what it is and the book is certainly accessible--enjoyable even. A healthy dose of love for fiction on the mystical side doesn't hurt either. Anita Blake, vampire executioner, lives in a version of America where vampires, necromancers, and lycanthropes not only exist ; they have legal rights too. An interesting idea, and well and believably put into practice here. This first volume of a current fifteen-some book series finds our heroine (and kudos to Ms. Hamilton for creating a heroine not only un -annoying but tough and even likable, even in the eyes of a reviewer with a distate for female progtagonists), who raises the dead for a living by-the-by, investigating a series of vampire murders. This requires not only conquering her hatred of vampires but working with the irresistable, incorrigable Jean-Claude, vampire master, extraordinaire. Sounds pulpy, and really it is. Lots of blood, shootings, and some sexuality thrown in for good measure (it's a vampire book--this almost goes without saying). The later books ratchet up the sordid content a considerable amount, but here we have something not quite but (almost) middle school friendly. Don't forget to rest those brain cells occasionally, children.
Final Verdict: 3Q, 4P

The Freedom Writers Diary & Teach With Your Heart by Erin Gruwell

The Freedom Writers Diary by The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell

You think you know the story: teens in an intercity school who give their first year teacher a run for her money. Actually that isn’t this story. True, the 150 teens in Ms. G’s class are mostly disciplinary referrals that will probably never finish high school, “the unteachable”. They are more colorful than a box of crayons and most are part of a gang. Nearly all have witnessed a murder and are living below the poverty level. They are only in school because the other options are prison or the grave. This isn’t a story of how a teacher tries to reach her students and fails. The Freedom Writer’s Diary are the narrative accounts of the 150 students that Erin Gruwell believed in. Students that decided to pick up a pen rather than a gun to prove to themselves and the world that anyone can change and rise above their circumstances. Students who opened (and read!) a book and saw themselves in the lives of Anne Frank and Zlata Filipovic. 150 students who walked across the podium to receive their high school diploma and became the first in their families to attend college. Students who have now gone out into the world to make their own differences.

Teach With Your Heart by Erin Gruwell

Teach With Your Heart is Erin’s follow-up to her students’ book The Freedom Writer’s Diary. Erin describes her decision to teach, her struggles in the classroom with both students and fellow teachers, the demise of her marriage, and her determination to make a difference in the lives of 150 “unteachable” students. Erin takes readers along with her to the office of Steven Speilberg, on trips with her students to Washington D.C., New York City, and to Europe to visit Anne Frank’s attic. Erin illustrates how she captivated her students with visits from Miep Gies, the woman who hid Anne Frank’s family, and Zlata Filipovic, a 15-year-old Bosnian refugee. This book is a wonderful selection for current and future teachers. Erin expresses hope to those highly motivated and creative individuals who truly want to make a difference in the classroom.