Welcome Northwest Junior High students! Check out this blog for my reviews of new library books, to see what's happening in the NWJH library, and any other neat stuff I find!
Auden has spent the first 18 years of her life staying indoors, studying, preparing for college, and trying to keep up with her mother's extremely high expectations. The summer before she goes to college, however, she makes a last minute decision to live at the beach with her father, her new stepmother, and newborn baby sister for 3 months. There she meets a group of girls, that she becomes unexpectedly good friends with. She also meets a boy, Eli, who she has an instant connection with and is trying to recover from the loss of his best friend. Auden spends the summer trying to make up for all she missed out on during her childhood, while developing relationships in unexpected places.
I loved this book! It was an easy read and if you like Sarah Dessen, you will not be disappointed. A word of advice: the book reads quickly, but pay attention as Dessen sometimes jumps between conversations Auden has with different people with very little warning. This book can be found on our ITA Nominee 2011-2012 display shelf.
If you are interested, here is a interview with Sarah Dessen about how she came up with the story:
Levi and his family wait for three years for his brother Boaz to return from serving in the war in the Middle East. When he comes home though, he is different. Bo never leaves his room, will not talk to his family, and refuses to ride in a car. Weeks after returning, Bo announces that he will be leaving for the summer to walk the Appalachian train. However, Levi starts snooping around on Bo's computer and finds out that he has much different plans. Levi decides to walk with him in an attempt to understand his brother and what happened to him when he was overseas.
Dana Reinhardt does an excellent job of showing the psychological effects war can have, not only on soldiers, but their families as well.
Since her creation in 1959 Barbie has been a source of controversy. Her creator, Ruth Handler envisioned a trendy doll for girls to play with and dress when they grew out of their "baby-doll" phase. However, Barbie has been criticized for creating an image of perfection that is just too difficult for girls to attain.
Tanya Lee Stone addresses all of this controversy in her new book The Good, The Bad, and The Barbie by presenting multiple views on the popular doll. Although some believe that Barbie is teaching girls that physical beauty is the most important thing, others celebrate the way Barbie was able to do whatever she wanted and choose whichever career she pleased. In addition, Ruth Handler is an icon for young women in that she created a huge toy company and a name for herself in an industry that has always been dominated by men.
If you have ever played with Barbies, you will be interested in this book. There are great photos of Barbie, the way she has changed over time, and been modified by others. I especially like that the author addressed many different ways to look at Barbie, both good and bad. Even if you do not like nonfiction, this book is an easy read. There is historical information but also funny stories and quotes from people that the author interviewed about their experiences with Barbie.
We have got some exiting new books in the library! Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham was named the Iowa Teen Award Winner for 2010-2011 and the nominees for next year have been announced.
Some of my favorites? Beastly by Alex Finn is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Walter Dean Myers's Sunrise Over Fallujah tells the story of a teenager who after graduating from high school enlists in the Army and is deployed to Iraq. Lastly, and my personal favorite, Red Glass by Laura Resau, follows Sophie and her family who take in a 6 year old boy that crossed the Mexico/Arizona border one night with a coyote, losing his family in the process. When they find his family in Mexico, they hit the road with Sophie's aunt, her aunt's boyfriend, and his son in order to return Pedro to his family in their village.
Check out the new ITA display in the library and get a head start on your ITA award reading for next year!
Mia is left in a coma after a devastating car crash that kills her mom, dad, and brother. In If I Stay readers watch as Mia recalls memories about her eccentric family, her journey as a talented cellist, and the boyfriend she is deeply in love with. She also overhears the honest words her family, friends, and boyfriend have with her comatose body. Mia, deeply sad about the loss of her family, is forced to make a decision about whether she will give up, or regain consciousness and live without them.
Forman's novel is incredibly sad and very powerful If you are looking for a light read, this is not the book for you. However, Mia's character is very easy to relate with and interesting, and you will be captivated by the situation she has been faced with.
April is Poetry Month! All over the nation Americans are celebrating poetry and poets in different ways. If you want to be a part of the celebration, check out some of our poetry resources in the library. A number of poetry collections are on display and many others can be found on the shelves.
Here are a few links to check out if you are interested in poetry:
