Library News for the rest of 2011

I cannot believe it is almost the end of the year...2011 that is. I love this time of year. It is getting so cold outside that you really cannot go out which means I get more chances to READ! I have actually been rereading a couple of books lately, which is why you have not seen any reviews by me, but I am starting a new one today so be prepared.

With the end of the year comes a few items that you need to know about:

• With funds from the book fair I was able to order about 30 new books. On the shelf now is Crossed, Wonderstruck, The Emerald Atlas, Cabin Fever, and many more.
• Jordan Sonnenblick will be coming on December 15th. Do not forget that if you want to buy one of his books to see me! You can also bring one of your own!
• With a two week break, do not forget to come and get some books to read!!!
• The Scooter Race will be held in the Spring! Winners will be announced in January!
• Starting in January, some students will start be notified if they have extremely overdue books. If you have had a book out since September, I will be marking it as lost. This means that you either need to turn it in or pay for it.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

The 3 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas

I feel like it has been forever since I have blogged, but I promise there is a good reason for it!

STUDENTS!!!

I have seen every student in the this at least once this week. Between 6th, 7th, and 8th grade checkout and me teaching in Computer Lit, I have been delightfully overwhelmed. (No, I am not being sarcastic about the delight in being overwhelmed.) This is what I love...interacting with the students.

But when I am busy with students I do not get a chance to tell you about the great books that I am reading. Divergent by Veronica Roth not only made the Lone Star list, but it is at the top of the list for best reads of the year. It is expected to be a trilogy, but I cannot wait to get the next one!

Expect more from me next week!!!

2012 Lonestar List...It is a great one!

I am so excited for this to be out. I have read so many books this year and I am glad to see that some of them are on here. The ones with a star on them are the ones that we already have in the library. The rest we will be getting after the Winter Break. 

And the ones with a # are the ones that I have read!

2012 Texas Lone Star Reading List

Dionne, Erin. Notes from an Accidental Band Geek. 
Frost, Helen. Hidden
Gibbs, Stuart. Belly Up. *
Gidwitz, Adam. A Tale Dark and Grimm. *
Gier, Kerstin. Ruby Red.
Hobbs, Will. Take Me to the River. *
Lane, Andy. Death Cloud. *
Maberry, Jonathan. Rot & Ruin. *
Monninger, Joseph. Wish. *
Ness, Patrick. A Monster Calls: A Novel.
Oppel, Kenneth. This Dark Endeavor. 
Paulsen, Gary. Paintings from the Cave: Three Novellas. 
Roth, Veronica. Divergent.* #
Rylander, Chris. The Fourth Stall. *
Schmidt, Gary D. Okay for Now. * #
Sepetys, Ruta. Between Shades of Gray. * #
Stephens, John. The Emerald Atlas. 
Van Draanen, Wendelin. The Running Dream. * #
White, Kiersten. Paranormalcy. *
Young, Moira. Blood Red Road.




Enjoy!!!!

Hunger Games Trailer

I have been a little nervous about what this movie was going to do to the book. But if the movie is anything like the trailer, I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised. This trailer gave me chills!!! If you have not read this book yet, come and get it from me...it is a must!!!!

Library News

Library News

There is so much going on in the library right now! I thought I would give you a run down. 

• Due to so many school events happening over the next couple of weeks, the scooter race has been postponed until after Winter Break. 
• Jordan Sonnenblick is going to be visiting Stafford Middle School on December 15th. All students will have an opportunity to see him, and if you have a book you can have it signed by him. 
• I was able to get new books from the Book Fair and from Barnes and Noble. 
• There is lots of research going on in the library right now. This means that the library cannot have students during class that need the computers. 
• Keep in mind that I am open from 7:55 to 4:00.

I have been reading like mad due to the amazing books that are out. All you have to do is ask for some suggestions!

Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy by Michelle Zink

Summary

In late nineteenth-century New York state, wealthy sixteen-year-old twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe find that they are on opposite sides of an ancient prophecy that has destroyed their parents and seeks to do even more harm. (Taken from Titlewave.) Each books takes us deeper into the prophecy and the relationship between Alice and Lia.

Mrs. Lassley's Summary

After waiting many years to finish reading this series, I have read the last page and left it feeling very sad but VERY satisfied. This is a must read for those students who love mystery, action, and a little bit of romance. The author has created a world You get to know all the characters well, including the secondary ones. You feel the conflict of the sisters. Throughout the series, the author pulls in many new characters, but these characters become old friends by the time you turn the last page. Pick this up in the library today!!

Epitaph Road by David Patneaude

(Disclaimer: This book is not in the Stafford Library yet, but will be soon!)

If you haven't figured this out yet, I am in love with dystopian fiction. I love the idea of taking our future, throwing it in a blender, and seeing what comes out. Epitaph Road does all of those things and more!!

Summary

Adults don’t trust him, his potential is limited, and girls brush up close to get a whiff of his smell—yes, Kellen is a boy, and that’s a rare thing. It’s 2097, 30 years after a super virus known as Elisha’s Bear wiped out 97 percent of the planet’s males. The world as run by women is largely free of the aggression that brought earth to the brink, and insemination protocols keep males to a safe 5 percent of the population. Kellen has resigned himself to his humble future when he overhears his mother, a powerful member of the Population Apportionment Council, speaking of a new outbreak heading toward a community of “throwbacks” (loner men) that includes Kellen’s father. With two female friends, Kellen escapes to warn his dad and in the process uncovers the shocking secrets behind Elisha’s Bear. (Book list.)

Mrs. Lassley's Opinion

I find it hard to say how much I like this book because of the amount of death there is in it, but I really did enjoy reading this book. Kellen, Sunday, and Tia are kids that you can relate to, even if you are not in there situation. And with so many new viruses coming at us, (Hello Swine Flu!), this book does not feel that off the mark. I am very excited to get this book as soon as I can!

Book Fair and Project 1,000

I know I am a little behind on my blogging. I promise there is a reason...BOOK FAIR! We had an amazing turn out this year. Not only were the books amazing, but the students actually wanted to get them! We sold more actual books then we ever have!

Every year I try and get the students to buy 1,000 items. This year the prize was to watch (and for some participate) in a scooter race. And this year the race is on. With many teacher groups already training, this should be a blast to watch.

On another note, I just want to take a second to compliment the amazing students that I see every day. Knowing that the library budget is on hold this year, the students donated over $111. Many of them would put in a couple of dollars even. I have never felt so humbled as seeing this happen! How amazing!

And last but not least, do not forget that our online book fair is going on until October 25th. The link is on the left of this screen. You can buy the books for the same price you would in the fair and it will be sent to the school with free shipping.

Happy Reading!

Going a Little Crazy

I know that it has been a little while since I have posted.

This does not mean that I have not been reading or seeing anyone. We have just been so busy in the library that there has been no time to blog. I LOVE IT! I love the fact that we have had so many students in the library doing projects. I love that 6th grade came in and checked out a whole new batch of books.

So instead of giving you a review of a book, here is what I have been reading:

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Because of Mr. Terrupt by Rob Buyea (from Overdrive)

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schimdt

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick (Lunch Bunch)

Orange Code by Caroline Cooney (Lunch Bunch)

These are all awesome books and I am loving everythng I have found so far.

In other news, Overdrive is now on your Kindle. This is awesome news!!!

Crossed- The first two chapters!

This is a book that I am so excited for. Crossed is the second book in the Matched series. This series is one that I wish I would have found after the whole thing was written and out. I am not a very patient person and I am dying to get my hands on this. Enjoy!

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2011/09/13/crossed-excerpt-exclusive-first-two-chapters/

Forget Vampires...Vampire Hunters are what is Cool!

Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising

By Jason Henderson

I know that a lot of us are tired of the hearing and reading about vampires...but what about vampire hunters??? Alex Van Helsing is a great new series by Jason Henderson.

From School Library Journal:

Alex Van Helsing always believed he was a normal teen who just happened to possess a legendary last name. All that changes when he begins to experience strange sensations and is involved in the bizarre death of a student at Frayling Prep. His parents decide to send Alex to Switzerland in order to attend Glenarvon Academy near Lake Geneva. Alex's dreams of a new beginning are shattered when he is attacked by a vampire on his second day. He must now face the realization that his instincts about supernaturals have been right all along and that they do indeed exist. Mr. Sangster, Alex's teacher, reveals to him that the Van Helsings have always been an integral part of the Polidorium, a secret organization of vampire-hunters. The Polidorium is in Lake Geneva to find the Scholomance, a vampire stronghold under the leadership of an ancient vampire known as Icemaker. When the vampires take captive two of Alex's friends, the 14-year-old must take action.

Mrs. Lassley's thoughts

I will tell you I went into this book not really wanting to read it. I am kinda over vampires...but I was pleasantly surprised. Alex is this normal teenager who just does not know why he can do what he does. He has that boy next door quality that anyone can relate to. A MUST READ! (There is a second one.)

Chick Lit

This past weekend was all about reading the girl books. I try really hard to read all genres...but sometimes you just need a weekend of reading the feel good girl books. I promise to get back on mixing up some of the books, but for right now this is what I have.

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

After a scandal involving her mother and a famous college basketball coach rocked her family and her old hometown, McClean decided to live with her dad. His job as a restaurant consultant requires they pick up often, and at each new place she carefully selects who she’ll be—Eliza, Beth, or someone else with a new name and different interests. It’s easier this way for McClean, who is reluctant to form any true attachments. Then at their latest stop, McClean does something she’s not done in a long while—reveal her real name. But who is this McClean and is she ready to forgive her mother, fall for the boy next door, and finally stick around? (Taken from Amazon.)

Mrs. Lassley's Review

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Sarah Dessen is already a great author, but so many of her books are focused on the relationship between a boy and a girl. In What Happened to Goodbye, the focus is on the family and why McClean doesn't feel like she can show who she really is, or why it is so painful to do so. This book just became my favorite of her's!!

Meet the Teacher

This time of year is always crazy here in the library. Between introductions to students, first checkouts, and new programs (Overdrive), life as the Stafford Librarian is crazy...I LOVE IT.

Here is a couple of reminders:

• Meet the Teacher is on September 6th. I would love to meet everyone so please stop by the library.
• The first Lunch Bunch Meeting is Wednesday, September 7th during your lunch. This is just a meet and greet. By the end of the meeting, we will know what we want to read.
• Fall Book Fair will be starting October 5-12. I am also talking to Scholastic about an on-line Book Fair. More information coming soon.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!!!

Chains

From Booklist:

In the spring of 1776, Isabel, a teenage slave, and her sister, Ruth, are sold to ruthless, wealthy loyalists in Manhattan. While running errands, Isabel is approached by rebels, who promise her freedom (and help finding Ruth, who has been sent away) if she agrees to spy. Using the invisibility her slave status brings, Isabel lurks and listens as Master Lockton and his fellow Tories plot to crush the rebel uprisings, but the incendiary proof that she carries to the rebel camp doesn’t bring the desired rewards. Like the central character in M. T. Anderson’s Octavian Nothing duet, Isabel finds that both patriots and loyalists support slavery. The specifics of Isabel’s daily drudgery may slow some readers, but the catalogue of chores communicates the brutal rhythms of unrelenting toil, helping readers to imagine vividly the realities of Isabel’s life. The story’s perspective creates effective contrasts. Overwhelmed with domestic concerns, Isabel and indeed all the women in the household learn about the war from their marginalized position: they listen at doors to rooms where they are excluded, and they collect gossip from the streets. Anderson explores elemental themes of power (“She can do anything. I can do nothing,” Isabel realizes about her sadistic owner), freedom, and the sources of human strength in this searing, fascinating story. The extensive back matter includes a documented section that addresses many questions about history that readers will want to discuss.

Mrs. Lassley's Opinion:

Let me tell you, I am not a historical fiction fan...but I could not put this down. The way people treated slaves...other human beings, always amazes me. Hearing this book from Isabel's point of view broke my heart. This is a must read, and I plan on reading the second book, Forge, in the near future.

Hunger Games Teaser

You guys know how much I LOVE The Hunger Games. I am worried that when the movie comes out, that it will ruin the book. BUT I am willing to give it a chance. Here is the first teaser trailer... I cannot wait for March 23, 2012!

Austin Teen Book Festival

So I just got the information about the Austin Teen Book Festival... and I cannot tell you how excited I am to go!!! The Keynote speaker is Scott Westerfield!!! This is awesome!!!!!!!!! I am SO EXCITED! Here is the video for it! If you are going, let me know.




Also, here is the website:
http://www.austinteenbookfestival.com

Son of Neptune

I know that many of you are very excited to read the next Heroes of Olympus book and I have a treat for you. If you go to this website, http://www.rickriordan.com/my-books/percy-jackson/heroes-of-olympus/thesonofneptune.aspx, you will be ablt to read the first chapter of The Son of Neptune. What is great is that I will also have it at the book fair in October!!!

Starting School

Hello Spartans!

I LOVE this time of year. I always get so excited to begin school. I was like this when I was younger and I have kept it ever since I became a teacher. It takes everything I have not to buy school supplies that I do not need. (Next year, I at least get to buy Gary's.)

I am officially back at school right now and I have been very busy trying to get everything ready to for the students. With no budget this year, I have been trying to read books that students do not pick up, but are just as good as the more popular names. I am enjoying this and with such a great selection in the library, this should be fun.

To the left is the series that I am actually rereading right now. This series is by Cassandra Clare. It is a wonderful series and the library will be getting the fourth book sometime next week.

Now I have got to get back to work!!

Mermaids are the new Vampires!

Don't you love my subject line!!! It seems that the library has been over run with vampire fiction, but it is on the decline! And mermaids are in! Forgive My Fins is a fun book about Lily. She is a mermaid sent to live on land with her aunt. By her 18th birthday, Lily must tell the love of her life that she is a mermaid and that she wants him to be her king. But as a lot of things seem to go wrong in Lily's life, the road to find her true hearts desire is a road, or jet stream, with many bumps!

When I went home this summer, this was on my read list but I forgot to grab it in my mad dash for summer. I recently went to the eBooks offered through the Frisco Public Library and there it was. OverDrive is what they are using, and as you will learn this fall, so is Frisco ISD!! We are very excited about this. If you have a Frisco Library card and an iPhone then you can download the free app and get to searching! They have a lot of books to choose from with more each day. I am also listening to Book 2 of the 39 Clues series.

8th grade Challenge

So my challenge to the up and coming 8th graders was to try some nonfiction. For me, I wanted to try and get my family eating better. Sometimes just getting a meal on the table is hard, but my goal is to get it on the table and for it to be on good for everyone. The Eat This, Not That books are great for getting started. For me, diets never work. I rebel against the, "YOU CANNOT EAT THAT!" But these books tell you what to eat if you are going to eat out, what is better for you, and how to maintain if not lose weight without going on an actual diet.

A must read for students and parents alike!!!!

Vacation...More like Staycation!

I just wanted to do a quick post. I have been taking a little "staycation" and just hanging out and reading.... A LOT.
The series that I have been working on is by Kelley Armstrong (Covers are above). If you like Twilight or anything super natural, this is a great series for you.

Next week I will have a new post with some new reviews!! Try and stay cool in this crazy heat!

New Technology

So one of my personal goals this summer has been to get to know a couple of new forms of technology. Twitter is one of them. For the longest time I was against using it, but I think it was because I was nervous about it. It did not make sense to me, and I did not see how I could use it for the library.

Then I started thinking...what if I shared library stuff with the students...books that I was reading right then...give the students access to awesome authors. This is what it is for.

So if you want to share this journey with me, follow me on Twitter...my username is HeatherLassley.

Tweet, Tweet!!

We Need Water!

One of the things that I have noticed on the news a lot lately is talk of the drought that we are under. I do know that we had some major storms last night...I was up most of the night with them, but we are having a very dry year. The Water Wars takes that to a new level.

Imagine a world where you are ALWAYS thirsty. Imagine a world where there is no Starbucks, no GAP, and no grocery stores in the traditional since. Imagine no dogs, no fresh meat, and no vegetables. Imagine that the only food that you get is genetically altered to need the minimal amount of water to grow. The United States is no longer...instead North America is divided into 6 regions all at war with each other.

This is the world that Vera and her brother, Will live in. Going to school one day, they meet Kai, a well digger's son. As they befriend him, Kai confides in Vera his secret. One day, Kai disappears, and Vera and Will realize that he did not leave willing. This takes them on an adventure that in the end changes a world forever.

This book is full of action, adventure, and at the heart of it all, a message. We must be careful with our resources. Who knows what the future will hold!

Summer Beach Reading

Okay, so beach reading is a stretch considering I will be nowhere near a beach this summer. What I mean by this is easy reading that has nothing to do with academics. For girls, that usually involves romanace. And that is what I am focusing on in this post.

In The Summer I Turned Pretty, we follow Belly and her family to the beach house they have been sharing with her mom's best friend since she was born. Belly looks forward to the summer all year just to see Jeremiah, her best friend, and Conrad, the boy she secretly loves. For years now they have only looked at her as a friend, but this summer is different. How will Conrad react when he finds out Belly's true feelings?

In It's Not Summer Without You, Belly is at a loss at what to do. It is the first summer she has not been at the beach house. With all of them suffering a loss so deep that they can barely look at each other, Jeremiah and Belly take a journey to save Conrad. What will they find when they find him?

With the final book in the series, We'll Always Have Summer, on the bookshelves, this is a series that you ladies do not want to miss!

Summer Reading

I cannot believe it is already almost the last day of school. Between adding to the Lassley household and trying to continue reading, this last month has gone fast. As you are finishing up exams, I challenge each grade to something:

6th grade: This was such a big year for you. You made the transition from elementary to secondary in your classes as well as your literature. Many of you were amazing at what was in the library, how big it was, and the freedom you felt as you took home the books. My challenge to you is to try something new, girls go for that adventure book, and boys try something that might have more emotion to it than you would normally go for.

7th grade: You are moving into the top spot at Stafford. My goal for you is try some nonfiction. Some people find nonfiction boring, but if you find that right topic it can take you to so many new places. Whether it be World War II or a certain president or an animal or creative arts, take a minute to learn something new about what interest you.

8th grade: It has been a joy watching you go from 6th grade through to 8th grade. I had many of you as a teacher, and I have seen all of you grow and I am so proud of you. My challenge to you is two fold. This summer I challenge you to read one classic. In high school you are going to read many of these, but I want you to take a minute to read one just to read it, with no assignments attached. My second challenge to you is in your first week at Lone Star, take a minute to go to the library and meet Mrs. Terry. The Lone Star Library is amazing and you are so blessed to have so much at your fingertips, and Mrs. Terry is going to be there to guide you. YOU NEED TO KNOW HER!!

A Challenge to you all: As you start your summer, I challenge you to read at least five books before you come back in August. Frisco Public Library has a great selection. One of my suggestions is the book above. It is about a boy who has really bad luck, but in the end it takes him on the adventure of a lifetime!

I hope you all have a great summer and HAPPY READING!!
Mrs. Lassley

New Harry Potter Trailer

As many of you know I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. I am so excited to see the next movie. This latest trailer is amazing... ENJOY!!!

39 Clues

The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones

By Rick Riordan

F RIO

I have been fighting reading this series since students first showed it to me. Why...I do not know. I guess it just did not seem like something I would like. Well, I am the type of person who has no problem admitting that I was wrong... and I was wrong. I can totally see why this series is so popular. There is nonstop action, humor, and just a sense of getting pulled in. Amy and Dan Cahill have a choice to make: do they take 1 million dollars each or do they start something that might take them on the adventure of their lives (or kill them). They decide to take the first clue in the adventure. The moment they make this decision, they can trust no one and their lives are in constant danger. Rick Riordan is one of those writers that is able to pull you in no matter what he is writing about.

One of the big reasons that I started this book was because I knew there was another 39 Clues series coming out. And guess what....we have Book 11!!! This book was written by the major writers of the original series and shows a lot of promise.

Enjoy!!!!

Being Out!

Well, this is my thoughts on being out in the next couple of weeks...a little overwhelmed, a little scared, a little excited...so I thought the picture would be suiting. My last day will be April 29th. I want everyone to have a little bit of information before I leave:

• The library will NOT be shutting down. Mrs. Goins will still be here, and she will be joined with my sub, Ms. Johnson. Ms. Johnson is a retired librarian. She opened Lone Star, as well as many other libraries.


• Last day to check out a new book is May 20th. After that, we will be working on getting them back in.


• I will still be reading and blogging so please continue to look on here for new books.


• And I cannot wait to share baby pictures with you guys!!

If you have any more questions, please come see me! Have a great weekend!

Hex Hall and Demonglass

Hex Hall and Demonglass

By Rachel Hawkins

F HAW

Okay, I had to blog about these two books at the same time. I finished Hex Hall and I had to jump right into Demonglass because it was just so good. I finished Demonglass within the day, and, let me tell you, I am in love with this author. I was afraid to start this series because it was more of the supernatural. You know... demons, witches, warlocks, fairies, etc, but this was very different. You are right there with Sophie and Jenna.

Summary:

Hex Hall: Witch Sophie Mercer, having been sent to a reform school by her father after a prom night spell went horribly wrong, learns her roommate, who is the only vampire on campus, is the suspect in a series of attacks on students and sets out to find the real culprit. (Titlewave.com)

Demonglass: After learning that she is capable of dangerous magic, Sophie Mercer goes to England with her father, friend Jenna, and Cal hoping to have her powers removed, but soon she learns that she is being hunted by the Eye--and haunted by Elodie. (Titlewave.com)

My thoughts:

As I was reading each of these books, I kept thinking how much like Sophie teenage girls in general are. Now, Sophie does have powers, but that aside she likes a boy who has a girl friend, is being bullied by the popular group of girls, misses her mom, and just feels like she does not belong. Sound familiar. As the story continues in Demonglass, Sophie has to go live with her dad and try to contain her powers. Now she is feeling the pull of being caught in the middle of two boys. Rachel Hawkins has created a place full of magic, danger, and love. But what I love must is that she has written characters that at their core feel the same things that you do. MUST READ!

Inventory is OVER!!!!

For many of our students and this librarian, it has been a long week. First off, our 8th graders had TAKS this week. I am sending many good thoughts with their tests, although since I taught many of them last year, I know they did great. Next, the library has been shut down all week due to me having to do inventory. Normally this would happen in the last two weeks of school, but because I am leaving in three weeks I made the decision to work on it this week and get it taken care of. What that meant for our students was no check out...of ANYTHING! But it is now over. Now I am going to be sending many reminders home for lost, overdue, and missing books. Beware!!! Now a little humor to get us through this Friday. Hope you have a great weekend and find a great book to enjoy!

Trapped by Michael Northrop

Trapped By Michael Northrop F NOR After the major snow storms we had in February, this book caught my attention. Seven high school students are stranded at their New England high school during a week-long blizzard that shuts down the power and heat, freezes the pipes, and leaves them wondering if they will survive. (From titlewave.com)

One thing about this book is that it gets right to the point. From the very beginning we know that not everyone makes it. Our narrator, Scotty Weems, does not sugar coat much, but he also does not go into great detial, which helps keep the story moving. There are seven students stuck in their high school with no adults (the only one went for help, but did not make it very far). With plenty of food, the only thing they have to worry about is staying warm, the roof caving in, and someone finding them. This book will take your breath away!

The Things a Brother Knows

The Things a Brother Knows

By Dana Reinhardt

F REI

Summary:

Although they have never gotten along well, seventeen-year-old Levi follows his older brother Boaz, an ex-Marine, on a walking trip from Boston to Washington, D.C. in hopes of learning why Boaz is completely withdrawn. (Taken from Titlewave.com)

Mrs. Lassley's Thoughts:

For me, this book hit very close to home. One of my closest friends became a Marine on September 10, 2001, one day before 9-11. After boot camp he was deployed and sent to Iraq. After one tour, he came back for a month leave. The friend that left and the man that returned were two very different people. He refused to talk about what he saw and did over there, and at times he was very difficult to deal with. Levi is dealing with the same thing with his brother. Dana Reinhardt has created a book that is completely relatable! If anyone is dealing with this situation, this is a must read!!!

Spring Break Reading

So...just like every Spring Break, I have the best intentions of reading all the books I bring home. And just like every Spring Break... it never happens! :-) I did get three out of the six read and I was excited about each of them. This book seems to be the one that the students were most excited about so here goes....

Angel by James Patterson

James Patterson has been able to keep the suspense up in this series, and Angel will not disappoint. With Fang gone to make his own flock, Max is at a loss at how to continue. And now with Dylan around, everything is complicated. Just like with every Maximum Ride book, someone is out to destroy the world, and it is up to Max to fix it. This is a great addition to the series, and I will be sad to see it end. The last book of Maximum Ride will be out next February and I know it is going to be great!

Sequel

If you loved Matched, then I know you cannot wait until this one comes out. Here is a little taste of what is to come:

“In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky — taken by the Society to his certain death — only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander — who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart — change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever."

Release Date: November 1st 2011

I cannot wait!!!

Spring Break

Spring Break is so close I can almost taste it. It is warm outside, and I know the bluebonnets are about to start showing their beauty. And for me, that means it is time to get some reading done. Many classes have been visiting lately (which I love) so I have not been able to get very much reading done. My goal over the break is to get five books read. My list of books is longer than that, but it is worth a shot.

Here is what is on my list:

Angel by James Patterson

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Dragonfly by Julia Golding

Ducking Ugly by Neal Shusterman

A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

So here is my question...what do YOU think I need to read during the break? Comment and let me know!

Spring is in the Air!

As the weather warms up I notice that it is harder and harder for me to stay inside and read. Lately it is taking me awhile to get through books and there for I am not able to recommend as much.


One of the books that I have read recently was recommended to me by another librarian and it is also on the 2011 Lonestar List.


In The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman, is about a New York high school student,Elizabeth, who gets an after-school job as a page at the "New-York Circulating Material Repository," and when she gains coveted access to its Grimm Collection of magical objects, she and the other pages are drawn into a series of frightening adventures involving mythical creatures and stolen goods. (Taken from Titlewave.com)

If you love fairy tales mixed in with your fiction, you MUST pick this up. Elizabeth is someone who you will relate to as well as root for. Many of Grimm's fairy tales are intertwined into story...some you will recognize and some you will not. All in all this story will add magic into your day!

Trading Cards

If you did not get a chance to come today but would like to make one of your own, here is the website:
http://bighugelabs.com/deck.php

Enjoy!!!

Book Fair/ Project 1,000

It is that time again!

The book fair is here!

We will be open February 16th- 24th in the Stafford Library.

We are doing Project 1,000 again.

Books are worth two points, everything else is worth one point.

Tuesday, February 22nd is double point day!

Come on in!!!!

New Maximum Ride book

Good Morning Spartans! I do not know about you guys but I am glad to be back. I am also so excited that James Patterson's newest addition to Maximum Ride series, Angel, is coming out in a week. In this link, http://www.jamespatterson.com/books_maximumRideSeven.php#excerpts, you will find an excerpt of Angel. Enjoy!!!

Fat Cat and Matched

Now that the Lone Star book list is out, I have started trying to read through the books. The first two I read was Matched and Fat Cat. Both were WONDERFUL books and I can see why they are on the Lone Star list.

Summary

Cat is determined to dominate in her advanced Research Science class, and she especially hopes to tromp smug, brilliant Matt, a former friend whose betrayal years ago still stings. She is thrown for a loop when assigned an anthropology topic but spins it into a project that will change not just her body but her life. Severely overweight, Cat decides to “become prehistoric,” eating and living as similarly to early hominids as possible, with the supervision of a dietitian. As her whole-foods diet and walking routine melts the pounds and guys start treating her differently, she adapts her project to take in these observations, too. (Taken from Booklist.)

Review

You always hear how much better all-natural food is for you, but I have never come across a book putting it in this perspective. Cat is an overweight teen who is willing to become the test subject for her latest science project. Although completely written in first person, Robin Brande has been able to build complex and likable characters out of not only the main character but the secondary characters as well. This book will really make you think about what you put in your body, and if holding a grudge or forgiveness is a better way to go.

Summary

Cassia has always had complete trust in the Society to make decisions for her, but when she is being paired with her ideal mate, a second face flashes on the screen, and Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility as she tries to decide which man she truly loves. (Taken from Titlewave.com)

Review

If you like Hunger Games and The Giver, then you will LOVE Matched. Everything is decided for Cassia in her world...her job, her pair, her death. But when a mistake happens and Cassia sees her second "match", she begins to wonder if the Society is as perfect as they make themselves out to be. One of the most interesting things about the story is that nothing new can be created. They have a list of "100 Songs", "100 Poems", and such. There is no creativity in this world...and you do not get to choose what food you get. It just comes to your house already cooked and ready for you. This is a promising trilogy that everyone should read!

Newest from Sarah Dessen

It seems like forever since we have had a new book from Sarah Dessen and the wait is almost over. Her newest book, What Happened to Good-Bye will be coming in May, but she has released the first chapter. Enjoy!!!


http://sarah-land.ning.com/forum/topics/first-chapter-of-what-happened?xg_source=msg_mes_network

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Summary

High school junior Violet uses her uncanny ability to sense murderers and their victims to try to stop a serial killer who is terrorizing her town, and although her best friend and would-be boyfriend Jay promises to keep her safe, she becomes a target.

Mrs. Lassley's Review: 4 1/2 Stars

The title of this book worried me at first, but the longer I read it the more interested I became. Violet is just a normal high school girl who is in love with her best friend, but does not want him to know it yet. What is different about Violet is that she is called to things that have been murdered. This does not amount to much more then mice and birds that have been killed by cats, but when a serial killer starts killing girls and leaving their bodies around her town, it is up to Violet to help find the killer. This book not only had the romantic element but the scary element as well, which is rare for a book. I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to read an unusual book and that was just plain awesome!!

Kormanpalooza

IT IS TIME FOR KORMANPALOOZA!!!!

I Like Big Books

It looks like we have a new book video for the new year. I LOVE IT!!! Do you think Stafford should do one??? Let me know!

2011 Lone Star List

It is official! The new Lone Star list is out and it is a great one! There is a little bit of everything on here.

2011 Texas Lone Star Reading List

Bacigalupi, Paolo. Ship Breaker. Little, Brown, 2010.
Bell, Cathleen Davitt. Little Blog on the Prairie. Bloomsbury, 2010.
Brande, Robin. Fat Cat. Knopf, 2009.
Carter, Ally. Heist Society. Disney Hyperion, 2010.
Childs, Tera Lynn. Forgive My Fins. Katherine Tegen Books, 2010.
Condie, Ally. Matched. Dutton, 2010.
Deuker, Carl. Payback Time. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010.
Dionne, Erin. The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet. Dial Books, 2010.
Falkner, Brian. Brain Jack. Random House, 2009.
Fisher, Catherine. Incarceron. Dial Books, 2010.
Gephart, Donna. How to Survive Middle School. Delacorte, 2010.
Golding, Julia. Dragonfly. Marshall Cavendish, 2009.
Henderson, Jason. Vampire Rising. HarperTeen, 2010.
Klass, David. Stuck on Earth. Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2010.
Shulman, Polly. The Grimm Legacy. Putnam, 2010.
Shusterman, Neal. Bruiser. HarperTeen, 2010.
Sonnenblick, Jordan. After Ever After. Scholastic Press, 2010.
Stork, Francisco X. The Last Summer of the Death Warriors. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2010.
Wiles, Deborah. Countdown. Scholastic Press, 2010.
Yancey, Richard. The Monstrumologist. Simon & Schuster, 2009.

Welcome Back!

I hope that everyone had an amazing break. I was very excited to get a chance to get some reading done. Although the bulk of my time was spent reading a book not in our library, I did have a chance to reread the Hunger Games series. It was the first time I have had a chance to go through them at my pace, instead of racing through them so that student could have them. What I love about this Suzanne Collins series is that the characters can be related to. You have Katniss's struggle with the leadership role that she is thrust into, Peeta's struggle against doing what is right, and Gale's struggle with his anger. With such a vast array of characters, anyone who reads them can connect with them. If you have not had a chance to read these books, come see me!!