The Breadwinner
By Deborah Ellis Imagine your whole world changes in a short time—you go from comfort and security to poverty and uncertainty. This is the case for Parvana’s family who are victims of government changes and war in Afghanistan. The Taliban coming into power changes the status of girls and women, limiting their opportunities. The result of war means Parvana’s house has been destroyed. As the family tries to cope with these changes, they find life becoming more and more dangerous and unpredictable. When the government unjustly imprisons Parvana’s father, Parvana must step up and become the person who supports the family by going to work. This is the first book in a trilogy which chronicles the plight of Parvana , her family and friends.
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Oogy
by Larry Levine Dog lovers will find this book both difficult to read and heartwarming. It is the true story of a dog and his family. Oogy is a pit bull rescue dog who was taken to a veterinarian after being horribly maimed. Although the author and veterinarians who treated Oogy do not know the exact circumstances that led to his life threatening injuries, they speculate he was a bait dog for a dog fighting ring. Though only a few months old when brought to the animal shelter, people at the shelter recognized Oogy was something special. In Oogy they saw an undaunted spirit and a gentle nature despite the abuse he endured. The bulk of the book is about how Oogy became a part of the Levin family and how the family members bonded with this incredible creature. This is a book worth reading. They Cage the Animals at Night
by Jennings Michael Burch As we get closer to winter break, my thoughts turn to family and the time we will spend together during the holidays. It reminds me of how blessed I am to have my family close, but it also makes me think of those who are for some reason or another not with their families. This sad thought reminds me of a book by Jennings Michael Burch, They Cage the Animals at Night, which is the true story of Burch’s childhood during the early 50’s. Without any warning or explanation, Jennings' mother drops him off at an orphanage since she was unable to take care of him due to illness. Though she promises to “be right back,” months pass before he sees her again, and his return home is only temporary. Through the next few years, Jennings is in and out of foster care and orphanages. He learns that some people, even adults, can be incredibly cruel and some are immensely caring. It is the immensely caring people who help Jennings survive his turbulent childhood. This is a book I often recommend to students who liked A Child Called It. Although Burch did not suffer physical abuse to the extent that Pelzer did, he certainly suffered emotional turmoil. Like Pelzer, Burch was able to triumph over a troubled childhood. Disasters
Author: Brenda Z. Guiberson Disasters is a nonfiction book which examines ten catastrophes that have occurred throughout the world. Some of the disasters were the result of forces of nature such as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the 2004 tsunami which hit Asia. Some of the disasters—the Smallpox pandemic, The Johnstown Flood, even Hurricane Katrina—were exacerbate by mistakes made by people. Others could have been prevented or minimized had precautions been taken. No matter what the causes of the disasters, the reader can definitely see the effects and how nature and man can define destinies. If you like history and factual information, this book will be enjoyable. Something Upstairs
Avi is an author who has written multiple books in a variety of genres. Something Upstairs is both a ghost story and a historical fiction book. Kenny, the main character, moves with his parents from Los Angeles to Providence, Rhode Island. His parents have bought a house from the colonial era, and it is not long before Kenny discovers someone else is inhabiting the house. Caleb, a slave boy who died in the house wants Kenny to help uncover the truth about his death, so his spirit can be free. However, uncovering the mystery of Caleb’s death puts Kenny’s life in jeopardy. This story is full of suspense and also gives you a look at the slave trade of the 1700’s. Something Upstairs is a great read for Halloween or for any time of year. The Graveyard Book
With the approach of Halloween, a book titled The Graveyard Book seems as if it would be a book of ghostly horror. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is a unique read. It starts out and ends with a story of murder. In between the book becomes a story of growing up and friendship as it follows the life of Bod Owens, a young boy, an intended murder victim, who ends up being adopted by the supernatural residents of a cemetery. The middle of the book is about Bod’s adventures in the cemetery. He acquires some supernatural abilities and cultivates friendships with both the living and dead. As the book nears the end, the boy entering his teens begins to venture outside the graveyard where he discovers the dangers of living beyond the safety of the cemetery. For those of you wondering if this is a good book, consider the fact that it has won several awards, including the Newberry Award in 2009. The Boy Who Could Not Die
By mid October people begin to delight in fright. The Boy Who Could Not Die, by William Sleator, is a creepy book that may be what those of you who enjoy eerie stories will find delightful. Ken, the main character, who is mourning the death of his best friend, becomes so obsessed with immortality that he visits a psychic who promises eternal life for a mere $50.00. What seems like a bargain turns out to be the worst deal he ever made. In exchange for his soul, Ken is able to escape death, but he discovers there are consequences. During his waking hours life is normal, but at night strange, violent dreams disturb his sleep. Ken begins to question if his nightmares are really confined to the world of sleep or if they are reality. With the help of a friend, Ken battles evil forces trying to retrieve his soul. This book was recommended to me a few years ago by a student who claimed this was the best book he ever read. Although it is not the best book I have ever read, it is an engrossing tale of terror that kept me on the edge of my seat. Getting Air
Dan Gutman’s novel Getting Air is unique in that it combines skate boarding with a plane crash. On the way to a skate boarding competition the main character, his sister, and two friends survive a plane crash along with a young flight attendant and an elderly woman. Circumstances have left their plane untraceable. As they work together to survive, the main character gains new insights about himself, his sister, and his friends, as well as getting to know the flight attendant and elderly woman. It seems the book would be intense and serious, but the author manages to infuse humor through the narration of the main character. He also cleverly weaves the skate board theme throughout the story. This book is high interest and an easy read. The fact that Getting Air was a contender for last year’s Iowa Children’s Choice Award gives you an idea of its appeal. Conspiracy 365 Series
One series I read this summer was Conspiracy 365. Conspiracy 365 is full of adventure. Cal Ormond, the main character, is trying to uncover a family secret which he suspects is connected to his father’s death. The first book begins on New Year’s Eve when Cal is approached by a man who collapses at his feet with a warning that Cal is in danger and must survive 365 days. It isn’t long after, that Cal discovers the man’s warning is true. Cal barely escapes death; mysterious people are following him, and he is framed for a crime. Over the next 365 days, Cal is on the run, trying to elude the police and the mysterious people who are trying to capture him. With his family turned against him, Cal relies on his techno-savvy friend to help him stay safe and uncover the family secret that is endangering his life. Each book in the series is a month of the year. At the end of each book (month) Cal is left in a dangerous position. Of course, that just makes the reader want to start the next book to find out what happens. The only negative thing about this series is that it really must be read in order since events and information from each month builds on the next. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives. This series is packed with non-stop action from the first word until the very last word. Almost Home
By Joan Bauer Almost Home is a novel about a girl who is resilient, despite hardships. Still mourning the death of her grandfather, Sugar Mae’s life goes from bad to worse. Her father, a gambler who makes periodic appearances in her life, offers more heartache than support. Sugar Mae and her mother, Reba, find themselves on the street when Reba is unable to keep up with the house payments. Sugar Mae tries to make the best out of the unfortunate circumstances, but when her mother spirals into a deep depression that requires hospitalization, Sugar Mae goes into foster care. Through all of her struggles, Sugar Mae relies on her puppy, her writings, encouragement from her former English teacher, and a loving couple who take her in to their home. Though life is not perfect for her, Sugar Mae learns to hold on to her dreams with the help of friends. Almost Home is a realistic fiction novel. Those who have experienced any of the struggles which Sugar Mae encounters will find it a book to which they can relate. Those who have not experienced the type of struggles Sugar Mae deals with will come away with an attitude of gratitude for what they have. |
AuthorI love working in the middle school library because each day I get to work with wonderful students. In addition, I have access to lots of interesting books. It is always fun to help students connect to books they like, and to talk about what they are reading. Archives
May 2015
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