Monday, May 25, 2009

The 39 Clues - Reminder


For all our fans of the The 39 Clues series, there are only 6 more days until Book #4 arrives at book stores June 2nd.  Beyond The Grave is written by Jude Watson.  Jude Watson is best known for her series work with the diaries of Princess Amadala of Star Wars and also some Star Trek series as well, well over a 100 titles.  Jude Watson is the pseudonym of Judy Blundell who just won the National Book Award for her YA novel What I Saw and How I Lied, which we do not yet have in the library. 
Beyond The Grave will be in the LTC but not before the school year ends unfortunately.  You can count on it in multiple copies for the Fall however. It will certainly be at our wonderful two public libraries, Winnetka and Wilmette.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Historical Fiction - 1776 New York


Just recently finished Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. For those of you who read Fever 1793 and liked that book, you will really like this one.
Set during several months of the Revolutionary War in New York city, this follows the complex life and events of 13 year old Isabel, her little sister and Curzon, a boy slightly older than herself. Isabel was promised by her last mistress that on her death, she and her sister would be freed according to her mistress' will. Isabel soon learns that her mistress' nephew has other plans in mind. She and her sister Ruth are sold to the Lockton's, a wealthy, influential Tory family loyal to the British crown. Isabel's life takes many turns as she fights for her and her sister's freedom including spying for the patriots.
Here is a chance to see the American Revolution from a very different point of view, that ofa literate slave girl. Usually the history of the Revolution is dominated by the adult male patriots of the period. In this book you will feel the tension, panic and hardships of the average citizens caught in the turmoil of change.
I would recommend this book to any student looking for a gripping story of what freedom meant at a critical time in our nation's history, The American Revolution.
What period of history do you like to read about, fiction or non-fiction?

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Another Award Winner

C

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor is one the best of last year's recommendations from the Book Stall at our spring book fair '08.
With the Book Fair kicking off tomorrow I thought I might refresh a choice from last year.
12 year old Addie is living with her newly divorced mother in a small cramped trailer parked on a deserted parking lot on the edge of town. Addie's loving step-father and two half sisters now live elsewhere away from her and her mom. Addie misses them terribly and yearns for the normalcy that life with them once held. In Addie's life, she is the one who manages all the adult responsibilities and it is her mom who acts like the child. Soon, Addie cannot cope with the ever increasing stress of her irresponsible mother. Near disaster, brings the help and "normal" Addie has been hoping for. Addie is a resourceful, brave and loving character.
This could have been a depressing story but it is not because of Addie's point of view. Her realistic often funny take on life will keep you turning pages as you cheer her on to a satisfying conclusion.