Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Lamott, Anne. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. Anchor Books, 1995. 239 pages. Trade Book $14.95. ISBN: 0385480016.

I loved the conversational tone of this book! I felt that Anne Lamott would be saying the exact same way if she was in front of me teaching. She must be a fabulous storyteller in person able to take an ordinary trip to the grocery store and turn it into the most fascinating story ever. This is my impression from reading her book. Of all three books I read, I found her writing to be the most hilarious!

Like the other books I read, it is not a how-to write book. Lamott does not sugar coat the writing experience and even discusses her flaws and failures. Writing is not easy and rejection is common. She says the book is written for anyone who writes NOT just those dreaming of publication. I don’t know if I ever will write well enough to be published so I appreciated the nod from her.

Much of her advice was not any different than Goldberg or Bradbury.

Write, write and write some more. Silence the perfectionist within. Observe. Listen. Communicate. Don’t be afraid. Explore your childhood and write about it. Remember when you were free. Everything is material.

I did take the tip of index cards to heart. I was trying to write something for our website and I kept coming up with ideas when I was not near my computer or at work. I took the index cards with me and was able to get some text down or at least an outline.

One of the final chapters is entitled “Finding Your Voice” and it is that exact thing I am trying to do. Lamott mentions when Isabel Allende comes out with a new book half of her class will start writing like her. I am doing that exact thing! When I write, the book I am reading seeps into my writing. How do you read, read, read and not take some of that into your writing? I think she would say that I am not opening the closed door and looking in but instead are staying behind safe topics. Probably true. She quotes Jesus “If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don’t bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth can destroy you.” Great quote!

I am finding it hard to write when I get home from work because all that comes out is related to work. I haven’t been able to get it all out to move on. I was hoping reading her book would provide me with some inspiration. Today, it is not helping. I can barely get anything out that is coherent or meaningful. I must need a vacation from work!

Overall, a funny book that tells you what it is to be a writer and offers some advice when hitting the walls. I would recommend the book and will plan on rereading it again as I continue to write.

Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

Goldberg, Natalie. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within. Shambhala, 1986. 172 pages. Trade Book $10.00. ISBN: 0877733759.

I selected Natalie Goldberg’s book because she has a great reputation for teaching writing workshops AND she lives in New Mexico. When I lived in New Mexico, her photo, books and name were everywhere. I was pleasantly surprised when reading this book that she had lived in Minneapolis too. When describing areas in Minnesota, I recognized where she was referring. Her descriptions of the New Mexico landscape are spot on to what I see when I am there.

The writing advice comes from the place of a poet. My experience with poetry is very limited - I think we had to write some in elementary and middle school. One of the reviews on the back cover comments on the simplicity and accuracy of her sentences. I agree with that and attribute that to her writing of poetry. Poets work with less space than novelists so their choice of words must be right on - not wanting to waste space on too many words - in my opinion.

I learned some practical tips from Natalie Goldberg.

• Write in cheap notebooks and try to fill one a month. This seems like a reasonable goal. She says that buying fancy journals can inhibit what is being written - this journal is too nice to write garbage in thinking. I see that with myself.

• Find a pen that feels good in your hand - not too slow because your thoughts are fast.

• When unable to write, write about the best meal you have ever eaten.

• Verbs are important and I tend to use the same ones over and over again. On the left side of a paper list 10 nouns and on the right choose a profession and list 15 verbs that go with that profession. Now try out these new noun and verb combinations.

• Writing is 90% listening. Learn to listen deeply with your whole body. To become a good writer: Read a lot, Listen well and deeply, Write a lot.

• Know your internal censor/critic/editor well so you can ignore it. If you can’t ignore it, write what is being said to get the thoughts out of your head.

• Use timed periods of writing and just write. Don’t use punctuation, cross out, edit. Keep your hand moving at all times.

• When you want to write in a certain style, read everything you can in that style (for example, a short story writer would read short stories). Try and figure out why they opened with that line. Learn what makes a sentence remarkable.

• Learn to write anyplace.

• Become a tourist in your own town.

Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

Bradbury, Ray. Zen in the Art of Writing. Bantam Books, 1990. 158 pages. Paperback $7.99. ISBN: 9780553296341.

I chose this book to read because I have a fondness for Ray Bradbury. I remember being 10 or 11 sunning on a blanket reading a short story collection and being transported to another world. Then, I came upon a story that could have been written about the exact place I was on my blanket, I think it must have been Dandelion Wine or some version of that story. I couldn’t imagine how an author could describe both Mars and Wisconsin so well that I could see both places in my head. I have continued to read his stories over the years and find myself no less amazed at his ability to capture the essence of a place or the exact detail that makes that martian possible.

In this book, there are a collection of essays that provide a glimpse into Ray Bradbury’s life and the craft of writing. It is a unique book in that he doesn’t try and tell you how to write but instead tells his story and offers himself as the lesson in what worked for him. He says read a lot and write a lot. Ask the questions what if? and why? Become unfocused. Don’t be self-conscious. And write, write, write.

Enthusiasm and exuberance describes Bradbury’s attitude about life. He believes “... writing without zest, writing without gusto, without love, without fun...” makes you less of a writer. Stating that “for the first thing a writer should be is - excited.” He must have been a brilliant person to know.

He writes about the curiosity that has driven his life and his work. Growing up (in Waukegan, Illinois which explains why he could describe a Wisconsin stream bank so well!) he was fascinated with the Barnum and Bailey Circus and carnivals that pulled in to town every summer bringing exotic people and animals. It is these images that showed up in his work years later on other planets or haunting humans on Earth.

Bradbury loved words and books and libraries. He writes, “...lost in love, down the corridors, and through the stacks, touching books, pulling volumes out, turning pages, thrusting volumes back, drowning in all the good stuffs that are the essence of libraries.” How could I not love a writer who feels that way?!

I felt inspired by the book and went to write and everything sounded so false and simplistic. I hated everything! I can’t imagine how he sat down and churned out 1000 pages each day. However, he does counsel that from a young age the muse should have been observing and taking in everything but if it hasn’t it is not too late to start. This gives me hope.

I have adopted his loosely defined Zen writing advice:

WORK
RELAXATION
DON’T THINK
FURTHER RELAXATION

Book Crush by Nancy Pearl

Pearl, Nancy. Book Crush. Sasquatch Books, 2007. 304 pages. Paperback $16.95. ISBN: 1570615004. Reference.

A list of books for kids and teens of recommended reading by an expert in the field of reader's advisory. The book is split into three reading groups - youngest, middle grade (age 8-12) and teen readers (age 13-18). Each reading group is divided into subject categories and totaling 118 for the entire book.

What makes this book unique is the author's categories. For example, Thanks for Thanksgiving talks about Thanksgiving, of course, LOL: Laugh Out Loud is the title for humorous books and It Might As Well Be Greek for all books Greek. These categories are representative of the author's thought process when advising readers. I think a new librarian would not find this easy to work with when learning.

It is obvious the author has read a lot over her lifetime! I am a list person so the book provides me more titles to read. I like her conversational writing style. I attended a workshop by her on reader's advisory and can hear saying things just as written in the book.

500 Great Books for Teens by Anita Silvey

Silvey, Anita. 500 Great Books for Teens. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. 397 pages. Hardback $26.00. ISBN: 0618612963. Reference.

500 Books is designed to be a resource for finding great books among the many young adult books on the shelves. The author worked in publishing, was an editor and is a professor of children’s literature so she is qualified to determine the 500 great books. However, she also polled teens throughout the US and included the ALA awards and honor books in her criteria.

The book is organized into twenty one genres: adventure and survival, autobiography and memoir, edgy trendsetting novels, fantasy, graphic novels, historical fiction, horror ghosts gothic, humor, information, many cultures many realities, mystery and thriller, plays, poetry and poetic novels, politics and social conscience, realistic fiction, religion and spirituality, romance, science fiction, short stories, sports and war and conflict.

Within each chapter, essays containing detailed descriptions of each book so both teens and parents would have a good idea of the content. Along with descriptions, recommended age group, publisher, publication date and page length are included. Award winners are noted. Controversy surrounding a book is included within the essay.

Following the 500 books, the author has listed additional titles for each genre that may be of interest to readers. Lists of titles by geographic location, both US and world, and historical time lines are provided by the author along with recommended audio books. There is one index containing title, author and subject information.

A great book for librarians, parents, teens and gift givers. Years worth of books to read can be found within these pages. I have already started making a list for my next visit to the library!

Teen Genreflecting: A Guide to Reading Interests Second Edition (Genreflecting Advisory Series) by Diana Tixier Herald

Herald, Diana Tixier. Teen Genreflecting: A Guide to Reading Interests Second Edition (Genreflecting Advisory Series). Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 251 pages. Hardback $45.00. ISBN: 1563089963. Reference.

Teen Genreflecting is a resource designed for reader’s advisory with a teen population. Additionally, it could be used as a guide for collection development for a teen library. The author acknowledges this isn’t an all inclusive list though it does contain 2000 books within its pages. The author is a leader in the field having been a reader’s advisory librarian and currently serving on committees for ALA ‘s Young Adult Services Association (YALSA).

The first chapter presents details on serving the teen population including do’s and don’ts in reading advisory, publishing trends, generalizations of teens likes and a listing of awards used in teen fiction.

The next eleven chapters deal with a specific genre including issues, contemporary life, adventure, mystery/suspense, fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, historical novels, multicultural fiction, alternative formats and christian fiction. The author begins each chapter with a definition of the genre and discusses potential confusion or crossovers within the library world and describes the specific types or subgenres under this genre. For example, mystery/suspense splits into suspense, contemporary mystery, historical mystery and paranormal mystery. Annotated bibliographies are listed under each type along with age group, awards won, publication date and labeled Adult when appropriate. Bibliographies are not critical as reader’s advisory is about finding similar books to recommend not choose what is good literature or not.

The author includes an appendix full of resources to help connect teens with books, including websites, books, discussion groups, bibliographies, review journals and professional development resources. A second and third appendix list titles for epic fantasy and reluctant readers respectively. Finally, there are three indices for titles, authors and subjects.

An excellent resource for those advising teens or those wanting to read teen fiction. I didn’t use this resource when I chose my books for this contract. However, I wish I had!

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

There were all kinds of stories told about the war that made it sound as if it was happening in a faraway and different land.

The memoir of a child turned soldier in Sierra Leone's civil war. Ishmael's description of his time as a soldier is disturbing, frightening and eye opening. After 3 years, he is rescued and rehabilitated and returned to live with family. When war reaches him again, he moves to the US.

An amazing account from such a young man. The book would be appropriate for mature younger adults because of the detailed account of a soldier's life. The rehabilitation and transformation of Ishmael would make this a valuable tool in demonstrating hope, belief and the strength of self. I think there was talk of the account being 'fictionalized' and maybe that is true but the story is too compelling not to read.

Over the last few months, I have found many books that are adult but appropriate for young adults and vice versa. This book is an example of this. It is found on the adult shelves but I have come across numerous accounts from young adult librarians that this book flies of the shelves.

Beah, I. (2007). A long way gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
ISBN: 0374105235
240 pages

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

The morning after noted child prodigy Colin Singleton graduated from high school and got dumped for the nineteenth time by a girl named Katherine, he took a bath.

After begin dumped yet again by a Katherine, Colin's best friend, Hassan, insists on a road trip to cure Colin's broken heart. They land in Gutshot and are convinced to stay by a cast of locals. While there, Colin attempts to prove a theorem of relationships.

The author created interesting characters that I could relate to and the dialogue had a natural rhythm. Footnotes are found throughout the book offering further explanation to the conversation. I was not distracted by this structure.

Green, J. (2006). An abundance of katherines. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
ISBN: 9780142412022
256 pages

Finishing Becca: A Story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold by Ann Rinaldi

Merlin heard them first.

The story of Becca serving as the maid of Peggy Shippen during the Revolutionary War. Here, she witnesses the interaction between British soldiers, young girls in Philadelphia and the crossing of lines. More importantly, she witnesses the courtship of Peggy by Benedict Arnold.

I really don't care to read historical fiction set in times of war. However, I did enjoy the story written here. The author's note, glossary and list of resources demonstrate the great deal of research needed to accurately portray this time.

Rinaldi, A. (1994). Finishing becca: A story about peggy shippen and benedict arnold. Orlando, FL: Gulliver Books.
ISBN: 0152050795
362 pages

The World According to Dog: Poems and Teen Voices by Joyce Sidman

I dream of deep-sea fishing: awake to find dog breathing in my face.

A collection of poetry by Joyce Sidman along with dog essays written by teens. Photos accompany the poems and essays and the author includes a page of dog terms.

I am a dog person so this was a hit with me! The poems and essays captured the dog's spirit. I burst out laughing numerous times. Poems were haiku and free verse. I didn't remember how to write a haiku until I saw the three lines on a page and fifth grade poetry came flooding back. Definitely a great gift for dog lovers. It would be a good book to introduce poetry to reluctant poetry readers, like myself.

Sidman, J. (2003). The world according to dog: Poems and teen voices. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ISBN: 0618174974
80 pages
Photographs by Doug Mindell

Nineteen Varieties of Gazelle by Naomi Shibab Nye

Three hours after the buildings feel, he took a seat beside me.

A collection of poems about being an Arab American, the Middle East and family. The collection was inspired by the events of September 11, 2001.

I am the least qualified person to talk about poetry. I have spent very little time reading any poetry except Robert Frost. And I only read his works because he was assigned as "my poet" in fifth grade to report on. I admire poets because they are deliberate in choosing words and evoke visions and emotions with these few words. I have been inspired while working on this contract to read more poetry. I

I enjoyed these poems and will purchase the book to read them over again. I believe this book would be appropriate for all ages.

Nye, N. S. (2002). Nineteen varieties of gazelle. New York, NY: Green Willow Books.
ISBN: 0060097655
160 pages

Superman: The Bottle City of Kandor by Otto Binder, et al

A collection of stories about Kandor, the miniaturized city saved from Krypton before it's destruction. Superman keeps the city in his Fortress of Solitude. Most stories take place within the bottled walls of Kandor. Full color printing and illustrated by a number of people but most frequently by Curt Swan. An introduction by Eddy Zeno explains Kandor and brief summaries of each story and how it fits within the Superman lore.

I am not familiar with comics/graphic novels genre. The plots fit my memory of Superman. The illustrations were beautifully done. I admire those who can draw faces. The short length of each story would make it appropriate for readers with short attention spans. The introduction was very helpful for the uneducated in Superman lore.

Binder, O. and et al, (2007). Superman: The bottle city of kandor. New York, NY: DC Comics.
ISBN: 1401214657
200 pages

Avalon High by Meg Cabot

"You are so lucky."

Ellie is forced to live in Annapolis MD her junior year while her medieval scholar parents are on sabbatical. She starts at Avalon High and meets Will. Soon, she starts to notice similarities to her friends at Avalon and the legend of King Arthur.

Cabot, M. (2006). Avalon high. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 0060755865
288 pages

The Tarot Cafe Volume 1 by Sang-Sun Park

It's not difficult to guess what happened to my clients in the past.

Four stories that begin with a Tarot card reading to try to solve a problem.

I am both amazed and disturbed at the images. All the characters look female and somehow that seems wrong. However, the artwork is wonderful! The stories are interesting and capture my attention but too short for my taste.

Park, S. (2005). The tarot cafe volume 1. London, UK: TokyoPop, Inc.
ISBN: 1595325557
184 pages

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louis Rennison

Dad had Uncle Eddie around, so naturally they had to come and see what I was up to.

The journal of a year in the life of a fourteen year old British girl describing her quest for the love of Peter, a smaller nose and her controlling her wildcat, Angus.

I didn't like this book because it read like a younger version of Bridget Jones. I guess if someone had not read or watched Bridget Jones it might sound original and interesting.

Rennison, L. (2003). Angus, thongs and full frontal snogging: Confessions of georgia nicolson. New York, NY: Avon Books.
ISBN: 0060521848
234 pages

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

When my dad was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, he once rescued eight Navy SEAL's who where stranded behind enemy lines.

Wallace Wallace is sent to detention for failing to write a book review. Wallace begins to make suggestions about the play rehearsal he must watch during detention which coincidentally is directed by the same teacher who sent him to detention. A battle of wills occurs as the actors begin to side with Wallace on changes to the performance.

A funny story that seemed a little young for young adults. I would have characterized it as 8-12 age group. Wallace is an appealing character and an original one too!

Korman, G. (2002). No more dead dogs. New York, NY: Hyperion Books.
ISBN: 0786816015
180 pages

Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas

Though I tried to clear my head of the effects of the fat, resiny doobie I'd polished off an hour before, things were still fuzzy as I stumbled into senior counselor Jeff DeMouy's office.

Slacker senior, Steve York, is short one credit for graduation. His guidance counselor challenges him to write 100 pages to make up that credit. Steve writes of his relationship with his father and the girl who broke his heart his junior year and comes to terms with his pain.

A funny story about a boy's search for identity. I recognized boys from my high school in this story.

Thomas, R. (1996). Rats saw god. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0689802072
219 pages

LIfe in the Fat Lane by Cherie Bennett

"Which would you rather be, fat or dead?"

Sixteen year old Lara has it all - thin, popular, smart, perfect family, perfect boyfriend, pageant winner and now Homecoming Queen. Her world is turned upside down when she mysteriously begins to gain weight, almost 100 pounds over her junior year and suddenly life is not as perfect.

I enjoyed this book. My only criticism is I felt the easy road was taken by giving Lara a made up disease to explain weight gain. Otherwise her struggle to lose weight, deal with the gossip and family situation were depicted honestly. I liked that Lara did not lose the weight and live happily ever after but instead found self acceptance and value in her life and relationships. She became a real person.

Bennett, C. (1998). Life in the fat lane. New York, NY: Laurel-Leaf Books.
ISBN: 0440220297
260 pages

Wasteland by Francesca Lia Block

We keep burning in the brown smog pit.

Siblings Marina and Lex have an unusually close bond that results in a sexual encounter one night. Lex cannot live with the guilt and commits suicide. Marina suffers through her grief only to find out that Lex was adopted.

I felt uncomfortable reading the story once I understood the allusions to incest. I didn't see the ending coming which is a compliment to the author. I found the book hard to read at first because there were multiple narrators and journal excerpts.

Block, F.L. (2003). Wasteland. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN: 0064408396
150 pages

Forever by Judy Blume

Sybil Davison has a genius I.Q. and has been laid by at least six different guys.

Seniors in high school, Katherine and Michael, have fallen in love and imagine it will be forever. They begin a sexual relationship and soon college plans and summer jobs test the strength of their relationships.

The author captured the intensity of first love completely. The feelings, conversations and events leading up to beginning a sexual relationships were familiar and accurate. I know this book is challenged frequently but I wouldn't object to a young adult reading the story. It doesn't glorify sex or hide the change in relationship that happens when sex enters the picture. It is a realistic depiction and young adults need to see realism.

Blume, J. (1976). Forever. New York, NY: Pocket Books.
ISBN: 0671695304
220 pages

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

My name is Elizabeth but no one's ever called me that.

To escape from her father, stepmother and new step sister, Daisy goes to England to stay with her aunt and cousins. War breaks out leaving Daisy and her cousins to fend for themselves. Soon, soldiers split up the cousins by gender but not before Edmond and Daisy fall in love.

Rosoff, M. (2004). How i live now. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books.
ISBN: 0385746776
194 pages

The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman

"Holy cow!" I said when Sophie Bowman told me she'd be joining me at All Saints School for Girls this year.

Francine becomes best friends Sophie while attending Catholic school in 1949. Sophie questions the norms of society at at time when questioning was considered dangerous. The threat of communism and the "naming of names" in Hollywood sparks events that lead to Francine to question her own thoughts and beliefs.

An interesting time to set this story. I saw parallels between then and a few years ago. The author captures the language, styles and mood aptly, in my opinion. She acknowledges Google, libraries and librarians for research and provides a short history and list of resources.

Cushman, K. (2006). The loud silence of francine green. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
ISBN: 0618504559
225 pages

The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman

Lyra and her daemon moved through the darkening hall, taking care to keep to one side, out of the sight of the kitchen.

Lyra lives a carefree life until she begins to notice that children are disappearing including her friend, Roger. She decides to solve the mystery with help from her daemon. A mysterious woman comes to dinner and Lyra is sent to live with her bringing with the golden compass. Soon, Lyra begins to unravel the mystery and runs off. Themes of religion, freedom, love, human nature and choice are found throughout the book.

It was difficult to summarize this book because there were many characters and themes to narrow down to a few sentences. I didn't find the religious references to be offensive but than I wouldn't because it is a FICTION BOOK!

Pullman, P. (1995). The golden compass. New York, NY: Laurel-Leaf Books.
ISBN: 9780440238133
351 pages

Sabriel by Garth Nix

It was little more than three miles from the Wall into the Old Kingdom, but that was enough.

Sabriel is sent a mysterious message from her father, a necromancer, while she is at school. She immediately sets off to rescue her father from Death and finds the Old Kingdom at war with the undead. Sabriel will use all of her knowledge and power to fight with the help of some unusual friends.

This novel started slow, very slow but did get better. Sabriel is a strong character but still has the vulnerability found in teenagers.

Nix, G. (1995). Sabriel. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060273224
292 pages

The Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley

It is a day of yellow fog, and the Folk are hungry.

The story of the orphan Corinna who earns her living tending to the subterranean creatures called Folk. She is taken to live with a family on the sea to tend to their Folk. While there she discovers, she is a seal maiden and must make some tough choices.

An interesting world the author created inspired by Scottish songs sung by her father.

Billingsley, F. (1999). The folk keeper. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0689828764
162 pages

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Far out in the unchartered backwaters of the unfashionable end of the Western Spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small unregarded yellow sun.

Arthur Dent is saved by Ford Prefect moments before Earth is destroyed for a galactic highway and the humorous telling of their adventures begins.

Douglas Adams was a genius with language and satire. I have read this book numerous times in my life and find myself laughing each time.

Adams, D. (1979). The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. New York, NY: Pocket Books.
ISBN: 0671477099
215 pages

Feed by M.T. Anderson

We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck.

A futuristic novel where computer implants are in each person's head feeding constant advertising, media and commentary based on purchases. Titus meets Violet and discovers her thoughts and experiences are different than his and his friends and he is troubled.

I hated this book at first. The choppiness of dialogue, the advertisements at the end of each chapters and the "slang" used by Titus and his friends drove me crazy! I reread it and found myself still being driven crazy but I was able to find the satirical point to the story and enjoyed it.

Anderson, M.T. (2002). Feed. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
ISBN: 0763617261
237 pages

The Giver by Lois Lowry

It was almost December, and Jonas was beginning to be frightened.

Jonas lives in an ideal world with no crime, poverty, conflict, individualism or unemployment. On his twelfth birthday ceremony, he is given the job of memory receiver and finds out the horrible truths to this ideal society.

I liked the book but was not shocked by the storyline which may be more of a comment on the content of today's media and not the author.

Lowry, L. (1993). The giver. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ISBN: 0395645662
180 pages

The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci

I had hoped that a new start away from Steepleton would make my junior year seem like a hundred years ago, rather than just one.

Torey Adams's perfect world is shaken when Christopher Creed disappears and his peers express little compassion. Torey is determined to find Christopher joining forces with two class mates that open his eyes to the less than perfect world of Steepleton. Bullying, cliques, self-acceptance, superficiality and judgment are found within the story.

I found the mystery fascinating and the dialogue true to teenagers. I was touched by the portrayal of Christopher Creed - haven't we all known a Christopher Creed? I couldn't put the book down until I finished.

Plum-Ucci, C. (2000). The body of christopher creed. San Diego, CA: Harcourt, Inc.
ISBN: 0152023887
248 pages

Midnighters #1: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfield

The halls of Bixby High School were always hideously bright on the first day of school.

Jessica Day moves to Bixby, Oklahoma and discovers she is one of a select group of people that have the ability to fight creatures that live in the midnight hour. The creatures are more determined than ever to harm Jessica and it with the help of her other class mates that she stay unharmed.

The author has created unique characters and abilities for the Midnighters. I loved the idea of a 25th hour when the world is still except for a few select people. The description of the rain when Jessica discovers this hour is lovely.

Westerfield, S. (2004). Midnighters #1: The secret hour. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 9780060519537
297 pages

Twilight: A Novel by Stephanie Meyer

I'd never given much thought to how I would die - though I'd had reason enough in the last few months - but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this.

Seventeen year old Bella moves to Washington and falls in love with her lab partner, Edward, a mysterious boy who turns out to be a vampire. Their courtship is interrupted when a "hunter" vampire goes after Bella and Edward and his family fight back.

I read numerous reviews prior which concluded the book was poorly written and dragged in places. With that in mind, I began reading the book. I would agree the writing is not as good as Chris Crutcher's novels. However, I found the story so compelling that I completely forgot about the writing, slow pacing, etc. I read it in one cold afternoon and closed the book wanting to read more. The author has captured that undefinable characteristic of a best seller.

Meyer, S. (2008). Twilight: A novel. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.
ISBN: 0316038377
498 pages

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

My mom says that I didn't sleep through the night until I was eight years old.

Bobby becomes a teenage father and events lead to his full custody of his daughter. The story flashes back between Bobby's life before the birth and after. It is a realistic account of what it is like to be the sole parent at age 16 of an infant.

Excellent book. It is short but effective in getting the point across - having a baby at age 16 is hard!

Johnson, A. (2003). The first part last. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Adults.
ISBN: 0689849222
131 pages

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

My dad left when I still had a month to go in the darkroom, and historically when people have tried to figure me out (as in, "What went wrong?"), they usually conclude that Mom spoiled me; gave me everything I wanted because I had no pappy.

Eric and Sarah were close friends growing up uniting in their differences but as Eric began to change, the friends grow apart. However, when Sarah needs him, Eric fights for her proving their friendship is as strong as ever. Strong opinions on God, abortion, organized religion, and suicide are weaved into the story. Friendship, love, self-acceptance and abuse are themes found in this story.

I love this book! The characters, situations and dialogue are drawn from real life. I will read more of Chris Crutcher's books.

Crutcher, C. (1993). Staying fat for sarah byrnes. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
ISBN: 0668115527
216 pages

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

It is my first morning of high school.

Melinda Sordino begins her freshmen year of high school an outcast and she drops clues throughout her story as to why. She struggles through this year coming to terms to what happened, healing and learning to speak for herself again at the close of this story. Themes of violence, self esteem, healing, rape and alienation

This story uses the first person narrative effectively to demonstrate the pain Melinda feels. I can't imagine her pain would have been so real had the story been told from the typical omniscient third party. Excellent story.

Anderson, L.H. (1999). Speak. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux.
ISBN: 0374371520
198 pages

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.

Ponyboy's world is shaken when in the middle of a rumble his friend kills a rival gang member and he joins his friend in hiding. Ponyboy realizes that death, sadness are universal irregardless of the gang membership and this realization threatens his identity. Themes of violence, love, hate, tension, identity, friendship, solidarity and rivalry.

Whenever I think of The Outsiders, I see Ralph Macchio and hear his recitation of Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Rereading the book did not change this - darn Hollywood!

Hinton, S.E. (1997). The outsiders. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 014038572X
180 pages

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

They murdered him.

A classic novel about a boy who refuses to follow in line and sell chocolates for the school encountering the wrath of the school bullies. Readers are left asking how far would they go to stand up for what they believe in. Themes of violence, peer pressure, individualism, conformity, power and greed are addressed within the novel.

This novel stands up today - over 30 years later. I found myself riveted to the story and what would happen next for Jerry.

Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war. New York, NY: Dell Publishing
ISBN: 0440944597
191 pages

My Season with Penguins: An Antarctic Journal by Sophie Webb

A journal describing the author's two month stay on Antarctica participating in a scientific study project of the Adelie Penguins. She provides day to day details, descriptive prose of the penguins and scientific explanations of the study. A glossary is provided to help understand the scientific terms. The journal is beautifully illustrated.

I found the book enjoyable and learned some things about penguins. The author acknowledged the director of the penguin study. The illustrations and design were appropriate for the age level and book. At times, the writing style was verbose. Overall, I would recommend it.

Webb, S. (2000). My season with penguins: An antarctic journal. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
ISBN: 0395922917
Illustrated by the author

Water Pollution by Rhonda Lucas Donald

A True Book that explains the water cycle, how water is polluted, the impact of water pollution and how to conserve water. Concepts are explained using photos, fact and real life examples. The author includes a glossary and list of books and sites for additional resources on how to stop pollution

A small book but effective in explaining the complex topic of water pollution to children. The author specializes in books for children on science and natural history. Both a reading and content consultant are acknowledged. The photos and simple word choice help make the concepts clear. I learned things from this book!

Donald, R. (2001). Water pollution. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0516221949

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

A collection of Kipling's first Jungle Book which features Mowgli, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and Toomai stories with Kipling's poetry mixed throughout the book. Color illustrations accompany this edition. Some content might be questionable for young children.

I hadn't heard the Rikki-Tikki-Tavi story in a long time and really loved it again. I also enjoyed revisiting Mowgli, Baloo and Baghera. This would be a good option to read aloud to children especially boys. I remember loving this book and the idea of the jungle and wild animals.

Kipling, R. (1977). The jungle book. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap.
ISBN: 0448060140
Illustrated by Fritz Eichenberg

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

A collection of silly poems guaranteed at least one will make a child/adult smile.

I loved these when I was a child and I loved it again now. I can think of nothing better for a teacher, child librarian or parent to have on hand. This book reminds me of the best parts of childhood - laughter, what ifs? silliness.

Silverstein, S. (2000). Where the sidewalk ends. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060291699
Illustrated by the author

The Way A Door Closes by Hope Anita Smith

A book of poems told from the perspective of C.J describing his family and the emotional upheaval caused when his father leaves temporarily. The poems are accompanied by lovely illustrations that depict the content perfectly.

The author captures the emotions felt by C.J. and his family so clearly, especially the words of hope. I am continually amazed when reading poetry. How do they get those words to come together so right?

Smith, H.A. (2003). The way a door closes. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
ISBN: 080506477X
Illustrated by Shane W Evans

Little Women or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy by Louisa May Alcott

The unforgettable story of the four March sisters and their lives during the Civil War. We see these sisters mature and find love and heartbreak over the course of the book.

I have been rereading this book every few years since I was in fourth grade. The March sisters are like old friends. I read it this time in comparison t0 all the other books I have been reading in this "childrens" portion of my contract. I think the story would be difficult for some readers to sit through. It is slower paced and very descriptive. Depending on the mood a child was in, it might not be a hit.

Alcott, L.M. (no date). Little women. Garden City, NY: International Collectors Library.
No ISBN

Eight Cousins or The Aunt Hill by Louisa May Alcott

Orphan Rose Campbell is living with her aunts while awaiting for the arrival of her guardian, Uncle Alec, on Aunt Hill. Rose is nervous and skittish child mourning for hte loss of her father and definitely not ready for the company of her boisterous seven boy cousins. Under Alec's care, Rose becomes a caring, healthy giving child able to keep up with her cousins.

A classic book that I haven't read since I was a child. I imagine the language might be outdated and potentially offensive if not understood it was representative of the culture and society at that time. I loved the book and Rose learns self-acceptance becoming a strong female character.

Alcott, L.M. (1958). Eight cousins or the aunt hill. Garden City, NY: Nelson Doubleday, Inc.
No ISBN
Illustrated by Ruth Ives

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Ten year old Winnie Foster runs away one morning and encounters a family who has drunk from a spring giving them everlasting life. Winnie goes with the family willingly and is enchanted by the son, Jesse, who proposes she drink from the spring when she turns sixteen so they can be together forever. Meanwhile, a man approaches the family about the spring and events occur that will change Winnie's plans.

I was surprised by the ending expecting a happily ever after one. It is a magical story and left me wanting to know more about the Tuck family.

Babbitt, N. (2002). Tuck everlasting. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
ISBN: 0374480134

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo

A tale told in four parts of a mouse, Despereaux, who falls in love with the princess and then must use all his wits to save her when she is kidnapped.

This was very light reading after The Dark is Rising. It reminded me of a fairytale and not the fantasy/supernatural category it is placed in. It is a sweet story and their is humor found for adults reading this book similar to what is found when watching a Disney film. Despereaux is an appealing main character and the rat society is similar to our own.

DiCamillo, K. (2006). The tale of despereaux: Being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup and a spool of thread. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
ISBN: 0763625299
Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Will Stanton finds out that he is special one of the Old Ones. His job is to find the six signs for the Old Ones and with those in place the Dark will be extinguished. In this quest, his family is endangered and Will must protect them while still unsure of how is powers work.

I was immediately drawn into this story and read it in one sitting. I was not surprised to see the copyright date in the early 70's. I found the style, theme and characters reminiscent of JRR Tolkien's. The good versus evil theme and a singular quest to save the world make great reading (in my opinion). The detail the author spent on describing the environment and nature helps set the stage.

Cooper, S. (1999). The dark is rising. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks.
ISBN: 0689829833

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace and new friend Calvin are thrust into another world after encountering Mrs Whatsit on a stormy night. They travel through time and space to bring back Mr Murry who has been missing for a long time.

The story is adventurous and opens the mind. I didn't read this when I was younger and I found myself completely enthralled in the story. I look forward to reading the rest of their adventures.

L'Engle, M. (1976). A wrinkle in time. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Books.
ISBN: 0440998050

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Ten year old orphaned Harry Potter is forced to live with his aunt, uncle and horrible cousin. He is treated like a thorn in their side until his 10th birthday when a special message arrives by owl and his life will never be the same again.

I hadn't read this book until now. I loved it so much that I had to read the rest of the books. I am completely in awe of the author. As Harry ages, his language and situations he encounters become more complex just like any child. How did she do that so well? I understand why children and adults lined up for each new book.

Rowling, J.K. (1999). Harry potter and the sorcerer's stone. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 059035342X
Illustrated by Mary Grandpre

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum

Dorothy and Toto are swept up by a tornado and set down in the Land of Oz. So begins the tale of their journey back home to Kansas and the characters they encounter along the way.

It is hard to read this book without picturing Judy Garland as Dorothy and the Munchkins. I wonder if there are children who have not seen the movie? I wish that I had read the book before I saw the movie. It is a page turner with good descriptions. I would have liked to have been able to picture these characters like the author must have not Hollywood.

Baum, F. (1970). The wonderful wizard of oz. Racine, WI: Western Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 030701520X
Illustrated by Erika Markling

The Secret of the Mansion (Trixie Belden #1) by Julie Campbell

The first book in the series where Trixie meets her soon to be best friends Honey Wheeler and Jim Frayne. They band together to help Jim find the money his uncle, Mr Frayne was reputed to have hidden in his mansion after he passes away. The search becomes frantic when Jim's evil stepfather comes to get his share.

My mom gave me a box of my stuff a few years ago and in it were a few Trixie Belden books. I placed them on my bookshelf and thought maybe I would read them someday. After reading Nancy Drew, I HAD to read Trixie Belden. I remembered this book more clearly than the Nancy Drew. I prefer Trixie Belden to Nancy Drew. A blasphemous statement for some!

I again tried to consider this book from a child of today. I still found it interesting if not slightly outdated in language. The pace was quick and the characters different enough to be interesting. I found it amusing that both Trixie and Nancy were dealing with snake bites. Snake bites must have been terrifying back in the day. Trixie is a strong female character especially for 1948. And it was printed in Racine where I grew up!

Campbell, J. (1948). The secret of the mansion. Racine, WI: Western Publishing Company.
ISBN: 0307215245