ALA Close Encounters

So, the family and I have returned safely from the land of many books and melting humidity (ALA in DC). I have to say that Tyler had the best encounter of them all, involving a chanca encounter with David Lubar. I wasn't expecting to see him there, but I pointed and grunted with the best of them when I spotted hin while lurking in the Clarion booth.

That encounter led into something much bigger and much more extended, as a whole scenario developed between Mr. Lubar and John Green, wuth Tyler as a intermediary.

I could go into a huge explanation, but I am instead going to let you read it straight from Lubar's blog. follow this link http://davidlubar.livejournal.com/ and then read Monday, June 25th!

Bare-knuckles Action: Perfect for Boys

Wild, Kate Fight Game, 304 p. Scholastic - Freedom Smith's small Gypsy family has been trying to find a place where they can settle for a time, to let the little ones grow up in peace, but the townfolk around them have other plans. Defending his family, Johnny is now in major trouble with the law, but he is offered a deal. Use the fight skills he inherited from his famous many-greats-grandfather and infiltrate the seedy, dangerous world of an underground fight that has been going on non-top for decades. What Johnny doesn't know is that those weird dreams he has are really flashbacks - and something sinister, with his own genetic makeup, is waiting to challenge him. Definitely a book for the harder edged kids. I really like the fact that though the book is extremely gritty and dangerous, the author doesn't not use swear words as a crutch and the violence is just what is needed to make the point, without become excessive and voyeuristic. Note: This post corrects my website that listed the main character's name incorrectly. You can visit Kate Wild's site at www.fightgame.co.uk. MS-ESSENTIAL

Guaranteed to Fly off the shelf

Clare, Cassandra City of Bones 485 p. Simon and Schuster - Clary witnessed a murder last night. Now, Clary's mother has disappeared and the Shodowhunters, a secret group dedicated to fighting against a demon take over of this world, are after Clary. And one of those Shadowhunters is the devastatingly handsome Jace, whom Clary is inevitably drawn to. A hot cover and a well-plotted fast-paced narrative make for an awesome book that will exchange hands quickly. Perfect for students who love Stephanie Meyer and other creepy fun books! MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Flanagan, John Icebound Land 272 p. Penguin - Will and Evanlyn have been captured by the wolfshipmen and are being forcibly taken to Skandia as slaves. Halt and Tug are determined to follow and rescue the pair. Before the adventure can begin, however, both groups have seemingly insurmountable obstacles to surmount. Wile the action, tension and excitement are palpable in this third of the series, it is also one very long setup for the next book, as the action cuts off midway, making the book feel unfinished. I would rather have a 400-500 page book that tells the whole story, but I will be content with what I got and I know that the students who have started the series will be very happy with this installment. (This is the cover from the Australian publication; the American cover will be much different) EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

Carroll, Michael Quantum Prophecy: The Awakening, 264 p. Penguin - A decade ago, every superhero and supervillain on Earth disappeared in one brilliant flash of fire. Then, Danny, a teenaged boy wakes up one day able to do amazing things - he is the first of the new generation of superhumans. And someone has an evil plot - one that they have been working for ten years to put in motion. Nothing in Danny's life, or in his friend Colin's life is what it seemed to be. And between the two of them they have to potential to save the world or destroy it. While you might think you are going to read a novelization of The Incredibles, you will quickly forget that movie and fall in love with this book for its own merits. Fast-hitting action and twisted plots - I see TV show or blockbuster written all over this one. Read it now! (I couldn't find a cover picture of the American version, but you get the idea!) MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Patterson, James Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, 416 p. Little Brown - Max and flock are headed towards a showdown with their "makers" - this time using the power of the Internet through Fang's blogging and using Max's razor sharp tongue as a formidable weapon. The flock will split in two, but both groups have key parts to play in the final battle. Max is funnier and more acerbic than ever in this final installment. All of the flock show their strengths and fans will not be disappointed. MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

Readers and Authors

Kaywell, Joan F., editor Dear Author: Letters of Hope, 222 p. - Language: G; Sexual Content: PG (a girl wrote to the author of Speak who had a similar experience as the character in that book); Violence: G - This book is a collection of letters that everyday teenagers have sent in to various authors and the authors' responses to these letters. I really liked reading this book because I could relate to a lot of the letters in there. Reading the responses and the encouragement the authors gave was in a way helpful to me. I liked reading about the real world from the eyes of teenagers through their letters and it helps you see that you aren't alone, no matter what your situation. MS, HS, ADVISABLE. Student Reviewer: JH