MORE NEW BOOKS!!!

If you are a fan of the weird, wonderful, and truly unbelievable, you'll be first in line to snap up the 2012 Guinness World Book of Records or Ripley's Believe It or Not 2012 which will be available Monday at lunch.

Here are some other great reads...

PERFECT by Ellen Hopkins

Many of you have already discovered the amazing emotional intensity of Hopkin's unusual prose verse in earlier novels like Crank, Glass, and Identical.  

 Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Everyone wants to be perfect, but when perfection loses its meaning, how far will you go? What would you give up to be perfect?

SIDEKICKS by Jack D. Ferraiolo

Batman has Robin, Wonder Woman has Wonder Girl, and Phantom Justice has Bright Boy, a.k.a. Scott Hutchinson, an ordinary schoolkid by day and a superfast, superstrong sidekick by night, fighting loyally next to his hero.

But after an embarrassing incident involving his too-tight spandex costume, plus some signs that Phantom Justice may not be the good guy he pretends to be...moreBatman has Robin, Wonder Woman has Wonder Girl, and Phantom Justice has Bright Boy, a.k.a. Scott Hutchinson, an ordinary schoolkid by day and a superfast, superstrong sidekick by night, fighting loyally next to his hero.

But after an embarrassing incident involving his too-tight spandex costume, plus some signs that Phantom Justice may not be the good guy he pretends to be, Scott begins to question his role. With the help of a fellow sidekick, once his nemesis, Scott must decide if growing up means being loyal or stepping boldly to the center of things.



THE WEDNESDAY WARS by Gary D. Schmidt

While all his classmates are enjoying (?) religious instruction, seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood shares Wednesday afternoons with Mrs. Baker, his Camillo Junior High teacher. Not surprisingly, Holling lacks enthusiasm for mid-week appointments with an instructor who assigns him Shakespeare as out-of-class reading. Holling has other things on his mind besides English While all his classmates are enjoying (?) religious instruction, seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood shares Wednesday afternoons with Mrs. Baker, his Camillo Junior High teacher. Not surprisingly, Holling lacks enthusiasm for mid-week appointments with an instructor who assigns him Shakespeare as out-of-class reading. Holling has other things on his mind besides English Renaissance drama. For his dad's sake, he's trying hard to stay out of trouble, but with hovering bullies and other impinging crises, that seems to be a full-time job. Fortunately, help arrives from an unexpected source. Another funny yet gripping novel from the author of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy.

THE HUNCHBACK ASSIGNMENTS by Arthur Slade

This is a new steampunk fantasy series by the Canadian author of Dust. We have the next two books in the series, The Dark Deeps and The Empire of Ruins. Enjoy!

GAME OF THRONES (#1 in The Song of Ice and Fire series) by George R. R. Martin.
There has been a tremendous resurgence of interest in this epic fantasy series since the televised version came out on HBO and the fifth book, A Dance with Dragons, was released this summer. Here is a synopsis:

Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective wall. To the south, the King's powers are failing, and his enemies are emerging from the shadows of the throne. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the frozen land they were born to. Now Lord Eddard Stark is reluctantly summoned to serve as the King's new Hand, an appointment that threatens to sunder not only his family but also the kingdom itself. A heroic fantasy of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and evildoers who come together in a time of grim omens. 

We have all five books.


MONSTER HIGH (#1 Monster High series) by Lisi Harrison

On the heels of her popular Alphas and The Clique series, comes a brand new series from Lisi Harrison. We will soon have the next two books in the series.

They prefer to call themselves RAD (Regular Attribute Dodgers), but some call them monsters. So far, the "monster" community has kept a low profile in Salem, but this year two new girls enroll at Master High School, and the town will never be the same.
 
Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and cheerleading. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters who might be stalking the halls, Frankie finds that life in the "normi" world can be rough for a chic freak like her.
 
She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver--but can a normi be trusted with her big secret? 


TIME RIDERS by Alex Scarrow

This first book in the series is an adrenaline pumping ride through time. I hope to have the next three books in very soon.


VIOLA IN REEL LIFE by Adriana Trigiani

When fourteen-year-old Viola is sent from her beloved Brooklyn to boarding school in Indiana for ninth grade, she overcomes her initial reservations as she makes friends with her roommates, goes on a real date, and uses the unsettling ghost she keeps seeing as the subject of her first short film.








THE DEMON KING (#1 Seven Realms series) by Cinda Williams Chima

This novel marks the first giant step in a momentous fantasy journey orchestrated by Cinda Williams Chima, the author of the popular Warrior Heir series. Its two chief protagonists are ex-thief Han Alister, an impoverished commoner, and Raisa ana'Marianna, the headstrong Princess Heir of the Fells. The Demon King brings them together, creating part of a volatile mix of action, magic, and danger. 

We have the second book, The Exiled Queen, in the library. 


PASSING STRANGE (#3 Generation Dead series) by Daniel Waters

Karen DeSonne is used to pretending to be something she’s not. All her life, she’s passed as a normal all-American teenager; with her friends, with her family, and at school. Passing cost her the love of her life. And now that Karen’s dead, she’s still passing this time, as alive.

Meanwhile, Karen’s dead friends have been fingered in a high-profile murder, causing a new round of anti-zombie regulations that have forced nearly all of Oakvale’s undead into hiding. Karen soon learns that the “murder” was a hoax, staged by Pete Martinsburg and his bioist zealots. Obtaining enough evidence to expose the fraud and prove her friends’ innocence means doing the unthinkable: betraying her love by becoming Pete’s girlfriend. Karen’s only hope is that the enemy never realizes who she really is because the consequences would be even worse than death.  

BOOK  LOVE

  

 

Ramblings of a librarian...

Last week was a perfect week in the library. Admittedly, it was very busy - I think I saw more than half the students in the school as they came down in their Humanities/English classes for booktalks. Virtually everyone checked out a book or two and I'm hoping that books and readers are well -matched. If your first choice doesn't work for you, come down during lunch when there's time to chat with me about other books you will love - I'm pretty good at suggesting great reads. Some books have already been read, returned and borrowed by other students. I can see that some of you readers who simply inhale books will keep me racing to provide you with more and more titles, but I'm up for the challenge.

It was particularly fun to meet our brand new students in grades seven and eight.  I'm still working on building our collection of books for middle school, so all of your suggestions are very welcome - keep them coming!

Lots of students showed interest in the Library Club; some even started work in the library last week. My thanks go out to all of you for helping out and giving the library a true sense of community. If you wish to join the Library Club, just come in and talk to me at lunch or after school. Everyone is welcome!

Several boxes of crisp new books arrived last week and I'm trying to process them into our system as quickly as possible. Students have already been hanging over the front counter, paging through them and begging me to "Do this one next." Patience - there are enough amazing stories in the library to keep everyone thoroughly entertained. I'll post a list of new books in a few days.

Human beings have always been fascinated by stories, using them to understand and define themselves, their relationships with others and the world around them. Originally the story experience was communal: tales told aloud by the fire at night or represented visually by drawings in caves or carvings on totem poles. With the development of written language, people were able to experience a more personal, more profound connection with stories. Just compare the reading of a book to the watching of a movie based on the book and you know that reading is almost always the more rewarding activity.

Our lives are full of stories; they are found in films, television shows, sporting events, video games, song lyrics, newspapers, and history textbooks.  We post our own stories on social media sites and seek out the stories of others in their tweets and blogs. Never underestimate the power of stories to unite us, inspire us, motivate and enlighten us.

While talking to classes this week, I was reminded that there are people who  resist the magic of the written word. Either they have never found a book they liked or they have been forced to read books they hated or they struggle with reading. I believe that every single person can find enough terrific books to fill a lifetime; they just need help to find them.  I also believe that reading difficulties will sometimes fade away if the reader is captured by a wickedly good story. Anyone who has never been carried away while reading a book is missing one of the most wonderful and rewarding of all human experiences. So, if you have a friend who simply refuses to read, start talking up the stories you've loved. Make them curious about this pastime of reading. I once had a student who started reading for pleasure because whenever I talked about books I made it sound as though she was missing something in her life because she wasn't reading. She was missing something - and then she wasn't. It's as simple as turning to the first page.

Have a great week!

WEEK TWO

Well, we made it through the first week! It was a terrific week for me as I got to see last year's members of the library club, along with some of the library's most loyal patrons.( If you're interested in joining the library club, just check out the Library Club page on this blog for more information. ) Since last year was my first at HPSS, it was wonderful this year to see all the familiar faces come through the door.

This week, the library is open regular hours (see the About the Library page). Beginning with grade seven and eight students, Humanities/English classes will be invited down starting Tuesday for book talks. I know students are anxious to find great books for silent reading in their classes.

If you can't wait for a book talk, check out this blog for new titles in the library or come down during lunch to ask me for suggestions. I love to match readers to the perfect books!

WELCOME!

Ah, the first day back! The library will open at lunch on Friday so you can borrow a book for the weekend.

Welcome back to a new school year, everyone!  I’d like to extend a special welcome to students in grades seven and eight who are new members of the HPSS community.  Last year was my first year at Heritage Park, and I know you too will find the people here to be amazingly friendly and helpful.  It’s a beautiful school with one of its finest features being the large and comfortable library located between the high school and the college. I hope to see all of you in here in the first weeks of school.

Last year, we added well over a thousand new books to the library collection, mostly fiction.  As a result, the fiction shelves became badly overcrowded, so I undertook a major reorganization this summer. You will now find the nonfiction reference books on the shelves around the outside of the room while the fiction takes up almost the entire middle section.  Literature Circle books are shelved with the general fiction, so when you browse through the fiction, you will now see everything we have to offer.  Graphic novels have been moved up to the front of the library with a special round display of new graphic novels.

Dozens of new books have arrived in the library since the end of June! We have next-in-the-series books, brand-new-series books, stand alone fiction and nonfiction, and graphic novels. There are spy thrillers, action adventures, romantic fantasies, magical comedies, social dramas, dystopian horrors and steampunk mysteries. We have books for every taste and every grade. Come in to explore the new books display or browse the greatly expanded fiction section. There are treasures to be discovered!

Over the next few posts, I will introduce many of our new titles.

Here's to a year of great stories!

                                                            

                                                             

NEXT IN THE SERIES BOOKS (Part 2)

FOREVER (Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy.

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

TWISTED (Pretty Little Liars #9) by Sara Shepard
Fans of this long-running series can't get enough mystery, secrets, gossip and backstabbing. What fun!

NEVER HAVE I EVER (The Lying Game #2) by Sara Shepard
More intrigue with Shepard's latest series.

PASSION (Fallen #3) by Lauren Kate

Another amazing paranormal series continues its epic love story!

Luce would die for Daniel.
And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .
Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.
Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.
Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

FURY OF THE PHOENIX (Kingdom of Xia #2) by Cindy Pon 

When I bought the first book in the series,Silver Phoenix,  I was impressed by the great reviews and the beautiful cover. It turns out that sometimes you CAN judge a book by its cover!

This lush, exotic series has a strong, but appealing female protagonist. Here's a look at  the new book.

EVERLASTING (The Immortals #6) by Alyson Noel

Alyson Noel's books are constantly out on loan. She knows how to combine romance, fantasy, humor, and intrigue to create an exhilarating story.

Everlasting is the sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears-all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united-or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

NEW GRAPHIC NOVELS IN THE LIBRARY

ZEUS (Olympians #1) by George O'Connor

 George O'Connor is a Greek mythology buff and a classic superhero comics fan, and he's out to remind us how much our pantheon of superheroes (Superman, Batman, the X-Men, etc) owes to mankind's ORIGINAL superheroes: the Greek pantheon. In OLYMPIANS, O'Connor draws from primary documents to reconstruct and retell classic Greek myths. But these stories aren't sedate, scholarly works. They're action-packed, fast-paced, high-drama adventures, with monsters, romance, and not a few huge explosions. O'Connor's vibrant, kinetic art brings ancient tales to undeniable life, in a perfect fusion of super-hero aesthetics and ancient Greek mythology. Volume 1 of OLYMPIANS, ZEUS introduces readers to the ruler of the Olympian Pantheon, telling his story from his boyhood to his ascendance to supreme power.

ATHENA (Olympians #2) by George O'Connor

Step into a world of fearsome battle, cruel treachery, and fierce loyalty. Your guides are the three Fates, eerie figures who weave the tale of life. Their subject today is Athena, warrior goddess. Five astonishing tales of brave Athena's adventures lie ahead . . .

AMAZING GREEK MYTHS OF WONDERS AND BLUNDERS by Michael Townsend

From Hercules' snake assassin slippers to Arachne's wicked weaver rap songs, these are the mythic monsters and Hellenic heroes that have captured Western culture for centuries - but a whole lot more fun. Each story showcases the wondrous and blunderful antics of gods and mortals in bright graphics that rival the super-heroic action of The Lightning Thief, burst with the knock-your-socks-off humor of Jeff Kinney, and still remain unerringly faithful to the original myth. Kids won't be able to resist the bickering sheep, unruly rulers, and undercover details of Amazing Greek Myths - while teachers, librarians, and parents can relish this new way to share moral messages that remain as relevant today as they were a thousand years ago.

BIG NATE IN A CLASS BY HIMSELF by Lincoln Peirce

Supremely confident middle school student Nate Wright manages to make getting detention seem like an achievement.

BRAIN CAMP by Faith Erin Hicks

Neither artistic, dreamy Jenna nor surly, delinquent Lucas expected to find themselves at an invitation-only summer camp that turns problem children into prodigies. And yet, here they both are at Camp Fielding, settling in with all the other losers and misfits who've been shipped off by their parents in a last-ditch effort to produce a child worth bragging about. But strange disappearances, spooky lights in the woods, and a chilling alteration that turns the dimmest, rowdiest campers into docile zombie Einsteins have Jenna and Lucas feeling more than a little suspicious . . . and a lot afraid.

LIFE SUCKS by Jessica Abel

Life sucks for Dave Marshall. The girl he's in love with doesn't know he exists, he hates his job, and ever since his boss turned him into a vampire, he can't go out in daylight without starting to charbroil. Undead life in its uncoolest incarnation yet is on display in this cinematic, supernatural drama told with gallons of humor and hemoglobin. In striking, colorful, B-movie style artwork and light-hearted, intelligent writing by Jessica Abel, Gabe Soria, and Warren Pleece, Dave Marshall's story comes alive - in a vampiric kind of way.

SMILE by Raina Telgemeier

Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake
...more
This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.

COWBOYS AND ALIENS by Scott Mitchell Rosenburg

In the Old West, settlers and Native Americans wage a bloody battle for control of the land. But when the Earth is threatened by conquerors from the stars, these sworn enemies must work together to save all humanity.

THE UNWRITTEN Vol. 1: Tommy Taylor and the Bogus Identity by Mike Carey 

Tom Taylor's life was messed up from go. His father created the Tommy Taylor fantasy series, boy-wizard novels with popularity on par with Harry Potter. The problem is Dad modeled the fictional epic so closely to Tom's real life that fans are constantly comparing him to his counterpart, turning him into the lamest variety of Z-level celebrity. In the final novel, it's even implied that the fictional Tommy will crossover into the real world, giving delusional fans more excuses to harass Tom. 

Then, it seems, Tom might actually be a wizard...  

NEXT IN THE SERIES BOOKS NEW TO THE LIBRARY (Part 1)

The series format has been wildly popular in young adult literature for decades. From The Chronicles of Narnia to the Harry Potter stories, series allow us to become familiar with fantastic worlds and compelling characters. Finishing a great series is a little like moving away from a much loved neighbourhood. Of course, the wait between books in a series can be agonizing, but there is that joyous anticipation when the next installment is in your hands!

Well, for many of you the wait is over as several amazing series had sequels published this summer.

SCORPIA RISING (Alex Rider #9 ) by Anthony Horowitz

Nine books and still going strong, this adrenaline pumping installment is perfect for middle school readers who love action.

Scorpia has dogged Alex Rider for most of his life. They killed his parents, they did their best to con Alex into turning traitor, and they just keep coming back with more power. Now the world's most dangerous terrorist organization is playing with fire in the world's most combustible land: the Middle East. No one knows Scorpia like Alex. And no one knows how best to get t...moScorpia has dogged Alex Rider for most of his life. They killed his parents, they did their best to con Alex into turning traitor, and they just keep coming back with more power. Now the world's most dangerous terrorist organization is playing with fire in the world's most combustible land: the Middle East. No one knows Scorpia like Alex. And no one knows how best to get to Alex like Scorpia. Until now.

The chases have never been more intense, the fights more treacherous, or the risks so perilous to mankind. And this time, Alex won't get away.

THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC  (Aramov #1) by Robert Muchamore

Those of you who thought the Cherub series was at an end will be thrilled to know that Muchamore can't quite let the storyline go, so he's created a new series that links to Cherub. This spy-thriller will likely fly out of the library as fast as his other books, so hurry down to get a copy!

Ryan's been waiting for a mission since he passed CHERUB basic training eight months earlier.

Ethan is his target. A privileged California boy, who likes computers and chess. He makes easy prey for school bullies, but his grandma's running a billion dollar crime syndicate in distant Kyrgyzstan.

Ryan expects to enjoy the California lifestyle in a routine operation. But he's in for a nasty shock, as his mission turns into one of the biggest in CHERUB's history.

DARKE (Septimus Heap #6) by Angie Gage

Middle school readers and others will love this magical series.

In the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone. With the help of Jenna, Alther Mella, Marcellus Pye, and his estranged brother, Simon Heap, Septimus and Marcia Overstrand, the Extraordinary Wizard, battle the spreading Darkenesse. Will Septimus succeed in protecting his Magykal world?

WARLOCK (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #5) by Michael Scott

Alcatraz:
Although their ally Dr. John Dee has been declared utlaga, Machiavelli and Billy the Kid will follow the plans the Elders have laid before them: they will loose the monsters of Alcatraz on the city of San Francisco, thereby triggering the end of the humani race.

Danu Talis:

The Shadowrealm that Scatty and Joan of Arc have entered is far more dangerous than they could ever have imagined. And they haven’t landed here by chance-the warriors were called for a reason. So were Saint-Germain, Palamededs, and Shakespeare. The group was summoned because they must travel back in time to Danu Talis and destroy it. For the island of Danu Talis, known in humani myth as the lost city of Atlantis, must fall if the modern world is to exist.

San Francisco:

The end is finally near. Josh Newman has chosen a side, and he will not stand with his sister, Sophie, or with the Alchemyst, Nicholas Flamel. He will fight alongside Dee and the mysterious Virginia Dare. Unless Sophie can find her twin before the battle begins, all is lost – forever.

In the fifth installment of this bestselling series, the twins of prophesy have been divided, and the end is finally beginning.

THE LAST LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPE (Little Blue Envelopes #2) by Maureen Johnson

 This short series falls into the Social Issues genre of fiction. If you like Sarah Dessen and Alyson Noel, then you should give Maureen Johnson a read.

When Ginny Blackstone received thirteen little blue envelopes last summer she recognized them for what they were: a wild adventure laid out by her Aunt Peg–Ginny’s wildly interesting relative who could never do anything the simple, mundane way.

The envelopes led Ginny to England and on an adventure across Europe. Along the way Ginny learned a lot about her aunt and even more about herself. Until her adventure was cut short when the last little blue envelope was stolen. Even without that final piece, without that bit of closure, Ginny knows following the rules in the envelopes was the most exciting thing she has ever done. Too bad she can’t explain any of that in 1000 words for her college application essay.

Then an inscrutable English boy offers Ginny the last little blue envelope. For a price. She doesn’t much like Oliver. She definitely doesn’t trust him. And she knows he has his own agenda. But she also knows she has to accept his offer. It’s what Aunt Peg would do and, now, it’s what Ginny needs to do.

This last piece of Ginny’s adventure has no rules. It will lead her back to familiar sites and old friends. It will test Ginny’s mettle, and maybe even her sanity when it comes to dealing with Oliver. This trip will be the stuff of a great college application (and a great story).

PLAGUE (Gone #4) by Michael Grant

A world with no adults? Sounds great, right? Not so much. This thrilling dystopian series has a twist for every turn  - it will keep you at the edge of your seat.

THE POWER OF SIX (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore

The first book, I am Number Four, was the publishing phenomenon of last year. It was such an immediate success that the movie was released in less than a year. Now, we're in for another electrifying installment of the war between young aliens with amazing superpowers and ruthless monsters who are determined to take over the earth.

I’ve seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he’s a mystery. But to me . . . he’s one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We’re hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we’ll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I’ve been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

           I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

           And I'm ready to fight.

There is also a novella, Six's Legacy, available to download from most on-line booksellers.

Check the Pittacus Lore website for more details.