The O.W.L.

Audiobook Review: City Spies by James Ponti

noreply@blogger.com (The Owl in the Library) — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:03:00 +0000

Title: City Spies

Author: James Ponti

Read by: Lisa Flanagan

Genre: Mystery/Spy

About the Book

Sara Martinez is a hacker. She recently broke into the New York City foster care system to expose her foster parents as cheats and lawbreakers. However, instead of being hailed as a hero, Sara finds herself facing years in a juvenile detention facility and banned from using computers for the same stretch of time. Enter Mother, a British spy who not only gets Sara released from jail but also offers her a chance to make a home for herself within a secret MI6 agency.

Operating out of a base in Scotland, the City Spies are five kids from various parts of the world. When they’re not attending the local boarding school, they’re honing their unique skills, such as sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives. All of these allow them to go places in the world of espionage where adults can’t.

Before she knows what she’s doing, Sarah is heading to Paris for an international youth summit, hacking into a rival school’s computer to prevent them from winning a million euros, dangling thirty feet off the side of a building, and trying to stop a villain…all while navigating the complex dynamics of her new team.

My Thoughts

What a fun book! I loved it from the first few minutes I started listening. It had some action and tension so that kept me listening. I was hooked! And can I say that I really liked Sara (well all the kids). She was smart and funny, and I loved that she cared about others around her. She wasn't selfish even though the circumstances of her life could've led her to be. If I was her age I would want her has a friend!

The other kids were great too. I liked that it didn't seem to be this huge rivalry between all them. Yes there was teasing etc, but nothing that was cruel. I needed a book like that!

About the reader - What a great job Lisa Flannagan did! Wow I could not have done all those accents! I loved it. I would definitely listen to another book read by her.

In the end - read if you like books that involve fun gadgets, tension and seeing a girl gain confidence in who she is and what she is capable of.

Review: All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat

noreply@blogger.com (The Owl in the Library) — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 13:38:00 +0000

Title: All Thirteen

Author: Christina Soontornvat

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction

About the Book

On June 23, 2018, twelve young players of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach enter a cave in northern Thailand seeking an afternoon’s adventure. But when they turn to leave, rising floodwaters block their path out. The boys are trapped! Before long, news of the missing team spreads, launching a seventeen-day rescue operation involving thousands of rescuers from around the globe. As the world sits vigil, people begin to wonder: how long can a group of ordinary kids survive in complete darkness, with no food or clean water? Luckily, the Wild Boars are a very extraordinary "ordinary" group. Combining firsthand interviews of rescue workers with in-depth science and details of the region's culture and religion, author Christina Soontornvat—who was visiting family in Northern Thailand when the Wild Boars went missing—masterfully shows how both the complex engineering operation above ground and the mental struggles of the thirteen young people below proved critical in the life-or-death mission. Meticulously researched and generously illustrated with photographs, this page-turner includes an author’s note describing her experience meeting the team, detailed source notes, and a bibliography to fully immerse readers in the most ambitious cave rescue in history.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. I've gotten into nonfiction lately, and this one was just what I was looking for. I remember very well when the story was all over the news and hoping they all got out ok. It was very exciting when we knew they were all safe, but I often wondered what it was like for them while the rescue took place. This book answered all those questions and then some. I really felt like I understood what led up to them being trapped, the rescue and after. The author did an amazing job bringing in the details, but not weighting it down with them. The book didn't seem dense and hard to get through. I'm sure all the photographs and illustrations helped! Those were great too. They really added to my understanding of what happened.

To note also - there were sidebar parts that helped explain some of the culture, and I really liked that. It gave me a more complete understanding of the events and the people involved.

I'm glad I picked this book up! If you want to learn more about this story, or wants to learn about the incredible dedication and courage of all involved I highly suggest you read this book.

Summer Reading.

noreply@blogger.com (The Owl in the Library) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 17:15:00 +0000

I thought I'd share a graphic of my summer reading plans. Very excited about these!

Book Trailer: Nightmares by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

noreply@blogger.com (The Owl in the Library) — Tue, 26 May 2020 17:22:00 +0000

Title: Nightmares

Authors: Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

Book Summar

Sleeping has never been so scary. And now waking up is even worse!

Charlie Laird has several problems.

His dad married a woman he is sure moonlights as a witch.
He had to move into her purple mansion, which is NOT a place you want to find yourself after dark.
He can’t remember the last time sleeping wasn’t a nightmarish prospect. Like even a nap.

What Charlie doesn’t know is that his problems are about to get a whole lot more real. Nightmares can ruin a good night’s sleep, but when they start slipping out of your dreams and into the waking world—that’s a line that should never be crossed.

And when your worst nightmares start to come true . . . well, that’s something only Charlie can face. And he’s going to need all the help he can get, or it might just be lights-out for Charlie Laird. For good.

Book Trailer

Book Review: Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan

noreply@blogger.com (The Owl in the Library) — Fri, 01 May 2020 18:44:00 +0000

Title: Nath Enough

Author: Maria Scrivan

Genre: Realistic Fiction - Graphic Novel

About the book:

Natalie has never felt that she's enough -- athletic enough, stylish enough, or talented enough. And on the first day of middle school, Natalie discovers that things are worse than she thought -- now she's not even cool enough for her best friend, Lily! As Natalie tries to get her best friend back, she learns more about her true self and natural talents. If Natalie can focus on who she is rather than who she isn't, then she might realize she's more than enough, just the way she is.

Thoughts

This was a nice little book! I like how it was very relatable. I think everyone has a time that they lose friends for a variety of reasons. In Nat's case it's because her old friend chose to follow someone else and turn away from Nat. Although I'm not sure she was a great friend to begin with - she never seemed to do what Nat wanted. 

But beyond that I love how it looked at being proud of who you are what what you like. It's hard to remember that sometimes. Nat's new friends remind her of this all the time - that she's great just like she is. But it take Nat awhile to accept that herself. 

The graphics or great and easy to follow. I actually have trouble with some graphic novels, but the more simplistic drawings in this one made it easy to read. 

Over-all: great book! I'm glad I picked it up.  

Book Trailer: The Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

noreply@blogger.com (The Owl in the Library) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:40:00 +0000

I love book trailers!

They are a great way to get introduced to a new book or series.

Check out this one!

The Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

How to Go on an Unplanned Road Trip with Your Grandma:

* Grab a Suitcase: Prepacked from the big spring break trip that got CANCELLED.

* Fasten Your Seatbelt: G'ma's never conventional, so this trip won't be either.

* Use the Green Book: G'ma's most treasured possession. It holds, history, memories, and most important, the way home.

What Not to Bring:

* A Cell Phone: Avoid contact with Dad at all costs. Even when G'ma starts acting stranger than usual.

Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with New York Times bestselling Nic Stone and an eleven-year-old boy who is about to discover the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--his G'ma included.

Although this is a middle grade and Dear Martin was young adult, I think many kids who loved Dear Martin will give this one a try. It sounds really good!

Book Trailer Tuesday: Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

noreply@blogger.com (The Owl in the Library) — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 12:17:00 +0000

I love book trailers!

They are a great way to get introduced to a new book or series.
Check out this one!

Words on Fire byJennifer A. Nielsen

Danger is never far from Audra's family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian -- they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous.

When Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra's parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. But escape means abandoning her parents to a terrible fate.

As Audra embarks on a journey to deliver the mysterious package, she faces unimaginable risks, and soon she becomes caught up in a growing resistance movement. Can joining the underground network of book smugglers give Audra a chance to rescue her parents?

Audiobook Review: Children of Exile by Margaret Peterson Haddix

noreply@blogger.com (The Owl in the Library) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 18:15:00 +0000

Title: Children of Exile

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Narrator: Erin Moon

For the past twelve years, adults called “Freds” have raised Rosi, her younger brother Bobo, and the other children of their town, saying it is too dangerous for them to stay with their parents, but now they are all being sent back. Since Rosi is the oldest, all the younger kids are looking to her with questions she doesn’t have the answers to. She’d always trusted the Freds completely, but now she’s not so sure.

And their home is nothing like she’d expected, like nothing the Freds had prepared them for. Will Rosi and the other kids be able to adjust to their new reality?

One sentence review: I was very intrigued throughout the whole thing wondering exactly what was going on.

Longer thoughts: I've been reading books by Haddix for a long time starting with Among the Hidden. I found a copy of the audiobook of this one at Half Price Books, so I thought I'd give it a try as well. I really enjoyed it. Well, most of it. From the start, I was super curious about what was going on with the whole situation. Why were Rosi and all the other kids with the Freds to begin with? What were the Freds? And then when they went back to their families what was going on with the place their parents were??? I really really wanted to know. And then I had no clue who I could really trust. Could I trust her real parents? Could I trust the Freds? Could I trust anyone!? I love books like that, so this one was really right up my alley.

Rosi was a great character. She was brave and strong. Yes a bit naive, but she learned fast and grew a lot as a character. I couldn't help but cheer for her!

I will note that the ending deflated me a tiny bit. I do want to read the rest of the series, but I was a little disappointed it went that way.

Best stick-with-you image: The description of her real parent's house. I could completely see it.

Thoughts on the audiobook: The narrator did a great job. Loved how she read the story!

Audio Review: All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 May 2019 10:22:00 +0000

Title: All the Lovely Bad Ones

Author: Mary Downing Hahn

Narrator: Jeff Cummings

Travis and his sister, Corey, can t resist a good trick. When they learn that their grandmother s quiet Vermont inn, where they re spending the summer, has a history of ghost sightings, they decide to do a little haunting of their own. Before long, their supernatural pranks have tourists flocking to the inn, and business booms. But Travis and Corey soon find out that they aren't the only ghosts at Fox Hill Inn. Their thoughtless games have awakened something dangerous, something that should have stayed asleep. Restless, spiteful spirits swarm the inn, while a dark and terrifying presence stalks the halls and the old oak grove on the inn s grounds. Only Travis and Corey can lay to rest the ghosts they've stirred. This means discovering the secret of Fox Hill and the horrors visited on its inhabitants years before.

One sentence review: A nicely spooky story that would make my young middle school students sufficiently scared, but also get a good story as well.

Longer thoughts: Mary Downing Hahn is my go-to writer when a younger middle school comes in and says they want something scary. She's scary for them, but not so much so that they stop sleeping! In this book, the ghosts start out scary because they almost swarm Travis and Corey poking and pinching them and making all kinds of things fly around. The thought of something like that really happening would be super scary! As the story continues the ghosts - well in particular - continue to be a source of fear but the history of the inn becomes a more important source of both fear and sadness. I really liked how almost a history lesson about poor houses was included in the story. I don't think most kids know what a poor house is, so this book was fantastic in explaining it.

I liked what needed to be done to get the ghosts to leave the inn. I thought it was perfect (I won't say to avoid spoilers). The first thing was easier, but the second thing I think would be the scariest for the reader. The second thing involved exorcising the meanest ghost. She was scary, so going up against her would be scary! And what she was capable of made of some great tension. Sorry to be so vague - but again: spoilers! And the ending to all that - wow! Very well done!

Best stick-with-you image: The part where the meanest ghost is trying to get them. She was scary!

Thoughts on the audiobook: I really wasn't fond of this narrator. He tended to differentiate characters by giving them a lisp of some sort, so it was kind of annoying to have so many characters talk that way. If they were said to have a lisp in the story that would've been one thing, but none of them were described that way. Otherwise, he did a fine job.

Nonfiction Review: Taking Cover - One Girl's Story of Growing up During the Iranian Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 May 2019 11:30:00 +0000

Title: Taking Cover: One Girl's Story of Growing Up During the Iranian Revolution
Author: Nioucha Homayoonfar
Copy Obtained: From publisher in exchange for an honest review

About the Book from Goodreads
This coming-of-age memoir, set during the Iranian Revolution, tells the story of a young girl who moves to Tehran from the U.S. and has to adjust to living in a new country, learning a new language, and starting a new school during one of the most turbulent periods in Iran's history.

This true story of Nioucha Homayoonfar offers a window into an at-once familiar yet foreign culture. Religion classes are mandatory at her new school. Nioucha has to cover her head and wear robes. Her cousin is captured and tortured after he is caught trying to leave the country. And yet, in midst of so much change and challenge, Nioucha is still just a girl who listens to music and idolizes pop stars. But she has to be careful when Western music is banned and she cannot be seen in public together with her new boyfriend. Will she ever get used to this new way of life?

One sentence review: Good memoir of a part of history I didn't know much about, but now I feel I understand better.

Best for readers who: Like nonfiction especially a more narrative nonfiction

Best Stick-with-You Image: Just the everyday things - seeing how a different culture lives

Library Thoughts: I'm trying to increase the amount of narrative nonfiction so this would be one I would add to that section.

I'm not a huge reader of nonfiction, but I'm trying to increase the amount of it I read. This one fit my interests, and it was one that I thought would be a window into a culture and time I didn't know much about. I felt it did both! This really wasn't a part of history I knew much about, and hearing about Nioucha's first-hand experience was a great way to learn about it. I liked that it read more like a story because it made it easier for me to understand and take in. I think that would be true for my students as well. As much as I liked the historical context of the story, I also really liked the daily living in the book. I love learning about how other people live, and this book gave me a nice picture of her life and the life of her family. That's important to me. It wasn't just about the history, but it was about showing the lives of the people who experienced it.

Can I add that I also like that it has a center section of photographs from Nioucha's life? When I was younger I was a sucker for books that included real pictures, so that part was perfect for me. But I also think it would be great for some of my middle school students. They like to see the real people in the story as well.

As I work to make sure my media center's collection is more diverse, I think this will be a great addition. It will be a great window into a culture and way of living that most of my students don't have experience with. But it will also broaden their knowledge of historical events.

Book Review: The Pumpkin War by Cathleen Young

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 May 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Title: The Pumpkins War
Author: Cathleen Young
Copy Obtained: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review

About the Book from Goodreads
At the end of every summer, Madeline Island hosts its famous pumpkin race. All summer, adults and kids across the island grow giant, thousand-pound pumpkins, then hollow one out and paddle in it across the lake to the cheers of the entire town.

Twelve-year-old Billie loves to win; she has a bulletin board overflowing with first-prize ribbons. Her best friend Sam doesn't care much about winning, or at least Billie didn't think so until last summer's race, when his pumpkin crashed into hers as she was about to cross the finish line and he won. This summer, Billie is determined to get revenge by growing the best and biggest pumpkin and beating Sam in the race. It's a tricky science to grow pumpkins, since weather, bugs, and critters can wipe out a crop. Then a surprise visit from a long-lost relative shakes things up, and Billie begins to see her family, and her bond with Sam, in a new way.

One sentence review: A great book for anyone who has fought with their best friend or has had their family change in unexpected ways.

Best for readers who: Like realistic fiction or like to garden

Best Stick-with-You Image: Seriously anything about the pumpkin growing or the size of the pumpkins. That always impresses me!

Library Thoughts: This book is perfect for younger middle school students. It has a great message, and I like the uniqueness of the story with the pumpkins.

This book had some very unique aspects. I haven't read a book where kids grow giant pumpkins, hollow them out and use them as a boat to race. That was pretty cool to read about. I think kids would find that interesting as well. The book begins with Billie planting her seedlings for that year's pumpkin, so it was fun to hear about what she all had to do. Very detailed. BUT that's not all she does. She also has a bee farm and harvests and sells honey. I loved how she did all this stuff. It makes her a great role model for any kid to show them what they are capable of if they just try! Love that.

I will say Billie was a struggle for me at times. She could be very stubborn and blind to her own faults. That was tough for me to see beyond at points. She was so mad at her former best friend for something she thought he did, and would not even fathom to believe she could be wrong. Her actions surrounding that whole part of the story would help kids this age maybe learn better or how to act if something like that happened with a friend of theirs. That's a great learning experience for them!

I did like the story involving the person who enters her life and her family. I won't go into to much. I don't think it would be too much of a spoiler to say who joins their lives, but I won't give that way. I thought it was something that some kids could relate to because it has happened in their family. Again - a great opportunity for them to learn how to deal with something they might be experiencing.

Over-all great little book! Well done.

In the Library May 3rd

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 May 2019 11:09:00 +0000

I am a middle school media specialist - grades 5-8.

Here are some things happening in our media center!

We just finished up testing. Well ok, we have one day of science test next week, but that's an easier one! So now we can finish the year strong and work at getting all our books back!

Last week I was lucky enough to have our American Indian Parent Advisory Committee gift us a selection of 26 books all with American Indians as positive characters or about the culture. I was very excited because that part of our collection is severely lacking! We either have nothing or what we have is old. What's even more perfect is that all the books were bought from Birchbark Books, so I know they are all well done and accurate. I cannot wait to get them cataloged and into the hands of the students!

A few other things in the library

I put out six speed cubes, and the kids loved them! Can't wait to do more with cubing next year.

I also put out one Snap Circuit set, and the kids really liked that.
Kids I had never seen stop and try something out were putting all the pieces together. It was great to see. That's what I want in the library - a reason for ALL kids to come visit.

I'm so looking forward to next year when I'll be full time and I can do even more! I'm wanting to have a theme each month. And I want to get into to classroom and do more books talks as well as help with tech integration. We'll see!!

Book Review: Calvin by Martine Leavitt

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 May 2019 10:46:00 +0000

Title: Calvin
Author: Martine Leavitt
Copy Obtained: Purchased

About the Book from Goodreads

As a child, Calvin felt an affinity with the comic book character from Bill Watterson’s Calvin & Hobbes.

He was born on the day the last strip was published; his grandpa left a stuffed tiger named Hobbes in his crib, and he even had a best friend named Susie. Then Calvin’s mom washed Hobbes to death, Susie grew up beautiful and stopped talking to him, and Calvin pretty much forgot about the strip—until now. Now he is seventeen years old and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Hobbes is back, as a delusion, and Calvin can’t control him. Calvin decides that Watterson is the key to everything—if he would just make one more comic strip, but without Hobbes, Calvin would be cured. Calvin and Susie (is she real?) and Hobbes (he can’t be real, can he?) set out on a dangerous trek across frozen Lake Erie to track down Watterson.

One sentence review: An important look at mental illness - a window into understanding schizophrenia.

Best for readers who: Want to learn more about mental illness or know someone with mental illness.

Best Stick-with-You Image: The cars in the middle of that lake. That was amazing.

Library Thoughts: Although it is clearly young adult, I will add it to my collection at the middle school. There is nothing in that I think would concern parents. And I think it's an important topic to have for students who need it.

This was a very quick read for me. I read it in one day. But an important read. I know very little about schizophrenia, so this book gave me some understanding that I was lacking before. I would like to know from someone with more experience how accurate a portrayal it is. My feeling is that it's pretty accurate, but I don't know for sure.

I really liked Calvin. I felt for him, understood him and wanted him to be ok. His character really made schizophrenia real because he was a real kid in my mind. And because of that, I feel like I gained so much from his story. Sometimes I wanted to shake him, but I grew to understand that his actions were what he thought he should do in the state he was in. That was important for me to learn. What I really liked was that he was still a teenager. That made him so much more real to me. His feelings for Susie, his feelings about school - all of it typical teenage stuff. That was perfect.

After this book, I hope to read more about mental illness. If you have suggestions feel free to leave them!

I do need to add that I'm a HUGE Calvin and Hobbes fan, so that part of the book was so perfect for me. I understood it all!

Book Review: Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 10:55:00 +0000

Title: Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
Author: Jonathan Auxier
Copy Obtained: Purchased

About the Book from Goodreads
For nearly a century, Victorian London relied on "climbing boys"--orphans owned by chimney sweeps--to clean flues and protect homes from fire. The work was hard, thankless and brutally dangerous. Eleven-year-old Nan Sparrow is quite possibly the best climber who ever lived--and a girl. With her wits and will, she's managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again.

But when Nan gets stuck in a deadly chimney fire, she fears her time has come. Instead, she wakes to find herself in an abandoned attic. And she is not alone. Huddled in the corner is a mysterious creature--a golem--made from ash and coal. This is the creature that saved her from the fire.

Sweep is the story of a girl and her monster. Together, these two outcasts carve out a life together--saving one another in the process.

One sentence review: A sweet story about a girl finding her way and finding a place to belong.

Best for readers who: Like stories with a bit of magic.

Best Stick-with-You Image: Her climbing through the chimneys. So claustrophobic!!!

Library Thoughts: For sure. Perfect for middle school and upper elementary students.

I enjoyed this book, but I will say I didn't love it fully. The story was great. I loved the whole chimney sweeps - very interesting especially when you read the author notes at the end. I learned a lot about chimney sweeps. I loved how it was about a girl who was very independent but also clearly wanting a family of some sort. And I loved her monster or golem or whatever you want to call him. Loved him! He made me laugh, made me cry - he was wonderful. By far my favorite part of the book! So overall I loved all that.

I think my issue was with her - Nan. She just rubbed me the wrong way some. I was supposed to feel for her and understand her. I understood she was the way she was because of how she grew up. I got that. But so many times she made such rash, non-thinking decisions that it frustrated me. I wanted to care about her so much more than I could because her actions and treatment of people got in the way of that. Not enough to dislike the book, because as you can see above I did like it. Her character just kept me from liking it 100%.

Now I'll still fully and enthusiastically sell this book to my students because I know many won't feel the way I did. I think my being an adult affected much of how I felt! And that cover! That alone will help me sell it to kids!

Maud Hart Lovelace Award Winners and New Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000

On Saturday I attended the MN Youth Reading Awards event to announce the winners of the Maud Hart Lovelace Award. I've gone now for three years in a row, and this year I really tried to encourage kids to read the Maud Hart Lovelace nominees so they could vote. I plan on doing even more this year.

So on to the winners!

I was actually surprised by the winner in Division 1. Not because I didn't like it! But I just didn't have as many kids read it. But when I thought about the fact that this division is for grades 3-5, and voted on by the kids, then it made perfect sense!

I was not at all surprised by the winner for this category. So many kids read, and loved, A Night Divided. I was super happy to see Ghost as an honor title!

Now the nominees for next year.

Division 1 Grades 3-5

I'm excited about Framed! and Towers Falling! Oh and Amina's Voice! (I won a drawing at the event and got to pick a book - that's the one I picked!)

Division 2 Grades 6-8

I've had so many kids read Refugee and love it. Plus many have read Terror at Bottle Creek! I'm excited for Piecing Me Together.

Have you read any of these? Any you're interested in?

Nonfiction Review: Owling by Mark Wilson

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 17:14:00 +0000

Title: Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night
Author: Mark Wilson
Copy Obtained: From publisher for an honest review

About the Book from Goodreads
From Hedwig, the Snowy Owl of Harry Potter fame, to Winnie-the-Pooh’s beloved friend Owl, this wide-eyed bird of the night has found its way into young hearts and imaginations everywhere. Owling invites young readers into the world of real-life owls, to learn about their fascinating behaviors and abilities.

Wildlife photojournalist and nature educator Mark Wilson presents a one-of-a-kind look into the mysterious lives of these distinctive birds. Dramatic images of the 19 owl species of North America nesting, flying, hunting, and catching prey are accompanied by information about the birds’ silent flight, remarkable eyes and ears, haunting calls, and fascinating night life. Kids will learn how to spot owls; identify their calls, plumage, and pellets; and even carry on a hooting conversation with a nearby owl.

One sentence review: Um owls, pictures and facts about real owls - need I say more? Ok - beautifully done!

Best for readers who: Like nonfiction and books about animals

Best Stick-with-You Image: I love snow owls so all the pictures of snow owls were the best.

Library Thoughts: YES! I know I have several middle school students who still love the animal books, so they'll love this one especially since it's full color photographs.

So I absolutely loved this book. Of course since this is The OWL I was taken in right away, but the quality of the book really solidified the deal. The book looks at several different species of owls including ones well known like the horned owl, to lesser knows ones like the short-eared owl. Plus there is a whole chapter on how to find owls! Serious need to read and follow that chapter because I can never find owls. And it ends with a chapter on working with owls. That was super fun because if you have a student who is interested in animals/wildlife this can give them some ideas for what they might explore or do in the future.

So glad I was introduced to this book! Love it!

In the Library: Poetry for April

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 12:45:00 +0000

I am a middle school media specialist - grades 5-8.

Here are some things happening in our media center!

April is National Poetry month, so we are doing some things to celebrate and encourage the reading/writing of poetry.

Here are some that students made:

And book spine poetry.

Several kids have make poetry from the magazine words. Still working on getting some to create spine poems.

Plus we have a display of books in verse, biographies on poets and poetry books. Thank you Kwami Alexander for making boys read books in verse!!!

Audio Book Review: People Like Us by Dana Mele - Read by Erin Spencer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Mar 2019 10:45:00 +0000

Title: People Like Us

Author: Dana Mele

Narrator: Erin Spencer

Kay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet, but the past is past, and she's reinvented herself entirely. Now she's a star soccer player whose group of gorgeous friends run their private school with effortless popularity and acerbic wit. But when a girl's body is found in the lake, Kay's carefully constructed life begins to topple.

The dead girl has left Kay a computer-coded scavenger hunt, which, as it unravels, begins to implicate suspect after suspect, until Kay herself is in the crosshairs of a murder investigation. But if Kay's finally backed into a corner, she'll do what it takes to survive. Because at Bates Academy, the truth is something you make...not something that happened.

One sentence review: I'm still up in the air about whether I liked it or not. Lots of twists and lots of bird-walks.

Longer thoughts: So seriously I don't know how I feel about this one. It was one of those books that I didn't know who to trust and who to believe (if anyone!). But also I had things figured out several chapters before the reveal. Ok, I had the big thing figured out not another detail that was yet to come out. I didn't like the main character, Kay. She was not a nice person and how she treated people was horrible. But I also didn't like any of the secondary characters. They were all rude and mean and self-centered. I found this so even for Nola the one girl that kinda befriends Kay as all this stuff is happening. So why did I keep reading then - I did want to find out what happened and who caused it. That part was interesting. And actually really interesting because I found myself wanting to get back to the story. But not at all because of the characters! I just don't know in the end if finding all that out was enough to make me like the book a ton. And the reveal at the very end (yes like last two pages) didn't help that. I'll guess I'll go with - It had parts that kept me interested when the characters could've driven me away.

Best stick-with-you image: Kay talking about her brother when he lost his life.

Thoughts on the audiobook: Very well done. Lots of voices to differentiate, and she did a great job!

In the Library

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 10:08:00 +0000

I am a middle school media specialist - grades 5-8.

Here are some things happening in our media center!

Our local Friends of the Library were very kind to us in honor of Read Across America Day. They bought us 10 books of our choice (and gave us a bonus book!) as well as provided the prize for a Create a Bookmark contest we had. We were very thankful for their kindness and generosity!

Yes this is me being a goof!

I also have to share this picture. When our students come into the library they have to have a pass, and they set that pass on our counter, so we know they are there.

This was during homeroom one day (it's 25 minute period). Let's just say it was a tad busy, but I LOVE it!

Unpopular Opinion Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000

Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Copy Obtained: Purchased

About the Book from Goodreads
Remember, it’s only a game…

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval—the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show—are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval…beware of getting swept too far away.

One sentence review: Clearly not a book for me. I was confused and didn't care about the characters.

Best for readers who: Like books that blur reality and fantasy

Best Stick-with-You Image: Not sure....

Library Thoughts: I probably won't put it in my middle school library, but if I was in high school I would

Super unpopular opinion, but this book just wasn't for me. I probably got about half way through and just gave up. I kept hoping it would get better, but it just didn't. My main issue - I didn't care about Scarlett at all. She annoyed me, I didn't find her realistic and I didn't care about anything that happened to her. It made me very frustrated that she knew Caraval isn't real but kept "forgetting" that. Also - I felt it meandered around too much and that made it hard for me to follow what was happening. So in the end, I just couldn't finish it. Sorry, all you that love it! I really really wanted to because I heard such great things about it!

Book Review: What Waits in the Woods by Kieran Scott

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 10:30:00 +0000

Title: What Waits in the Woods
Author: Kieran Scott
Copy Obtained: Purchases

About the Book from Goodreads
It's a beautiful, sunny day. Callie Velasquez holds hands with her boyfriend Jeremy as they follow Callie's new BFFs Penelope and Lissa up the trail. The four friends are embarking on a camping trip -- a trip that immediately goes awry. They lose their way on the trail, and encounter a charismatic stranger with questionable motives. And when Callie stumbles upon a dead body, it becomes clear that the danger that lies in the woods is deadlier than she could have ever imagined. Tensions mount and friendships are tested as these teenagers try to survive the most sinister of circumstances.

One sentence review: Perfect mix of tension, mystery and a dash of "who do I trust?".

Best for readers who: Like a book that keeps you guessing and trying to figure things out.

Best Stick-with-You Image: When Callie wakes up in the middle of the night and hears something. So scary!

Library Thoughts: We have this in the media center. I think it's perfect for fans of spooky books and books that keep you on the edge. I like that it's more YA but a younger middle school student could still ready it.

I really enjoyed this book. It was just a fun tension-filled read. I spent the entire book trying to find clues, put them together and figure out what was going on. I did figure out a few things before the characters (proud of myself for that!), but I didn't know it all. That I liked. Callie was a great character. She definitely showed growth and that was awesome. I like characters that grow and change. I will say that it did nothing for my thoughts about camping! I'm not a fan, and this didn't help that at all! Callie would wake up in the night and hear things - that's the part that always scares me!

Well done. Will be reading What Waits in the Water!

Book Review: Once and for All by Sarah Dessen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 12:49:00 +0000

Title: Once and for All
Author: Sarah Dessen

This is only the 2nd Sarah Dessen book I've read (well listened to in this case). I really enjoyed this one. It had lots of heart. I really felt for Louna. She had been through such a difficult situation that my heart went out to her. But I really admired how strong she was. That was great to see. I think something else I really liked was her relationship with her mom. It was a great example of how teenagers and parents can be close, and how parents can be included in the story. Very well done. So many times the story defaults to absent or never talked about parents, so this was a positive to see.

I also liked that Louna didn't need Ambrose to come in and make everything better. She was working on that on her own. He just happened to be part of that process.

I'm glad I read this one. Encourages me to read even more of her books.

Note: This definitely falls in the upper young adult category. Luona is graduating from high school so keep that in mind. I work with middle schoolers, so I wanted to make sure that was noted.

Book Tour: Riverdale: The Day Before by Micol Ostow +GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 10:30:00 +0000

Today I'm happy to feature Riverdale: The Day Before by Micol Ostow!

I've loved watching the series, so super excited to share the book with you!!!

Synopsis:

Original fiction based off the hit television series Riverdale!

Based on the massively successful CW show, Riverdale, this prequel novel explores what the gang was doing before Season One. Why did Jughead and Archie have a falling out? What did Veronica's life look like in the Big Apple? And how long has Betty really been in love with Archie? Told from multiple POVs, your favorite characters tell their story their way.

Links to the Books

Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Kobo
IndieBound

iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Micol Ostow has written over 50 works for readers of all ages, including projects based on properties like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and most recently, Mean Girls: A Novel. As a child she drew her own Archie comics panels, and in her former life as an editor she published the Betty & Veronica Mad Libs game. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two daughters who are also way too pop culture-obsessed. Visit her online at www.micol.ostow.com

GIVEAWAY

Prize: 3 copies of Riverdale: The Day Before & The Riverdale Student Handbook

US Only

Starts: 1/14

Ends: 1/30

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Death by the River Spotlight and Kinda Force +GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Paperback
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (October 2, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781944109141
ISBN-13: 978-1944109141
ASIN: 1944109145

Praise for DEATH BY THE RIVER

"... a thrilling psychological work ... Catching the current vogue of teen psycho and revenge tales like Bates Motel and 13 Reasons Why ... a horrifically brilliant book ... Beau Devereaux could have easily been a clichéd psycho, but the plot constructed around him and his development during the novel really shone as a masterpiece of character creation ... much in the style of Dexter or Hannibal." ―K.C. Finn, Multi-Award-Winning Author

"Rare is the story that simmers and rises to a boil so naturally and constantly that the reader manages to be repeatedly shocked ... a full-speed rollercoaster that doesn't slow down until the final page. Employing an evocative setting, powerfully defined characters, and taking along hard look at the darker side of human desire, this novel will catch your breath and hold it until the very end. RECOMMENDED" ―Michael Radon, US Review

"While the authors have written a chilling story here, there's more to Death by the River than thrills. It's actually a fascinating study into the effects of good and bad parenting on children. Do it badly and parents, children and society as a whole pay the consequences. This book is not just an exciting read; it's a sobering one." ―Viga Boland, Retired high school English teacher and Author of No Tears for my Father: Viga's true story of incest

"While the story follows compelling characters, it also plunges readers into an intriguing setting. It is ironical that the horrors are taking place along the river that runs so close to a seminary, an establishment that should evoke a powerful sense of God and reverence for life. The characters are sophisticated and readers will learn to honestly hate the villain of the story -- he is well imagined and developed with skill. In a subtle way, the authors allow his crooked mind to reveal itself. Like most serial killers, he is a charmer and an intelligent young man, but beneath the cool surface is a cauldron of simmering evil. Weis and Astor have written a riveting crime tale with strong psychological underpinnings. Death by the River is ingeniously plotted, written in gorgeous prose, and featuring a strong conflict that propels the narrative forward. The suspense intensifies as the story moves on, with the reader always feeling as though something awful could happen at any moment, and this feeling grows in intensity until the explosive climax. A real thriller!" ―Romuald Dzemo, Readers' Favorite

"A suspense-filled thriller steeped in equal parts atmosphere, insanity, and revenge." ―Mary Ting, Award-Winning Author of ISAN: International Sensory Assassin Network

"Weis and Astor have created something so dark, edgy, and gritty, it will stay with you long after you close the book." ―Julieanne Lynch, Dragon Award Finalist: Horror (2018)

"... a crime thriller that pulls readers into the twisted mind of the protagonist and holds them engaged till the exhilarating finish. The writing is flawless ... Death by the River is psychologically engaging, emotionally rich, and utterly absorbing." ―Christian Sia

Some truths are better kept secret.
Some secrets are better off dead.

Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.

And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux.

The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch.

He is also a psychopath.

A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize.

As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux.

And that someone will pay with their life.

WARNING: Readers of Death by the River will encounter situations of violence and sexual abuse which could be upsetting.

HOW THE STORY CAME TO BE

Death by the River was born from a nightmare. Lucas Astor has strange dreams. After Alexandrea Weis teamed up with him on the multi-award-winning Magnus Blackwell Series, their agent felt her experience as a nurse with victims of sexual assault could breathe life into the characters who suffer at the hands of the psychologically twisted Beau Devereaux. Weis's understanding of mental health issues also brought to life Beau’s decline into depravity.

EXCLUSIVE PROMOTIONAL BLAST

FANTASTIC NEWS BOOK NERDS!! We an awesome PROMOTIONAL BLAST for Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor's DEATH BY THE RIVER running from now until 11:59pm (PST) on the last day of the blast.

KINDLE FORCE - A PROMOTIONAL BLAST CREATED BY JEANBOOKNERD
A special promotional price ($4.99) for DEATH BY THE RIVER E-book will be set for the duration of the event. Make sure you get your copy now!

You can purchase Death by the River at the following Retailers:

Photo Content from Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor

Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, CRRN, ONC, PhD, is a multi award-winning author of over twenty-five novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured animals. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. Weis writes paranormal, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance.

Lucas Astor, Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight. He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.

Weis and Astor’s first collaboration was the multi-award-winning Magnus Blackwell Series.

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Cover Crush: Tiny Infinities by J.H. Diehl

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 11:00:00 +0000

I love book covers! I love walking around Barnes and Noble just looking at all the different covers.

A good cover will make me pull the book off the shelf! It's almost like I have a crush on them :)

Today I'm crushin' on:

About the Book:
When Alice's dad moves out, leaving her with her troubled mother, she does the only thing that feels right: she retreats to her family's old Renaissance tent in the backyard, determined to live there until her dad comes home. In an attempt to keep at least one part of her summer from changing, Alice focuses on her quest to swim freestyle fast enough to get on her swim team's record board. But summers contain multitudes, and soon Alice meets an odd new friend, Harriet, whose obsession with the school's science fair is equal only to her conviction that Alice's best stroke is backstroke, not freestyle. Most unexpected of all is an unusual babysitting charge, Piper, who is mute—until Alice hears her speak. A funny and honest middle-grade novel, this sharply observed depiction of family, friendship, and Alice's determination to prove herself—as a babysitter, as a friend, as a daughter, as a person—rings loud and true.

Why I'm crushin':
We have this book in the media center and when it first came it I left it sitting out because it was so pretty. In real life, it has glittery specks in the dark part towards the top. Then the green against the dark is so rich and pretty. I just love it!