December 31, 2011
November 30, 2011
Time To Read NOAHZARC!
By: D. Robert Pease
Published by Walking Stick Books
In this amazing space-age story, we are introduced to Noah Zarc, a twelve-year-old boy living in the future-- and the past. Noah and his family travel through the ages, bringing pairs of animals from the past to their specialized spaceship in preparation for re-inhabiting a post-apocalyptic Earth.
It doesn’t take long for the reader to put 1 and 1 together and compare the story to Noah and his family collecting animals 2 by 2 from the Bible.
Noah doesn’t stray away from adventure and excitement and finds himself looking into the face of danger more than once. Noah is a paraplegic but has the futuristic advancements making it possible for him to be a fantastic spaceship pilot and animal handler. We learn quickly that Noah’s disability will not deter him from his duties. His family doesn’t give him a chance to dwell on his disability- it is his abilities that are needed to save the animals and his parents when they are kidnapped, putting the animal mission at risk.
With his mom trapped in thirty-first century Mars and Dad trapped in the Ice Age, Noah and his siblings go into warp speed to save the future (and the past) of Earth. Noah finds an unexpected ally from the Ice Age- a girl that uses her primitive knowledge to track down the kidnapper and win over Noah’s heart.
Noah Zarc is a story that can be read over and over again! The sci-fi aspects will thrill even the most reluctant readers by introducing futuristic adventures that one can only dream about now. Destroying attack robots and testing thermal space suits during solo time travel while being a part of the ARC (Animal Rescue Cruiser) project puts this adventure story at the top of many “to be read” piles in my classroom. The paradoxes of time travel theory are sidestepped, as the spaceship simply jumps from time period to time period. The pull to read this futuristic story is as powerful as gravity on Earth.
The environmental issues discussed are concerns students face today. The extinction of animals and the destruction of Earth will register as a future possibility by the way humans are choosing to live presently. Animal lovers and earth-wise readers will connect immediately to the ARC mission.
Action, adventure, suspense, mischief and love makes this
a must read for all ages and interests.
This is a book I need to buy 2 by 2: I can’t keep the single copy on my shelf!
VIEW THIS TRAILER TO GET YOUR FIRST LOOK AT NOAHZARC
OMS Students: Submit an original book trailer on this book for your book study assignment
and earn a free personal copy!
November 8, 2011
Junonia by Kevin Henkes
"A junonia shell is a rare and exceptional find- and this novel for young middle grade readers delivers an equally exquisite thrill of discovery."
Alice Rice is looking forward to her annual family vacation on Sanibel Island, Florida - it will be her 10th birthday and her 10th trip to this beach full of memories. Her first double digit birthday promises to be filled with family, friends and sunshine. That is until her friends, family and even the sunshine leave her feeling alone and sad on her birthday. Change can be both good and bad? Will these unexpected adventures bring the luck that Alice has been wishing for and put the rare junonia shell in her hand?
The beautiful island setting and the waves of a young girl's emotions makes this a must read.
Kevin shares Junonia in this video
November 1, 2011
NaNoWriMo Means What?
October 20, 2011
Get Ready to be Blown Away!
Windblowne Review
By Emily D.--- 7th Grade
Windblowne, an amazing story by Stephen Messer is an exciting, fast paced book about a boy named Oliver who just can’t seem to get a kite to do what he wants. It all takes place in just three or four days in (sort-of) a town named Windblowne and the surrounding areas. It all starts when Oliver’s dad mentions that Oliver’s mom has a crazy expert kite maker for a great-uncle just one day before the annual kite flying contest that Oliver has always hopelessly dreamed about winning. So, Oliver seeks out his great-uncle, only to lose him the same day. Oliver is pulled into an adventure involving alternate worlds and evil twins. Will he be able to survive it all? Read Windblowne, by Stephen Messer to find out.
September 18, 2011
The Familiars: Three Are Choosen
The Familiars by: Adam Epstein and Andrew Jacobson
www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Secrets of the Crown is book 2 in The Familiars series by Epstein and Jacobson. This amazing fantasy/adventure book continues the quest for three very unlikely heroes to follow as the travel far and beyond to save their world and all those who live in it- animal and human.
Familiars, animals with special powers, have been partners and companions with their human friends for countless years. Our three prophesied heroes- a telekinetic cat, a spell binding bluejay and a water viewing tree frog have to leave their loyal humans behind while they search for the Crown of the Snow Leopard. Securing the Crown is their only hope in stopping Paksahara, an evil familiar, from destroying all that is dear to them.
Secrets of the Crown takes the reader to new, exciting and dangerous lands, introduces creatures never spoke of before and binds loyalty, friendship and family into an unstoppable force. Readers, be ready for a journey that leaves you with so many unfamiliar tales you can't stop turning pages.
Books one and two have set the stage for an epic clash of two very determined and opposing forces! Book three is sure to provide familiars and human companions a quest to end all evil encounters... or will it be just the beginning of yet another unforgettable adventure?
www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Secrets of the Crown is book 2 in The Familiars series by Epstein and Jacobson. This amazing fantasy/adventure book continues the quest for three very unlikely heroes to follow as the travel far and beyond to save their world and all those who live in it- animal and human.
 |
| Book 2 |
 |
| Book 1 |
Secrets of the Crown takes the reader to new, exciting and dangerous lands, introduces creatures never spoke of before and binds loyalty, friendship and family into an unstoppable force. Readers, be ready for a journey that leaves you with so many unfamiliar tales you can't stop turning pages.
Books one and two have set the stage for an epic clash of two very determined and opposing forces! Book three is sure to provide familiars and human companions a quest to end all evil encounters... or will it be just the beginning of yet another unforgettable adventure?
***Book three is in my Anticipated Book Box where I will wait impatiently for it to materialize.
-Note to readers: The Familiars is going to become an animated film- read it BEFORE you see it!
September 10, 2011
The Underwear Dare
The Underwear Dare: 5th Grade Couldn't get any Worse!
Sorelle Publishing Inc.
Imagine starting school and finding that you will be in the same class as the bully that has tormented you all through elementary school. Think life couldn't get worse? Think again...your dad has decided to marry his mom, making you roommates both in and out of school!
Eddie and Josh must find a way to survive during this unpleasant turn of events. Creating a series of dares that only boys could come up, the reader is entertained with a series of embarrassing and gross events.
The Nardini Sisiters have shared a book that is so realistic, you can well, smell the tension. As problems are encountered resolutions are found leaving the reader with a realistic and fun to read story about life's adventures in today's pre-teen world.
Guest review by Mrs. Simpson-
This is a book that you should read! It is about normal kids finding themselves in not the best situations. It is interesting to see how they get themselves into and out of the mishaps. This book exceeds the gross factor scale of all books read!
The back cover has a warning label:
"Read only if you can handle being grossed-out by
popping vomit, silent but deadly farts, vibrating burps
and other dares not for the faint of heart!"
September 9, 2011
Guys Read that will Also "Thrill" Gals
Edited by J. Scieszka
Harper Collins Children- Walden Pond PressStories by M.T. Anderson, Patrick Carman, Gennifer Choldenko,
Matt de la Pena, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Bruce Hale,
Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Anthony Horowitz, Walter Dean Myers,
and James Paterson. Illustrated by Brett Helquist.
"A body on the tracks
A teenage terrorist
A mysterious wish-granting machine
The world’s worst private detective "
Being released this month is Volume 2 of the Guys Read Library. There couldn't be a better collection of suspenseful short stories today! The mysterious titles give a hint to the characters and mayhem readers will experience. The Old, Dead Nuisance, Thad, the Ghost, and Me, the Snake Mafia, and The Double Eagle Has Landed are a few stories that will keep you reading. Pudding by Krosoczka shares text with art giving a new look to short stories.
One of my favorite reasons I love this series is simple- short stories that can easily be abandoned if not quite what I want to read, with a new set of characters on the next page.
Just so there is full disclosure, this anthology has a female author, Margaret Peterson Haddix and you may even read about a girl or two in the stories. I know that boys will love this book, but girls will be reading and enjoying this as much as they devoured the 1st book of Guys Read: Funny Business.
A great site to find more guy reads choices: http://www.guysread.com/books/
September 5, 2011
Fall Book Releases/ Purchases
This fall is one of the busiest and most exciting seasons I have seen when it comes to middle grade and young adult book releases. Many of these books I couldn't resist pre-ordering and will soon be on the shelves under our Wall of Wonderful.
Here are a few new releases that I would love to share:
Vordak the Incomprehensible: Rule the School by: Vordak T. Incomprehensible-Sequel to Vordak the Incomprehensible: How To Rule the WorldDarth Paper Strikes Back: An Origami Yoda Book by: Tom Angleberger Sequel to The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Sprinkles and Secrets by: Lisa Schroeder Sequel to It's Raining Cupcakes
The Familiars #2: Secrets of the Crown by: Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson Sequel to The Familiars
Ashfall by: Mike Mullin http://www.mikemullinauthor.com/
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
September 4, 2011
Mrs. P's Magic Library Writing Contest
Our 1st Skype this year will be with Mrs. P in her Magic Library!
She will share information about her writing contest and a few laughs.
Here is some information from her web site:
Did you ever read a story and think, “I could do that!” Well, now’s your chance to prove it. Enter Mrs. P’s 3rd Annual “Be-A-Famous-Writer” Contest. Write a story, submit it to MrsP.com – and Mrs. P herself might read your story on her website!
ENTRY DATES September 1st to October 15, 2011
For Writers ages 4 to 13 years of age
Mrs P invites children to write a story on any topic, no less than 250 words and not to exceed 1,000 words. It may be fiction or non-fiction. All participants must be between the ages of 4 and 13 years old. There are two age competition categories: 4 to 8 years of age, and 9 to 13 years of age.
The two (2) Grand Prize winners’ stories will be read by Mrs P and original illustrations will be created. The lucky child will receive an actual copy of the story in addition to having it posted on the web site (www.mrsp.com) for viewers to watch and enjoy. MrsP Enterprises, LLC pays all costs of producing the winning book and video. Additionally, all 10 finalists in the contest receive prizes from the contest sponsors. Powell’s Books, the largest independent bookseller in the world, who has been a sponsor since the first year of the contest and our new sponsor, Sakura of America, an innovator in writing and artistic tools, believes in the Power to Express® - the idea that EVERYONE has ideas and thoughts worthy of expression. Sakura’s advocacy of individual self-expression makes them a perfect new sponsor of Mrs. P’s writing contest.
September 1, 2011
Warrior Sheep Go West
by: C and C Russell
Sourcebooks Publishing
The rare breed warriors are back with a quest that will take them from England, over the Atlantic Ocean and into the hot Arizona desert in the USA.
After seeing a pop up message on the laptop playing music in their barn, the warriors are sure that "Red Tongue" is out to destroy every ram, ewe and lamb in the world. This was declared as truth in the Songs of Fleece Prophecy hundreds of years ago.
Following the prophecies directions to "Go West" Wills and friends end up in Las Vegas. Will they be able to stop the "Red Tongue" monster before it is too late?
Travel along with the rare breeds and enjoy a mystery that is full of fun and silliness.
August 31, 2011
Please vote daily- we won last year- we can do it again with your help!
Every email address counts-let your family and friends know.
It is easier to win at the beginning-the votes go into the next week- THANKS!Limeades for Learning allows SONIC customers and fans to make a difference in their local communities by voting for public school teacher projects they want SONIC to fund.
Participation is easy and this year there are three ways to cast your vote at LimeadesforLearning.com
- Anyone with a valid email address can go online and vote for their favorite teacher's project once per day.
- Get two extra votes with any SONIC purchase. Vote codes are provided on the bag sticker.
- Vote online 10 times and get two extra votes. Vote codes will be sent via email.
"An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea." - Buddha
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