Well; since my last post, I have not only finished "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks", I have begun and finished "The Power of Six" by Pittacus Lore. 

Let me begin with "Henrietta".  This is definitely a High School/Adult read but the publisher will be releasing a "Young Reader's Edition" next October.

Last year, I read "I Am Number Four" by Pittacus Lore before it came out as a movie.  I have not yet seen the movie but would most definitely suggest the book.  If you would like to learn more about the series, click HERE.  After the first, I anxiously awaited the release of "The Power of Six" this year.  The story continues with John Smith, now a fugitive as well as alien running from the evil Mogadorians along with "Six", another of the 10 children sent to earth from the planet Lorian to help save their planet.  I admittedly don't usually read Science Fiction but can't wait until August of 2012 when "The Rise of Nine" is released.  For a video clip on the release of book 3, click HERE.

Now, on to my next book ... I haven't decided on a title yet. 

"Forgive My Fins" ... A very nice read!

Well, I am making progress toward my goal of reading a book a week this year.  I have now finished "Forgive My Fins" and have moved on to a Nonfiction title; "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot was suggested by a colleague for a possible student read.  Yesterday, was the first day I opened the book and after reading for about a hour, I am on page 80.  This is a title with significant content but easily understood.

A brief summary:  You may or may not have heard of Henrietta Lacks but you or somebody you know has probably benefited from something her family did not even know about ... You see, Henrietta was diagnosed with cervical cancer.  The Doctors took some of her cancerous cells without her knowledge.  It was those cells that helped developed, among other things, a vaccine for polio!  The book takes the reader through a multitude of issues including ethics, race, medicine, and healing.  A definite suggestion -

For more information about the book, author, and content click HERE

"Perfect Chemistry" Done ... "Forgive My Fins" Next ...

I finished "Perfect Chemistry" and am the type that does not usually read the sequels BUT I am actually waiting for "Rules of Attraction" to come back so I can read it.  I still maintain that it is totally a book that boys would be interested in as well as girls.  Sex, drugs, gangs, love, and growing up all have a part in the book. 

Over the weekend, I picked up "Forgive My Fins" by Tera Lynn Childs.  Click HERE for more information about the author, etc.  I am nearly done and although I did not enjoy it as much as "Perfect Chemistry", it is still something that I would suggest as a "good read". 

As the book begins, it is a bit confusing but quickly becomes clear.  Lily, is a mermaid heir to the throne of Thalassinia who has moved in with her aunt on dry land after she finds our her mother was human.  Lily has another secret; she is also in love with Brody and would love to go to the big dance with him.  She finally gets up the nerve to ask him only to be turned down.  Meanwhile, Lily's annoying neighbor and classmate Quince (who secretly likes her) hatches a "plan" to help her win Brody over ...

The plan doesn't go as Lily expects and she finds herself having to explain to Quince why, after he kisses her, he notices changes ... changes that require him to drink salt water and have a saltwater bath each day!  You will have to read the book yourself to find out what happened to Quince, why Lily is so angry, and what they do about it.



My New Read - "Perfect Chemistry"

So; I have been a bit behind in my goal of reading a book a week.  The last title I chose, Cheesie Mac, fell short for me and I returned it. 

At the beginning of this week, I picked up "Perfect Chemistry" by Simone Elkeles.  It is rarely on the shelf so when it was returned and there was not another student waiting, I decided to give it a try.  The first thing that struck me was that, although only read by girls, it is TOTALLY, a boy book as well.  Think "West Side Story" set in the present; Bad boy, good girl.  Forced to be Chemistry partners, Brittany and Alex come from opposite sides of the track and cannot stand to be around each other ... or can they? 

So far, so good and I should be finished reading it today.  I would suggest it as teen romance with gang activity, and drugs, guns, sports, and school all wrapped up in one.  A definite suggestion by ANYBODY (both girls and boys). 

For more information about the author click HERE or to see the book trailer rap for Perfect Chemistry, click HERE.

Book 2: Joan Bauer "Close to Famous"

Onward ... I am beginning the second book of my goal to read 1 Young Adult title a week.  Initially, I chose a "Fantasy" book and then put it down and decided on Close to Famous by Joan Bauer.  Information about the author can be found here and information about the book here. 

During my initial "sitting" to read, I found that it was something I could NOT put down.  Foster McFee, a young girl living with her mother find themselves running from an abusive boyfriend at midnight.  Not knowing exactly where they are headed, Foster's mom just drives.  Without giving too much away, they stop in West Virginia and through the generosity of the tow truck driver and his wife, have a place to live.  Foster meets a couple friends and even a famous actress.  A more important theme however, is Foster's LOVE, LOVE, LOVE of baking; and that is a good thing because her mother cannot :)  ... I can't wait to sit down and read more. 

I haven't even finished it and I know it will have my vote!

Book 1: Complete "N.E.R.D.S: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society

Well; I did it and have completed my first book of the school year. If I had to give a point value for  N.E.R.D.S  National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society by Michael Buckley, I would say it is around a 7 out of 10.  I was good but was not something I would say "I just couldn't put it down".  I admit having to sit in the Doctor's Office for an hour helped me get it done.

Jackson Jones is a very popular young man in the 5th grade ... that is until his father makes him get braces.  After that, he is picked on, bullied, and put down.  You see though ... before the braces, Jackson was the one doing the picking, bullying and putting down and now finds himself on the opposite side.  Through a series of events that I will not share (that wouldn't be fair would it?) Jackson becomes a member of N.E.R.D.S; an elite society of other children that are spies. The children are trained to use their weakness as a strength and  have been selected because they are NOT afraid of technology. Anyway, these children that, at first, do not like Jackson find themselves in the end depending on his skills to save their lives and the world.   Jackson learns more about who he is and what he can do.

This was a good book and I think that if you choose to read it that it will be enjoyable as there seems to be something for everybody (humor, action, adventure, with a little real life and mystery thrown in).  If you do choose to read it, stop by and let me know what you think.

N.E.R.D.S by Michael Buckley

So; my first selection for a title to read and share thoughts about is N.E.R.D.S by Michael Buckley. Michael Buckley is also the author of Sisters Grimm a very popular choice among 6th and 7th grade students. For more information about Mr. Buckly and his titles, please check out Amazon or individual sites about the books; Sisters Grimm or Team N.E.R.D.S.

N.E.R.D.S of (National Espionage, Rescue and Defense Society) is about a group of unpopular 5th grade students that run a spy network from the school's basement. I have only just begun the book and haven't gotten much beyond the characters. Take a took at the "Book Trailer" on "You Tube" and let me know if you think it will be a good book.

Welcome Back! New Titles

WELCOME to the NCCS Middle/High School Library BLOG ... My goals are to keep you informed about new titles, offer thoughts about books I have read or read about, and/or suggest titles.  Of course, I accept that this BLOG might evolve into something totally different and look forward to the possibilities.

The NCCS Middle/High School Library adds books to its collection periodically throughout the year.  The first BIG addition comes in September.  There will be a book rack near the Circulation Desk with these titles on it.

There are also many "series" titles that we try and maintain; please check out this page for new titles in your favorite series.

This year one of my goals is to read a book a week and then post a summary and/or thoughts.  If you have a book title in mind that you would like to recommend, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Lastly, please make use of the Library and what it has to offer you!  Our collection of print titles is growing and we believe there is a good quality and range of genres.  You also have access to computers; from popular search engines to new ones along with databases (free and paid), with the help of Library Staff, options are vast.  All you need to do is ask.  We look forward to seeing and hearing from you!