Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hitler's Canary by Sandi Toksvig


Mrs. Finn asked me to review this book for her students and library blog.  Being a smart guy, I acted swiftly on the directive.  My summation ensues.

I would set the tone here with an opening salvo: I found the book a quick, engaging read that generated thoughts over the course of my day.  In short, impacting.  A pleasant surprise, this example of historical fiction is most likely suitable for fifth graders and up, notably the high end youth reader able to respond to the general invitations offered through the descriptions, yet protract additional thoughts to understand the gravity of the events.  There are no overly graphic scenes or dialogues that may be approaching limits of acceptability for sensitive readers, however, in a stroke of writing mastery, a young reader can certainly understand the drama of the events.  Certainly as an adult reader, I could- and did- give thought to what happened in more detail after certain events. A primary example here: when Anton’s younger sister broke from hiding to retrieve a doll and was captured and taken away by the Gestapo…

Beyond the broader conflict of the German occupation in Denmark, the additional dramas of a teen’s coming of age and internal family conflict offered compelling sub-plots to the main story line.  Specifically, the relationship of Bamse’s admiration of his older brother versus his own sense of worth, his sister’s relationship with the German soldier and the dramatic relationship between Bamse’s father and his Uncle.  All of these relationships transform in response to the broader conflict at hand, leaving one to wonder how frequently this played out in the various Danish households.  To this end, there’s a broader lesson offered with the contemplation and handling of family dynamics.  This a benefit that may apply to many readers. 

As a whole, I would generalize this as a story of hope and courage.  Noting the latter, it is a solid illustration of how people can change through fear, taking action “in doing what is right.”  Early on, I could see the book title’s relation to the script.  The German occupation “caged” the Danish, who were pleasant and non-threatening, peaceful if you will.  However, across the chapters the “canary” responded to the observations surrounding the cage, and broke free despite the risk of the unknown and potential dangers.  Accordingly, Hitler’s Canary should be released to middle school readers as an introduction or continuation of discussions specific to the Holocaust so that the Holocaust and associated stories of courage- of humanity- can be shared with others into the future.     

Captainesque

Welcome Back!

Where have you been?  We have missed you!  Be sure to add your travels to the library bulletin board! 

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Demonata: Lord Loss


This is a very addictive, very entertaining book series. However: Young eyes beware! Some content may be inappropriate for non-middle-school readers. It is about demons and fighting them off... by chess. That's right, a classic strategy game has turned into the problem decider for this suspenseful book.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

We Give Books

Click on the title above and check out this site.... 

We Give Books is a new digital initiative that enables anyone with access to the Internet to put books in the hands of children who don't have them, simply by reading online.   Read a book.  Give a book.

All of the books available for online reading are children's picture books appropriate for children through age ten. There is a mix of fiction and nonfiction, a range of authors, and an equal balance between read-alouds and books for independent readers. New books are added every month, together with special seasonal offerings.

The We Give Books team works upfront with non-profit literacy partners to identify the kinds of children's books that best fit their program needs. Some of the same great books you can read online will be donated to our charity partners through your reading efforts. We also donate others they request specifically for the young people they serve.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Listen to the first chapter The Alchemyst by Michael Scott...great series!

For all you Twilight readers...have you checked out his series???

Monday, February 14, 2011

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Wait Until Helen comes

Vanished

Travel Team

Titan's Curse

The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Graveyard Book

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Skybreaker

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Shooting Stars

Sea Biscuit

Sea of Monsters

Sea of Monsters

Red and Me

Private

Private

Princess of the Midnight Ball

Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars

Megan Meade's Guide to the McGown Boys

L.A. Candy

Killer

Holes

Hatchet

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Freddie and Me

Flawless

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Dear John

The Summoning

Before I Fall

Assassin

Assasin

Two Way Street

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Travel Team

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Crocodile Tears

Charlie St. Cloud

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

Banner in the Sky

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Ruby Lavender

Hit and Run

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls

The Red Pyramid

The Fellowship of the Ring

Bunnicula

Shutter Island

Stormbreaker

Lily's Ghost

Freefall

Frindle

Pagan's Crusade

The Warrior Heir

Wild Things

Umbrella Summer

The Blindside

Supernatural

Shiloh

Revenge of the Wannabes

Battle of Labyrinth

Frindle

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

On Pointe

Mockingjay

The Lightning Thief

Killing Mr. Griffith

Hoot

Heat

Found

Fallen Angels

Doctor Who: The Taking of Chealse 426

The Clique

Cinderella

Charlie St. Cloud

Artemis Fowl

Airman

Who Was Elvis Presley?

Thirteen

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

The Hobbit

The Glory Days

The Fellowship of the Ring

Tales from the House of Bunnicula

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Lost Years of Merlin

Lawn Boy

Time Cat

I.Q.

I So Don't Do Mysteries

I Capture the Castle

Hatchet

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Monday, January 10, 2011

Monday, January 3, 2011

Coming soon! All New Digital Book Trailers

The middle school students have finished their digital book trailers and I will begin uploading them this week!  There are over 180 new trailers for you to enjoy!  Please feel free to comment on their projects!  They have worked hard over the last month!  

Survey....

Welcome Back! I have extended the survey time to the end of January due to our Christmas Break and snow days...please take the time to answer the quick question!