Killing Lincoln by O'Reilly & Dugard

This being the 150Th anniversary of the Civil War/Battle of Manassas, this book was quite interesting to read. I especially liked the early part of the book detailing Grant surrounding Lee in the center of the state of Virginia forcing Lee to surrender at Appomattox. Over the summer I read 'Chasing Lincoln's Killer'. This book and the 'Killing Lincoln' are so similar in text it was like reading 'Chasing .... all over again. When detailing Lincoln's assassination the facts don't change from book to book. The O'Reilly book perhaps more historic with more details then Chasing Lincoln's Killer is worth reading. Even for the facts bringing end to the Civil War, Lee and Grant. Also how so many of our nations early soldiers in command actually went to West Point together but also fought on the same side during the Mexico War. Then divide over states rights and slavery.

Intriguing is how so many knew each other connected by war or just coincidences?

Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick

When I read Hugo, I had to share it with my students. Hugo doesn't stay on the shelf in the library at school. There is a waiting list (holds) for this book. I am afraid this will happen when I take my copy of Wonder Struck to school. I stayed up last night to finish reading the book. I was pulled through the book. The more I read about Ben wanting to find his Dad, the more the pictures of the deaf girl seeking answers pulled me through the book.

I attended the National Book Festival had Mr. Selznick autograph my copy but I also attended his presentation. I knew from listening to the presentation, Ben and the girl would meet up. When? and How? that you need to read the book to find out. I hope my students will enjoy Wonder Struck as much as I did.

I am from NY, Long Island to be exact. I have been to the American Museum of Natural History several times but not to the Queens Art Museum. I plan to do both again over Thanksgiving break. I attended the world's Fair back in 1963-64 but don't remember seeing the Panorama of NYC. I hope to be awed and amazed again.

Enjoy Wonder Struck and if you haven't read Hugo you need to pick up the book before seeing the movie.

hold still by Nina LaCour

Do you keep a journal? Ingrid did. Ingrid slips it under Caitlin's bed. Why would Ingrid do that, was it her way to say good bye? They were best friends. Caitlin learns through Ingrid's journal to live again making friends.

Shattered by Sarah N. Harvey

March is angry, her boyfriend is cheating on her. She pushes him away. He falls and hits his head, March calls 911 and Tyler is alive. Guilt comes over March, she is beautiful, smart and perfect in many ways. She changes cuts her hair, tosses away her contacts, changes the color of her hair gets a job at a downtown store selling novelty items. March is worried, will Tyler forgive her, will he come out of his coma and can she tell him she is the one that pushed him and left him after she called 911.

I enjoyed this fast paced book. Gets you thinking about guilt, responsibility and changes to be made.

Powerslide by Jeff Ross

I know nothing about skateboarding but I did learn alot by reading Power slide. Casey is asked to be a stunt double for an actor making a skateboarding movie. Casey is challenged by Goat to see who is the best at skateboarding. The actor, Jack, wants to learn techniques of skateboarding as the other two challenge each other at different venues. Does Casey do the stunts for Jack? Is the movie made?

I went along for the ride and enjoyed the book.

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

His name is Bruiser Why? because he gets into fights with his peers? because is drunken Uncle beats him? Hmmm! Bronte has a date with Bruiser. Tennyson her brother is concerned that Bruiser might hurt her, why? Bruiser has welts, bruises, and other injuries to his body but how did he get all those marks? Bruiser is tall and strong so what is the issue?

So many issues and questions you need to read the book to find the answers to who, what, why and how. Keep a tissue close at hand.

I liked this book. It was a summer read for me so I could book talk it with my students when they visit the library. Now I'm back to school and sharing really good books with my students.

if you come softly

written by Jacqueline Woodson
Is it black vs white vs being Jewish vs being a Christan

Two fifteen year olds, Jeremiah and Ellie, meet at school and immediately feel an attraction between them. Jeremiah, an African American, is the son of a famous movie director and author. Ellie is the daughter of a white, Jewish doctor. Drawn together through shared pain, Jeremiah’s parents are divorced and Ellie’s mother has abandoned her in the past, they recognize a kindred spirit in each other. Even as Jeremiah and Ellie enjoy their developing relationship, the two must face the opposition they feel from family, friends, and outsiders.