Goldengrove

I just finished Goldengrove by Francine Prose. I love that her last name is Prose. I often make a mental note of how certain people have last names that reflect a portion of their personality or life. The book is written from the perspective of Nico, a 13 year old girl who mourns the tragic death of her beloved and revered older sister Margaret. The novel dissects the grieving that Nico's family endures, and their coping mechanisms. Nico finds solace in confiding in Aaron, Margaret's boyfriend, who is also in deep pain. Nico finds herself comforted by Aaron, and eventually finds herself becoming emotionally involved with him. For his part, Aaron sees his dead girlfriends personality in Nico, and she is willing to go along with his charade, as she may just be in love with him. It is a story that captures you and does not let you go. The authors use of language draws you right into the moment. I felt as though I could talk to each of the characters. I would highly recommend this book, but for older readers.

Thanksgiving Reading

Hi all,
Stuffed from a huge meal. Currently relaxing reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Eragon by Paolini and finishing The Book Thief for the second time. (It is even better with a second reading). I will take a break to scour the New York Times to catch up with the financial world and the tragedy in India. and then back to the books! Looking forward to seeing everyone at the BAA meeting on Wednesday, where we will discuss The Book Thief and choose our next title.

Hey guys!
So we should all basically be well into The Book Thief by now. We do have a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the book as many of the members of B.A.A were unable to make it last week! We will also be discussing what to do for Monday November 24th, our Twilight Movie vs. Book discussion. So just a reminder to all members of B.A.A come prepared on Wednesday! And if there is anyone who wants to join now, there is no penalty for joining late so try and get a word in with me or Ms. Roberts!
P.S. SO EXCITED FOR TWILIGHT! (LOVE ROBERT PATTINSON!)

Twilight

Twilight by Stefanie Myer definitely is the book with the highest circulation in our library right now. And for good reason- it is just plain fun to read. A true page turner. The movie is due to break at Midnight on November 20. Will Edward and Bella live up to the vision that readers have in their minds? How will the movie compare to the book? Come to the IMC after school on Monday, Nov. 24th to discuss your thoughts about the movie and the book.

The Wheatley School Book Club

Join The Wheatley School Book club and unleash the power of books. Our first "official meeting" will be Wed. October 15, after school in the IMC. We will be reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is the story of a girl, of Nazi Germany and of the power of words- both to save and destroy. It is a book that completely absorbs you; once you start, you will be unable to put it down. The story will stay with you forever. All are welcome to join, pick up a copy of the book in the IMC.

Banned Books Week 2008

Celebrating the Freedom to Read is the theme of Banned Books Week 2008. This is a National week-long event from Sept. 27- October 2, 2008. The American Booksellers Association and the American Library Association (ALA) Office of Intellectual Freedom work in partnership to sponser the event. "Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to not only choose what we read, but also to select from a full array of possibilities-a right that is firmly rooted in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of the press."(Judith Krug, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom)
In 2007, 420 books were challenged or banned, according to the ALA, and those are just the ones that have been reported. Celebrate YOUR freedom and YOUR constitutional right and and check out a Banned Book-see what all the controversy is for yourself.

The Wheatley School Book Club

If you are interested in joining The Wheatley School book club, stop in to the IMC. We plan on reading, of course, as well as exploring activities that will tie into the reading selected. This is YOUR club- no homework, no tests, just reading for the sheer pleasure of it, while learning along the way. We will have a table at the 8th grade club fair on the 23rd..stop by and sign up! ALL ARE WELCOME!

Weezie Bat

Read Weezie Bat by Francesco Lia Block yesterday (it is a very short book) and it made such a huge impression on me. The characters were all quite unusual and the story bounced back and forth between fantasty and reality. A free spirit living in LA, searching for love, finding it in the most unexected places, and realizing that love is all around. The author used her unique free association writing style quite effectively... I could not put the book down until I had read it straight through in one sitting. There are sequels, which I will certainly read. We have all the books in the library, so come on in and check them out. You will not be disappointed!

First Impressions

I could not be any happier than I have been the first few days at The Wheatley School. Students ,faculty,and staff have extended themselves to make me feel so welcome. New books are arriving in the library momentarily (I just checked the order status online) and I cannot wait to share them with you. If you have any book recommendations for the library please let me know... chances are great that if YOU liked it, so will your peers. As for my reading list, I am listening to In The Wood by Tara French, a contemporary mystery set in Ireland. I look forward to driving around so I can find out what unfolds. I am reading The Lords of Discipline for the second time, and I am as immersed in Pat Conroy's writing as I was the first time I read it. I have read all of his books, and he is one of my favorite authors. I am so impressed with his ability to layer complex human relationships within a tense and gripping plot.

What I am reading now

Reading Geraldine Brooks The People of the Book. It reminds me of The Da Vinci Code, which was NOT one of my personal faves, but I am enjoying this read. I think I will go read some of it now!

A New Beginning

Hi all,
I want to introduce myself. My name is Ms. Roberts and I am thrilled to join the Wheatley school as the Library Media Specialist. I am looking forward to meeting all the students, faculty and staff. I am spending my summer rearranging the library, playing tennis and READING! Hopefully, this blog will be a way for us to communicate about what we are reading, what we are thinking about reading, or just what is going on in our universe. Stop by the library and say hello!