Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Recently Read


Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. Persepolis is a great book. It's in graphic novel format but it is a biography. Marjane Satrapi tells about growing up in Iran before and during the Islamic Revolution of the late 70's and early 80's. Her family is modern and well-education and both of these facts leaves them as frequently targets of the revolutionary forces. Her family and friends were arrest, tortured and killed. Yet, Satrapi tells the story with a humor that makes it an enjoyable and eye-opening read. You will not regret reading this book and learning more about Iran.

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter. While most of us have heard about Cleoptra and Marcus Antonius, few know much about their daughter Cleopatra Selene. Shecter uses the few historical facts that are known and skillfully weaves in fiction to fill out the story. You cannot help but admire a character who does not resign herself to her fate but fights to be true to her mother. Eventually, she has to make concessions but in the end realizes that she has chosen the right path for her life. This is definitely well-written historical fiction. An author's note at the end separates the fact from the fiction and left me wanting to read more about Cleopatra Selene and her family.

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier. I read one of our new books this week and totally loved it. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier is the first in a series and the next one doesn't come out until next spring. I can't wait to continue the story. Here's the info on Ruby Red: Gwenyth Shepherd has lived her entire life in the shadow of her cousin Charlotte who possess the family time travel gene. Charlotte has been prepped to travel back in time for her entire life. She is having the headaches and dizzy spells that normally accompany someones first trip back in time. Suddenly, Ruby is thrusted back into the 18th Century and they discover that her mother has lied about her birthday for her entire life and she is the one with the time travel gene. Such a fun story. It has time travel and romance and humor and just great fun.

Recently Read

Books for Teens (and those who used to be Teens)

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. Persepolis is a great book. It's in graphic novel format but it is a biography. Marjane Satrapi tells about growing up in Iran before and during the Islamic Revolution of the late 70's and early 80's. Her family is modern and well-education and both of these facts leaves them as frequently targets of the revolutionary forces. Her family and friends were arrest, tortured and killed. Yet, Satrapi tells the story with a humor that makes it an enjoyable and eye-opening read. You will not regret reading this book and learning more about Iran.

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter. While most of us have heard about Cleoptra and Marcus Antonius, few know much about their daughter Cleopatra Selene. Shecter uses the few historical facts that are known and skillfully weaves in fiction to fill out the story. You cannot help but admire a character who does not resign herself to her fate but fights to be true to her mother. Eventually, she has to make concessions but in the end realizes that she has chosen the right path for her life. This is definitely well-written historical fiction. An author's note at the end separates the fact from the fiction and left me wanting to read more about Cleopatra Selene and her family.

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier. I read one of our new books this week and totally loved it. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier is the first in a series and the next one doesn't come out until next spring. I can't wait to continue the story. Here's the info on Ruby Red: Gwenyth Shepherd has lived her entire life in the shadow of her cousin Charlotte who possess the family time travel gene. Charlotte has been prepped to travel back in time for her entire life. She is having the headaches and dizzy spells that normally accompany someones first trip back in time. Suddenly, Ruby is thrusted back into the 18th Century and they discover that her mother has lied about her birthday for her entire life and she is the one with the time travel gene. Such a fun story. It has time travel and romance and humor and just great fun.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Paolini's Inheritance Number Three is announced

Announcing Inheritance, the Final Book in Christopher Paolini's #1 Bestselling Series. Eagerly awaited by millions around the world, the triumphant conclusion to Christopher Paolini's Inheritance cycle will arrive November 8, 2011.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Need to keep up

Obviously, I'm not doing a very good job keeping up with this blog. I have added book reviews and trailers, I just haven't written anything else. I'm loving it at Thomas Downey High School. It's a perfect job for me. I love working with kids on the computer, helping them find books to read, and even giving them their passwords for the network and PowerSchool. My webpage is still under construction http://downey.monet.k12.ca.us/library/index.html I've done a lot of webinars this year. They are a great way to take a class without leaving work. I've seen lots of good books and learned new technology skills. That's one of the best parts of my job- I have to keep learning to keep up with technology.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Thomas Downey High School

This week was my first week as the Librarian at Thomas Downey High School in Modesto, California. I totally enjoyed it. Even though we spent three days checking out textbooks, I still had a great time seeing all of the students at the schools. It was a crazy rush to get everyone through so I didn't get to talk to the students. I look forward to meeting them. This week is library check out starting tomorrow and Freshment Orientation starting on Tuesday.