GRJH Library Blog

Reading level-4.9     Point Value-9.0

First off I want you to know that this book WON the 1995 Newbery medal…that’s quite an accomplishment!

This is book that tells the story of Sal, a thirteen-year-old girl, who goes on a trip with her grandparents, taking the same route her mother took when she left home some months before. As they go, Sal tells the story of her friend Phoebe, whose mother also left home.

Secondly, recently, a professor of American Indians in Children’s Literature noted that this was not a good book because it did not accurately portray American Indians. I don’t know what I think…the professor did make some good points that maybe the author of the book had not thought of…on the other hand maybe she was splitting hairs.

I’d like to know what YOU think…but I think you should read the book first, then tell me.

Mrs. Freed

Reading Level-5.8 Point Value-3.0

This book gave me a lot to ponder on…it’s short but powerful! The topic is about Raquel dying and how it affects the people in her life. This includes her father, her best friend and classmates who didn’t really know her but at least one who wishes she had at least tried to be her friend. It is sad but there was one part where I was laughing so hard I almost cried–but in a good way! It made me think about a DNR and whether I think it is a good idea or not. If YOU want to know what a DNR is you are going to have to read this book….when you do let me know what YOU think.

Mrs. Freed

Reading Level 5.3 Point Value 16.0

The second book in the Hunger Games trilogy “Catching Fire” make me ready for the last one! Still following Katniss Everdeen’s perspective, this one takes her and her fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta, home as winners of the Hunger Games. Victory is not as she expects. There is more food, more money, a better home but also unrest from many quarters. The president of Panem is not happy with her performance and winning the Hunger Games doesn’t mean it’s the end of her troubles. This book ends with a what’s-going-to-happen situation…I can’t wait to see how author Suzanne Collins ends it!

Mrs. Freed

Reading Level 5.3   Point Value 15.0

This is one of those books I didn’t really want to read. We have had it in the Junior High Library for quite a while and Dorothy Johnston (H.S. librarian) kept saying how often it was getting checked out with her, so I thought I would see. I am so glad I did…this book ranks right up there with “Twilight”!!!

Katniss Everdeen is the protagonist of this story. She lives in a future world where the country is divided into 12 districts.  The evil rulers of this country, Panem, control the people by having a yearly game in which 1 person from each district is pitted against the others. By taking her sister’s place, sixteen-year-old Katniss is in a life or death struggle to the finish. There is a love triangle to complicate things but it does NOT make this book your typical girly-girl book.

For those of you who are not into science fiction this book is a wonderful way to start. I enjoyed it very much!

Mrs. Freed

Reading Level-7.5   Point Value-6.0

 This nonfiction story is true and very fascinating. It involves all the characters involved in the murder of President Abraham Lincoln. John Wilkes Bothe is a big part of the story but the lesser known people like Samuel Mudd and John Harrison Surratt are discussed as well as the ones who were hanged. The story begins with Lincoln deciding to go the theater and ends with an epilogue that explains what happened to the supporting players. Using newspapers, letters, manuscripts, pamphlets, books, trial transcripts and other documents,  the author makes you feel as if you are actually watching the most tragic play ever…but it’s real!  Just about everyone knows that President Lincoln was killed but this book gives you step by step directions as to how it all happened. 

Pictures are included.

Reading level-5.3  Point value-9.0

So many kids come into the library and assume that I have read EVERY book in here! I have not…but I wanted to read some that you have read and liked, so here is my review of “Touching Spirit Bear”.

Cory Matthews is the protagonist of this story and he is very angry young man. Fighting is something he does as an outlet for his anger.  When he attacks a boy at school and seriously hurts him, it looks as if he may go to jail. Instead he is sent to an Alaskan island by ‘Circle Justice’ a discipline that is based on Native American traditions. Here he lives alone with nature. When the Spirit Bear of the title and Cory face each other, it is a fight Cory cannot win. Later he learns the Spirit Bear can teach him many things. With time to think and ponder on why he is here, Cory realizes that the Bear and the boy he hurt, deserve respect and that he must accept responsibility for his behavior and the consequences that come with it.

Mainly boys have checked this book out but I think anyone would like it. I enjoyed this book very much!

Mrs. Freed

Reading level-6.2  Point value-11.0

What a “WOW” idea for a book plot!! This is set in the future in England.  People now have the opportunity to live forever if they will take a drug AND sign the “Declaration”. As in Margaret Peterson Haddix’s “Among the Hidden” series, children are the issue and in this case ALL children are considered illegal. Anna, the protagonist, is considered a “surplus” and is training to be a “valuable asset.” When a new “pending” named Peter, comes into her life and tells her that her birth parents are looking for her, she has to change and reevaluate all that she has been taught and believes to be true. There some drama, a little love story, a mystery…this book has it all!!

Mrs. Freed

Reading level-7.2 Point value-11.0

If you are a reader that likes a different kind of book, one that makes you “think” this may be the book for you. It’s about a lonely teenager, Noah, who lives with his grandmother who has taken him in when his parents die. When she decides to have a facelift, a nurse comes to take care of running the house. Nurse Grace has tragedy in her background but she is dedicated to helping Noah come out of his shell. Noah was a conjoined twin and when the city is besieged by a sniper he has a hard time coming up with who it might be.

Mrs. Freed

If any of the students/faculty have any books that they recommend please post…you know, I can’t read everything…I wish I could, but I can’t!!  �

Mrs. Freed

Okay, I get it; nobody likes to read about dead people…How about this one? “The Luxe” is set in the 19th century but the story itself is very modern. Elizabeth is about to marry Henry for his money but she really loves Will who is quite poor. Henry dallies (look it up!) with Penelope even though ultimately he makes a connection with Diana who is Elizabeth little sister. And finally Lina pines for Will who actually likes Elizabeth! This is a soap opera in book form. It is also an A.R. book. The RL is 6.8 and PV is 15.0.

Mrs. Freed