Probable New Series: Number Six

Teri Hall's The Line is her first book and the last page had me thinking, "OK, now that you've told me that...where is the next chapter." Sigh.

Rachel is the main character in The Line. Her mother and her live on estate with Ms. Moore. The estate is in a relatively isolated area which borders the line. The line is an invisible barrier to Away. The government created the National Border Defense System to keep invaders out; it also kept citizens out (and in) when it was activated. Many scary stories are told about what is living in Away, but Rachel doesn't quiet believe them, and when she hears a cry for help from Away - a young man's voice - she is even more curious. Now, she discovers her country's true history and the parts her parents played during the War.

Is this a grab you right away book? Nope. Is this a nail-biting, action-packed, cliff-hanger? Nope. Is it worth reading? Yes, because it makes you think about freedoms we take for granted and the dangers of being unaware, uninformed and complacent.

Four and Five: Discoveries and Decisions

Sherri L. Smith's Flygirl is the story of Ida Mae Jones. Ever since her father went to Chicago to aeronautics school and returned home with his own plane, all Ida Mae has wanted to do is fly. There are a few problems with this given it is the 1940's. First, most females don't fly airplanes. Second, Ida Mae is an African American. As far as her mother sees it, that is "two strikes against her" even if her skin color is much lighter than most. When the U.S. Army forms a group of women pilots - WASP - Women Airforce Service Pilots - Ida Mae sees an opportunity. However, to be a WASP (It seems as though the W could have stood for white too) Ida Mae pretends to be someone she isn't and along the way discovers who she really is.

Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings takes place in Maryland, along the Chesapeake Bay. Brady, and his best friends J.T. and Digger, are in middle school and love to go fishing, crabbing, boating and swimming. The crabbing industry is suffering and times are lean for many families. But the land is valuable since the area is beautiful; rich families buy and build and move into their very exclusive homes built on the land that Brady, T.J. and Digger used to call their own. They bring their fancy cars, their motor boats, and even a kayak. However, one day tragedy strikes one family - the DiAngelos - when their kayak overturns in the bay. The tragedy is difficult for Brady to deal with, and when he discovers the truth, he must make a decision that could impact the lives of many.

Both books make you think and examine your own actions. I love when literature does that.

Two and Three: Mythology

Stephanie Spinner's novels Quiver and Quicksilver have sat unnoticed in the literature circle section. What a shame. Quick reads. Lots of the mythology characters. Short, unique perspectives on some myths.

Quiver is the story of Atalanta, famous for her archery skills and fleet feet. Artemis rescued her when she was an infant (her dad put her out in the wilderness to die). Atalanta is now sixteen and her dad, a king, summons her. Not one to change or show remorse, her dad now orders her to marry and provide an heir to the kingdom. Atalanta has no intentions of getting married since she is devoted to Artemis. After careful deliberation, she agrees to the order with this condition - the man must beat her in a race. If he loses, he dies.

Hermes, the god of music, thieves, and personal messenger of Zeus, tells these five stories from his point of view in Quicksilver. The stories include his visit to Hades to rescue Persephone; how he helps Perseus; Paris and the Golden Apple; the Trojan War - caused by the Golden Apple fiasco; and Calypso and Odysseus.

Summer Vacation! Book One.

Considering my profession requires keeping current on new literature for middle school students, I really look forward to summer when I can read even more! Oh, the joy of having a profession you truly love.

Last night I finished Bounce by Natasha Friend (author of Perfect). Evyn and her brother, Mackey, live with only their dad for as long as Evyn can remember. Her mother died when she was only one from an automobile accident. They have their family quirks - who doesn't - but all in all, Birdie (that is what they call him) is a great father. He is patient, hard working, kind, and supportive. During a special dinner, he has an announcement to make and informs them that he is getting married. Now, Evyn had met the woman - once - and really didn't pay too much attention - but married?!?! AND - they were moving to Boston to live in her house with her five - count them - five children! So, they bounce off to Boston leaving behind Evyn's friends, her school, and the only home she has ever known!

Told in first person, this is a funny, yet very insightful and real depiction of what it might be like to experience a situation like this. Put it on your list. You will not be sorry. I think the characters are worthy of a sequel.