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.

Another Web 2.0 Tool

I love playing with all of the Web 2.0 applications out there. So much fun! This one is called PicLits and you can select pictures and use the words in drag-n-drop feature or freestyle to create a saying, a poem, whatever you like. Only thing I don't like about it is you are pretty much stuck with the font and the font color - which may or may not work for your image.

PicLits

Give it a try!

See the full PicLit at PicLits.com

The Last Survivor Series

Fun Generator!

Remember Mrs. Farrell? She sent me this link that allows you to create a Wimpy You! I created this one of me. Check out the link and watch the trailer of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and click on the link to Wimp Yourself!

WimpYourself

Have some fun with this. Oh, and if you haven't read the books - give them a try.

Exciting Reads

Number 8 by Anna Fienberg

Jackson has a few quirks - OK - a LOT of quirks. Like he doesn't like odd numbers, particularly the number 7, he counts his blinks and his steps - you get the picture. His mother and he have just moved to the suburbs in a nice quiet neighborhood to hide out from her former boss after she unintentionally witnessed criminal activity. Now, Jackson has a new school, new kids, new teachers, and then he meets Esmerelda. Told in alternating chapters by Jackson and Esmerelda, this exciting mystery will have you biting your nails and tuning in your ipod to a rock station to listen to all the songs mentioned in this mystery.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Thomas is put in the box. He remembers his first name, he has some memories but nothing tangible to attach to it - like knowing how to ride a bike, but not remembering how you learned to ride the bike. Those memories are gone. For two years, once a month a new boy has arrived in the Glade, an expanse of land with towering walls surrounding the whole area. During the day, there are a few openings in the walls, but at night the walls go shut to keep out the Grievers. Why is he here? What is this Maze the boys keep talking about? How will he fit in? How do they get out? Why does he feel like he knows something important about the Maze?

But then the very next day, a girl - the first girl ever - arrives! And she delivers a frightening message. Read this exciting, fast-paced, science fiction adventure to find out.

Sequel to Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

If you've read any of my postings, you know I am a big fan of Jordan Sonnenblick - the person and his writing. His newest book, After Ever After, has confirmed it.

This is Jeffrey's story. Now he is the eighth grader, suffering from late effects from his treatments. He walks with a limp, he has trouble focusing, and math just does not compute for him. His best friend, Tad, also a survivor, may not be strong enough to walk, but has strength of character and observation. Steven has taken off to Africa to find himself through drumming, leaving Jeffrey without his main go-to guy.

Jeffrey learns that he needs to start depending on himself, but it sure isn't easy with a gorgeous new girl in school, Tad challenging him in so many ways, and a state mandated math test he is sure he will fail.

You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be sorry if you do not read this one!