Jungle Rumble

It might come as a surprise that a literary lady such as myself LOVES Dog the Bounty Hunter.  I find this man’s (and his wife’s) show so amusing and addictive.  Dog was at Book Expo signing posters for his forthcoming biography.  Beth, his wife, was also there in all her short shorts, stilettos and spandex glory.  I think I might have “scared” him a bit being a spitfire in a sea of wet blankets.  Regardless, it was a highlight of Book Expo to meet and chat with him.

I spent the last weekend at Book Expo in NYC. It was a whirlwind of lectures, books signings and freebies. I was able to procure advance copies of Megan McCafferty’s Fourth Helpings, as well as, James Patterson’s 3rd installment of Maximum Ride! Pictured is James Patterson signing my copy of Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports. He looks just like is publicity photo!

Hopkins, Ellen. Burned.  New York: Margaret McElderry, 2006.

Seventeen-year-old Pattyn, the eldest daughter in a large Mormon family, is sent to her aunt’s Nevada ranch for the summer where she temporarily escapes her alcoholic, abusive father and finds love and acceptance, only to lose everything when she returns home.

Burned is told entirely through poetry. It is AMAZING how well crafted each little poem is! In so few words, Hopkins tells Pattyn’s journey from meek daughter to brave, bold young woman. It reads extremely fast because the story grabs you and you not only want to find out what happens, but you need to find out. I read Burned in one night and many others have reported that they have also read it in one sitting. The ending is heartbreaking and I am still not sure what I think exactly happens. Do you have an opinion on the ending? What do you think Pattyn does or doesn’t do?

Held in the library on March 29, Open Mic was a fab chance for students and teachers to share and showcase their artist talent.  I’m looking forward to the Open Mic in April for National Poetry Month!

Students are encouraged to post their own book blurbs on this blog.  Simply click the “comments” link and write a little blurb about a book you enjoyed and recommend for others to read.  Include the title of the book, author, and other importnat information. It’s that simple! 

Bonus: Mrs. Matlack will offer extra credit for posting a book blurb.  See the librarian (me!) or Mrs. Matlack for more info.

As Peep season rolls around once again, it reminds me of the excellent 2003 study on the ability of Peeps to conduct library research.  Yes, I’m talking about the marshmallow bits of heaven we find in our Easter baskets!  See how they made out: http://www.millikin.edu/staley/peeps/

Westerfeld, Scott.  So Yesterday.  New York, NY: Razorbill, 2004.  225 pgs.  — Library owns it!

Ever wonder how something becomes “cool”?  Or who was the first to wear a chain attached to their wallet?  Or Ugg boots? Hunter Braque knows.  Hunter, a New York City teenager who is paid by corporations to spot what is “cool,” combines his analytical skills with girlfriend Jen’s creative talents to find a missing person and thwart a conspiracy directed at the heart of consumer culture.

So Yesterday blends social commentary, mystery and odd characters into a wild ride of a book.  It had me hooked from the first page to the last!  If you are familiar with Westerfeld’s Uglies Trilogy or you cannot wait for the next episode of “Veronica Mars”, you’ll enjoy this book.

Students are encouraged to post their own book blurbs on this blog.  Simply click the “comments” link and write a little blurb about a book you enjoyed and recommend for others to read.  It’s that simple! 

Bonus: Some teachers will offer extra credit for posting a book blurb.  See the librarian (me!) or your English teacher for more info.

Jessica Darling adorers have a reason to smile!  Megan McCafferty, author of Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings, continues the saga of Jessica Darling in the series’ third installment, Charmed Thirds.  The story follows Jessica’s journey to Columbia University and her love (dis)connections with Marcus.  Unlike the other two books which focused on a single year of Jessica’s life, this one spans her entire college experience.  Part of me felt cheated that the years were condensed, but the other part was relieved that the day-to-day neuroses were chopped out.  As with the previous two books, Charmed Thirds, will leave you hungry for more.  But will McCafferty write another one?  It took her 3 years to release Charmed Thirds, which probably accounts for why it spans all of Jessica’s college years.  Haven’t read McCafferty before?  You should!  She is considered the godmother of teen chic lit and is often plagiarized by imitators like the Harvard student who was caught last year.  Either way, if you loved the first two or are new to the series, you’ll be charmed by this one too! 

Jungle Rumble is a blog that is for and about HHS’s Library Media Center.  Within the blog you’ll find the latest info on the library, reviews and links.  Feel free to post your own reviews and thoughts!

To the right are helpful links for researching and writing your papers.  You’ll still need to pick up the passwords to the databases from me.   If you happen to already have HUNT IT! (database pamphlet), then you have the passwords and can get started now.