Day 35: 45 Days of Summer

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

It's not too late to read this book before the movie hits theaters this weekend!!!

And don't forget...there's a companion novel (Where She Went) that you can read after you finish/after you see the movie.

I truly love these books, and was moved to tears while reading If I Stay. I hope, hope, hope, the movie lives up to my expectations.

Have you read these books? Are you going to see the movie? Let me know what you think!

Perfect for: grades 7-12...and adults!

Day 28: 45 Days of Summer

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Well, I'm not going to say too much about this book, other than you must read it!

And if you've already read it, then you should read the companion novels and the "sequel" (Son) immediately.

All of these books are incredible, and I've been lobbying for The Giver to become an all-grade read for my 6th graders.

It's a "classic" (I actually hate that word to describe books), that everyone should read at some point in their life. And now you really need to read it because the movie will be coming out next week.

I will be honest that I don't know how I feel about the movie because the trailers I've seen don't seem to be in line with how I remember the tone of the book. 

If you've read the book and you see the movie, let me know what you think!

Day 8: 45 Days of Summer

 Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer & Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

I decided today was American Hero day. 

The recent passing of Louis Zamperini is a great loss. Read his incredible story in Unbroken. 

And on vacation last week, I drove over the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. You can read his story in Where Men Win Glory. 

Best for: Both books are great for adults, high school, and even middle school readers.

TFIOS

Yesterday, I went to see The Fault in our Stars (TFIOS) movie with a friend. The date had been circled on my calendar ever since the movie release date was announced. I am a HUGE fan of John Green (the author of the book which the movie is based on)...like HUUUUUUGE! As in, I actually have a crush on John Green. That my husband knows about. And it's okay. I love all his books and read TFIOS long before I was diagnosed with cancer. 

But after my diagnosis, I realized that TFIOS really resonated with me as being honest and real. And so, I forced everyone I knew to read it also. Not because it's a "cancer book" but because it's a story that you can get wrapped up in and relate to, that happens to portray being sick in a pretty accurate light.

I could talk ad nauseum about the book, but I wanted to share my thoughts on the movie watching experience. EVERYONE that went to see it was posting on Facebook about how they CRIED AND CRIED and how sad it was and to bring your Kleenex. And because I am an emotional disaster anyway, I was prepared for a variety of reactions.

But here's the thing that's interesting to me. I didn't cry. I'm not even sure that I teared up. 

Now, don't get me wrong, when I first read the book years ago, I bawled. Because there's just so much to be happy and sad about in that book and when you reach the end, you've become so invested emotionally that there really is no other option.

But I didn't cry during the movie. And while that seems weird to me, it also kinda makes sense. Because I've lived that story now. And I've cried so many tears for myself during the two years I've been fighting and all the treatments that I went through, I guess there's just not a whole lot left.

And while I was scared that I might have a PTSD panic attack seeing the movie visualized, it didn't happen. I was just glad to BE THERE! And watch one of my all-time favorite books become immortalized on film in an incredible way.

Did I mention I love John Green?

Trailer Tuesday

The Maze Runner books have been wildly popular at my school since the first one was published. We are all very excited for the Maze Runner movie to hit theaters in September, 2014.

If you are on any sort of social media, you can find/follow the author, James Dashner, the series, and/or the movie to keep updated. There is also a website for the movie...click here.

Here's the first of the movie's trailers. I'm sure there will be more all summer long.

Trailer Tuesday

Unless you've been living under a rock, you have probably heard of "The Fault in our Stars" by John Green.

And the movie.

If you've been anywhere within my vicinity the past few years, I've probably thrown the book at you and said, "you cannot be my friend until you've read it." I even talked my book club into reading it this month.

Since the movie is (finally) coming out on June 6th, I thought today was a good day for TFIOS to be this week's "Trailer Tuesday."

Here you go...and you still have 30 days to read the book...GO!

Trailer Tuesday

This week, the Divergent movie is finally in theaters! 

So, the movie trailer is the perfect Trailer Tuesday selection:

Throwback Thursday

This week's Throwback Thursday has been making the round with our 8th grade girls who are looking for something to read after "The Fault in our Stars." 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman. 

Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make.

This isa beautifully written novel that will haunt you long after you finish it. I hope that Mia's journey will move you to think about what is important in your life: family, friends, love. 

I am a little apprehensive to see the movie adaptation when it comes out in August of this year. I LOVED this book. It literally moved me to tears. I truly hope that the movie can live up to how I feel about this book.

Please, please, please make sure you have read this book (and everything by Gayle Forman for that matter)!

Twelve Days of Christmas: Gift Books for Adults Who Like...

On the 8th day of Christmas, we continue with gift ideas for adults (and of course, teens, depending on their reading level/interests/age).

Today, I'm highlighting books for those who enjoy theater, TV, & movies. Sure you could just get them a gift card to Netflix, Fandango, or Hulu, but many of the great movies/TV shows/Broadway productions out there are originally based on books.

Here's some of my favorites from this year, or rather, from TV/movies that were released this year or announced this year that they were coming soon:


Little Bit Wicked—Chenowith
Book Thief—Zusak (7th-adult)
Divergent—Roth (7th-adult)
Secret Life of Walter Mitty—Thurber
Monuments of Men—Edsel
Orange is the New Black—Kerman  



And remember, if you want a link to the entire list, see this post.

Happy Reading! And Gifting!

Poll Results

During October and the first part of November, I was running some polls for my students to participate in. These were hosted on my school district internal website, and since they all revolved around The Hunger Games, I thought that I would post the results for those of you that don't have access to that website.

Poll #1:

How excited are you for the Catching Fire movie?

Response options ranged from "I'm counting down the days and will be there opening night for sure...I already have my tickets" to "What's Catching Fire?" Okay, I'm scared that there were 19 students that replied that they didn't know what Catching Fire was, because even if you didn't like the books or hadn't read the series, I think that you'd have to actually know about it with all the marketing that goes on. I'm hoping that these kids chose this answer as a joke to mess with me. Surprisingly, there were not many students that indicated they'd be there opening night either (seriously??? I'm going opening night and I don't even like to see movies on opening night). Somewhere around 40% of kids indicated that they wanted to go, and would, but they weren't in a big hurry to see it. This totally nonchalant attitude kind of surprised me.

Poll #2: Who is your favorite Hunger Games character?

This was a fun one to see how students answered, and even more entertaining to listen to students openly debate the "correct" answer. Katniss was the clear winner with 31% of the votes. Rue came in second with 19%, and Peeta and Haymitch tied for 3rd with 14% each.

Poll #3: Which movie are you most excited to see in theaters?

The three choices: Catching Fire, Book Thief, and Ender's Game.

Not surprisingly, Catching Fire garnered 73% of the votes. (Ender's Game received 15%, and Book Thief received 10%...and someday I'm going to figure out how the system did it's math...)

Just some interesting insight into what my students think. 

They love doing these polls by the way. I try and post a couple different ones each month. Ideas for poll questions? Comment here and let me know!

Spotlight Book of the Week

I started a new feature to all the teachers and staff at school. Every Friday, I will be highlighting a book that I think they would enjoy...whether or not it is a "teen" book.

Today's Spotlight title, just in time to coincide with the release of the movie, was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

One of the most incredible books that I have ever read, this is a book that must be read by people of all ages...middle school, high school, college, adult. You must read this book at some point in your life, preferably as soon as possible.


On a side note, the audiobook is OUTSTANDING!

I have not yet decided whether I will be seeing the movie. It looks wonderful, but I just loved the book SO much, that I fear I might be disappointed for how the movie might differ from the book. But don't let that stop you from going. I'd love to hear how it was.

Happy reading!

Trailer Tuesday

Coming Friday to a theater near you...The Book Thief.

Based on one of the most incredible books that I've ever read, I am very excited to see that it was made into a movie. But I am also slightly hesitant to go see it. There are so many ways that it could go wrong.

I hope that it lives up to the book...I will let you know what I decide to do.

Until then, here is the movie trailer. It does look good!

Trailer Tuesday

In honor of Friday's movie release of Ender's Game, I thought that today's Trailer Tuesday should be the movie trailer. Just to make sure you are excited to see the movie.

I really enjoy this book, and loved when our 8th graders read it as a classroom novel. It has been awhile since that has happened, but there are some classes that will be studying it once again this fall, so that is good news. I can't wait to see how the movie compares with the book...should be entertaining!

Movie News Monday

Today's Book-a-Day suggestion coincides with news about the movie adaptation of the title.

The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak is, quite honestly, a book that everyone (older middle school, high school, adults) should read at some point in their lifetime. It is a truly amazing, powerful, and unique book that stays with you long after you read it. The writing will grab you, and you will feel immediately like you have been placed inside the book. 

As always, I am happy to promote good audiobooks, and this one is one of the best. The narrator of this title does a truly remarkable job. In addition, it is quite nice to hear someone else pronounce all the German words if you are not someone who learned the language in school.

From the Publisher: 
A "New York Times" bestseller for seven years running that's soon to be a major motion picture, this Printz Honor book is an unforgettable tale about the ability of books to feed the soul. Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist-books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

The movie adaptation of this book, (which I pray will do the book justice because I fear that this one can go all kinds of wrong if done carelessly), was originally set to come out in 2014. Just last week it was announced that they have pushed UP the release date to November 15th, 2013. WOW! That's almost unheard of. You can read the article on Entertainment Weekly here. 

I'm looking forward to this!

Book to Movie News: Maze Runner

Many of us at Evergreen are very excited for the upcoming Maze Runner movie! If you haven't read this series, you should take the summer to devour it in time for the February 2014 release date.

Recently, MTV (and then everyone else) published stills from the movie production. Click here to check them out!

And to say up to date on all the Maze Runner news, keep up with author James Dashner on his blog.

Trailer Tuesday: Les Miserables

Today's Trailer Tuesday is brought to you by the movie I'm excited to see next Tuesday...

Les Miserables, the movie based on the musical based on the book by Victor Hugo, looks to be an amazing production. I can't wait!

Trailer Tuesday: Shadow and Bone, The Movie

I posted on Sunday about how this book by debut author Leigh Bardugo would make a good movie (and a good gift for fantasy lovers on your holiday list). Turns out, I'm not the only one. One of the "Harry Potter" movie producers thought so too and snapped up the movie rights. Here's the scoop on making it into a movie: 

Trailer Tuesday: The Hobbit

Since the movie is coming out on Friday, this is the perfect Trailer Tuesday for "The Hobbit" trailer!
Have you purchased your tickets yet? Are you planning on seeing it opening weekend? Looks as good as you would expect it to be, and I know MANY fans that are counting down the days. 

Happy Watching!

Holiday Gift Ideas: Shadow and Bone (Bardugo)

The first installment in the Holiday Gift Ideas posts is a book that I talked all week to my 7th graders (and their teachers). 

Title: Shadow & Bone
Author: Bardugo
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Magic, Orphans, Abilities
Pages: 358
Rating: 4 1/2 stars out of 5

This is the first book in a planned trilogy by a debut author, and has also been optioned for a movie. Within the first few pages, you will know why. This book is such a treat: the writing is exquisite, the sense of place is magical and exotic, and the heroine is memorable.


Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, an area of darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now Ravka's fate may rest with Alina, an orphan taken from obscurity and her only friend, Mal, when it is discovered that she is the mythical Sun Summoner who might be able to destroy the monsters in the Fold. She must train with the mysterious Darkling to join the magical Grisha. 

Mal, handsome and competent, and Alina, are two young orphans who form an immediate bond. The story really begins when the two friends have joined the King’s Army and Alina is plucked from the ranks to join the Grisha, who train at the heart of the royal court.

The setting resembles Czarist Russia, the Darkling vaguely Rasputin-esque. Extravagance and deceit abound at court and Alina finds herself with allegiances on both sides. This is an engaging, captivating fantasy with a terrific supporting cast and amazing world building. Glad that I finally read this one, but sad that I have to wait for the next book!

Friday 5

Time for another round of the Friday 5! 

Here are some interesting facts about the library for the past few weeks:

(1) We had our very own Black Friday "shopping" experience...twice! All of Evergreen's 8th graders and 6th graders started their 2nd quarter reading project last week. That meant that books for these projects (Sci-Fi/Dystopian/Steampunk for 8th, and Realistic Fiction for 6th) were available for checkout to all students at the same time, first come, first served. And let me tell you, some of these books were "hot commodities." Wednesday was when the 8th Graders stormed the castle, and Friday was 6th Grade's turn. So many students lined up both days before the library opened to get their hands on the perfect book, that our very own principal was called in to action to help with check out. Happy Reading all!

(2) Because of these projects, there is a new list of "most requested." These are currently the Top Holds/requests for Evergreen: Ungifted by Gordon Korman, Almost Home and Close to Famous by Joan Bauer, Son by Lois Lowry, Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan, Starters by Lissa Price, Legend by Marie Lu, Livvie Owen Lived Here by Sarah Dooley, Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel, and of course, The Third Wheel (Wimpy Kid) by Jeff Kinney.

(3) Books make great gifts...for all ages! I have compiled a list of great gift books for this holiday season. Click here to find the link to the Library newsletter for good books for kindergarten through adult. And, if you feel so inclined to include your favorite middle school library on your gift list, we have a wish list of books that our students would like. 

And to show a little bit of holiday spirit, all next week I'll be posting reviews of books that would make great gifts.

Oh, and there's a rumor that I just purchased a gift for the school...something to do with a Skype visit with an author. More details coming in the new year, but I am very excited by this!

(4) Lots and lots of movie buzz around the school! Great movies abound this holiday season, and many are based on books. The library has had a recent run on the following books: The Hobbit (and all of the Lord of the Rings trilogy), Breaking Dawn (and all of the Twilight books), and the Beautiful Creatures series (Garcia/Stohl). This last movie will hit theaters in February 2013 and looks great! (Stay tuned for the trailer on a future Trailer Tuesday). 

Personally, I am most excited for Les Miserables (a movie, based on a musical, based on a book)!

(5) Lastly, on a personal note, this Friday marked my last day at Evergreen for quite some time. On Thursday the 13th, I start the first of 20 weeks of chemotherapy for Stage 3 cancer. This is just the first stage of treatments which will probably continue throughout the summer. I have so appreciated all the thoughts, support, and prayers of my Evergreen family. Please stay tuned to this blog, as I will continue to post reviews of good books, new books, and all things book-related. You can follow the library news by liking our Facebook page.

I do have a separate blog that I am keeping about my journey through this experience. If you are interested in following along, you can find it here.