tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-373083492024-03-13T13:23:29.439-04:00NHS LibraryMrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-73560345875199031412010-01-22T11:41:00.003-05:002010-01-22T11:53:56.224-05:00One School, One Book Selection<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/S1nXtUDHNzI/AAAAAAAAADw/G9dWsjQ67mE/s1600-h/thirteenreasons.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 89px; height: 135px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/S1nXtUDHNzI/AAAAAAAAADw/G9dWsjQ67mE/s320/thirteenreasons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429607999247693618" /></a><br />This year's One School, One Book title is <em>Thirteen Reasons Why</em>, by Jay Asher. This is the story of Hannah Baker, the events leading to her suicide, and Clay, a boy she left behind. Two weeks after Hannah's suicide, Clay comes home to find a box at his door, addressed to him. In the box are cassette tapes, recorded by Hannah before her death. On the tapes she tells her story to thirteen people, each of whom played some role in her decision to end her life. Like Rachel's challenge, Hannah's story reminds us that the little things we do, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to us, can have a profound impact on someone else.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-90766734617370560182010-01-07T11:24:00.005-05:002010-01-07T12:50:45.858-05:00One School, One Book<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/S0Ye67lBDPI/AAAAAAAAADo/HvMLh_8RH3I/s1600-h/Notes.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 89px; height: 135px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/S0Ye67lBDPI/AAAAAAAAADo/HvMLh_8RH3I/s320/Notes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424056798988537074" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/S0Ye6ZYszJI/AAAAAAAAADg/dPqj0s-n4GE/s1600-h/peak.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 90px; height: 135px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/S0Ye6ZYszJI/AAAAAAAAADg/dPqj0s-n4GE/s320/peak.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424056789810072722" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/S0Ye6VFcCzI/AAAAAAAAADY/5Gn8uiHVTrM/s1600-h/thirteenreasons.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 89px; height: 135px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/S0Ye6VFcCzI/AAAAAAAAADY/5Gn8uiHVTrM/s320/thirteenreasons.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424056788655541042" /></a><br />Three titles are currently being considered for the One Book, One School selection. They are <em>Thirteen Reasons Why</em>, by Jay Asher, <em>Peak</em>, by Roland Smith, and <em>Notes from the Midnight Driver</em>, by Jordan Sonnenblick. All three are young adult novels with teens as main characters and all can be tied, in some way, to Rachel's Challenge. Several students are reading these titles now and will soon be giving feedback to the teachers on the committee to assist in making the final decision. If you would like to get involved, see me in the library.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-50930589057285684262009-10-15T10:33:00.003-04:002009-10-15T11:02:58.923-04:00The Host<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/Stc5gBUWp5I/AAAAAAAAACg/ZdHNrt0kVsk/s1600-h/host.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/Stc5gBUWp5I/AAAAAAAAACg/ZdHNrt0kVsk/s320/host.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392842301071861650" /></a><br />This month's student book club selection is <em>The Host </em>by Stephanie Meyer. Her <em>Twilight</em> books have been wildly popular here and I expect that this will be a hit as well. This time the topic is not vampires, but rather, peaceful alien parasites that invade their human hosts and seemingly do good. But there are some who want to retain their free will and fight the presence of the parasites. Once again, the students selected the book and I think they will enjoy it. I'm hoping some more students will join us this time around.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-19379984289017390242009-09-30T11:18:00.003-04:002009-09-30T11:38:58.201-04:00The Lost Symbol<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SsN7YEGIQFI/AAAAAAAAACY/qid08jhhIaI/s1600-h/lost+symbol.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SsN7YEGIQFI/AAAAAAAAACY/qid08jhhIaI/s320/lost+symbol.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387285232611770450" /></a><br />I finished Dan Brown's <em>Lost Symbol </em>over the weekend and while I didn't think it was quite as good as the last two Langdon books, I enjoyed it and recommend it. Like the others, this book opens with a gruesome discovery that propels Professor Robert Langdon into a mystery involving a secret society and a fanatic, but this time the setting is Washington D.C. Once again, science and religion play a major role. Though I was able to figure some things before they were revealed,it was still a compelling read and really made me want to visit our nation's capital. I have passed it on to my husband but will donate it to the Norton High School Library when he is finished. If you haven't already read them, <em>Angels and Demons, The DaVinci Code, Digital Fortress</em>, and <em>Deception Point </em>are all available here at the NHS Library.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-64411648292492046352009-09-17T13:52:00.002-04:002009-09-17T14:07:53.500-04:00Student Book Club<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SrJ60Xra_AI/AAAAAAAAACQ/VXK7mhYF39M/s1600-h/the-dead-and-the-gone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SrJ60Xra_AI/AAAAAAAAACQ/VXK7mhYF39M/s320/the-dead-and-the-gone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382499544789089282" /></a><br />This year I decided to see if there was any interest in a student book club. I put in an announcement for an organizational meeting and had three students attend. After talking a bit about what we all like to read, the students selected Susan Pfeffer's <em>The Dead and the Gone </em>as our first title. The Old Towne Hall Bookstore has agreed to offer a 20% discount to any student who buys the book and mentions that they are part of the book club. The club will meet to discuss the book on Tuesday, October 13 after school in the library. All are welcome to join us. Click on the link below for a synopsis and reviews of <em>The Dead and the Gone</em>.<br /><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/the-dead-and-the-gone/Susan-Beth-Pfeffer/e/9780152063115#TABS">http://search.barnesandnoble.com/the-dead-and-the-gone/Susan-Beth-Pfeffer/e/9780152063115#TABS</a>Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-84140422313860314442009-03-16T13:48:00.003-04:002009-03-16T14:05:39.288-04:00Gone, Baby, Gone<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/Sb6RYDDcmFI/AAAAAAAAACI/YvJVQR5vzqE/s1600-h/gone+baby+gone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 206px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/Sb6RYDDcmFI/AAAAAAAAACI/YvJVQR5vzqE/s320/gone+baby+gone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313844452666415186" /></a><br />I finally watched the film adaptation of Dennis Lehane's <em>Gone, Baby, Gone </em>over the weekend. I read the book more than a few years ago so I don't have all of the details in my head, however, the story stayed with me. That said, I felt that while the film didn't follow the book exactly (as films rarely do) this was still a faithful adaptation of Lehane's story. When I say faithful adaptation, I mean that although some of the details have been changed, the author's intent remains in tact. Detectives Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro are hired to find Amanda McCready, a four year old abducted from the apartment she lived in with her drug addicted and negligent mother. The story takes place mostly in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and is directed by Ben Affleck. Affleck does a great job capturing the character of Dorchester and it's residents and most of the actors did a well with the Boston accent, mostly by not trying too hard. The one sore spot was Amy Madigan as Bea McCready, Amanda's aunt. Having lived in Boston for ten years, I found her failed attempt to mimic the accent a bit tough to take. Otherwise, I enjoyed the film adaptation, though not quite as much as I enjoyed the bookMrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-60379095847679309962009-02-25T14:22:00.002-05:002009-02-25T14:46:40.167-05:00The Book of Air and ShadowsI've been so busy in recent months that I haven't had much time to read just for pleasure but February vacation provided the opportunity to do just that. We took a family vacation to Mexico and while on the plane, on the beach, and by the pool I read <em>The Book of Air and Shadows </em>by Michael Gruber. The book was donated to our library by Mr. Dewar and did not disappoint. The story begins with intellectual property attorney Jake Mishkin's first person account of the month's leading up to his present predicament, holed up in his friend's lake house hiding from/waiting for Russian gangsters who may want to kill him. Flash back to England in 1642, we are reading a letter from a dying soldier, Richard Bracegirdle, to his wife and young son, recounting events in his life. Finally, we return to present day New York where we meet Albert Crosetti and Carolyn Rolly, rare bookstore employees who discover the letters of Richard Bracegirdle which may lead a literary treasure worth millions. The fact the Crosetti's mother is a very bright research librarian only enhances the story for me. Oh, and did I mention Shakespeare? He's in there, too. The story alternates between these three different points of view, finally coming together with many twists and turns along the way. I highly recommend <em>The Book of Air and Shadows </em>which is available here at the Norton High School Library.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-34614995026433466252008-12-17T13:50:00.002-05:002008-12-17T13:55:05.263-05:001984 Prompt Due 12/19/08In Orwell's <em>1984</em>, would you rather be a prole or a Party member? Defend your choice and cite reasons from the text.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-66092096185200051192008-12-09T14:59:00.001-05:002008-12-09T15:01:24.772-05:001984 Chapters 5-7If you lived in Oceania in 1984 would you rather be Parsons or Syme? Use at least two quotes to support your answer.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-44329546438658198942008-11-05T15:04:00.002-05:002008-11-05T15:07:22.821-05:00Kite Runner Chapters 22-23Why was Amir laughing as Assef was beating him? Why was he thinking about Hassan and the pomegranates? Use quotes to support your answer?Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-50509040455456156682008-11-03T10:25:00.001-05:002008-11-03T10:27:58.538-05:00Kite Runner Chapters 18-21Discuss Amir's dream on pages 239-240. Why does Amir see himself as "the man in the herringbone vest?"Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-47267294585504947812008-10-29T16:53:00.002-04:002008-10-29T16:56:21.506-04:00Kite Runner Chapters 14-17We've talked a bit about whether or not Amir has shown growth. Based on this reading (chapters 14-17), comment on Amir's growth (or lack thereof). You must use at least one quote to support your arguement.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-48138584022687252852008-10-24T13:40:00.003-04:002008-10-24T13:58:24.526-04:00Kite Runner Prompt Chapters 11-13<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SQIIyAzgJSI/AAAAAAAAAB8/BCZHFUYlHrU/s1600-h/The_Kite_Runner.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SQIIyAzgJSI/AAAAAAAAAB8/BCZHFUYlHrU/s320/The_Kite_Runner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260776970024658210" /></a><br />Again, this prompt is homework for my English class, but anyone may comment. “I cringed a little at the position of power that I’d been granted, and all because I had won at the genetic lottery that had determined my sex” (148-149).What does this quote tell you about Amir? Is he showing growth? Also refer to pages 178-180. What does Amir realize about why he is okay with Soraya's past? Use specific quotes and examples to support your response.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-16111158328913941202008-10-21T10:21:00.005-04:002008-10-21T10:49:23.521-04:00Kite Runner<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SP3rSloU-rI/AAAAAAAAAB0/MxRitMsrUWU/s1600-h/The_Kite_Runner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259618644410038962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SP3rSloU-rI/AAAAAAAAAB0/MxRitMsrUWU/s320/The_Kite_Runner.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.impawards.com/2007/posters/kite_runner.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 4px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 7px" height="386" alt="" src="http://www.impawards.com/2007/posters/kite_runner.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">While this post is specifically for my English class, all are welcome to respond. What is your opinion of Amir? Substantiate with examples and quotes from the reading.</span></div>Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-49079294111501121482008-10-17T11:02:00.002-04:002008-10-17T11:42:44.788-04:00A Thousand Splendid Suns<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SPiyZfUpmpI/AAAAAAAAABs/WuPCat_E_Vk/s1600-h/thousand+splendid+suns.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SPiyZfUpmpI/AAAAAAAAABs/WuPCat_E_Vk/s320/thousand+splendid+suns.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258148715929639570" /></a><br />My English class is starting to read <em>Kite Runner</em> so I will not talk about that book now, instead, I will talk about Khaled Hosseini's more recent book, <em>A Thousand Splendid Suns</em>. This novel covers three decades of life in Afghanistan through the eyes of Mariam and Laila. Brought together through their marriages to Rasheed, a cruel and brutal older man, they eventually become friends and allies. In a country where women have no rights and are completely dependent on their fathers and husbands, where beatings are common and acceptable, these women still find ways to persevere. Hosseini gives the reader an understanding of the hardships and abuse suffered by Afghan women through the day to day lives of Mariam and Laila. That they carry on and even dare to hope for a better future is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. I highly recommend this book. Have you read it? If so, what did you think?Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-49271743868347941162008-10-07T08:48:00.003-04:002008-10-07T09:15:35.983-04:00Saga Complete<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SOtgos9BiLI/AAAAAAAAABk/LM9An89ybvo/s1600-h/breaking+dawn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SOtgos9BiLI/AAAAAAAAABk/LM9An89ybvo/s320/breaking+dawn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254399642635962546" /></a><br /><em>Breaking Dawn</em>, the final book in the <em>Twilight Saga</em>, was released on August 2nd, and I bought my copy shortly thereafter. I've talked to some fans who were less thrilled with it than I am and though I understand some of their feelings, I also have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I won't go into detail for those of you who have yet to read it and I know there are many of you out there based on the number of you who have been by asking for the first book, as well as those that I have seen walking around with their own copies. However, if you care to comment in detail, please begin with "spoiler alert" so that those who haven't yet read all the books are forewarned. <br /><br />Yes, the library does have a complete set of the <em>Twilight</em> books although they are not all currently on the shelves. Last spring the library's copy of <em>Twilight</em> was stolen so the set was incomplete. I bought a new copy of <em>Twilight</em> this weekend and hadn't even finished processing it when someone came by and asked if it was available. I quickly slapped a barcode on it and sent it on its way. It's great to see kids so excited about a book series again. It's not to the level of <em>Harry Potter </em>but it's the closest thing I've seen in a while. <br /><br />For those who haven't heard much about the books and want to know more, visit Stephanie Meyer's website at <a href="http://">http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilightseries.html</a>. The movie is scheduled for release in November and I always recommend reading the book first, so check it out.<br /><br />For those of you who have read <em>Breaking Dawn</em>, what did you think? Were you satisfied with the ending? Without giving anything away, I have to say, I never saw the resolution with Jacob coming the way it did, but it works for me. It all works for me. What do you think?Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-30911427418642540852008-09-08T13:35:00.002-04:002008-09-08T14:07:40.679-04:00Welcome Back!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SMVp5GuEmnI/AAAAAAAAAAw/SsqGHOMP9mU/s1600-h/books.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SMVp5GuEmnI/AAAAAAAAAAw/SsqGHOMP9mU/s320/books.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243713770920122994" /></a><br />Welcome back to school and to my blog. I expected to write about a few of the books I read over the summer, and I will do that, but today I'm blogging about my new and unexpected foray into English teaching. I am still running the show here in the library but I am also teaching one senior English class and so far I am really enjoying it. It's been ten years since I've been a classroom teacher and there have been plenty of changes in that time. The biggest change is the block schedule. Granted, I have lived in some form of a block schedule for the past nine years, but never as a classroom teacher. It may be a little premature, but so far I am really enjoying this format. I like the 90 minute classes and I even ran out of time today and will have to finish an activity on Wednesday. As an English teacher, I like the "every other day" format because it gives students more time to read, digest, and review whatever it is we are reading. It also gives me a little breathing room for correcting. I like that students have a little more flexibility with time management and homework. It is also good preparation for college as most classes are longer and traditionally do not meet every day. It takes some planning on the part of the teacher to vary the activities within the block but it also gives the teacher some flexibility to do more. Today's biggest challenge was the bell schedule. My class was during the lunch block and we had second lunch. I was surprised when lunch arrived so quickly. Trying to discuss a book with the lunch bells going off was also a challenge. They are irritating enough in the library but when they interrupt someone speaking it's down right maddening. I realize it is a fact of high school life and I will adjust but I think it will take a little time. What do you think of the block schedule? How do you feel about G-Block?Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-92005286271912078002008-06-11T11:14:00.002-04:002008-06-11T11:30:55.380-04:00Summer Sign-Off<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SE_volKoGZI/AAAAAAAAAAo/0GxahJn3Nys/s1600-h/Reading+on+the+Beach.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SE_volKoGZI/AAAAAAAAAAo/0GxahJn3Nys/s320/Reading+on+the+Beach.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210646774341441938" /></a><br />This will be my last post for the school year and I will keep it brief. I just want to remind everyone to read, read, read over the summer. Of course you will have to read your summer reading selections, but summer is also a great time to read whatever you'd like. If you haven't already done so, you might want to read <em>The Twilight Saga </em>books by Stephanie Meyer (see my last post). I've read the first three and look forward to <em>Breaking Dawn</em>, the fourth and final installment due in bookstores on August 2. I'm not sure what it is about these books that have me so hooked. Thanks, Cindy, for giving me the push I needed to start. They were always on my "to read" list but I kept finding other things to read instead. I'm not sure what else I will read but a few on my list include <em>The House of the Scorpion</em> by Nancy Farmer, <em>The Fifth Vial </em>by Michael Palmer and <em>Crisis</em> by Robin Cook. What are you planning to read? If you read something you love over the summer, let me know. I have plans for a "Norton High School Recommends..." bulletin board. Thanks, and happy summer!Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-36022533186027189162008-05-23T11:33:00.003-04:002008-05-23T12:29:38.535-04:00Twilight<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SDbwi-u5P7I/AAAAAAAAAAg/iPobzEPxHpk/s1600-h/twilight.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SDbwi-u5P7I/AAAAAAAAAAg/iPobzEPxHpk/s320/twilight.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203610903219093426" /></a><br />Okay, I'll admit it, I'm hooked. I just finished reading Stephanie Meyer's <em>Twilight</em> and can't wait to read the next in the series. It's been on my list of things to read for a while now but I just hadn't gotten around to it. Though it received great reviews, is wildly popular, and is soon to be a major motion picture, I don't typically get excited about vampire books. This one, however, is very different. Bella Swann decides to go and live with her dad in the tiny town of Forks, Washington, where everyone knows everyone and it's always raining. She becomes interested in a Edward Cullen, her exceptionally handsom but rather distant lab partner. The attraction is mutual and she eventaully learns that he and his family are vampires, though not at all like the vampires of legend. Though Edward and his family have vowed not to hunt humans, most others of their kind have not and Bella's relationship with Edward puts her in mortal danger. My brief description can't do the story justice so check it out for yourself! If you have read it (and the others) what did you think?Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-48439350055259196102008-05-14T10:37:00.003-04:002008-05-14T11:04:32.485-04:00An Update on What Sean's Reading<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SCr-owlPcQI/AAAAAAAAAAY/O11vkQj2z2s/s1600-h/Lit%2520Thief_new.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SCr-owlPcQI/AAAAAAAAAAY/O11vkQj2z2s/s320/Lit%2520Thief_new.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200248695941984514" /></a><br />A few posts ago I appealled to you for reading suggestions for my 11 year old son Sean who was having severe <em>Harry Potter </em>withdrawal. You responded with some great suggestions so I took a few things from the shelves here and brought them home. Around the same time his 5th grade teacher gave him <em>The Lightening Thief </em>by Rick Riorden and he was instantly hooked. Percy Jackson, whom the reader meets at a boarding school for troubled youth, discovers that he is the son of Greek god Poseidon and a mortal mother. He soon becomes involved in the escapades of the Greek gods and meets other half-mortals like himself. As part of a new and original story the reader also learns a great deal about Greek mythology and its cast of many characters. <em>The Lightening Thief </em>is the first in the series and the fourth book, <em>The Battle of the Labyrinth</em>, has just arrived in bookstores (and at my house). Mr. Duff just informed me that <em>The Lightening Thief </em>will be one of the middle school summer reading selections for social studies this year. It definitely gets a thumbs up from Sean. I hope to read the series myself soon, if not now then definitely over the summer. If you're looking for something fun to read over the summer you might want to check them out, too.<br /><br />For those who made recommendations, I'm sure he will get there. He did read <em>Eragon</em> and <em>Eldest</em> (recommended by Michelle Le and her brother) while waiting for <em>The Battle of the Labyrinth </em>to be released and loved those, too. I also plan to get him the <em>Artemis Fowl</em> series (recommended by C.J. and others), and soon, as he is burning through his current book. I also plan to pick up <em>Son of the Mob </em>as he is a Gordon Korman fan. Thanks again for your suggestions.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-13940600334209798032008-05-08T13:39:00.003-04:002008-05-08T14:02:38.290-04:00Izzy and Lola<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SCNAG6KaRaI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/t21a3L9eGe4/s1600-h/Izzy+and+Lola.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_H0sswGMAMiE/SCNAG6KaRaI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/t21a3L9eGe4/s320/Izzy+and+Lola.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198068882351998370" /></a><br />Meet the newest editions to the Young family. Isabelle (Izzy) and Lola, English bulldog puppies, joined us at the beginning of April. We lost Emily, our 14 year old bulldog, just before Christmas, which was very hard on all of us. Our kids came after Emily so they never knew life without her. We just couldn't get used to coming home to an empty house so we decided to get another dog. Well, one dog turned into two, as we are all gone during the day and thought that two would keep eachother company. At her age, Emily was content to sleep during the day but puppies have quite a bit more energy than geriatric dogs. The two dog plan has proven to be a great one as they really do entertain each other. We had Izzy for a week before Lola came home and I didn't get much sleep that week. The day Lola joined us, everyone, including the puppies, slept through the night and have been doing so ever since. Puppies are quite a bit more lively and demanding than Emily had been in a long time so it's been a bit of an adjustment but it's all been worth it. They are a lot of fun. Izzy is definitely the boss and a bit of a primadonna while Lola is sweet and a bit less independent. Every kid in the neighborhood (and many adults) regularly stop by to play with the girls so they are a bit spoiled, but that's okay. It's great to come home to the enthusiastic welcome of a dog(s) again.<br /><br />Dog lovers should check out <em>Marley and Me</em>, by John Grogan (soon to be a movie starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson) which chronicles the life and adventures of Marley the yellow lab and his family. Anyone who's had a dog can relate. Unfortunately, we don't have a copy here in the library but it's well worth seeking elsewhere. Any dog lovers out there??Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-79336800401294819242008-04-28T08:43:00.003-04:002008-04-28T09:46:46.841-04:00Robert LudlumI recently read <em>The Bancroft Strategy, </em>the most recent book by one of my favorite authors, Robert Ludlum. This wouldn't be at all unusual except that Mr. Ludlum has been dead since 2001 so it seems strange that he is still publishing new material. Interestingly, Mr. Ludlum (with a few co-writers) has been quite prolific since his death (check out this <em>New York Times </em>article on how this is possible <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/business/media/30ludlum.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/business/media/30ludlum.html</a>). This particular book does not credit another author but was completed (by someone who did not wish to be acknowledged) from an unpolished manuscript written by Mr. Ludlum before his death, and unlike some of the works published since his death, this one stays true to his original conspiracy driven style. <br /><br />Todd Belknap, a Cons-Op agent whom handlers believe has turned rogue, sets out to rescue his partner and friend who has been kidnapped by militia in Lebanon. Andrea Bancroft, a banker from Connecticut, has inherited 12 million dollars and a seat on the board of her estranged family's prestigious charitable Bancroft Foundation. After spending some time with Paul Bancroft, the foundation's leader, Andrea suspects that there is a sinister layer to the apparent philanthropy of the foundation. Todd and Andrea's paths cross and they become reluctant partners in the search for Todd's partner, the truth about the Bancroft Foundation, and the identity of the mysterious Genesis, who seems to be involved in both. True to Ludlum style, even when questions are answered and problems resolved, there is never really a happy ending and always room for a sequel.<br /><br />I'll be donating my copy of the <em>Bancroft Strategy </em>to the Norton High School Library when my husband finishes it. In the meantime, if you want to read some pre-death Ludlum, check out the <em>Bourne Trilogy </em>but don't be surprised by how little they resemble the Matt Damon movies. Huge liberties were taken there.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-68148081010757818182008-04-14T14:00:00.002-04:002008-04-14T14:07:54.145-04:00Prom, AccomplishedThis year's junior/senior prom was held at Lombardo's in Randolph on Saturday night, and I think it's safe to say that a good time was had by all. We had a terrific turnout, over 300 students attended. THe venue was very nice and the weather was really on our side. Rain was predicted for the whole day but it turned out sunny and beautiful, perfect for those outdoor pictures that the parents just love to take. I'd like to thank the prom committee for all of their work and harmonious decision making. I have never worked with a group of girls that could come to decisions so quickly and agreeably. Well done! I'd also like to thank my fellow advisors, Miss Hall and Mrs. Gibson, and our other chaperones, including Mr. Brassard, Ms. Beisheim, Mr. Rogers, Ms. Bukowski, Mr. McCoy, Mr. Greene, Mr. Grasso, Mr. Dewar, Mr. Barth, and school committee member Mr. O'Neil who stayed all night. Most of all, I would like to thank each and every student who attended the prom. You all looked fabulous and your behavior was commendable. The staff complimented me on what wonderful and well-behaved students you were and I agree. Thanks again for all of your cooperation and I hope you truly had a wonderful time.Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-8522555231194776002008-03-28T09:59:00.002-04:002008-03-28T10:09:19.103-04:00What to Read Next???I'm looking for help from those of you who were eleven years old a little more recently than me. My 5th grade son recently blew through the entire <em>Harry Potter</em> series and is having trouble finding somthing else to read because nothing else quite measures up. Other things he's enjoyed previously include The <em>Falconers</em> series by Gorden Korman and <em>Hatchet</em> by Gary Paulson (but he couldn't seem to get into the other Brian books). I have a few suggestions for him but I'd like to hear from some of you. Having spent the last 14 years in high school, I haven't read as many middle school books as I'd like. What were some of your favorite middle school books? Keep in mind that he is in fifth grade and his reading level is more mature than his interest level. Thanks in advance for any help you can give!Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37308349.post-759047002270816972008-03-26T11:16:00.003-04:002008-03-26T12:04:39.078-04:00LosersHave you noticed that some of your teachers are looking a little slimmer these days? Thirty-two staff members are participating in our own version of <em>The Biggest Loser</em> in which teams of four compete against each other for the highest average percentage of weight loss. Talk about "healthy competition." Losers weigh in with Mrs. Browne in the nurses office on Fridays and the week's results are posted on Monday. The contest started right after February vacation and will end the day before April vacation for a total of 8 weeks. From everything I've read (and I've read plenty), I should be able to lose two pounds per week, but unfortunately, I'm not quite there. At the halfway point I had lost only six and a half pounds but I'm not giving up. My team has been in the top three since week one and we're not giving up.<br /><br />If you're interested in reading up on slimming down (or eating better or getting fit), check out some of the materials that the Norton High School Library has to offer. We subscribe to <em>Fitness, Health, Prevention</em>, and <em>Cooking Light</em> magazines. We also have a great selection of books on fitness, healthy eating, and the dangers of obesity. Some titles include, <em>Yoga for Teens, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weightloss, Fast Food Nation, Supersize Me, Lighten Up: Stay Sane, Eat Great, Lose Weight,</em> and <em>The Complete Idiot's Guide to Healthy Living,</em> to name just a few. Check them out!<br /><br /><a name="anchor_11930"></a>Mrs. Younghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12934493688380432107noreply@blogger.com1