Kindred by Octavia Butler

Dana is a black woman celebrating her 26th birthday in 1976. She is suddenly transported back in time to the antebellum south around 1820. She finds herself rescuing a drowning white child named Rufus, who is the son of a plantation owner. Throughout the story Dana travels back and forth between current times where she is a modern, independent black woman, and the early 19th century where she is a slave. During the times she is back in the slave era, she still retains her knowledge and experience as a modern day woman and knows what historical events lie ahead. Her ongoing connection to Rufus is confusing to her, until she learns that her very existence depends on her ability to protect him. It sounds confusing, but the author writes so well that it is easy to follow and makes for a very interesting story.
Reviewed by Mrs. Dunaski

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Two sisters - Cass and Caitlin - One an overachiever - The other not quite sure of herself. Cass, the older sister, runs off with her boyfriend seeking a life that is what she wants rather than what has always been expected of her. She leaves behind her younger sister, Caitlin, who now more than ever is unsure of what to think of her own life. Enter Rogerson - older - wild - wealthy - angry - handsome. He's easy to fall in love with when you're searching for meaning to your life. Caitlin finds herself being forced into a life style with Rogerson much different from her own. At first she's excited by it and being with him. More and more time spent with Rogerson and his friends leads to - drugs - smoking - abuse - loneliness - reclusiveness - no one to turn to for solace. How can Caitlin get out of this mess? Her parents would be devastated to see the bruises on her body. If only she could talk to Cass but Cass now has a better life away from the family. You'll want to reach out to Caitlin, shake her up, tell her to just leave Rogerson! "He's no good for you!" The ending will bring tears but you'll feel so much better about Cass and Caitlin's future when you turn the last page. A great read.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Afghanistan is often in the news these days because it is a country ravaged by war, conflict, and terrorism. What we don’t hear about is the average people who live there and how they survive day to day under very difficult circumstances. Author Khaled Hosseini was born in Afghanistan and moved to the U.S. after the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1980. He has written 2 books which take place in Afghanistan. Through these stories he introduces us to ordinary people living in extraordinary times.

The Kite Runner begins in the mid 1970’s when Afghanistan is a beautiful and vibrant land, full of exotic plants and fruit trees. It is told in the first person by Amir, the privileged son of a wealthy businessman. His best friend is Hassan, the son of Amir’s family servant. The two young boys share a happy childhood in the beauty of Kabul, Afghanistan. As they age, differences in their social class cause difficulties in their relationship. When Russia invades Afghanistan in 1980, Amir and his father escape to the USA, where they subsequently live in poverty as immigrants in a strange land. Hassan and his father are forced to stay in Afghanistan and face the extremely cruel conditions which exist in a land torn apart by conflict. Through a series of events, Amir returns to Afghanistan years later as an adult to find the orphaned son of Hassan, and learns many surprising things about his heritage and homeland. The story starts out a little slow, but stick with it - it’s a story of friendship and loyalty that will haunt and inspire you for a long time.


A Thousand Splendid Suns, told in the third person, is the story of Mariam who is born and raised in Afghanistan. In the culture of her country, she is forced to leave her mother’s home to marry a much older man she has never met. By her own determination and will to survive, she makes the best of her situation. Years later when her husband takes on a second wife, she adapts and learns to be a loving mentor and friend. All of this takes place over 30 years with the backdrop of conflict and war raging, and the emergence of a government run by the Taliban, which is very unkind toward women. It is a moving story of determination, friendship, and the will to not only survive, but thrive under impossible circumstances. This book made me think a lot about how different my life would have been had I been born in Afghanistan, and made me truly appreciate the freedom and opportunities we have here in the USA.
Reviewed by Mrs. Dunaski

Soldier Boys by Dean Hughes

It's World War II - 15 year old Dieter lives in Germany and 16 year old Spence lives in Utah in the USA. Both are anxious to defend their own countries in this wide-ranging and complex war being fought across Europe. They both soon learn the reality and ugliness of war, no matter which side of the battle one is on. The story is told in the third person and clearly explains both boys' points of view, which makes it easy for the reader to understand why each young man feels compelled to be a solider in this war. As an American exposed to the American point of view on World War II all of my life, I found it interesting to read how a young German looked at the situation. I'm not a big fan of war stories, but this is more than just a war story. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
Reviewed by Mrs. Dunaski

Library of Congress - Rare Digitized Book Collection

How would you like to go back in time to see the books people read many, many years before you were born? Have you ever explored books in a used book store and were surprised at how different they are from the books you buy new today? If you click on this link to the Library of Congress Rare Digitized Children's Book Collection, you can actually see books that are over 100 years old! When you click on the cover of the book, you will be taken to the page turner where you can "turn the page" to read the entire book. You'll also be able to zoom in on the page to view the words and illustrations up close. Imagine being your great-grandparents and holding these very books to read! How different reading a book would have been from the books you now read. There are many types of books in this digital, rare book collection. Some are A-B-C books, Aesop's fables, animal books, poetry, nursery rhymes, fables, and Mother Goose. There is even the original book of the The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe with illustrations by Gustave Doré. Be sure to zoom right in on its cover to see the worn corners and the texture of the cloth that was used to make this century old book - it's very interesting! Explore the digital version of The Raven to enjoy the illustrations that eerily depict Poe's famous poem. French students can actually read the French version entitled Le Corbeau published in Paris.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The House of Night series by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

If you're a fan of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, then you will most likely love The House of Night books by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Next to Twilight, these are my favorite books that I have read so far. Zoey Redbird is your typical High School student, the popular girl with the quarterback boyfriend until she gets marked. Now she has to leave her town and go live at a school for vampyres called the House of Night. Zoey struggles with leaving her school, being blessed with many supernatural gifts and liking a guy that is already taken by the school's queen. It is a compelling novel for teens and is very easy to relate to the characters. I really enjoyed these books and am looking forward to the next installment of the series.

Reviewed by student D. Calkins

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

I must admit that before I read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer I knew this book was a huge hit with teen girls. It was always checked out from the high school library. I quickly called our local book store and more copies were bought of Twilight and the other three titles in the Twilight series - New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. That weekend I bought my own copy of Twilight and began to read if only to find out what all the excitement was about. Honestly, I was let down. How could these girls be so infatuated with Edward? He's cold and hard as stone, pure white, with darkened eyes and he's a vampire. How could anyone think this was someone to love? I just couldn't create the images in my mind of a vampire worth loving. He has strength and speed beyond human abilities and uses them to protect and save Bella, his love. I told many of my friends, some who have read Twilight and have become avid, fanatical fans, that I was struggling to enjoy this book as so many others have. Let me tell you, all that has changed! I've just been captivated by the movie trailers! Twilight, the movie, will be in theatres November 21, 2008. If you're like me, spend some time at the movie site before reading the book. The images that I couldn't conjure in my mind, the movie has created. It's going to be a stunning premiere!

To learn more about the author, Stephenie Meyer, the Twilight series, and updates on the movie, visit her website.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Peak by Roland Smith

Peak is about to do something no 14 year old has ever done before - climb Mt. Everest! Yes, Peak is his name. He tells us that it could have been worse. His parents could have named him Abyss or Glacier. You see, his parents are mountain climbers which helps to understand why Peak is a natural-born mountain climber, too. Peak lives in New York City with his mother where he climbs tall buildings, which is against the law. He is arrested for scaling the Woolworth Building and taken to jail. Instead of sending him to the juvenile facility, the judge agrees to let Peak's father take him back to Nepal where he is a well-known mountain climber arranging expeditions to the top of Mt. Everest for his wealthy clients. Peak hasn't seen his father in many years but he agrees to the plan. He doesn't know that his father has another motive for wanting to have Peak live with him.

This book is a chilling (brrr) adventure. You will experience the danger, hard work, bitter cold weather, and the thrill of climbing Mt. Everest with Peak if you read Peak by Roland Smith. Read it now or wait until the cold month of January so you can listen to our Michigan winds howling outside the window and you see the snow blowing and swirling in the yard. Then you'll have a bit of an idea what it is like for all those people who try the ultimate adventure - climbing to the top of Mt. Everest!
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Final Salute : A Story of Unfinished Lives by Jim Sheeler

Ask yourself - When would a final salute be given? Think a bit if you're not sure - a final salute. Here's a hint - The subtitle of this book tells us it is about unfinished lives. Do you think you know? This book is a tribute to the U.S. Marines who have the duty to notify families when a loved one has died in the line of duty. Can you imagine what that responsibility must be like? Can you imagine walking up to the front door of a home ready to deliver that kind of devastating news? You're dressed in your formal military uniform and as soon as a family member sees you approach the home, they know exactly why you are there. Final Salute : A Story of Unfinished Lives by Jim Sheeler is a very moving book. It follows Marine Major Steve Beck as he tells families the news of their loved ones death but also as he befriends each family and carries out his duty to assist them through a most difficult time in a most respectful way. These are all true stories about real families. You'll be proud to be an American after reading this book.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Glass Castle : A Memoir by Jeannette Walls.

She's riding in a New York City cab on her way to a high society event when she spots a homeless woman dumpster diving. Rather than turn her eyes the other way and ignore the sad scene before her, Jeannette Walls can't stop watching. She realizes that the woman in tattered clothing is her mother! She is not surprised. She has not seen her mother in some time but certainly does not want to face her now. Afterall, she's about to attend an event where no one knows her upbringing, her family story, her parents, or anything about her life before NYC. She quickly asks the driver to turn around and take her home again. This is how the book The Glass Castle : A Memoir by Jeannette Walls begins. Yet her childhood was very happy and the author is now a columnist for MSNBC. How did she lift herself from a life of poverty to become so successful? When finished reading this book you'll realize the strength that brothers and sisters share when together they face many life challenges. If you choose to read this book you'd better be ready to read all day. This book is a must read.

Simon & Schuster, the publisher, has a wonderful three minute video of Jeannette including footage with her mother.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm