The Interrogation of Gabriel James by Charlie Price

You can feel the tension, cut it with a knife. Gabriel James is in a police interrogation room being questioned. For what? He's not sure. Or maybe he does know. All he knows at that moment, is that he'll tell the truth. The officers tell him he's not a suspect, just a witness. Can he trust them? If he slips up and misstates what he saw, will they consider him a suspect? The Interrogation of Gabriel James by Charlie Price is a mystery thriller that will keep you reading.

Charlie Price, the author, delivers this story by alternating Gabriel's questioning with flashbacks to the crime. He reveals the details slowly which adds to the suspense. Two teens are dead, there have been drug deals going down, and hate crimes toward a new student. Are these events related? Do they lead to the ultimate killing? Even Gabriel is trying to make sense of it; to fit the pieces of the puzzle together.

This fast paced, suspenseful story will hook the mystery readers out there. Find a copy at your library soon.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Doors (Jimmy Fallon) Sing "Reading Rainbow" Theme

Whether you're a fan of Reading Rainbow, Jim Morrison and the Doors, Jimmy Fallon, or children's literature, you should enjoy watching this video. It's also such a throw back to the 60s and the look of the bands during that era. Have fun!

 
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Defy the Dark Writing Contest

The HarperTeen division of HarperCollins Publishers is sponsoring a writing contest that would get you published, winning $500. and five copies of Defy the Dark!

Their upcoming publication, Defy the Dark, will be an anthology of short stories selected by editor Saundra Mitchell. You must write a 2,000 to 4,000 word story that takes place in the dark or at night. It can be any genre, it's your choice.

If you love to write, are 13 years or older, would like one more challenge before school begins, please check this out. All submissions are due no later than Sept. 1, 2012.

Full details including all of the rules are just a click away here.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Best-Ever Teen Novels? Vote For Your Favorites

Do you have favorite novels? Would you like to ensure that your favorites are included in the "Best-Ever Teen Novels" list? Here is your chance. NPR (National Public Radio) is holding just such a vote for the next few weeks.

Follow this link to read all about it and to cast your vote. You can select up to 10 titles from their list of 235 finalists. I have a quandary - which 10? Can I limit myself to 10? Can't wait to see the results list. Stay tuned!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs, did his homework! He interviewed Steve, hundreds of friends and family members, colleagues and competitors, over several years to write this definitive work on one of America's most innovative, imaginative heroes - the founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs.

As a techie and fan of all things Apple, I couldn't wait to delve right in. It's a long book to read (630 pgs.), but I was able to stick with it as each story followed by another story zips right along. Steve Jobs lived a very private life yet he insisted on an openness for the author as he pursued his many interviews. The outcome is full insight into the mind and life of Steve Jobs.

This book is Steve Jobs' lasting legacy - his gift to the world. He passed away as Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson was reaching bookstore shelves. The world will miss his creative genius. You may want to be inspired - just sit down in a comfy chair with this book.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky

History buff or not, cook or chef, when you read Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky, you will learn so much world history and pick up a few recipes as well.

It's an interesting means to follow world history through the simple cod fish. Yet, it has played an important role across many centuries - from medieval times, the exploration of North America, to the New England fishing industry. Eventually Mr. Kurlansky brings us to the sad truth - the cod fishery is almost extinct! When the last one has been caught, there will be no more.

Included are a few recipes to spark the taste buds of those of us who enjoy eating fish. At times the historical facts labor along. This is no fish story yet it is a fish story. Fishermen out there, please give this one a chance.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

What first impressed me about Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler were the reviews - so many positive reviews. Certainly it needed to be in the BHS Media Center. When it arrived, I couldn't believe how heavy it was. Flipping through the pages I discovered that it was printed on thick, glossy paper - and there were illustrations! The illustrator, Maira Kalman, has done a fine job representing all the reasons... wait, let me begin at the beginning.

Min and Ed, Ed and Min, an unlikely couple. She's "different" and he's a co-captain of their high school basketball team. Rarely do those two date in reality. Min is writing a letter to Ed explaining all the reasons they broke up but, more than that, she's returning to him all of the keepsakes she's saved from their short relationship. As the box fills she imagines the thud it will make when she drops it on the doorstep of his home. She recalls each keepsake and the event that it came from. Her anger builds as she fills the box yet she is saddened as well.

I imagine as you read this book, you'll either believe that they do break up in the end or that they actually do not, in spite of the title. You'll read with a preconceived notion of how likely a girl such as Min will fit in with the friends and lifestyle of a jock such as Ed. Can he really be falling in love with Min for being different than all the other girls he's dated? Can she convince him that enjoying the more artsy side of life can be enjoyable? Will they stay together? Will she dump the box as he dumped her?

Back to the illustrations - Remember Daniel Handler? The author's pseudonym is Lemony Snicket; the author of the Series of Unfortunate Events books. I'm wondering if Mr. Handler liked the idea of illustrating each keepsake going into the box because those illustrations kept him connected to his younger readers, the fans of Lemony Snicket. What do you think?

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm