A Christmas Carol (ebook) by Charles Dickens

It's time for some Christmas reading - online! There are many publications that are no longer copyright protected, it has expired. These books are now in the public domain. Without the protection of copyright, they can often be found online in full text. That has been the work of Project Gutenberg. From their website: Project Gutenberg offers over 40,000 free ebooks. Choose among free epub books, free kindle books, download them or read them online. We carry high quality ebooks. All our ebooks were previously published by bona fide publishers. We digitized and diligently proofread them with the help of thousands of volunteers.

With all that freedom to use as one wants, a diligent librarian created digital bibliographic records of these free ebooks then shared the records with other librarians. Our BHS library catalog, Destiny, has them. You can search Destiny for all the ebooks or do as I just did, search for ebooks on the subject of Christmas! I discovered that we have these classic ebooks:

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

All of the Project Gutenberg books can be viewed through your web browser or downloaded to most e-reader devices including the Nook and the Kindle. Be sure to search the collection of ebooks in Destiny. These classics are surely a step back in time.

Merry Christmas!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Never Play Checkers With a Leapfrog by Todd Day

Need a great book as a gift for kids, tweens, teens, adults, and fun folks? Here's the best deal around. Brighton High grad and current teacher, Todd Day, one of our highly creative types, has published this book of poetry. Love Shel Silverstein? Remember reading our first Children's Poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky? Todd is following in their footsteps with this charmer - Never Play Checkers With a Leapfrog. Don't wait!

For details on his Brighton Barnes and Noble book signing and online retailers, follow this Facebook link.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Honestly, aren't there enough books already written about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln? Isn't the evidence there as to who killed him and why? The answers: No and No.

History buff or not, you'll be immersed in this story of Lincoln's assassination - Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard. It's the style in which it is written, rather than the facts unveiled, that make this an enjoyable and informative read. It reads like a suspenseful thriller outlining the day-by-day, hour-by-hour events beginning with the final days of the Civil War and culminating with the sentencing and execution of assassin, John Wilkes Booth, and his accomplices.

The story alternates between Lincoln's and Booth's days. The bedraggled Union and Confederate armies challenges. The jubilation taking place in Washington, D.C. as word spread of General Lee's surrender. The world of theatre and acting that provided Booth with the opportunity to move freely through Ford's Theatre plotting the assassination.

Bonus: The appendix includes a reprint of the April 29, 1865 edition of Harper's Weekly, a news magazine of that time, exclusively covering the assassination and death of President Lincoln. The sense of loss felt by the nation is apparent.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Num8ers by Rachel Ward

Psychic Powers - Terrorism - Misfits - Fugitives - Romance - Gritty - Foster Child - Riveting - Thriller: All elements to be found in Num8ers by Rachel Ward.

Jem and Spider, are fifteen year old classmates who become friends because they each need a friend. They are both on the fringe in their school, not easily liked by others. Although Jem has kept her psychic power to herself, she is withdrawn from making connections to people because when she looks them in the eye, she sees a date. 12152010 - 3242034 - 6122051. Can you tell what these number combinations are? Look closely for a pattern. They are dates - the date in which the person she is looking at will die. Yes, Jem knows the date of death for everyone she meets. What a burden! Even as she connects with Spider and their friendship becomes a relationship, she knows the exact date that he will die.

While in London, the story's setting, Jem and Spider visit London's Eye Ferris wheel. She notices that several people in the crowd have the same date of death - that day. She tries to make sense of that when suddenly she knows that she and Spider must leave immediately. Within moments, a terrorist attack happens and people are killed. Security cameras reveal two teens fleeing the scene just before the explosion so the police are hot on their trail. Jem and Spider's adventure begins as they avoid capture by the police heading into the countryside. With little food, no shelter, stolen cars, and a wad of cash Spider has stolen, the pair plan their new life.

The thrills will keep you on the edge of your seat. The love will warm your heart. The ending will surprise you. This is a 5 star read so find a copy and enjoy!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

The setting is New York City, 2083. NYC is not what it used to be. Central Park is almost nonexistent. Chocolate and coffee are illegal to own, water is rationed, and crime is on the rise - especially underground crime. Mafia families still rule crime which in 2083, chocolate is the commodity that draws criminal activity and Anya's family deals in chocolate. In Gabrielle Zevin's All These Things I've Done, Anya and Win are star-crossed lovers trying to find moments together. Anya's father is the NYC Mafia boss who has been killed. She lives with her aging, ill grandmother, her mentally impaired brother, and a younger sister. Win's father is the rising assistant district attorney who prefers that they not see each other. While Win's father helps Anya, as a reader, I couldn't trust him. I was concerned that he was always looking out for his best interest under the cloak of helping Anya. At times I wasn't sure that I could trust Win either. Zevin, the author, sets the reader up to question everyone's motive. Trust is not to be found between characters in this exciting read.

There are parallels in All These Things I've Done to The Hunger Games. They both are science fiction stories in a future United States where life has drastically changed. Anya, like Katniss, is a strong character protecting her family and providing for their needs. The love that Anya and Win share is like that shared between Katniss and Peeta. Recently I learned that All These Things I've Done is the first in a trilogy as well - The Birthright Trilogy. I know there are tales to unfold as this well written story continues.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Matched trilogy and interview with author Ally Condie

Author Ally Condie has written the Matched trilogy which includes the titles Matched (the first in the trilogy), Crossed, and Reached which is planned for release in November. She was a high school English teacher before becoming a full time author.

In this trilogy, Cassia lives in a planned society. She never has free choice as the Society has made every choice for her. In Matched, Cassia learns who her lifelong marriage partner will be and that is revealed as she turns 17 and attends her Matched Banquet. Her match is her childhood friend but that happiness is put in jeopardy as a series of events and revelations twist their fate. Fans of Lois Lowry's The Giver are likely to be drawn to Ms. Condie's trilogy of another dystopian society.

Ally Condie recently gave this interview speaking about her love of reading, libraries, and school librarians. And what a beautiful smile she has! I'm even more impressed by this author after listening to her.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Googled: The End of the World as We Know It by Ken Auletta

Ken Auletta has written an engaging work about all that is Google with his book, Googled: The End of the World as We Know It. He spent several years learning the ins and outs of Google over the past decade and, like me, is intrigued by Google and most thankful to be able to "google" whatever it is I need to know. Yes, Google is a company and to google has now become a verb. There is no other search engine that can return results in lightning fast speed and with the accuracy that we want.

I must admit that it warms my heart that Larry Page, one of Google's founders, grew up in Michigan. His father was a professor at Michigan State University and Larry attended the University of Michigan. I also take pride in knowing the premise that he and his co-founder, Sergey Brin, based their web-searching 'page rank' on was based on the same principle researchers use when working with a Works Cited list or bibliography in a scholarly research piece - how often a work is cited in print must directly relate to the accuracy and authority of the work. Apply that principle to web searching and you've developed Google.

This book will intrigue anyone who finds the concept of all resources being available digitally online as groundbreaking technology. Dig right in. Google the history of Google. Pick up Mr. Auletta's book and be amazed!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Read it Maybe - New York State Reading Association

The New York State Reading Association saw the potential from this summer's wildly popular song by Carly Rae Jepsen, Call Me Maybe, and all of the parodies that followed. They gave it a try with their own version. Get your dancing shoes on!!

And here's another parody from the Toledo Lucas County Public Library staff and patrons.

"Hey, I just read this, and Potter's crazy, So scan the barcode, And read it, maybe?"

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Meet Ray Bradbury

An interview with Ray Bradbury as part of the National Endowment for the Arts The Big Read project. Mr. Bradbury was the author of several classic fantasy and sci-fi novels. He is best known for Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and The Illustrated Man. Watching this interview you'll soon realize his love for books and libraries. If you love his work, fantasy or science fiction, or are an aspiring writer, may you find inspiration in this interview.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

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

New York Times Summer Reading Contest

Do you have an opinion about things read in the news? Would you like to have your opinion known? How would you like to have it published in the New York Times? Here's your opportunity.

The New York Times sponsors a summer reading contest for students ages 13-25. After reading any article in the NYT, you simply write and submit a short response. It can be any article of interest to you and any point of view you wish to present - 350 words or less. Concerned about privacy? No worries. They will not publish any comments that include a last name. All comments will be moderated for quality, appropriateness, respectfulness, and on-topic. However, they will not be edited.

Each week the Student Opinion question will be the same: "What interested you most in The Times this week?" Each week begins on Friday and winners are posted Monday. The first week's winners will be published July 2nd.

Digital access to the NYT is free for 10 articles each month. However, if you follow a link to a NYT article from Facebook or Twitter, they will not count toward that limit of 10. Also, any article that is linked from a NYT blog will also not count toward the 10.

NYT blogs to follow include these:
The Learning Network - the sponsor of this contest
NYT Blog Directory - all blogs sorted by topic categories such as news, politics, tech, culture, sports, style, science, health and more.

NYT Online - Caution! Do not pay for a digital subscription. You can read up to 10 articles for free each month. Keep a count.

Post your opinion here.

Full details and rules are found here.
Full details and rules in a printable PDF are found here.

Ready, Set, Read, Write!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Own the Night Summer Reading @ BDL

Ready for your summertime reading? Yes? Then head over to our Brighton District Library and their Teen Summer Reading Program. As in summers past, there are many opportunities to win great prizes, attend enjoyable events, and have fun reading to your heart's content.  The festivities begin this Sunday, June 10th at 1:00 p.m. when they kick-off summer reading. Details are just a click away here. Will we see each other at BDL? Very likely. I'm there at least once a week.

Keep Reading!
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Survival Guide for Teenagers with LD by Rhoda Cummings, Ed.D and Gary Fisher, Ph.D.

She walks through our high school media center most days. She has a quiet smile hidden by her downcast eyes. I greet her, offer her a funny comment, her smile grows. It seems her friends are few and far between but she is a very likable girl. I knew her as a youngster full of energy and joy. She's still that girl, I sense it. 

I didn't see her the day she checked out this book, The Survival Guide for Teenagers with LD by Rhoda Cummings, Ed.D and Gary Fisher, Ph.D., but I did see her the day she returned it. Her words: "You should read this. It's good. It tells about kids with LD. You need to know that." She was right; I needed to know that. 

I don't know if she is a "learning differences" student but this book surely connected with her. Perhaps she is identified as an LD learner, perhaps a sibling or friend is, or perhaps she liked the format of the book - it's readability. As the authors note, look through the table of contents and read just the sections that you are drawn to. They include: your rights, the law, advocating for yourself, finding and keeping a job, living on your own, friendships and dating, healthy living, education beyond high school, and simply being the best you can be.  I'm sure that my friend is in good hands knowing all that she learned about LD from Drs. Cummings and Fisher. 

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm 

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

I don't often read a horror story. Do you think it's about time I read more? I thought so too. I decided to give The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey a try.

This is actually Will Henry's story. William James Henry is 12 years old and an apprentice to Dr. Warthrop, a monstumologist - one who studies and will kill monsters. With Will Henry at his side, Dr. Warthrop is tracking the existence of the Anthropophagi, a monster that few have seen and fewer have lived to tell of their encounter. The Anthropophagi are gruesome monsters - headless, slimy, large, sharp clawed, a mouth in the middle of their body with teeth capable of devouring it's prey swiftly. Dr. Warthrop must determine how they came to America and how he is going to eliminate them before they wreck havoc on New England.

This story is pure horror. In my opinion, the character Will Henry is too young to see and experience what Dr. Warthrop expects him to assist with. If you are a fan of gruesome horror, a story of bloody carnage so evil you can almost smell it, then you need to read this soon. As for me, I'm not going to finish it. Yep, that's what readers sometimes do. I've given this story many opportunities to win me over but I just can't continue. I have finished more than half of the story but must put it down - I've read of one too many gruesome deaths. Please let me know how it ends if you are brave enough to finish it.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

I recently read Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell and find that it compliments Mindset by Carol Dweck. Both titles look at our perceptions of success and how it is achieved. Each author systematically makes the case that success is not a chance occurrence and not based simply on intelligence.

Using data, Gladwell peels back the layers of what makes one successful and how it is influenced by opportunity and timing. He calls these successful people outliers as their success is outside the norm.

His opening example is with Canadian youth ice hockey players. Due to the date of their births, many of the best players actually share a month of birth. Gladwell claims that with the age cutoff to enter a team established on January 1st, all boys born in January, February, or March have the most opportunity to practice with coaches. More practice equates to better players. Better players become the best players and advance their skills and opportunities as they grow.

Similarly, opportunities for exploring computer technologies happened to a young Bill Gates. At a young age he was able to engage in hands-on exploration of main-frame computer software even developing programs. Over several years, he honed his skills at a time when few understood software programming; it was a new phenomenon. We all know what became of Bill Gates!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

If you follow this blog or talk to me about how I select books for our high school library, you'll know that I'm always on the lookout for books written for an adult reader but would appeal to teens as well. Mudbound by Hillary Jordan was one of those titles.

It is 1946 Mississippi - a time rife with prejudice that is angry and hateful. Laura reluctantly follows her husband into the rural countryside where he has bought a farm fulfilling a long-kept quiet dream. Their home has no electricity, no running water, no indoor plumbing, and LOTS of mud! There are Black sharecroppers who are proud of their work and land to till. Blacks and Whites each know their "place" and get by. The Jackson's are one sharecropper family. Their son, Ronsell, has returned home a war hero yet in spite of all that he gave to defend freedom, he must live in the Jim Crow south where he does not have full freedom.

Hillary Jordan writes with an authenticity that gives us, her readers, an experience approaching having lived it. You will fear for Ronsell and his safety. You may need to put the book down for awhile, as I did, because the pain is so palpable. You will question how Laura, a strong, educated city-girl, can give up that life to move to this 'backward' area. You will know mud!

One more thing you may like to know, this is author Jordan's first novel - AND she won the Bellwether Prize for Fiction! Author Barbara Kingsolver created the award and it is given for "fiction that addresses issues of social justice and the impact of culture and politics on human relationships." Mudbound indeed delivers the human experience.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Frankie Landau-Banks is smarter than the average fifteen year old girl, and she’s determined to prove it to a secret society of boys in The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart. Frankie is known as “Bunny Rabbit” to her a family, a name that annoys her because she feels that they underestimate her. 

When she returns to Alabaster boarding school for her sophomore year, she is minus her older sister (who graduated) and plus some new curves that developed over the summer. Suddenly the boys on campus find her attractive, and she finds herself being asked to a party by Matthew Livingston, a senior who she’s had a crush on since her freshman year. Matthew is sweet and loving, but she soon finds that he will cancel plans with her in favor of his friend Alpha. Frankie deals with this until Matthew cancels a much-anticipated date night. Upset, she follows him, and finds that he is meeting with the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds—an all male club her father belonged to during his days at Alabaster. Frankie becomes increasingly obsessed with the club and being able to be a part of it. She takes it upon herself to find the club’s history, entitled “The Disreputable History of the Loyal Order of the Bassett Hounds.” Upon finding it, she master-minds several campus-wide pranks which she gets the boys in the club to execute by masquerading as Alpha. Alpha goes along with her plans and takes credit for them, but soon the school is calling the pranks “vandalism” and someone is going to have to take the fall.

Frankie is a believable teenage girl with insecurities and a brilliant mind. The story is told from a third person perspective, by a narrator who is very matter-of-fact, which makes the book feel almost like a police case of psychology study at times. There is adventure and romance galore, all rolled into the feeling of exclusiveness that seems to automatically accompany a boarding school setting. The rule breaking that is performed by the Loyal Order of the Bassett Hounds often has a deeper meaning behind the surface of the prank, but it is never anything too dark or serious. Indeed, the pranks are often a call for some sort of improvement to Alabaster or to do away with the “old boy” mentality. This book is a wonderful read, and girls who have been waiting for a female with the capability of being an evil genius to emerge will be pleased. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Reviewed by Mrs. Fribley

Take Control of OCD : the Ultimate Guide For Kids With OCD by Bonnie Zucker

If you suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), this book might just offer you the help you seek. Take Control of OCD : the Ultimate Guide For Kids With OCD by Bonnie Zucker steps you through her proven method. Dr. Zucker is a licensed psychologist and has developed a specific cognitive-behavioral approach to help people with OCD and other anxiety disorders. This book will slowly, carefully take you through her steps that she has identified as developing your ladder. Just like climbing a ladder, you start out on the safest step, face your fears, then climb another step and face another fear. The best part is that YOU identify your own fears, obsessions, and compulsions - not your parents, teachers, or a doctor. YOU rank them in order by easiest to hardest to overcome.

Dr. Zucker's book also includes relaxation techniques and helps you to practice them. Again, YOU practice each one and find what works best. My favorites included calm, one-nostril breathing and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). With PMR you tighten then relax each muscle area of your body one-by-one beginning with your hands and working to the whole body. The face was most interesting because tensing my facial muscles meant making a very contorted look for sure.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

The book I read was Eragon by Christopher Paolini and I thought it was really good. I loved this book because it was descriptive and I could follow it well. The author, Paolini, did have a lot of big words in it but it was still an easy read for people at an 8th grade level.

It's a fantasy with dragons and magic. There was always something going on in the book; it kept your mind busy. It did have some down points though, like it switched scenes between main characters like in movie format. Some people like that but other than that it was a great book. If you like violence and suspense than you might like it too. So I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by BHS student Isaac N.

How To Be Creative by Jonah Lehrer

Creativity is not inherited, it's a skill. In this Wall Street Journal article, How To Be Creative by author Jonah Lehrer, he summarizes his findings on who is creative and becoming creative. The article is a prelude to his soon to be published book, Imagine: How Creativity Works.

Some quick tips I've learned from this article:

1. Work with others outside your field or expertise.

2. Relaxation will improve your creativity so take a warm bath, relaxing walk, even daydream.

3. Don't give up. Creativity requires hard work.

4. Forget about the work if you sense you've hit a wall. Come back to it later when you feel you might be getting close. Give your brain cells time to work.

5. Have a diverse group of friends, those who may think differently than you. An insight from them may just be the connection you need for creativity.

You'll find Mr. Lehrer's article and video of the WSJ interview here. Watch for his book to arrive in the BHS media center after it's published. I think we'll all want to take a moment to become more creative.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Reading Fiction Helps Your Career by Gini Dietrich

If you read fiction, you learn to be more empathetic. You fine tune your social skills. You become more open to new experiences. Need more proof? Scientific American researcher, Keith Oatley, outlines his findings in the November 2011 issue. Here's a brief cover on the story: Gini Dietrich's Reading Fiction Helps Your Career.

I do read fiction and non-fiction tending toward more fiction when I want something to 'take me away' from days of too much brain work. I find that this research matches my experiences. See what you think - follow the link above.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

On the morning of January 23, 2012 in Dallas, Texas a room was filled with librarians, publishers, and interested folks, waiting in anticipation for the announcement of this year's American Library Association's Youth Media Awards. Teachers and school librarians unable to attend waited for the first announcements to reach us as we taught our students in schools around the U.S. One was the Michael L. Printz award.

The Michael L. Printz award is given each year to the book that exemplifies excellence in teen (YA) literature. This year the winner was Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley. Our 2012 Printz winner was also the recipient of another award - The William C. Morris award. This award is also for a YA book but by a debut author. John Corey Whaley is a debut author as this is his first published book. Congratulations to Mr. Whaley!

Winning the Printz award was reason enough for me to immediately begin reading it. Do NOT judge this book by it's cover. The cover would suggest that this book is about a woodpecker; yes, it is but it is much more than that.

Where Things Come Back has some bizarre twists and turns to the story. At times you may scratch your head and wonder what is going on. If you're an avid reader, you'll likely know that eventually the various threads that are woven will intertwine.

Cullen is a high school student living in a small town in Arkansas. The story opens with the death of his cousin. His aunt is devastated and Cullen has to identify the body. He manages that fine. Lily, AK is also a town in which a rare, thought-to-be extinct woodpecker, has been sighted. Bird watchers are descending on the town in hopes of seeing it. One morning Cullen awakes to find that his younger, fifteen year old brother is not home. Commotion ensues as his family tries to locate Gabriel but to no avail. Weeks pass, still no Gabriel. Cullen and his parents are frantic. The police have no leads. The case seems to be closed.

A parallel story also unfolds. Cabot Searcy is a college dropout seeking meaning to his life. He's a troubled young man seeking revenge for a lost love. That revenge takes him to Lily, AK where our two parallel stories begin to weave together.

A great read, a must read if you like to experience twisted tales with heartwarming endings.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

The Inheritance Series has given me a whole new perspective on books and fantasy. Paolini's complex world of mystical creatures is fascinating and exciting, with a gripping storyline and deep, involved characters. Once I start one of his novels, I am unable to put them down until I am finished.

Paolini's latest novel, Inheritance, the fourth in what was supposed to be a trilogy, carries on this tradition of fantastic storytelling. Picking up where Brisingr left off, Eragon continues and completes his journey towards Galbatorix. In this book, Paolini goes into great detail; you learn a lot about Roran, Angela, and Arya, and you are taken on many beautiful, fascinating side quests where you will become lost in Paolini's vivid imagery. Prepare for more awesome battles, exciting twists, an epic ending, and a new beginning that you won't want to miss.

Reviewed by BHS student M. Cromer

Persuasion by Jane Austen

The classic novel Persuasion, Jane Austen's final novel, is one every Austen addict will love. Although Austen's most popular work may be Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion has the same funny satire, interesting and at times crazy characters, and the same endearing romance, but with a different sense, maturity and wisdom. Persuasion is the story of a young girl, Anne, who falls in love with a man whom her family believes is below her. This man, Captain Wentworth, has no money and is of no status, so Anne is pushed by her family to turn down his marriage proposal, and she does. This is a choice she regrets the rest of her life, because even though she was young, in Anne's mind, Wentworth was and always will be her true love. Persuasion describes what it is like to put your family's wishes and desires for your life above your own, but also the hope of second chances, and it is a classic novel I would recommend to everyone who enjoyed Pride and Prejudice.

Reviewed by BHS student E. Kerr

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

The Screwtape Letters, written by C. S. Lewis, is a Christian satire about a senior demon named Screwtape who attempts to teach his younger apprentice, Wormwood, about how best to tempt humans. Originally published in 1942, this novel is not written in a traditional format, instead, it is written in the form of a letter. Each chapter is a letter written by Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood. This style of writing provides a more personal appeal in that it provides direct insight into what the senior demon in thinking and the topics he discusses. Addressing topics such as religion, war, love, and human pride, The Screwtape Letters should only be read by high schoolers who are able to understand the complex connotations attached to these topics. Each topic Screwtape addresses is meant to make the reader question their own beliefs on these specific topics as well. This 175 page book is not action packed or filled with crime or adventure. Instead, The Screwtape Letters is a novel written to make its reader think about his or her attitude towards certain topics such as religion, love, war, and to their pride.

Reviewed by BHS student J. Birney

Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Billy sat awaiting his death, a place and time he'd been before. What if life and time weren't linear? What if your life was just a combination of different events which you could travel back and forth through, always in a different order, but always the same; would you ever really die? In the novel Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, the author opposes war by mixing his own facts with fiction in a psychological journey which will warp your mind and leave you asking "what just happened?"

Vonnegut's fictitious protagonist named Billy Pilgrim is a mundane character who lives through World War II and the bombing of Dresden. Vonnegut hides himself within Billy so he may tell his own story in a less invasive way. He creates a strange life for Billy in which he is abducted by aliens to discover what humans don't understand of life. This novel will teach you of life and of death, and make you grateful for the life you have. If you enjoy reading between the lines and reading to your subconscious, then this novel is definitely for you. Don't let the title scare you off, I guarantee it's not what you think.

Reviewed by BHS student R. Wehrly

Native Son by Richard Wright

Not only is Richard Wright’s novel Native Son a classic that has been known to appear on the A.P. Literature Exam frequently, but I also found it to be a captivating, page-turning, overall fantastic book. Although its length is a little intimidating at first, as soon as you begin reading, it is nearly impossible to stop.

The novel opens with an African-American twenty-year-old, Bigger Thomas, that has his priorities more than just a little mixed up. After committing many violent crimes, one good thing finally comes his way: he is given a job as a chauffeur for a well-off white family. On his very first day, instead of taking the daughter Mary to the university as he is told, she directs him to pick up her Communist boyfriend. They drink all night, and they make-out in the backseat of the car while Bigger drives and tries not to stare. When they finally come home late at night, Bigger has to carry her to her room because she is so drunk she cannot even stand, let alone walk. While he is setting her down in her bed, Mary’s blind mother comes in to check on her. To keep her quiet, Bigger holds a pillow over her head. This innocent act turns into one that Bigger will regret for the rest of his life, as he accidentally smothers Mary. In a state of panic, the only thing he can think to do is dispose of the body. From then on, he lives a life on the run. He runs from the law, from the truth, and from his own guilt.

If you have some time that you would like to spend reading a great book, do not waste your time searching for a book that may or may not be good. Read a book that I guarantee you is fantastic and study for the A.P. English Exam too while your heart pounds with the suspense and thrill of Native Son.

Reviewed by BHS student L. Gilbert

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Horror stories come in many different forms. There are the few that have to do with real life situations, and there are the few that are supernatural gems in the gothic genre. Most can appear to be corny and lame and while they exhibit somewhat terrifying happenings, they tend to overplay the usage of the forces of darkness. It is the stories with the subtlety of the black magic that can really paint a lovely picture (in a rather grotesque manner, but you get the idea).

This is especially true in the case of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Indeed a lovely picture is painted within the very context of art itself. The story does not have a specific main character, however it has its protagonist; obviously known as Dorian Gray. Dorian is an astonishingly beautiful young piano player who exhibits the ideals of picturesque beauty and youth. Basil Hallward, a painter creates a portrait of Dorian Gray which is a subject of envy to Dorian. He becomes depressed knowing that he will age and his beauty will fade while the picture will stay young forever. His wish to bask in the never aging world like the painting comes true, and the burden of the things going on in his life will take its toll upon the painting. The story holds some blandness because it was written in the 1800s, however there are many scenes that withhold an essence of pure drama. Most of the drama is created by a very emotional Dorian Gray, who makes the book a little bit of a page turner. With its flamboyancy and ornate detail and description, The Picture of Dorian Gray is an imaginary painting on its own; a dramatic masterpiece.

Reviewed by BHS student S. Meyers

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Having an interest in suspenseful mysteries I was not one to pick up a heartfelt and quirky novel; but once i picked the book up I simply couldn't set it down.Life comes at us with full force; unrelenting and persistent. Obstacles are often thrown into our lives, in ways where we cannot deviate from them. Who knew that such an obstacle would be one’s own skin color. In the novel, The Help, Kathryn Stockett not only writes from the perspective of the Southern maids, but also a young writer. Stockett moves her audience with this inspirational story.

Narrarated by three strong female leads, I believe is what truly sets this book apart from all others. Each one facing problems head on, without so much as a complaint. In life we don't get to pick and choose the horrific things we face, all we can do is stay confident and true until the "storm" passes through. Minny, Skeeter, and Aibileen risk everthing they have ever worked for to essentially, stand up for their rights and what they believe. Day after day Aibileen, Minny, and the rest of the black community took a back burner to everything the world had to offer, even though they worked just as hard if not harder than the others. Skeeter a young white writer, would soon change this.

This novel is inspirational, exciting, and hilarious. If you haven't picked it up yet, you should!

Reviewed by BHS student H. Geddes

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

In the face of oppression one must find strength from within. Alice Walker's novel, The Color Purple, explores the extensive and courageous journey of finding yourself when all your life you have been the subject of abuse.

The Color Purple begins with fourteen year old Celie writing a letter to God about her father's haunting abuse. Being married off at a very young age, she is forced to take care of children who will never be hers. Throughout her journey Celie continues to write to God about the everyday trials she must endure. Celie's only hope is in her sister Nettie who one day disappears from her life. As she grows older she eventually befriends her husband's mistress, Shug, who shows her that everyone deserves love. As Celie makes lasting friendships with the different women in her life, she learns that not only is her abuse wrong, but that she deserves to have a better life which she never imagined.

Through the examples of the strong women in Celie's life not only is she able to overcome her own abuse, but she becomes a beacon of hope for others. The Color Purple is a story of tenacity, proving to each reader that strength comes from within, and anyone can change a life. This is a captivating novel for those with an interest in feminist ideas, abuse or cultural differences, which will open your eyes to the world around you.

Reviewed by BHS student CJ Maliszewski

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson is back in Rick Riordan's new book, The Son of Neptune, about a group of demigod friends in the modern world. Once again Percy is called on to save the world, but instead of at his former Greek demigod home, Camp Half-Blood, he finds himself at a Roman demigod camp without his memory. With his new Roman demigod friends, Hazel and Frank, Percy sets out to regain his memory and save the world. The Son of Neptune has three narrators, Percy, Hazel, and Frank. While it's helpful to see inside all of the character's heads and learn their secrets, the switches often just caused the story to be fragmented and confusing. Don't get me wrong, I loved the book. I absolutely couldn't stop reading, but this new book just didn't live up to it's prequels. Riordan has a great sense of humor, which was apparent in this book. “They're Lares. House gods. House gods," Percy said. "Like...smaller than real gods, but larger than apartment gods?” The nonstop battles with ancient monsters, funny jokes, and interesting characters make this a great book to read, if you can get past the switching narrators.

Reviewed by BHS student H. Brenner

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

A man stood on top of a crate as white men around him called out prices. He was poked and examined from head to toe. His family had been taken from him and he had nothing left to call his own. To America, he was property, he was worthless. This was the life of the African American slave in the 1800s. This issue, over the treatment of slaves, was the one that divided our country and led us into the Civil War.

In 1851, Harriet Beecher Stowe published Uncle Tom's Cabin, this book that changed America's view of slavery once and for all. Stowe tells the tale of two sets of characters in her novel, both the tales of slaves and their many hardships. The story is mainly focused on Tom, a highly religious slave who is sold many places around the South. Yet, through kind masters and harsh masters, Tom keeps his faith and strength. He never once complains in the novel and remains devout and loyal to all his masters. Through Tom, Stowe reveals the horrors of slavery. She shows that even though Tom did everything his masters asked of him, he was still mistreated. In contrast, Stowe's second story revolves around a family of runaway slaves. Though this family faces many trials and hardships on their flight to freedom, they never lose sight of their goal. Through this family Stowe shows that through perseverance, goals can be reached, despite one's standing in the world.

Stowe uses vivid description and imagery to place the reader in the lives of each slave in her story. This book appeals to the reader's emotion causing them to feel each whip lash and harsh word as a slave would feel it. Stowe reveals this horrific time in our history reminding us that even though it's in the past, it's not forgotten. If you are someone who enjoys history, and experiencing new points of view, this book is for you!

Reviewed by BHS student N. Nollan

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

In the coming-of-age novel What Happened to Goodbye, Sarah Dessen draws the reader into the story through her extremely relatable characters. The story revolves around a teenage girl, named Mclean Sweet, who has experienced a horrible divorce between her parents. The divorce was a result of her mother’s affair with a famous basketball coach, who had also previously been her father’s idol. Mclean’s father is involved in the restaurant business and is constantly moving which allows Mclean to become another person in each town they travel to. When Mclean and her father move to Lakeview, Mclean is finally able to find herself through the other relatable characters that Dessen develops in the novel.

I would recommend this novel, or any other novel by Sarah Dessen, to any teenage girl anywhere. It is a fun and comforting read that a high school girl will be able to relate to through the diverse characters that Dessen establishes.

Reviewed by BHS student J. Provenzola

Good Omens: the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

When two of the most esteemed British sci-fi authors team up, you know that novel will be a good one. That is exactly what happened for Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Following in the footsteps of similar novels like Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Good Omens is a distinctly British humor novel that is about the end of the world, and many different people (and otherworldy beings) as the end approaches. I personally liked the book, although I wouldn’t call it perfect.

The thing I liked best was how funny it was. For those of you who don’t know what British humor consists of, it is intelligent pop culture jokes and satire that usually require background knowledge, which means some people don’t find it funny, but the ones who understand it, find it hilarious. As long as you can remember what the 90’s were like, this book should get you laughing from page one until page 366.

My main problem with this book was a lack of deep characterization. There were four main plotlines, and the novel jumps from one to the next seamlessly. While this made the plot intricate, and enjoyable, it really took a toll on the main characters. When you have double digit amounts of main characters, you end up knowing a bit about each, and then a lot about very few. While there were about four well developed characters, there were many underdeveloped characters as well.

While I could go on all day about this book, for your sake as the reader, I will leave it at this: Good Omens is a fantastic story with wit, and a very good story, and a must read for any fan of sci-fi or humor novels. I strongly suggest it if you ever need to read a sci-fi book for a project. If I was to give it a rating, I would give it three and a half paws out of four.

Reviewed by BHS student A. Tucker

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen is a heartwarming, summer-fun story which also deals with important issues. Auden West’s parents are brilliant scholars who forced their daughter to grow up too fast, and miss the important parts of anyone’s childhood. One summer, Auden decides to move in with her father’s family at their oceanfront home. Soon she meets Eli, a quiet boy who is still haunted by his past. As the summer carries on, they set out on a mission to give Auden the experiences she never got as a child. This story, like the rest of Sarah Dessen’s, includes a hero, family drama, a love interest, and easy-to-read adventures. I strongly suggest this novel to the fans of Sarah Dessen, or anyone looking for light-hearted, self-discovery story with a touch of romance.

Reviewed by BHS student M. Holper

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

One snowy night in 1964, Doctor David Henry is forced to deliver his twin children. The first, a boy named Paul, is born happy and healthy. As soon as David delivers the second one, a girl named Phoebe, he recognizes the signs of Down's and hands her to his nurse Caroline. To save his wife and son from the grief of losing her later, he tells them that she has died at birth. What he doesn't realize is that the decision he makes will cause much more bad than intended good. Over the years his family grows apart due to lifelong secrets and misery. As for Phoebe, she grows up with Caroline who loves her as she were her own. The relationship between them grows and Caroline changes into a confident, strong woman.

It is hard for us to understand why a father would ever want to give up his own daughter due to a disability. We have to remember that this was the 1960's and many people were less accepting of Down's not to mention less educated as well. David had good intentions of course, but never acknowledges what the real consequences could be. We learn that he was sheltering his family from experiencing the same pain he endured as a child after losing his sister to a heart condition. Many times he tries to reconnect with Phoebe but ends up realizing that there is no place for him in her life anymore. His own son grows up deprived of a loving family and Norah, his wife, is never the same.

This is a compelling novel overflowing with detail and emotion you can't even imagine. Kim Edwards is an amazing author who makes us feel angry and hopeful at the same time. She shows us; that you must have trust in yourself as well as your family in order to maintain a happy and healthy relationship. If you love a heart-wrenching story that is impossible to set down, then check this book out.

Reviewed by BHS student K. Gaiss