Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a safe and happy start to 2010. Here's what we've been busy reading!
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
This 2009 National Book Award finalist was an interesting and moving read. In Montgomery, Alabama on March 2, 1955, Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus nine months before Rosa Parks. However, local African American leaders decided that 15 year-old Colvin was not the right face for the bus boycott and the importance of her brave action has been largely overshadowed by the Rosa Parks story. This book tells Colvin’s story and places that account within the greater context of the civil rights movement in Montgomery. The book’s presentation includes plentiful photographs and helpful sidebars. The text alternates between a well-written and informative narrative and Colvin’s own words. Meghan (J Biography)
The Thief (The Queen's Thief Book 1) by Megan Whelan Turner
Fans of Gracling and Fire, here is a series that you’ll love. Gen is a master thief and in prison for successfully stealing the King's seal and then boasting about it. Magus, the king’s advisor, believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. But to attain it for his king, he needs a skillful thief. And so Magus comes to Gen with a deal: Gen will be let out of prison if he helps Magus steal Hamiathes's Gift. Of course Gen takes the deal but there is much more intrigue going on than anyone could guess. I’ve been meaning to read this book for a long time and I’m so glad I finally did because it was amazing. There are two more books in this series and a fourth book is due out in April. Alia (YA Fiction)
Cyberia by Chris Lynch
Zane lives some time in the future where technology rules the world and people rarely go outside. He spends most of his time in his room where his room ‘wakes up’ when he does and sends smells of breakfast through Scent-o-com. His room moderates his temperature and his weight. His one true friend is his dog Hugo. Zane gets a new gadget and all of a sudden he can hear and communicate with Hugo and all other animals. As he realizes this is quite strange, the animals fill him in on the evil Dr. Gristle, the local veterinarian. Together Zane, Hugo and some new animal friends try to save the animals and stop Dr. Gristle. This was a fun science-fiction read and I can’t wait to read the second in the series, Monkey See, Monkey Don’t. Kristin (J fiction)
Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis
Today, Nubs the dog leads a very busy and exciting life! He plays at the beach, goes hiking and even attends a school for training with his owner and best friend Brian. But life wasn’t always so great for Nubs. In the desert of western Iraq, Nubs lived in a war zone. He was small and frail and survived only on the scraps from the soldiers stationed there. Until one day when he met Major Brian Dennis and an unbreakable bond of friendship was formed. This heartwarming story follows Nubs and Brian on their journey of bravery, friendship, and loyalty. This is truly an incredible and unforgettable story. Michelle (J Non-fiction)