Leyden Librarians talk books!

2011-09-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

"Banned-Challenged Books 2011"

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Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser

2011-08-15T13:28:00.001-07:00

DopeSick by Walter Dean Myers

2011-08-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Rucker Park Set Up by Paul Volponi

2011-08-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

2011-08-15T13:20:00.001-07:00

Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

2011-08-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Schooled by Gordon Korman

2011-08-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Fat Kid Rules the World by Kelly Going

2011-08-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

2011-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Author Louanne Johnson portrays her character in Muchacho

2011-08-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

2011-08-15T12:20:00.001-07:00

Heather Brewer discusses the Vladimir Todd Series

2011-08-15T12:18:00.001-07:00

Iqbal: a novel by Francesco D'Adamo

2011-08-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

iDrakula by Bekka Black

2011-08-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

3 Willows: the sisterhood grows by Ann Brashares

2011-08-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

2011-08-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

2011-08-15T11:56:00.001-07:00

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-08-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles

2011-08-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

John Grisham on the value of libraries

2011-04-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

John Grisham shares how the library and reading books were an important part of his childhood. The book Bleachers is a popular title in our library---if you like football and are a fan of John Grisham's movies, try reading one of his books!

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

2011-04-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! In the first of the series, readers will discover a plot that is somewhat reminiscent of Harry Potter. Vlad Tod is a typical eighth-grade student - with the exception that he is a vampire! His parents were killed in a mysterious fire three years earlier. Now Vlad, utterly alone in the world, must go live with his mother's best friend, Nelly. Nelly works as a nurse which enables her to bring home expired blood bags for Vlad to feast on - so he doesn't have to feed on humans. When Vlad's homeroom teacher is discovered missing, it sets off a chain of events that put Vlad on a quest to discover what really happened to his parents. In doing so, Vlad discovers that whoever murdered his parents, is now after him as well.

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

2011-04-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hopkins features the raw voices of five teens as their elusive search for love leads them down the dark alley of teen prostitution. These five stories are shockingly honest and graphically portrayed. A compelling read for mature readers.

Muchacho: a novel by Louanne Johnson

2011-04-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Beneath Eddie Corazon's tough guy image and bad attitude, he's really a secret reader who just might be a great poet. Then Eddie meets Lupe who inspires and guides him, along with the caring adults in his life, to develop confidence in himself and his choices.

Yummy: the last days of a Southside shorty

2011-04-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

This true story, told in graphic novel format, tells the tragic tale of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer, an eleven-year-old boy from the Roseland neighborhood in Chicago. Yummy, nicknamed for his love of sweets, was an inner city kid who became the poster child for gang violence in1994 when he joined the Black Disciples street gang and became both a perpetrator and a victim in a shooting that made national headlines.

Year of the hare: a novel by Arto Paasilinna

2011-04-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

A delightfully whimsical novel that explores what's really important in life. A Helsinki journalist driving through rural Finland accidentally hits a hare with his car. He gives in to the urge to abandon the car (and the surly photographer he is on assignment with) find the hare and mend its broken leg. The hare becomes his constant companion and inspires him to quit his spiritless job, end his loveless marriage, sell his beloved boat and take off for a year exploring the north of Finland, working odd jobs and getting himself involved in one mad caper after another.

Women of the Underground: music by Zora von Burden

2011-04-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Journalist Zora von Burden presents a series of fascinating interviews featuring 20 female performers that have blazed a trail as figures of rock's counterculture. Important to music collections as it highlights women who have opened doors both musically and culturally and tells their stories in a very personable way.

Just Kids by Patti Smith

2011-04-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

A sensitive, haunting memoir that describes the love affair and eventual lifelong friendship that developed between poet and musician Patti Smith and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe beginning with their chance encounter in a New York bookstore.

Columbine by Dave Cullen

2011-03-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

2011-03-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles

2011-03-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Amy Nelson is having a bad day. Not only has she just met her real father for the first time, but she has just been informed that she is spending her summer vacation with him in Israel meeting a family she has never known! OMG! Though Amy has some heavy issues to deal with, Elkeles gives the story a light, romantic feel, like a pleasant summer read. As Amy reluctantly goes off to Israel with her father, readers will notice how her experiences there enable her character to grow and mature by the end of the story.

Simone Elkeles Author Visit - West Leyden High School

2011-03-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Simone Elkeles--East Leyden Visit

2011-03-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Jerk, California

2011-01-24T09:39:00.000-08:00

Jerk, California is a wonderful book about a teenage boy who faces many challenges, not the least of which is Tourette Syndrome which results in such regualar tunts as Twitch, Jerk and Freak. The author, Jonathan Friesen, does a beautiful job explaing the syndrome as well as capturing the reality of high schol life for those who are "different". Mr. Friesen draws on his own experiences with Tourette to realisticly portray the disease and its impact on teen life. I especially like the realtionship that develops between Sam Carrier, our hero with Tourettes, and Naomi, the beautiful and popular girl on campus with troubling secrets of her own.

iDrakula by Bekka Black

2011-01-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

This parody on Bram Stoker's Dracula is told exclusively through text messages, Web browser screens, e-mails, and various photo and PDF attachments. It's a clever, humorous, 21st century spin on the classic vampire tale.

The Chronicles Of Vladimir Tod:8th Grade Bites book trailer

2010-12-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

Author Heather Brewer discusses The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

2010-12-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Tenth Grade Bleeds

2010-12-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

2010-12-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

A fascinating, compulsive page-turner that weaves together a group of families in a New Jersey suburb. When teenager Adam Baye's best friend commits suicide, Adam's parents become concerned that they are 'losing' him and decide to install spyware on his personal computer. When Adam disappears, his parents get swept up into a criminal investigation as they frantically try to find their missing son. The secrets that lie buried in this seemingly normal community create a web of intrigue that slowly connects them all to an explosive climax.

Abraham Lincoln Award Nominees, 2011

2010-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

Sundays At Tiffany's by James Patterson

2010-11-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

An utterly charming, whimsical romance! Jane is a lonely little girl whose mother is the head of a Broadway theater company and has no time for her. While growing up, Jane has always had a handsome friend that only she can see...then suddenly when she is nine-years-old, he tells her he must go away. Now in her early thirties, Jane is as lonely as ever, when suddenly, she and Michael, her imaginary childhood friend become reunited.

Eternal by Cynthia L. Smith

2010-11-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

Told in alternating narratives between main character, Miranda and her guardian angel, Zachary. A dark comedy/romance about a guardian angel that falls in love with the soul he guards, and his heroic efforts to save her after she is turned into a vampire by the legendary Dracul.

Wake by Lisa McMann -- Book Trailer

2010-11-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Unwind Fanmade Trailer

2010-11-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Twisted Book Trailer

2010-11-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

A Thousand Splendid Suns Book Trailer

2010-11-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

Spanking Shakespeare

2010-11-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

Rucker Park Setup Book Trailer

2010-11-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

Right Behind You by Gail Giles Book Trailer

2010-11-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

Just Listen

2010-11-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Jerk California book trailer

2010-11-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Hunger Games - Trailer (fan made)

2010-11-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Rachel Sontag-House Rules: A Memoir-Author interview

2010-11-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hold Tight - Harlan Coben

2010-11-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

Graceling Trailer - Fan-Made

2010-11-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Evermore book trailer

2010-11-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

Elsewhere book trailer

2010-11-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

2010-11-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

2010-11-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

Boot Camp by Todd Strasser trailer

2010-11-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

Artichoke's Heart

2010-11-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

Artichoke's Heart

2010-11-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Book Trailer- Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

2010-11-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Everafter by Amy Huntley

2010-11-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

The haunting story of 17 year-old Maddy Staunton who discovers that she is dead....but doesn't remember how she died. She is surrounded by glowing objects of hers that she lost during her life. The objects take her back to the moment in her life when she lost them. The experience helps her to understand her life with greater clarity until finally, she discovers the shocking events leading up to her own death.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2010-10-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

A supernatural thriller and love story, with a plot that will grip your senses! Nora Grey, a high school sophomore gets a new biology partner. Patch is mysterious, handsome and ... immortal. Suddenly, Nora finds Patch's presence everywhere, even in her mind. She also discovers that another presence is watching her - and trying to kill her! Fitzpatrick has written a rather unique story about fallen angels and their interactions with humans with a plot that intensifies right to the end.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

2010-09-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

Seventeen-year-old Tyler has always thought of himself as a 'loser.' Taunted and abused by bullies all through grade school, he finally does something that gets him some notice - he gets caught vandalizing the school. After working all summer with the school maintenance department as part of his sentence, Tyler is strong and pumped. This gets him the notice of the girl of his dreams - Bethany Milbury, whose father is his dad's boss. The budding relationship between Tyler and Bethany create a stream of unfortunate events that changes both of them and causes Tyler to finally confront his angry father.

Literary Leydenites: Wench: a novel by Dolan Perkins-Valdez

2010-09-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Literary Leydenites: Wench: a novel by Dolan Perkins-Valdez: "Tawawa House in many respects is like any other American resort before the Civil War. Situated in Ohio, this idyllic retreat is particularly..."

13 to Life by Shannon Delaney

2010-09-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

2010-09-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

From the opening page, where 15-year-old Liz Hall is hit by a taxi, the book is a fascinating story about the possibilities of the afterlife. Liz wakes up in a place called 'Elsewhere' which is both like and unlike Earth. Though Liz mourns her mortal life, she slowly adjusts to her new 'life' as she opens herself up to the promise of new experiences. A compelling read!

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

2010-09-02T19:43:00.001-07:00

Chris Cleave's Little Bee works because the unflinching, brutal story balances an outwardly political motive with rich, deep character development (and even some welcome humor), focusing narrowly on events before broadening to reveal some larger truths. Cleave's firm grasp of human nature and his unsparing disdain for injustice allow him to articulate lives as different as those of Little Bee and the less-likeable Sarah; both characters, though, are unforgettable. Comparisons between Cleave and fellow Brits Ian McEwan and John Banville are apt. All others agreed, however, that Cleave's sophomore effort is, as the Chicago Sun-Times succinctly put it, "a loud shout of talent."Copyright 2009 Bookmarks Publishing LLC

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2010-08-29T15:03:00.000-07:00

Not my usual type of novel, but I was pleasantly surprised! Suspenseful and eerie as it depicts a futuristic society divided into twelve districts in which 2 representatives from each district are chosen by a lottery, and compete in an annual game of survival - to the death. The book is narrated by Katniss, a sharp, no-nonsense young girl from one of the impoverished districts. She takes the place of her younger sister, Prim whom she is devoted to. Katniss competes in the competition, which is considered 'entertainment,' readers will find her experiences make for a gripping, and at times, tender story. Read the sequel, "Catching Fire."

G Rated Version of Perfect Chemistry Rap Video

2010-08-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles OFFICIAL Book Trailer

2010-08-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Library Orientation Video

2010-08-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Avalon High Book Trailer

2010-08-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray Book Trailer

2010-08-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

Rucker Park Setup by Paul Volponi

2010-08-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

A tense, exciting novel that intertwines basketball, betting, friendship and murder into an action-packed urban suspense story. Mackey and J.R. grew up together playing basketball in Rucker Park, where the neighborhood watched professional NBA players go up against street legends. When they both get picked to play in a big tournament, J.R. is the victim of a fatal stabbing and only Mackey knows the truth. Will he do the right thing? Read the book and find out!

Paper Towns by John Green

2010-08-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Another winner from one of our favorite authors! Green has an unusual knack for portraying realistic experiences and honest dialogue among his characters - and making it both profound and amusing. Set in Orlando, Florida, it is the story of the enigmatic Margo Roth Spiegelman, as told by her classmate Quentin, who worships her from afar. When Margo goes missing again in senior year, it is up to Quentin to unravel the mystery and find her.

Artichoke's Heart: a novel by Suzanne Supplee

2010-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

This was one of the most charming books I've read this year! The story is set in Spring Hill, Tennessee and features the smart and funny Rosemary Goode - a self-conscious, overweight teen whose single mother owns Heavenly Hair, the most popular and gossipy beauty salon in town. The plot is a thoughtful and humorous look at Rosemary's senior year of high school as her social life and figure transform.

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

2010-07-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

An update on the Romeo and Juliet star-crossed lovers theme, this novel is told in the alternating voices of Brittany Ellis,a rich, blonde suburbanite who seems to be perfect and Alejandro Fuentes, a rough, poor gang member, trying to keep his family safe. This unlikely pair are forced together as chemistry partners for a project. Set in the burbs of Chicago, the trials and tribulations of this sympathetic couple makes a read that you just can't put down.

Nation of Amor Book Trailer

2010-07-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

A Nation of Amor by Christopher McConnell

2010-07-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

Set in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, the story begins in the 1960's with the Matos brothers, Angel, Bobo and Reynaldo. Frustrated with the way the Puerto Rican community is treated, the brothers form the Latin Kings street gang as a way to protect their people. McConnell, a native of Chicago's West side, vividly captures the dialogue and culture of the street. Told in alternating narratives by several main characters, the story paints a realistic portrait of tough choices, politics, corruption, gentrification and the immigrant experience.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

2010-07-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

On a summer trip to visit her long absent father, seventeen-year-old Kristina, a dutiful young girl and straight-A student, is introduced to meth aka crank. She immediately gets caught up in the unfamiliar yet captivating lifestyle of a crank addict and develops and alter ego - Bree. Once Kristina "shakes hands with the monster" her alter ego of Bree begins to take over, sending her life spiraling out of control, with devastating consequences. Hopkins, a former poet, writes the novel in free verse which gives the story even more impact. Hopkins also writes a short author's note to the reader, revealing that the story references her own struggle to save her daughter from "the monster."

I'm Down: a Memoir by Mishna Wolff

2010-07-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

Mishna Wolff presents her amusing, bittersweet memoir about growing up with a divorced, white father who truly believes he is a black man, and begins a crusade to make his daughter "down." A sensitive, hilarious and hip story about an awkward white girl's struggle to fit in, in a working-class black neighborhood. Readers will relate to the author's challenge to develop her own identity in the midst of being pushed and prodded by her father and others to be what they want her to be. A highly recommended read.

Spanking Shakespeare by Jake Wizner

2010-07-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare Shapiro hates his name, yet despite his angst, he is a lovable character that manages to see the humor in any situation. Wizner's portrayal of Shakespeare is never boring, in fact, he pushes the adolescent humor to the limit. As Shakespeare enters his senior year of high school, he humorously narrates the process of writing the memoir of his embarassing life. Adolescent male readers will find much material here to snicker about as Shakespeare puts his witty pen to his family, friends, and his quest to get a date.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

2010-07-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

As the story begins, Percy Jackson seems like a typical, contemporary 12-year old from New York City - with a few extra problems: he has ADHD, he's also dyslexic, his father left before he was born, and he's been kicked out of six schools in six years. Unfortunately, things are going to get worse....Percy discovers that he is a demigod, i.e, he's half-human, and half-god, his father being Poseidon, God of the Sea! As if that isn't enough, he discovers his best friend is a satyr. Riordan has written a humorous and exciting adventure story that puts a contemporary spin on classical mthology. The first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Read the book, then see the movie!

Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

2010-07-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

The third book in the Inheritance Cycle finds Eragon and Saphira facing many new challenges in their quest to assist the Varden in destroying Galbatorix and his empire. Brisingr reveals long-held secrets that help to fill gaps in the story; though there are less battle scenes, they are more intense than in the previous two volumes. Fans will have to wait for the eagerly anticipated fourth book though to see how the quest ends. Readers of Fantasy, especially those who favor the work of J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, will enjoy this engaging series.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-07-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

2010-07-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ruined: a Ghost Story by Paula Morris

2010-07-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Beat Voices: an anthology of Beat Poetry by David Kherdian

2010-07-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Kherdian presents a collection of American poetry by and about the Beat Generation, featuring such poets as Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Gregory Corso, Diane di Prima and others.

David Kherdian lived in San Francisco during the 1950's and '60's during the height of the beat movement, until "the Hippie invasion of Haight-Ashbury." His introduction presents an intimate look at some of the "Angel-headed Hipsters" of that influential literary and cultural movement. Many of the Beat poets were themselves influenced by William Blake and Walt Whitman, to name a few. The poetry of the Beats heralded a revolution that shaped future generations of poets. This book serves as an insightful introduction to the era and the poets that defined that era. Ms. Monegato

Paper Towns (Abe Nominee 2010)

2010-06-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Read Jerk, California - an Abe 2010 Nominee!

2010-06-14T20:21:00.001-07:00

Audio Book: Sorta Like A Rock Star by Matthew Quick

2010-06-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Sorta Like A Rock Star is excellent young adult literature. An unusual premiss; Amber Appleton, a poor homeless girl and her mother live in the back of a school bus that her mother drives during the day to earn money. In the face of all hardships, our 16 year old "rock star" remains relentlessly optimistic. One day, however, tradegy strikes, and the horror of it challenges Amber in ways she never anticipated. Will her faith in mankind withstand the unexpcted brutality of a total stranger?

Read by Cynthia Holloway whose acting career spans stage, film and television as well as other work requiring theatrical ability. As the reader of Sorta Like a Rock Star she assigns each character a different voice and a believeable set of emotions. She makes you smile, laugh and cry as Amber Appleton, aka "Rock Star" clings to an optimistic view of life in the face of great odds that would lead a weaker soul to despair.

Audio Book: The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

2010-06-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

"It's hard not to feel sorry for seventeen-year-old Alton Richards when his parents rope him into driving his cranky, blind, great-Uncle Lester to his bridge club four times a week - during summer vacation, no less. Even worse: Alton must be Uncle Lester's eyes during this old-fashioned game; his cardturner. As the summer wears on, Alton, in turn, learns the game of bridge requires players to look beyond the surface, which extends to the way he perceives his uncle. Despite his blindness, Uncle Lester is quite insightful. The Cardturner by Louis Sachar is a wholly original story that breaks many rules of what should be an interesting book for teens. It's about bridge - a game for old people and not even parent old, more like grandparent old. I can assure you, the author manages to make the subject not only a good read, but you may even consider playing bridge because the book provides some "how to" tips as a bonus. In his Newbery Award winning Holes, Mr. Sachar broke a few rules, too. And I, for one, hope that he continues to be his wonderful non-conformist self , writing about whatever subject or story moves him." -- Reviewed by Michelle Delisle for Whatcha Reading Now?
Read by Luis Sachar, the author, this audio book would benefit from narration by a trained actor as the subject matter can be dry (if you aren't into cards). Never-the-less, Sachars enthusiasm for the card game Bridge comes through loud and clear in his reading and, at times, is very contagous.

Audio Book: Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman

2010-06-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

"Vince Luca, 17, has always been concerned, embarrassed, and fearful about his crime-family background, though he has sworn never to become involved or to let it keep him from upstanding behavior. During his senior year, all he wants is romance, friendship, and to get through school, just like any normal guy, but things don't go as planned. His new girlfriend turns out to be the daughter of the FBI agent who is bugging his house; his older brother has figured out how to use his New Media class Web-page project for a bookmaking scheme; and he decides to save two lowlifes who owe big bucks to his father from the pains of mob revenge." Review from School Lirary Journal
Reader Max Casella spits Korman's words out at a rapid fire pace, and the speed is perfect for this delightfully humorous story that spoofs organized crime. "Uncle Pampers" and "Uncle N0-nose" will have you laughing out loud. He successfully conveys Vince's determination, frustration and acceptance of the absurd as the high schooler tries explaining to his family that he is "not goin' inta da bizness." Vince desires may be pure and authentic, but sometimes life just gets in the way of our deepest desires.

Audio Book: Boy in the Stripped Pajamas by John Boyne

2010-06-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

Berlin, 1942: When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move to a new home out-side of a Nazi concentration camp, where his father will be incharge. At the camp a tall fence stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the people on the other side. People in stripped pajamas. While exploring his new environment, he meets a boy his own age, who lives on the other side of the fence and whose life and circumstances are very different to his own. Their meeting slowly turns into a friendship that has devastating consequences.
Reader, Michael Maloney, digs deep, calling on all of his training as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company to successfully convey the confusion, delight, and then outrage of our central character, nine-year old Bruno. He is particularly convicing, and heartbreaking, as he relates the terrible abuse and torment inflicted by the controlling soldier on the "people in the striped pajamas."

Audio Book: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2010-06-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

When Clary Fray witnesses three tattoo-covered teenagers murder another teen, she is unable to prove the crime because the victim disappears right in front of her eyes, and no one else can see the killers. She learns that the teens are Shadowhunters (humans who hunt and kill demons), and Clary, a mundie (i.e., mundane human), should not be able to see them either. Shortly after this discovery, her mother, Jocelyn, an erstwhile Shadowhunter, is kidnapped. Jocelyn is the only person who knows the whereabouts of The Mortal Cup, a dangerous magical item that turns humans into Shadowhunters. Clary must find the cup and keep it from a renegade sector of Shadowhunters bent on eliminating all nonhumans, including benevolent werewolves and friendly vampires. Review from the School Library Journal
Narrator, Ari Graynor, does a good job keeping the story moving along, but fails to differentiate the voices of the various teens or successfully convey their emotions. In spite of these short comings, it is still easy to tell the characters apart and the story is steller making the emotions obvious.

Artichoke's Heart - a booktrailer

2010-05-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Boot Camp!

2010-05-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

Todd Strasser has a way of just pulling you into his books and Boot Camp has grabbed my attetion! Can't put it down. Have you started reading it yet?

Anyone reading Artichoke's Heart?

2010-05-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Her Aunt Mary is driving me nuts! I can't believe her nerve and nag about "Artichoke's" weight. Can you believe it---she bought her a talking scale?