Cougars Reading

2011-2012 Truman Reader's Award

2011-10-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

As October comes to an end many of you have been reading this year's Truman Nominated titles in record numbers. If you are still looking for one to read you might try going back to look at the presentation we did with videos for each of the books which is at the bottom of this post.

As of today it looks like the 8th grade Gold team and 6th grade Pride team are tied for number of students participating. 8th grade Gold team has read the most total books in the school so far. 7th Grade Explorers have the highest number who have read four or more of this year's titles.

Be sure to stop by the library and tell Mrs. Netzer when you finish reading one of the Mark Twain's or Truman's for this year. There really is something for everyone on the list from Fantasy to Sports Fiction.

2010-2011 Reader's Award Winners

2011-04-19T09:45:00.001-05:00

In an amazing turn of events Carver student correctly predicted the top books for this year's Truman Awards, they just had them in a slightly different order. In 3rd place was Jump the Cracks by Stacy DeKeyser. And then the top two books which Carver had reversed where 2nd place Gone by Michael Grant and in 1st place, Hunger Games Suzanne Collins. Hunger Games was of course my personal top choice, but I really enjoyed Gone as well. Hunger Games also took 1st place in the Gateway Awards the High School Reader's Award. If you haven't any of these three books you should check out one from the library today. We've got copies of all three.

Library Snapshot Day at Carver

2011-04-01T11:56:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Missouri School Library Snapshot Day at Carver and I would like to say it was a huge success!

The students and staff use this library in a variety of ways and at different times, but clearly they use it. 415 students and staff members came to the library yesterday. Some dressed up as their favorite book characters, some simply visited alone or with their classes to check out materials.

Looking around 4th block, I saw 7th grade students using computers to work on power-point projects, do research on animals, and print out materials for exploration projects. I saw 8th graders selecting books and magazines for reading. 6th graders visited to share why they loved the library but also to work on their literature circles. Small groups of them gathered to read or discuss with their groups what they had read so far. Some selected new books to read.

In short the library was used for all the best purposes. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, dressed up as their favorite book character and used the library.

Reader's Lunch

2011-03-24T11:08:00.029-05:00

6th grade discussing who
they wanted to win.

8th Grader's enjoying their pizza!

March 28th was the Reader's Lunch in the library. With over a 100 Carver students having read 4 or more of the books there were quite a few kids at the lunches. In total students at Carver read 619 books making this year's list very popular. Prizes were drawn for and the Carver winners were announced.

We are waiting to hear mid April who the official state winners are but at Carver "Gone" by Michael Grant took 1st place followed closely by Suzanne Collins book "Hunger Games" with "Jump the Cracks" by Stacy DeKeyser taking 3rd place. We'll see soon if Carver predicted the state winners or not.

7th grade was my largest group, they took up both sides of the library!

More 6th graders enjoying their lunch.

7th grade having a great time.

I had a wonderful time with each group as they came through for lunch but was especially pleased to see the large group from 7th grade. This is the second year in a row that the 7th grade has out read the other grades, we'll see what happens next year. Enjoy the pictures!

8th grade finishing up a very busy day!

Spring is coming soon...

2011-02-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

These warm temperatures have me thinking of spring which means busy times in the library. In the midst of MAP testing, Ed Performance and ending the year all of the students need to take the annual library survey. Some of you have already taken the survey in the last two weeks more are working on it in the next few. If you have any ideas for books or magazines the library should get next year now is the time to let me know. Just stop by the library if you already took your survey and tell me or add them to your survey if you haven't taken it yet. Remember I want to buy materials you want to have! Anytime you have a suggestion or idea come by and see me!

Also just a reminder the deadline to read 4 of the Truman/Mark Twain Award Nominees is February 25th. If you let me know before the 25th you'll get to attend the Reader's Lunch where we have pizza, drawings for prizes and vote for your favorite title. Right now 7th grade has read the most books with 281 Nominees and 46 students already invited to the lunch. 6th and 8th grade lets catch up!

New Books

2011-01-04T11:33:00.000-06:00

New Book Section

In the rush before break I forgot to post about all the new books that have finally arrived at Carver. If you are looking for a good book, now is the time to stop by. We've got additions to popular series, great new series starters, as well as stand alone novels. From Adventure to Zombies everything in between I'm sure all of you can find something to read.

We are also in the last two months of reading for the Mark Twain and Truman Readers Awards. Be sure to stop by and tell me if you finish reading any of the books on the list. It looks we are going to have some large groups for the Readers lunches. The last day to notify me you've read one of the nominees is February 25th. We'll hold the lunches the week after that. I'll post again as we get closer with more details, in the mean time keep reading!

Last Chance

2010-11-16T12:52:00.000-06:00

The first new books of the year should be arriving any day and I'm currently working on my last set of orders. This is your last chance to make a suggestion of a topic, series, title or author you want to have in the Carver Library. Be sure to stop by and let me know soon! I'll post soon about the best of the new titles I think you'll love!

October Book Talks for 8th grade

2010-11-01T16:55:00.000-05:00

It's time for the second annual edition of Spooky Book Talks for October. This year I focused on Mysteries, Thrillers, Horror and Suspense. Some of the books have been around for a bit, some are additions to series, but all are great books to read if you like any of these genres. Feel free to browse through the presentation below.

A student suggestion

2010-10-08T20:55:00.000-05:00

Zach's Lie by Roland Smith
Zach's lie is the story of a boy who moves to another state after his dad messed up by transporting drugs. He goes from living a great life to living in a small town. When Zach is attacked late one night the government forces his family to move to a new town. When he gets to his new town, Zach wants to turn around and go back. That’s Zach's story. Review by Jared, 6th grade.

Truman Readers Award Nominees

2010-09-17T11:43:00.001-05:00

If you are in seventh or eighth grade you've already visited the library and seen this presentation. Sixth graders don't worry your chance is coming soon! This is the presentation I used to talk to the classes. Some book trailers are linked in it as well as information about this years Readers lunch.

Welcome Back!

2010-08-09T10:41:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again! I'm looking forward to visiting with all of you in these first few weeks about what you've read this summer and what books you really want here at Carver. Be sure to stop by and check out the new Mark Twain and Truman nominees for 2010-2011. Remember if you read at least four titles you'll attend our special lunch in the spring!

Summer 2010

2010-06-29T10:07:00.000-05:00

I hope all you Carver Cougars are enjoying your summer so far. Don't forget to check out the Summer Reading program at the library. You only have to read four hours to win prizes. There are tons of great books out there to read and many new titles coming out in the next few months or soon.

A few I'm excited to read include:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins- this is the third in the Hunger Games Trilogy releases August 24th. This is one I'll be reading as soon as it comes out even with school starting at the same time.

Crossbones by Patrick Carman- this is the rumored third title in the Skeleton Creek Series no release date so far but you can find Skeleton Creek on Facebook for more information as it becomes available.

Frenzy by Robert Liparulo- this is the sixth book in the Dreamhouse Kings series. If you started the series at Carver you might pick up this book at the public library for some summer reading.

Lies a Gone Novel by Michael Grant- this is the third in the Gone series. If you've read Gone (A Truman nominee for next year) you should read Hunger the sequel and Lies.

The Necromancer by Michael Scott- the newest addition to the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flammel just came out. I'm excited to see what happens to Josh and Sophie in this fourth book.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth and The Dead-tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan- I read The Forest of Hands and Teeth right as school was ending and was excited to find the companion novel. It's the first book I read this summer and I really liked it. You can read either book first. A third book The Dark and Hollow Places will be released next Spring.
August 31st The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare comes out. You might recognize this author from the Immortal Instruments Series. If you enjoyed City of Bones, City of Ashes or City of Glass you might want to try this new series as well. I'm certainly going to be reading it. On Clare's website, she says reading this book prior to the March 11th, 2011 release of the fourth Immortal Instruments Series would be helpful as some characters will show up from it in the fourth book. The Clockwork Angel is part of the Infernal Devices series which is a prequel to the Immortal Instruments series.

A few other summer releases include:

James Patterson's newest YA series after Maximum Ride is the Daniel X series. The latest installment Danial X: Demons and Druids comes out July 26th.

June 5th The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer released. I know many of you love this series, so I'm sure you'll be reading this as well.

One of the titles Sarah Bean Thompson talked about in her visit was Carter Finally Gets It by Brent Crawford, the sequel Carter's Big Break was release June 1st.

The 8th Pretty Little Liars title, Wanted by Sara Shepard came out June 8th.

There are many other new titles out there, be sure to check out the selection at the public library this summer and keep reading. I'll see you all in August!

2009-2010 Reader's Awards

2010-04-21T14:15:00.000-05:00

Do you remember reading the Mark Twain Award nominees in elementary school? Those awards still exist along with several others to cover most grade levels. In April MASL (Missouri Association of School Librarians) announced the winners of the 2009-2010 readers awards for the state of Missouri. Here are the results for the Middle School Truman Award with the other awards included below. Many of these would make great summer reads. If you are interested in reading the 2010-2011 Truman list stop by the Carver Library to see a full list

Truman Readers Award for grades six through eight

1st Place Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

2nd Place Cracker by Cynthia Kadohata

3rd Place Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell

Show Me Readers Award for grades one through three

1st Place Some Dog by Mary Casanova

2nd Place Old House by Pamela Duncan Edwards

3rd Place Orange Shoes by Trinka Hakes Noble

Mark Twain Readers Award for grades four through six

1st Place Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

2nd Place The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

3rd Place Garden of Eve by K. L. Going

Gateway Readers Award for grades nine through twelve

1st Place Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2nd Place Unwind by Neal Shusterman

3rd Place Beastly by Alex Flinn

What genre do you like?

2010-01-11T11:44:00.001-06:00

Often when kids come by the library and can't find a I book I ask them several questions about what kinds of books they have read before and liked, what TV shows or movies they like, and what it is about them they like. This helps me figure out what books to recommend, though it can still be hit and miss to find the perfect fit. Sometimes the book I recommend depends on the age/grade of the student and their maturity as much as what their answer's are to the questions. The better I know a kid the easier it is to recommend a book. It's easier if kids know what genre they like to read, though often books cross genres as do readers. The books included in this powerpoint are intended for 8th grade. Many of them have been read by students in other grades, but I'm recommending them especially to 8th grade. As always read what interests you!

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

2009-12-17T13:40:00.000-06:00

The Adoration of Jenna Fox is full of so many suprises, emotions and puzzles, it's amazing. This book automatically caught my attention from the first page. I have recommended this book to a whole class before. I can honestly say that when my future daughter or son are old enough this is a book I will make them read. (Review by Yesenia R. 7th Grade)

For more information on this book check out the book trailer below or the website for the book http://www.theadorationofjennafox.com/

Shark Girl

2009-12-17T13:27:00.000-06:00

Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham is the most down to earth book I've ever read. A couple of times I caught myself feeling bad for the author because I forgot that the story wasn't about her. If you like realistic fiction, this is the book for you, so read it now. (Review by Yesenia R. 7th Grade)

Shark Girl uses poems, letters, telephone conversations, and newspaper clippings to tell Jane's story. If you enjoy this book and want to read a non-fiction story along the same lines check out Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton. Hamilton survived an incident similar to the one in Shark Girl in real life and shares her story in Soul Surfer. (Review by Mrs. Netzer)

Secrets are everywhere....

2009-11-03T10:09:00.000-06:00

In Jack: Secret Histories, author F. Paul Wilson brings his popular adult series Jack the Repairman to teen readers. Jack: Secret Histories is the first of three planned young adult titles that tell the back story of Wilson's popular Jack.

Set in the 1980's, Jack's life seems pretty normal and boring. The youngest child of three, he loves his older sister and fights with his older brother. Over the summer his boring life starts to get interesting when his friends, Weezy and Eddie, discover a mysterious mound in the barrens near their hometown.

In the mound they find both a dead body and a black cube that only Jack can open. What is the cube? Why are members of the local lodge suddenly dying since the body was discovered? What are the secret histories of the world?

This thriller of a mystery combines a search for clues with strange unexplainable events. You won't want to wait for the next book.

Scary, Creepy, and Spooky reads for October

2009-10-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

For October I'm doing book talks on books that just generally creep you out or keep you on the edge of your seat with suspense. Below is a list of titles and authors for some books we will talk about. Try one out if this is a genre you like, if not feel free to stop by and ask for a suggestion from a different genre. To view the booktalk in powerpoint click here.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

House of Dark Shadows Book 1 in the Dreamhouse Kings series by Robert Liparulo

The Devouring and it's soon to be released sequel the Soulstice by Simon Holt

Skeleton Creek and The Ghost in the Machine by Patrick Carman

Deep Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

Cirque Du Freak (Soon to be released as a movie) By Darren Shan

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Series by Heather Brewer

The Haunting of Derek Stone series by Tony Abbott

Looking for something to read after the City of Ember?

2009-09-22T13:01:00.000-05:00

First Light by Rebecca Stead would be a great book to read if you enjoyed Jeanne DuPrau's City of Ember and it's sequels. First Light tells two stories that eventually connect in unexpected ways.

The story of Peter tells how his family temporarily moves to Greenland so his father can study glaciers and global warming. Peter bonds with one of the sled dogs, explores Greenland, and makes a new friend. The story of Thea tells of another world with no sun, dogs, and too many secrets. When Thea finds a map to the surface the two stories begin to connect.

The choices Peter and Thea make may save or destroy their worlds. Try out this 2009-2010 Truman Nominee, it fits well into the Science Fiction/Fantasy genre, with realism added by the discussion of global warming.

What do Zen and basketball have in common?

2009-09-14T13:05:00.000-05:00

Not alot unless you are San Lee a new student at a new school in a new town. San spends a lot of time thinking about identity, and more specificly what his should be in his new school. Suprisingly it's not San who chooses his identity at this new school. Instead his fellow students ranging from Jocks, Skaters, Preps and Goth assign him the role of Zen Master based on his answer's in Social Studies. San willingly accepts his assigned role and does all he can to convince the students he is in fact a Zen Master. He convinces the school's not so great basketball team that he can help improve their game with Zen. Unfortunately his version of Zen comes mostly from the Tao of Pooh. Eventually the fact that San is faking is going to come out, but you won't be sorry you took a look at this Jordan Sonnenblick book.

The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California

2009-05-07T11:09:00.000-05:00

The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California by Mary Hershey is a great story about a 13 year old boy Alastair Hudson who is spending his summer in the last place he would ever want to, in California with his dad. To be more precise in his dad's new wife's huge house right on the beach. Alastair has hated his dad since an accident 5 years ago left him without one of his legs and his dad left home.

When Alastair arrives in California he gets a crush on a teen soap star, learns to swim in the ocean, and trys to torment his dad as much as possible. In the end Alastair and his dad have to face what happened 5 years ago and try to move on. This a great story with dark humor and real life appeal. Be sure to check out this 2009-2010 Truman Nominee.

Into the Wild

2009-05-07T11:05:00.001-05:00

Did you ever wonder where your favorite fairy tale characters went once you stopped reading about them or outgrew them? They are still in the wild. Sarah Beth Durst's book, "Into the Wild" tells the story of Julie an average teenager. She just happens to keep the Wild under her bed. Why? Well Julie's mom is Rapunzel and she's the caretaker for the wild. Rapunzel and many of the other characters in classic fairty tales escaped about 500 years ago and live in our world. Unfortunately they won't be out for long. Someone makes a wish and everyone ends up going into the wild. This is a great adventure story especially if you love a good fairy tale.

Eigth Grade Bites

2009-05-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

So says the title of the first of The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series by Heather Brewer. One of the 2009-2010 Truman nominees, Eighth Grade Bites won't replace Twilight as a teen favorite but it might join the list. Vlad lives the life of every other average eighth grader except his snacks aren't cookies, they're slightly heated packs of raw meat or juice boxes filled with Type O+ (Vlad's favorite). The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod is a new take on the teenage vampire tale and a good one. Vlad is just starting to figure out there is more to being a vampire than his "snacks" and controlling his best friend's mind. The second installment in the series, Ninth Grade Slays, is already available at the Carver Library so you won't have to wait long and coming soon is the third installment Tenth Grade Bleeds. Update: If you like freebies from your favorite authors check out Heather Brewer's website http://www.heatherbrewer.com/. Under Minion Bling you can get some cool stuff like buttons with the Vampire Smiley face sent to you for free or under Contests you can enter to win T-shirts and Hoodies like Vlad wears on the covers.

Carpe Diem

2009-05-01T11:11:00.000-05:00

Vassar Spore has plans and goals, she's not into living in the moment at all. When a relative blackmails her equally goal orientated parents into sending her on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, Vassar has no idea how her life will change. All her plans and goals for the summer and her senior year seem to be in jeopardy. Will Vassar survive the trip and still be valedictorian or will she learn to live in the moment? Carpe Diem by Autumn Cornwell is a 2009-2010 Truman Nominee. Check out this adventure/romance/coming of age story. After all you want to know what makes up an Asian Cowboy right?

2009 Mark Twain and Truman Award Books

2009-04-23T12:58:00.000-05:00

After spending two days with the state library association, I have some news to pass on to you Mark Twain and Truman readers.

The 2009 Mark Twain Award went to Rick Riordan for Sea of Monsters. Mr. Riordan was at the conference to accept the 2008 Mark Twain Award for The Lightening Thief, and seemed surprised and pleased to be accepting as he put it his "Twin Twain". This is the first time this Missouri award has been given to an author for two consecutive years. A handful of other authors have won multiple times but never consecutively.

Runners up were Million Dollar Putt in second place and Rules in third.

For you older readers this is the first year for a new award for middle school age students. The 2009 Truman Award winner was Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. This same book took second place in the high school award race so maybe we'll get to see the author next year at the conference.

Runners up were Runaway in second place and Rash in third.

Stay tuned for more reviews if the 2009-2010 Truman nominees and other great books on this blog.

Looking for a good mystery or maybe two?

2009-04-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

Try out this new series my Lisa McMann. The series starts with Wake which is now available in the Carver Library. Wake is the account of Janie Hannagan's junior year in high school. Janie's not your average junior though, she can see your dreams, really she dreams them with you. Wake has mystery, some romance and little sci-fi twist with the dreamcatcher gift Janie has that will keep you reading. I would recommend this mostly for an older reader since it's a little more high school in content. Once you read Wake if you want more the sequel Fade will be arriving soon.

Atherton House of Power

2009-04-10T11:23:00.000-05:00

Carmin Patrick's new series Atherton introduces readers to the satellite world of Atherton. The first book, House of Power, tells us about Edgar from the grove. Edgar is a climber and he's trying to climb up Atherton. This is only possible because Atherton isn't like earth. Instead of being round Atherton is more like a three layer cake, with each layer getting smaller. Edgar lives in the grove (the second layer) and his climb up the side of Atherton will change everything in his life. Edgar learns more than he expected about Atherton from his climb up and later from his climb down. Atherton is changing and the people living on it are going to have to change too. The series continues with Rivers of Fire and the soon to be out Dark Planet. House of Power is a 2009-2010 Truman Nominee

James Patterson's Maximum Ride Series

2009-03-18T13:36:00.001-05:00

I just recently finished the "Maximum Ride" series and I thought that the book was awesome I couldn't even think about putting it down!!! I would recomend this book to anybody with a beating heart!! It is one of the best series I have read all year, and I have read alot!! This series is about 6 kids who as a baby got avian (bird) DNA injected into there body. Throughout the books the kids are trying to escape away from the Erasers (people that have had wolf DNA injected into them) and they are trying to save the world at the same time. So what I'm trying to get to is that if you ever get a chance to read the series DO!!! It will be one of the best series you will ever read.

Guest blogged by Kenneth

Did you enjoy Coraline?

2009-03-18T13:19:00.000-05:00

The Graveyard Book is the latest release by author Neil Gaiman. The story opens with Every Man Jack and a murder, well actually three murders. A baby escapes to of all places a graveyard. Can you imagine spending your childhood amongst the dead? That's how Bod, short for Nobody, Owens the main character of Neil Giaman's book grows up.

Nobody will make friends, go to school, play with the dead and eventually face Every Man Jack again. This book is an interesting read. If you liked the world Gaiman created in Coraline you'll like Bod's world too.

Twilight readers check out Hunger Games

2009-02-27T14:03:00.000-06:00

Okay, first of all it's not about vampires. But give it a chance, after all Stephanie Meyer couldn't put it down when she read it. The Hunger Games is the story of a future where one group of people living in the capital controls everyone else living in the twelve districts. Each year the Hunger Games are held. One boy and one girl from each district participates in the games, fighting the other tributes to the death. The winning child wins riches and foods for themsleves and their district.

Katniss the main character volunteers to go in place of her younger sister to 74th Annual Hunger Games. Will she survive or die? How can she defy the capital? What will happen if she does? These are the questions that will keep you racing through the pages and begging for the sequel, Catching Fire, due out in September.

If you do read The Hunger Games and can't wait for September, check out Scholastic's page for more to do.

What if a major catastrophe occured and your whole life changed?

2008-11-18T15:09:00.000-06:00

I recently woke up after a late night reading Susan Beth Pfeffer's book "Life As We Knew It" and had to remind myself that I had electricity.

Curious?

If you have ever asked yourself what if life as we know it ended, this is the book for you. I couldn't put the book down, and when I did I had to remind myself that I wasn't living in the world Susan Beth Pfeffer creates for her main character Miranda. You'll find yourself wondering what you would do to survive if electricity was gone, food was unavailable and you didn't know if help would come.

Once you read "Life As We Knew It" be sure to pick up Pfeffer's companion book "The Dead and the Gone". It occurs at the same time as the events in "Life As We Knew It" but in a different location in the United States.

Welcome!

2008-11-18T15:07:00.000-06:00

This blog is for Carver students interested in finding great books. To start off most recommendations will come from me, but I hope to have students eventually posting their recommended books as well. Feel free to check out the blog, comment or share with me in person.