Finished It...

Wish You Were Dead
by Todd Strasser

Rating: ☆☆

I had no idea that Strasser had a new book out, so when I saw this at Barnes & Noble last week, I had to grab it. Unfortunately, this book holds none of the originality and honesty of Strasser's best work: last year's sensational Boot Camp. However, I think most students will enjoy this book much more than I did.

My problem with the novel is the tired old suspense movie formula it seems to follow--a claim inside the dust jacket that the book is in the tradition of Duncan's I Know What You Did Last Summer is unfortunately dead-on. Todd Strasser is just better than that. He shouldn't need to be following in the footsteps of any other YA writer; instead, others should be following his lead. I always felt he was a pretty fearless writer, which is why I find it so puzzling that he would go this route.

The idea behind the story was interesting for me at first. Popular kids from a local high school slowly begin to disappear. The only clue as to their whereabouts comes through the rants of a blogger known only as "St-r-ssd." I liked how Strasser actually included the blog entries themselves. This nicely offset the traditional prose writing.

Maybe I'm just getting old, but I've seen similar stories too often, and they have always bored me to death. There is really nothing original when it comes to what happens to the missing teens. The whole scenario is also quite hard to swallow. I just shook my head several times. I thought characters were only this naive in bad movies. For example, two teens have disappeared, yet the protagonist thinks it's perfectly reasonable to go places alone, like an out-of-the-way horse stable. Would teens still be out partying when two of their classmates had disappeared just days earlier? The characters seem conveniently clueless.

To be fair, I can see my students liking this book. The suspense will probably keep them on edge. Maybe this is because they haven't seen as many bad movies as I have over the years, or perhaps because they get something from this story that I completely missed. -K.L.

Homework List Updated

The list of assignments to the right has been updated for the second quarter. You can see an outline of what we'll be doing for a while.

Currently Reading...

From the author of Boot Camp and Give a Boy a Gun.

Finished It...

Say Goodnight, Gracie,
by Julie Reece Deaver

Rating: ☆☆☆

This is an older novel that had received a lot of praise, so I thought I would give it a try. The story revolves around two central characters--protagonist Morgan and her friend/boyfriend Jimmy. Both are interested in the theater; Jimmy is a mega-talented dancer and actor, and he even gets an audition for Oklahoma early on in the novel. The two have been inseparable since birth, and their relationship begins to evolve beyond basic friendship. A tragic accident changes their plans for the future.

I really liked Jimmy's character. His personality really stands out through his auditions and in the way he playfully picks on Morgan. Other characters are lacking--both sets of parents, Morgan's aunt, and Morgan herself appear wooden and shallow at times. Their responses to the tragedy have a cookie-cutter familiarity.

I didn't like how the climax of the plot is given away on the first page of the novel. I feel Deaver could have let readers know a tragedy was looming without coming out and saying who the victim was and how it happened. I like the way the novel addressed the themes of grief and drunk driving. Those looking for a new take on loss might enjoy Deaver's critically-acclaimed offering, even if it didn't completely thrill me. -KL

Currently Reading...

Apostrophe Quiz Tomorrow

I hope you paid careful attention as we reviewed the rules of the apostrophe today. You have a quiz tomorrow. Be sure to study.

Finished It...

Kissing the Rain, by Kevin Brooks

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

A disappointing ending hampered an otherwise outstanding novel. Moo's thoughts and feelings really come out through the first-person perspective. I often laughed at his honest perception of things. There are also some dangerous characters who are equally memorable. The sad thing was that the novel really lacks a resolution and/or conclusion. Moo and Brady devise a plan to get out of the predicament, but readers are left wondering how it might play out. Overall, this is still a book worth giving a try. Should Moo be honest and help a ruthless gangster, or lie and side with the police? It's a tough quandary that will make readers think. -KL

Currently Reading...

Finished It...

Buried, by Robin Merrow MacCready

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

A teenager struggles with obsessive compulsive disorder while living in a parent-less household. Claudine's mother has taken off again without notice, likely on another drinking binge with a new boyfriend. This books shows what it is like to live with OCD, and how people unwisely suppress their emotions. With a shocking twist that would make Pete Hautman proud, Buried is a winner. -KL

Journaling Extension

Please note that there has been an extension granted for the third journal letter. This assignment is now due on Friday, 11/6.

Currently Reading...

Finished It...

Rat Life

by Tedd Arnold

Rating: ☆☆

This novel turned out to be a disappointment for me. With characters that just weren't all that interesting, and a mystery that grew stale, this book just didn't work. Arnold makes some interesting points regarding Vietnam veterans and the ages of those who served, but there isn't much else of interest here. His overuse of exclamation points was maddening and almost insulting to young writers and readers. I'm puzzled as to why this book won an Edgar Award.

Currently Reading...

Finished It...

Give a Boy a Gun

by Todd Strasser

Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2

Welcome

Welcome to the 2009-2010 blog for my students.  As you probably noticed, the name of the blog has changed.  iBlog sounded a bit tacky and I was getting tired of it, so Books and Banter will be the new name for now.  Banter refers to playful teasing or joking.  I think that word fits well.  Please take note of the homework list to the right.  This will be updated regularly.  The blog will also be used to publish student writing.  I will get some new pictures up soon.

-Mr. Lang

REMINDER: Study Sessions This Week

Don't forget the final exam study sessions after school this week.  You simply need to enroll in the 21st CCLC  program to attend.

All sessions are from 2:50-4:00.  Transportation is provided.

Monday - Science

Tuesday - English-Language Arts

Wednesday - Math

Thursday - Social Studies

Also reading...

Also reading...

Currently Reading...

Finished It...

Reality Check

by Peter Abrahams

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Final Journal Letters

Keep in mind that the final journal letter accounts for 30 points of your final exam grade.  All final journal letters are due Wednesday, June 3rd.

Currently Reading...

I might just finish this book tonight before the C's game.  If so, I'll get the review online soon.

We Survived...

I'm still thinking back on what an awesome trip we had.  I'll be sharing photos on the blog all week, so be sure to check back.  See you all tomorrow!

Whale Watch Eve

Reminders for tomorrow's trip:

-Pack warm clothing for the boat ride portion of the trip

-Comfortable walking shoes

-A ten dollar bill 

-Don't raid the junk food aisles at Walmart

-See you at 6:30

We're going to have a great time.

New Content On the Way

I hope you all had a refreshing vacation.  Things on the iBlog have become a bit stale as of late, but I plan to fix that by the end of the week.  We will publish new student writing, as well as other updates.  The assignment list will also be updated.  See you all tomorrow.  Don't forget your Whale Watch packets, raffle tickets, and money. 

Book Review Site

I just discovered a great site for book reviews: Teenreads.com.  You can search alphabetically for just about any title out there, even new ones.  Check it out: http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/index.asp

What's in My Journal?

Soulless shoes that smell like old socks

Splintered edges of snapped skateboards

and the fine smooth paint of new ones

Scratched CDs that skip every 

now and then

The dark brown coat of mud on a brand

new four-wheeler

Sketches of dragons and other

Mythical beasts that tear and rip at the 

inside of their cages

And that's just the start

-James Blanchard

Whale Watch

We are one month away from the trip.  In fact, in exactly one month, we literally be on the boat.  No joke.  Keep in mind that the raffle ticket deadline is approaching.  All funds for the trip must be turned in by April 27th, 2009, the night of the parent meeting.  If there are any questions regarding fundraising, email me here: klang@ticonderogak12.org

What's in My Journal?

Cracker's catnip toys

And all of the posters he ripped.

Buddy's dirty kennel

And my favorite comforter,

Chewed up.

Halloween costumes:

Angel

Witch

Clown.

Old sweatshirts

With the drawstrings

Chewed up,

Ripped,

and one shorter than normal.

Back-to-back 

Episodes of

Cat-dog

Sister, Sister

Spongebob Squarepants

Endless bottles of

Soda:

My favorite was

Always grape.

Nothing.

But.

Me.

-Sara Plude

What's in My Journal?

A crimson dragon breathing out blistering fire from its hollow throat.

Brilliant blazes of gunfire; a man of mystery.

A dense jungle of unknown creatures.  

An old ball python with a mouse on its head.

Jimi Hendrix locked away with the other burnt-out stars:

A violent candle candle flickers as another star fades from

glory.  The urge to shoot the bow at something 

other than a tattered target.

The sound of the grinding metal

when I start to write things down on the

blank pages of this famous 

book.

The need to fill in the blanks 

in my life as this work of imagination

comes to pass.

-Cody O'Hara

What's in My Journal?

Shelves filled with my

  great golden trophies.

  Posters of the Jonas

  Brothers hung here and

  there.  Music cranked up 

  playing Z97.1.

Traveling everywhere.  The

  Sweet taste of chocolate

  ice cream and rainbow 

  Dip-N-Dots.  The click of

  buttons while texting or

  IMing.

Bike rides to the boat launch.

  A few colorful castes, each carrying

  unforgettable memories.

-Kylie Austin

Currently Reading...

Finished It...

Life as We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

I'm going to hold off on a full book review for now and instead just reaffirm what I said in class: Life As We Knew It, by Susan Beth Pfeffer is one of the best books of the year. An asteroid hits the moon and knocks it out of its orbit. Tsunamis, volcanoes, and array of other natural disasters wreak havoc all over the planet. The story is told in the first person point of view, through sixteen year-old Miranda's diary entries. Her family--mom and two brothers--make preparations and then struggle to survive as power is lost, food becomes scarce, and the planet's temperature plummets. Pfeffer makes the tale frighteningly real with a plethora of rich, shocking details. Although a couple of conflicts are left somewhat unresolved, I highly recommend that all of you give this one a try.

The Consequences - Student Essay

The Consequences

by Anthony Dushane

There are many risks associated with pregnancies.  Some of the biggest risks include drinking, using drugs, and smoking during pregnancy.  The consequences of these actions can be life-altering.

The use of alcohol among pregnant women can severely affect an infant's growth and health.  Children with fetal alcohol syndrome may be born small, have problems eating and sleeping, and suffer with vision and hearing issues.  "Bearing a child is a huge responsibility," says mother Janelle Gallo, "and if you abuse it, you are irresponsible and selfish."  About one in every one thousand babies is born with fetal alcohol syndrome, according to RN Jan Nissl.  Drinking while pregnant can also affect a baby's facial features.  It may have a small head, flat face, and narrow eye openings.  Heavy alcohol abuse can also lead to miscarriage, still birth, or a baby being born premature.

Another big issue with pregnant women is smoking.  Many of the same risks you take as a smoker can put your baby at risk too, claims the Web MD Medical Reference page.  Babies exposed to nicotine in the womb may also have reduced lung capacity and are at higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (S.I.D.S.).  I have seen a few babies whose mothers smoked when they were pregnant and the babies just didn't look healthy.  The ones I have seen were very little and were very irritated.  Smoking may also increase a baby's heart rate and increase the chances of miscarriage and still birth, says the Cleveland Clinic Website.

Drug use is another major problem with pregnant women and can be fatal.  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, using drugs while pregnant can cause birth defects, premature babies, underweight infants, and still birth.  Marijuana can cause behavior problems, brain structure changes that persist into adolescence, and attentiveness problems.  Cocaine is one of the most deadly drugs that a woman could use during pregnancy because it can cause strokes in an unborn fetus, resulting in brain damage or death, although all illegal drugs are very dangerous.  According to the FDA, even drugs as simple as caffeine can cause problems in an unborn fetus.

Obviously, drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse among pregnant women can be life-altering.  Future mothers should strongly consider the consequences of abusing these substances.

Long time, no post...

I've been swamped, but Anthony Dushane's essay will be published on The iBlog by tomorrow, 3/25.  I finished Life As We Knew It on Friday.  I'll get my review online as soon as possible.  

New Writers Coming Soon

Congrats to Anthony Dushane, Kylie Austin, Sara Plude, James Blanchard, Tucker Ward, and Cody O'Hara for being the newest writers to be published on The iBlog.  Anthony's essay will appear tomorrow, while our other five writers will have their "What's in My Journal?" poems published next week.  I'm looking forward to giving these pieces of writing a second look once they're online.  Nice job, everyone.

Finished It...

Shift, by Jennifer Bradbury

Rating: ☆☆☆

This was a title I had been waiting to read since November when we scanned the nominations for the 2009 ALA Best Books for Young Adults. Shift ended up making the cut, though I'm not entirely sure I agree.

Best friends Chris and Win have been planning a cross-country cycling trip for months, and right after their high school graduation, they decide to hit the road. Not only are they avid bikers, but they have other motivations for the trip--the two can enjoy one last hurrah together before they part ways, with Chris headed to Georgia Tech and Win to prestigious Dartmouth in the fall; they can spend the summer away from their annoying parents, Chris's mom is a nagger, and Win's dad a control freak; and they can bask in the glory of cycling from West Virginia all the way to Seattle, Washington. The twist is that Chris returns from the epic journey, but Win does not--he disappears, and Chris is left to pick up the pieces and try to figure out what happened to his best friend, while dealing with pressure from the F.B.I. and Win's powerful father.

The story is told through from the first person, with Chris as the protagonist. The chapters alternate--one chapter will be set in the present day, with Chris being questioned by investigators, and the next chapter will be a flashback to the cycling trip itself. This format sounds confusing, but as long as readers make this observation early on, the story is quite easy to follow.

As is evident with the rating, I had a few problems with this book. First, some of the characters didn't seem real to me. Chris's mom is your typical paranoid, worrisome parent, though this was a minor annoyance since her role lessens as the story progresses. Win's father also felt a bit wooden. As the owner of a chemical factory, he is extremely wealthy, but Bradbury tries too hard to make him look like a rich tyrant; she relies too much on dialogue and not enough on action. While he's supposed to come across as intelligent and maniacally by-the-book, his speech is clumsy, cluttered, and awkward. However, my biggest beef is with the story itself and the naivety of Chris. I could sort of tell what Win's fate was fairly early, thus ruining any sense of mystery. The clues that Chris receives regarding his whereabouts seemed blatantly obvious to me, but for some reason, it takes Chris a few chapters for the light bulb to kick on. The flashbacks provide a wealth of indicators as to Win's fate as well. Chris is Win's best friend, yet he can't see all the evidence right in front of him? Please.

I still gave this book a solid three-star rating, and if you like missing-person related stories, you would probably enjoy this book. There are also rewarding themes of friendship, growing up, and the need for independence. I still wondered where Win was throughout, I was just disappointed to realize that my early assumptions were correct. I was hoping Bradbury was going to pull a Pete Hautman on me, but it didn't happen.

Updates

I haven't had a chance to finish my review of Shift, but I promise to have it finished and online this week.  Also, there will be at least two new writers published on the iBlog in the days ahead. 

There is a heavy focus on crafting poetry during writing workshop time right now.  This will continue through the end of the quarter, and another poetry assignment will likely be added next week.  Tomorrow's mini-lesson will focus on avoiding verbs with "ing" endings in your poetry.  These verbs are known as participles, and they're weak and disgusting.  :)  They're about as handsome as the guy in the picture.  More to come tomorrow. 

Currently Reading...

Welcome Mrs. Price!

Another day, another teacher joins our blog.  Thanks, Mrs. Price.  On a different note, I finished Shift yesterday.  I have mixed feelings about it.  Look for my review later this weekend.  I hope you like it, Tiff!

Welcome Mr. Burgey!

Just wanted to give my pal Mr. Burgey a shout out.  Thanks for following our blog.  In other news, I'm trying to finish Shift tonight.  We'll see if I can stay awake long enough.  I'm also finalizing the new book order.  With the left over grant money, it looks like I'll have enough to get about eight new hardcover books.  See you all tomorrow.  

Currently Reading...

So far so good.  This is a title I purchased off the new ALA Best Books for Young Adults list.  Several of you have recommended that I read it, including our newest follower.  Oh, and Tay--love the changes.

Finished It

The Road of the Dead, by Kevin Brooks

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

After feeling betrayed by the two books I started after finishing Mancusi's novel Gamer Girl--shame on you John Green and Alex Flinn--I started reading The Road of the Dead somewhat reluctantly. However, I was shocked with the way the book hooked me right from the get-go. An interesting storyline, memorable characters, a break-neck pace, and tons of action made Brooks's book a five-star title for me.

The protagonist is fourteen year-old Ruben, who can involuntarily read minds and see people's thoughts. As he is working on the family car one day, he suddenly gets a vision that his sister--miles away in a small village outside London--is in danger and is about to be attacked. He soon discovers that she was murdered. Frustrated with a stalled police investigation, Ruben's older brother, Cole--a street-fighting, tougher-than-nails bad boy--decides to head to the scene of the crime and discover the truth himself. Ruben convinces Cole that, while he has little control over his telepathic abilities, he would be of aid given their frequency, and Cole finally allows him to come along.

To call Cole heroic would be an understatement. He has the confidence, strength, and iron will that Ruben lacks. Readers learn that the boys' father, Baby-John Ford, was a champion street fighter in London, but is now serving prison time after one battle got out of hand. Cole carries on this legacy, and has a reputation on the streets. While he comes across as a bit too helpless at times, Ruben is still likable, despite the fact that his inaction is maddening in a couple of heart-wrenching scenes. The villains are especially memorable in this one. I'm not sure I have ever hated a character as much as Red, a scoundrel who makes things difficult for Ruben and Cole as they try to uncover the secrets behind their sister's murder. Ironically, he even dresses in a red suit. Trust me, you will despise him just as much as I did.

The pace and action really take this book to another level. Brooks does many things well here, but his greatest asset is getting right to the point. Scenes of inactivity and back story are few and far between. The action is non-stop, and complete with fist fights, group brawls, and shootouts. The fighting scenes read like they were right out of an action movie, without the cheesy special effects and such, fortunately. Violence and some mild language are the only content issues to note.

If I had one criticism it would revolve around Ruben's visions. Sometimes they are kind of confusing and hard to follow. A few crucial scenes are told through visions, and the verb tense actually shifts to the present. Ruben sees and tells the story, but through the eyes of another character. I realize how odd that sounds, but you really have to read the book to see exactly what I mean. Otherwise, the use of the first person point of view works well. I just can't help but think that the book would have worked just fine if Ruben were a normal boy without the ability.

Overall, The Road of the Dead is a book that shouldn't be missed by action and horror fans alike, even if the story actually reads more like a piece of contemporary realistic fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this roller coaster ride of a story. Brooks addresses themes like family, corruption, and racism. This one is definitely worth your time, and you'll be glad you gave it a shot.

Homework

Homework assignments and due dates will permanently be listed on the site.  Check out the list to the right.  I have almost finished The Road of the Dead and I plan to change the cover photo today.  

Becoming a follower...

I'm not going to allow people to follow the blog if their chosen name looks like garbage (what i mean is a random bunch of keystrokes).  If you want to follow the blog, include something in your screen name that tips me off that you're one of my students (or a parent or colleague).  I blocked three users in the past couple of days for having log-in names that looked something like this: a;lkdal;dkjasd;lgkjad.  You get the idea.  I think it's spam and I want to keep things legit around here.  If by some chance I accidentally blocked a student, parent, or someone else affiliated with the school, please let me know. 

Currently Reading...

I've all ready plowed through sixty pages and this one is great so far.  I have my fingers crossed that it's a keeper.  The setting is England, and the protagonist is a fourteen year-old who can read minds.  Yes, I know.  Pretty cool.  I'll have more to say tomorrow.  Okay, back to my book...-Mr. Lang

Coraline

You may have seen previews of the new movie Coraline, which is in theaters now.  This film is based on the book Coraline, by Neil Gaiman, and I have copies in the reading lounge.  If the movie previews looked appealing, why not give the book a try?  The book was a strange, creepy read for me last year, but I gave it a favorable rating.

Poetry Assignment

For those of you who are currently ahead, or for those who are waiting to get essay D1 back, you can start writing some poetry: I expect two free verse poems to be drafted and final copied by the end of the quarter.  The due dates are as follows.

Free verse poem #1: Final copy due by 3/20

Free verse poem #2: Final copy due by 4/3

Remember, conscientious students  plan ahead.  Why not try one of the "What's in My Journal" poems that we read today?  These are metaphorical snapshots of who you are as young adults.  They are similar to the "Where I'm From" poetry we wrote early in the school year.  Take a look at your "Where Poetry Hides" lists to come up with some ideas.  I told you earlier in the year that poetry deserves the same attention as prose, and I plan to stick to what I said.

As for the picture, that handsome devil is William Carlos Williams.  Go figure.  -Mr. Lang

Homework: 3/2-3/6

Here are the homework assignments and due dates for the week of March 2nd-6th.

1.  Read for thirty minutes daily.

2.  Journal letter #2-3 due by Friday, 3/6

3.  Essay final copies due Friday, 3/6 (remember, this assignment is worth 300 points)

4.  Read new iBlog content at least every other day.  Be sure to bookmark the page.

-Mr. Lang

Finished It

Gamer Girl, by Mari Mancusi

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

I have read many good books this year, but Gamer Girl ranks up there with Strasser's Boot Camp and Flinn's Fade to Black as one of the elite. A spirited protagonist and interesting conflicts make this one a winner.

Teen Maddy Starr has to deal with three layers of conflict in the story: her parents' divorce, a new school (and bully in mega-jerk Billy Henderson), and her obsession with Fields of Fantasy, an online video game. Maddy is the real deal as a main character. She wears her heart on her sleeve and speaks the truth, which readers will appreciate. I especially liked Maddy's comments about moving from a Boston city school to rural New Hampshire. She scoffs at the bad fashion taste of the student body when she enters her new school for the first time: "It was as if I'd wandered into a living, breathing American Eagle commercial. Shudder."

As you can tell from the above quotation, the story is told in the first person point of view. Maddy is an honest, sad, angry young lady who I sympathized with right away. She's frustrated that her parents are divorced and that she has to endure life with her unicorn-crazy grandmother (trust me, you will love grandma, though she is sadly under-utilized). Maddy is angry with school bully Billy Henderson for labeling her "freak girl," and for the fact that she will never have a chance with his strikingly handsome friend, Chad Murray. Maddy's only solace comes from playing Fields of fantasy, where she can transform into Allora, a magic-casting Elfin princess. Before long she befriends another teen player in the game, aptly named Sir Leo. Her interactions with this new friend play a crucial role in the climax of the plot and leads to an interesting twist.

Maddy isn't your stereotypical, mopey teenage main character. Her thoughts, words, and actions all jumped off the page as real. I was rooting for her the entire time. Throughout the novel, she learns to respect and stand up for herself, and learns her own personal charms are even greater than the Elfin princess she created. Give this one a try. -Mr. Lang

Weekend Homework

Be sure to do your independent reading over the weekend (a half hour each night, or the equivalent).  I plan to finish Gamer Girl, which has been superb by the way, and start John Green's Paper Towns.  Have a great weekend.  -Mr. Lang  

Homework/Essay Due Date

Just a quick homework reminder.  Remember to read every day/night for at least thirty minutes.  Also, essay final copies will be due next Friday, March 6th.  The first draft of the essay should be submitted by this Friday 2/27 (tomorrow).  

Since you've logged on to the site, please take a minute to read Jay Hebert's review of Walter Dean Myers's Monster.  Congrats to Jay for being the first writer to publish a book review on The iBlog.  More student publications will be announced soon.  -Mr. Lang

Book Review

Monster, by Walter Dean Myers

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

What would you do if you were on trial for murder at the age of sixteen? What would be going through your head knowing that after only sixteen years you could be going to prison for life? This is exactly what Steve Harmon faces in Walter Dean Myers's novel Monster.

Steve is a sixteen year-old black male. He is a good student and claims to be an overall good kid, although he allegedly gets dragged into a robbery that takes a turn for the worse. Steve winds up having to spend days on end in the courtroom. Myers writes about his story of defending himself. Several witnesses claim Steve was the lookout for an armed robbery that left a store clerk dead. He was to remain outside and warn the others if someone showed up. Later on in the courtroom proceedings, he denies his involvement. Steve carries around his notebook and writes down the events that go on in the courtroom and sometimes in his own cell.

Myers does a good job of writing the novel. It is set up in a movie-like format. Myers makes it sound very real the way he uses words like "cut to," "fade in," and "fade out" to add to the play format. Other parts of the book are made to sound like they are taken directly from Steve's notebook, which includes Steve's thoughts about every situation he goes through. Steve's lawyer's name is Kathy O'Brien. I think that one of the best things about Monster is how Myers describes the relationship between Harmon and O'Brien. Steve's attitude toward her in the beginning of the book changes substantially at the end, and the developments will keep you reading.

I thought this was one of the best books I've read all year. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes this kind of fictional drama. Myers knows how to keep readers attracted to his books. I know that I couldn't get my eyes to look away, and I'm sure any reader would enjoy Monster just as much as I did. I advise everyone to give it a try.

-Jay Hebert

More to come...

We have finally come up with the new name.  Way to go Quentin.  You thought up a winner.  For some reason though, the title has to be in all caps, so I used a hyphen.  It's too bad we can't have that slick lower case "i" as in the iPod.  Oh, well.  Jay Hebert's review of Walter Dean Myers's Monster has been accepted for publication and should be online tomorrow.  In addition, I'll be posting my review of the novel Feed, which I previously published on another blog.  See you all tomorrow.  So far Gamer Girl has been a winner.  I hope the books you're reading are equally good.  Read, read, read.  -Mr. Lang

Poetry

Congratulations to Blake Gautreau and Tyler Belden for being the first published writers on the site.  I hear echoes of Williams in both of these poems.

The Window Tree

by Blake Gautreau

   Outside my seventh

grade

   Window stands a 

dead

   Grey tree with

leaves

   Sprinkled around its 

base.

The Old Bench

by Tyler Belden

Covered in moss by the woods

A bird's nest on the side

It's breaking on the legs and I don't 

know how long it will last

I love that bench.

My dad has fixed it but it keeps

Rotting

as the seasons pass.

New Blog Name

We have narrowed it down to seven finalists.  I reserve the right to add another if I think of something suitable.  I threw in the bonus picture of Jabba.  For some reason the word "blog" reminds me of him.  Here's the list of potential names for the blog:

iBlog

Blog-o-rama

The Almighty Blog

Blogs and Noble

Blogzilla

The Serial Blogger

Blogomania

From 5th Period!!!

What should we name this blog?  Some suggestions so far: The Serial Blogger, Glob Stop, Fog Blog...Bookwire, Lang's Lounge, Bookbluster...let me know if you have other suggestions.

Mr. Lang is currently reading...

Ah, geez.  Doesn't it look like a girly book?  Won't people make fun of me if they see this book in my hands?  Bah!  I learned a long time ago that it is more than okay to cross gender lines when it comes to reading.  The storyline just sounded too good to pass up here.  I will let you  know more as I read.  -Mr. Lang

Breaking News

I managed to purchase some new books for the reading lounge over the February vacation.  I have listed them below.  Notice that I used italics to indicate the titles since novels qualify as longer works (underlining is also acceptable).  How many of you remember how to indicate the title of a poem or short story?  What about a movie?  Let me know when you see me in class.  You just might win a prize.  :)

Little Brother, by Cory Doctorow

The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak

Inexcusable, by Chris Lynch

Gamer Girl, by Mari Mancusi

The Road of the Dead, by Kevin Brooks

Paper Towns, by John Green

Suicide Notes, by Michael Thomas Ford (I tried this one over break and was hugely disappointed.)

Freaky Green Eyes, by Joyce Carol Oates

I also picked up another copy of Todd Strasser's amazing novel Boot Camp.  Obviously, some of these books will need to be read by me before they are available.  -Mr. Lang