Stonewall Jackson Bookworms

October Book Choices

sjbookworms — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:56:00 GMT

October Book Choices

The SJ Bookworms have chosen fantasy for this month’s genre. We will be reading the two books listed below. Read the synopsis carefully before deciding on the one you would like to read. Also, keep in mind the reading level for each. One is much more difficult than the other.

DON'T FORGET! You must sign up for the book of your choice in the library.

Enjoy!

Half Magic

by Edward Eager

For Grades 2-4 – 208 pages

From School Library Journal
Jane finds a magic charm which grants half of any wish, and her brother and sisters take turns making double wishes, leading to strange happenings-which leads Jane to make a last wish. By Edward Eager.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Golden Compass

by Philip Pullman

For Grades 5 and up – 432 pages

Amazon.com

In The Golden Compass, Philip Pullman has written a masterpiece that transcends genre. It is a children's book that will appeal to adults, a fantasy novel that will charm even the most hardened realist. Best of all, the author doesn't speak down to his audience, nor does he pull his punches; there is genuine terror in this book, and heartbreak, betrayal, and loss. There is also love, loyalty, and an abiding morality that infuses the story but never overwhelms it. This is one of those rare novels that one wishes would never end. Fortunately, its sequel, The Subtle Knife, will help put off that inevitability for a while longer. --Alix Wilber --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

October Meeting Dates

sjbookworms — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:33:00 GMT

The Hundred Dresses bookworms will meet back in the Library on Thursday, October 11. Bring an old dress or outfit to put in the donation box out by the Kindergarten wing.

Surviving the Applewhites bookworms will meet back in the Library on Friday, October 12. Remember mark questions and comments in your book and use Post-It notes to mark the page.

September Book Choices

sjbookworms — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 01:51:00 GMT

After turning in the PURPLE APPLICATION, each Bookworm must sign up in the Library for one of the books listed below. There are only 10 spots per book, so sign up fast. Each book will be available to purchase at our first meeting on Friday, September 7.

See you there!

The Hundred Dresses

by Eleanor Estes

illustrated by Louis Slobodkin

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-Friendship, peer pressure, regret, and courage are all issues that are integral to this Newbery Honor book by Eleanor Estes (Harcourt, 1944). Wanda Petronski tells classmates she has a hundred dresses of all varieties in her closet at home. So why does she always wear the same old worn dress to school? The teasing that follows seems harmless, but it's not. This book explores the hurt that comes from thoughtless words, and offers a painful, but heart-warming lesson in forgiveness. Christina Moore reads the unabridged story with warmth and expression. The author's carefully chosen words stand on their own without the distraction of sound effects or music. This is a well-done production of an exceptional book that has earned its place as a childhood classic.
Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Surviving the Applewhites

by Stephanie S. Tolan

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-In this laugh-out-loud novel, a young teen on the fast track to the juvenile detention center suddenly finds himself living in rural North Carolina with the outrageously eccentric Applewhite clan. Jake Semple, 13, has been expelled from a long line of schools before coming to the Applewhites to be homeschooled. This extended family forms what a visiting reporter christens an "artistic dynasty," with various creative endeavors absorbing the adults' time and attention. Jake is left largely to his own devices, since the family doesn't believe in telling their charges what or when to study. He develops a loyal following consisting of an active four-year-old and an overweight basset hound, and his transformation is complete once he becomes enmeshed in the family's production of The Sound of Music. Quirky characters, from the cub reporter to the visiting guru, add to the offbeat humor. The Applewhites' over-the-top personalities mark them as literary kin of Helen Cresswell's Bagthorpes. Running beneath the narrative that gently pokes fun at everything from sculpture to TV documentaries, though, is also the story of a boy allowing himself to belong and begin to discover his own potential. This has terrific booktalk and read-aloud potential, and will help fill the need for humorous contemporary fiction.
Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.