September 2006:
Poetry Speaks: Hear Great Poets Read Their Work from Tennyson To Plath (Book and 3 CDs).
“Poetry speaks is a fusion of the poet’s words with the poet’s voice, including text and recording of more than forty of the greatest poets who ever lived.”
The Face of Poetry
This book includes such luminaries as Czeslaw Milosz, Gary Snyder, Maxine Hong Kingston, Linda Pastan, Robert Pinsky, Billy Collins, Ntozake Shange, Marilyn Chin, Brenda Hillman, and Marie Howe. This book is perfect for the poetry fanatic.
Sea of Glory: America’s Voyage of Discovery: The U.S. Exploring Expedition 1838-1842 by Nathaniel Philbrick. Author of In the Heart of the Sea, which won the National Book Award, Philbrick presents us with yet a tome of maritime history that reads more like a thriller. To what lengths will men (in this case, no women) go for adventure? For knowledge? For glory? The crew of botonists, biologists, mapmakers and geologists discovered a new southern continent, and they were the first Americans to survey the Columbia River. These feats and more, as well as the dark and looming personality of Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, the commander of the expedition, dominate the pages of this book.
Nov. 2005:
Arch by Andy Goldsworthy and David Craig.
If you love the great outdoors, enjoy browsing through art books, and like travel books, this is the perfect choice for you. Goldsworthy’s outdoor art created from natural materials has placed him among the renowned artists of our time. “Made of blocks hewn from a Scottish quarry, the arch begins its journey in a dilapidated sheepfold,” and continues its course to an old market town in Lonsdale, England. This is a beautiful book that takes the reader to magical places.
Oct. 2005:
Finding Martha's Vineyard: African Americans at Home on an Island by Jill Nelson
Part memoir, part history, the text and photographs convey the "power of place," and, at the same time, explore the nature of class and privilege.
Sept. 2005:
Emperors and Idiots: The Hundred-Year Rivalry Between the Yankees and the Red Sox, from the Very Beginning to the End of the Curse by Mike Vaccaro
The curse is over, and the Red Sox have won the World Series: let the books begin. This one focuses on Boston's rivalry with the Yankees. What a great book for playoff season.
Summer 2005:
The Other Boleyn Girl: A Novel by Philippa Gregory (for Upper School & Adults) This is a love story, an historical novel, and a tale of competition between two sisters. When Mary Boleyn arrives at the court of Henry VIII she is a beautiful girl of fourteen. She catches the king's eye, and though she is married to someone else, she becomes the king's "second wife." How she becomes a pawn in the scramble for power becomes evident as the story unfolds.
Pompeii by Robert Harris (for Upper School & Adults) Just days before Mt. Vesuvius erupts, a young engineer is dispatched from Rome to see why the aqueduct is failing. While solving this problem, Marcus falls in love and finds himslef in the midst of a political scandal.
keesha's house by Helen Frost (for Middle School) This is a book of poems about 7 teenagers, their trooubled lives, and their courageous efforts to find a better way to live. Readers will want to meet these great young people!
Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen (for Middle School) If you enjoy tales of King Arthur, this is a book for you. It focuses on Arthur, the young king, who has to face many challenges to his power. A fun read!
Also of Note, 2004/2005:
When Zachary Beaver Comes to Town by Kimberly Holt (for Middle School) Summer in the tiny Texas town of Antler is traditionally a time for enjoying snow cones and bowling, but this year it's not going well for Toby Wilson. His 13-year-old heart has been broken twice: once by his mother and once by the town beauty. But when Zachary Beaver, "The World's Fattest Boy" comes to Antler as part of a traveling sideshow, Toby begins to realize that there might just be people who have it worse than he does. From What's New in Young Adult Literature
The Analyst by John Katzenbach (for Upper School) Summary of the book: The analyst receives a letter from a former patient claiming that the doctor ruined his patient's life. Signed by Rumplestiltskin, the letter demands that the analyst find the answer to a riddle or he would be forced to commit suicide. This horrific game is the subject of a heart-stopping mystery. Recommendation: This book was one of the greatest books I have ever read. It combined mystery with elements of predictability. It was so realistic that the reader can feel the danger lurking. Recommended by Christian Arroyo
Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli (for Middle and Upper School) "A resourceful orphan survives the brutal realities of life in the Warsaw ghetto by stealing, joining a boy's gang, and finding refuge with a family."What's New in Young Adult Literature
Behind You by Jacqueline Woodson (for grades 8-12)
A sequel to If You Come Softly, this is the story of those left behind after the death of 15-year-old Jeremiah, an outstanding student and athlete. His white girlfriend Ellie and his friends are all changed by his life and his loss. A great read, as is the story of Miah's and Ellie's romance in the previous novel. Woodson has won many awards for her gentle treatment of explosive material.
Who Am I Without Him? short stories about girls and the boys in their lives by Sharon G. Flake(for Middle and Upper School) "Hilarious and anguished, these 10 short stories about growing up black today speak with rare truth about family, friends, school, and especially about finding a boyfriend. Erika is a 'ghetto girl' who likes white boys; she can't help it, and the other black kids in school can't stand her because they know. Class is a big issue for Erin, who steals clothes so he can take a suburban girl to the homecoming dance." From Booklist
Snow in August by Pete Hamill (for Upper School) An Irish kid in Brooklyn and a Rabbi who survived the Holocaust are an unlikely pair. When they join forces and take on the destructive violence of bigotry, they make a miracle.
Blue Avenger by Norma Howe (for Middle School) "After the death of his father, David Schumacher decides to become his cartoon creation/alter-ego 'Blue Avenger' and fight injustice in his world." (CLA Reading List, 2004).
Gothic! The Original Dark Tales ed. Deborah Noyes (for Middle and Upper School) Some favorite young adult writers such as Joan Aiken, Gregory Maguire, Garth Nix, and Celia Rees, who are expert tellers of tales about vampires, witches, and such, have pooled their talents in this collection of short stories. One word of advice: don't read this while you are alone in your house or somewhere babysitting. This is definitely a great read while you are surrounded by family and friends.
In the Shadow of No Towers by Art Spiegelman (for Upper School) Want to read a powerful take on the September 11th events? This is a combination of cartoons and text expressing the author's grief and horror at the events of that fateful day. This material expresses a political point of view with which you might agree or disagree.
Mental Math Challenges by Michael L. Lobosco (for Middle School) Where are all the future mathematicians? This book is for you. Where are people who are somewhat fearful of math? This book is for you. In other words the colorful illustrations of 2 and 3 dimensional projects is attractive to all of us. Give it a try.
Never Mind: A Twin Novel by Avi and Rachel Vail (for Middle School) Meg and Edward are twins, but that is where the similarity ends. In 7th grade, they go to different schools, and that is when the trouble begins.
Life by the Numbers by Keith Devlin (for Upper School) How does a leopard get its spots? How do skaters perform a triple axel? How did the universe begin? How can you recognize a virus? Is the ocean floor flat? These are some of the questions Devlin plays with in his fascinating and accessible book about math.
Shooter by Walter Dean Myers (for Middle School) Myers has written many award-winning novels. In this work of fiction, he tackles a hot topic: a shooting in a high school. Why do Cameron and Carla become followers of Len, who is fascinated with guns and drawn to violence? How can the powers that be prevent the bullying and victimization that seem to spark violent episodes?
Finding Miracles by Julia Alvarez (for Middle School) Milly Kaufman lives with her adoptive family in Vermont and seems to be your average teenager . When Pablo comes to her school, she is, for the first time, confronted with her past as a Latino American. When she decides to journey to the land of her birth, she finds that her history is intertwined with the brutal past of her country of origin.
Waiting for Teddy Williams: A Novel by Howard Frank Mosher (for Upper School) This is an amusing story about a young boy living in Vermont who has two important goals--to play for the Red Sox and to find his father. Talk about art imitating life, in this book, the Red Sox defeat the Yankees and go on to win the World Series. The screwball characters and unlikely antics will keep you laughing. This is a perfect book for winter break.
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen (for Middle School) Cole Matthews, 15, is an angry, defiant young boy who has been committing crimes for many years. When he attacks and seriously wounds a classmate, he is caught and threatened with jail. Enter the story: a Tlinglit Indian parole officer who offers him “native” justice—that is the victim, the perpetrator, and the community all decide how the healing (accountability) will be administered. Cole chooses “native” justice—which turns out to be banishment to a remote Alaskan island where he encounters a legendary white bear. Adventure is the key to this beautifully written story.
Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss (for Upper School)
This wonderfully witty books is a great way to review the basics of punctuation for your next bout with the SATs. Give it a try.
And, if that doesn’t interest you, here is a book that is helpful in many ways, especially for those pesky college interviews:
First Impressions: What You Don’t Know About How Others See You by Ann Demarais, Ph.D. and Valerie White, Ph. D. (for Upper School)
What kind of first impression do you make? Wouldn’t you like others to see you as confident, interesting, attractive, and sincere? Wouldn’t you like to know how to tweak your style to create the impression that reflects the real you? Here is the book that will help. We have lots of new fiction in the library. Come see our display.
Gifts by Ursula K. Le Guin (for Middle School)
In this fantasy, the people of Uplands have fearsome gifts that can harm and maim people and animals. When two young people, a girl and boy, refuse to use these gifts, a struggle and a great story begins. If you like books about growing up and how difficult it can be, this book is for you.
Currant Events by Piers Anthony (for Upper School)
The word "currant" is not incorrectly spelled in the title of this fantasy which involves Clio, the Muse of History, some dragons, and a lot of magic. If you like books with magicians, dragons nearing extinction, and a wondrous red berry, the currant, this is the book to take home with you.
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Reviewed by Katie Hayward '11
(Middle School)
Walk Two Moons is about a girl named Salamonca Tree Hidal and a girl named Phoebe. Phoebe exaggerates a lot of things and tells stories a lot too. The story is told from Sal’s point of view. It mainly takes place in Sal’s grandparents’ car as they are driving through the country. Walk Two Moons is a very thoughtful and heartwarming book!
A Time for Dancing: A Novel by Davida Wills Hurwin
(Upper School)
You all know about friendship, applying to college, wondering about a career. In this novel, all three of these are major ingredients as Sam and Jules, both seniors in high school, face the challenges of their lives as near-adults. Sounds pretty routine, but all of a sudden, a health crisis changes both of their lives. This is a page-turner, and of interest to both girls and boys.
The following review of Chasing Vermeer is the first student review of a book. This is a book for all readers (Middle and Upper School):
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett Reviewed by Katie Hayward, grade 6
This book is about three people receiving a letter asking them to help an anonymous person solve a mystery about a missing painting. This is a fun story that involves math puzzlers that are called pentominoes. It also has a lot of suspense. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Vermeer's art work, a mystery, and math.
East by Edith Pattou
(Book of the Week for Middle School and Upper School)
An ancient Norwegian belief claims that the direction in which a child is born determines that child’s nature. If you are an East-born baby you are pliable and obedient. Rose is North-born, which makes her wild, unpredictable, and independent of mind. Her mother tells her she is East-born to keep her close, but Rose cannot escape her North-born destiny. One day, a white bear comes to the door to claim Rose for her adventure-ridden life. What follows is a fantasy that everyone can enjoy.
Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde (for Middle School)
Trevor McKinney, a 12-year-old boy in a small California town takes on the challenge his teacher offers to earn extra credit by constructing a plan that would change the world. He comes up with a simple plan to “pay it forward.” What is his plan, and does it work?
Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks (for Upper School)
The year is 1666. When an infected bolt of cloth that carries the plague arrives in an isolated mountain village, the minister of the town devises a radical plan in hopes of saving some of the people. This suspenseful novel is based on an actual historical even.
Necessary Noise: Stories about our families as they really are
Ed., Michael Cart (for Middle School)
In this exciting collection there are stories by some of your favorite writers: Joan Bauer, Nikki Grimes, Lois Lowry, Walter Dean Myers and more. Subject matter varies from: “siblings coping with their younger brother’s overdose, a younger sister trying to deal with her older sister’s dual personality, and a father visiting his son on death row.” The ten stories provide a new definition of family.
Swallowing Stones by Joyce MacDonald (for Upper School)
Michael receives a rifle for his seventeenth birthday. “There is no stopping it; the bullet rips though the hot summer haze, missing trees, houses, unsuspecting birds, coming to roost, finally, like an old homing pigeon.” From that moment on, Michael’s life was forever changed.
Or Give Me Death: a Novel of Patrick Henry’s Family by Ann Rinaldi (for Middle School)
You might know that Patrick Henry, a hero of the American Revolution, said the famous words, “Give me liberty, or give me death.” In this novel based on his life, it is suggested that his wife was the first one to speak those words, and she was talking about herself. She was imprisoned in the basement of the family house because she was a danger to herself and her children. To find out more about this and other family secrets, read this book.
Pompeii: A Novel by Robert Harris (for Upper School)
It is the last days of summer in August A.D.79. Wealthy Romans are relaxing in the resorts along the Mediterranean coast, the most prominent of which was Pompeii. This carefree atmosphere conceals a terrifying impending disaster—the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This is a page-turner.
Dirty Laundry: Stories about Family Secrets
Ed., Lisa Fraustino (for Middle School)
Crucial family secrets told in first-rate short pieces by famous young adult writers: Chris Crutcher, Richard Peck, Laurie Halse Anderson, and more. This book has something for everyone.
Animal ER: Extraordinary Stories of Hope and Healing from One of the World’s Leading Veterinary Hospitals by The Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine with Vicky Croke (for Upper School)
If you love animals, this is the book for you. “From a pygmy hedgehog with mites to an elephant with an eye problem to the Dalmatian who must undergo surgery for his back, this book will grab your attention and tug at your heartstrings.
Durable Goods: A Novel by Elizabeth Berg (for both Middle and Upper School)
If you read and loved Ellen Foster, here is another winner by the same author.
Sometimes life is so hard and then, bingo, it’s like happiness is pushing at your back, waiting to come out of your front…
The Teacher’s Funeral: A Comedy in Three Parts by Richard Peck ((for Middle School)
“If your teacher has to die, August isn’t a bad time of year for it.” So begins the saga of Russell Culver, fifteen, whose dream it is to go to the Dakotas and work as a harvester. Award winning Peck has written his funniest novel yet.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (for Upper School)
The place: Afghanistan
The time: 1970s
Amir, the son of a wealthy landowner and Hassan, the son of a servant are close friends. A terrible event causes a huge change in the nature of their relationship. This is a story with many heartbreaking moments and some history of Afghanistan.
