Tattoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Although this book did not get the greatest reviews, I think it's a good read for those of you who like books with supernatural characters. For Bailey Morgan and her four friends, life is about to change. After getting temporary tattoos from a strange woman at the mall, they soon find themselves with superpowers. On the way to this discovery, they find out that they are also in a battle for their lives. With their friend Delia's dreams revealing the nature of the enemy, its pretty clear that they will have to save the world. With time running out,(the temporary tattoos only last three days,) will they be able to stop the enemy? This is a quick read too, so pick it up and find out what happens!

Chicken Boy by Frances O'Roark Dowell

I just finished Chicken Boy by Frances O’Roark Dowell. It is another Rebecca Caudill 2008 Nominee. Tobin McCauley, a somewhat troubled seventh grader who has remained on the outside circle in school, is changed after he makes a new friend, Henry, who thinks that chickens hold the key to the meaning of life. Tobin’s family life is not exactly the greatest: his mother died from cancer five years earlier, there is barely ever food in his house, and his dad and grandma do not get along. Tobin’s life is about to take an interesting turn, and will he be prepared for it?
At first, I thought the book was a little slow, but after getting to know the characters in the book, especially Tobin, I really enjoyed it.
Have you read Chicken Boy? Did you like it? Why or why not?
If you liked reading Chicken Boy, you might want to read other books by Frances O’Roark Dowell, including: Dovey Coe, The Secret Language of Girls, and Where I’d Like to Be.

A couple other good farm-related fiction reads are: Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, Taking Wing, by Nancy Price Graff , Tough Nut to Crack, by Tom Birdseye

Boy Proof

Lots of books written for teens are about geeky kids in high school who don't fit in. Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci is another one, but a good one. In this story, Egg, as she calls herself, has made herself friend-proof and boy-proof. How this plays out is fun and interesting and worth the read... You might also enjoy the fact that Egg- and author Castellucci- are big Sci-fi fans and this comes into play often. If you've ever stood in line at the theatre for hours in the cold to see the next Star Wars movie dressed as Princess Leia, you'll get it! :)

The Ranger's Apprentice

Hi fellow book bloggers: Here's a good read: Ranger’s Apprentice: Book One: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
Will has always waited for the day that he can be a battlemaster’s apprentice. Not knowing much about his father, except that he think he died as a heroic knight in the war against Morgarath, it has been Will’s dream to follow in his father’s footsteps. On that fateful day, when they will find out what apprenticeship they will go into, he never dreamed that he would be the ranger’s apprentice. Halt, a master ranger, is a quiet and mysterious man who he has only seen from a distance. Now, Will will become his apprentice. Will is reluctant at first, wishing he had made it into Battleschool. As Will learns more about what a ranger’s duties are, he grows to like the life that was chosen for him.
At the time when Will is learning the life of a ranger, the exiled Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is planning a surprise attack on the kingdom. Can Will help Walt and the other rangers stop the attack?

This is an exciting read once you get past the first few chapters. There are also sequels to this one including: The Burning Bridge, The Icebound Lake, and The Oakleaf Bearers.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan

The Arrival by Shaun Tan is a wordless graphic novel that is, in my opinon, absolutely beautiful. It is about an immigrant who sails to a strange land filled with strange little creatures. It seems to me to be a fantastic version of WWII era immigrants coming to New York. How strange everything must have seemed to them. There is not a whole lot of plot in this book and no words, so it doesn't take long to get through. I could spend all day just looking at the wonderful pictures, though. Good for fans of The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature

The first thing I have to say about this book is that although it discusses religion, science, and the confluence of the two, I do not believe that this book is trying to espouse a certain view or to make any of the readers believe a certain thing. Really, this book is about examining one's beliefs, rather than just following what someone has told you, be that a religious view or a scientific one. It also reminds us that human beings are complicated and complex and sometimes believe more than one thing at the same time.

That being said, on with the book review.

This is the story of Mena, a high school freshman, who finds herself starting the school year with no friends. We get the idea that Mena has done something to alienate her former friends and to anger her parents, but we dont find out what that is. (At least not right away.) Mena soon finds herself caught in the crossfire between her former friends, who attend a somewhat conservative Christian church, and her science teacher, whom Mena really likes. The students (influenced by their pastor) demand that Intelligent Design be included in the biology curriculum, along with the theory of Evolution. The teacher (whose name I have totally forgotten) refuses, on the grounds that she does not believe that Intelligent Design is based on science.

When I began reading this book, I had expected a fairly rote tale telling us that science is good and religion is backwards and stupid. This book was much more complex than that. Through Mena we an investigation of this issue that was thorough and thoughtful. Books can have the luxury of making things simple and reducing life to formulas. This book resisted that temptation and instead reflects the complexities of real life.

When I was in high school this was not really a hotly debated topic. Times may have changed, though, and I suspect that some of you may find resonance in this book or recognize certain characters.

This was a book I couldn't put down and one that I thought about long afterwards. I hope that some of you read it so that we can discuss it.

The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous

Merilee, whose last name is really Monroe, leads what she calls a Very Ordered Existence. She has a schedule that she must stick to at all times. Merilee wears the same clothes every day. And she doesn't talk if she can help it. And then along comes Biswick into her life. He is a very friendly little boy who decides she will be his new best friend. Merilee's family is thrilled that she has a friend. Merilee is not thrilled.
This is a book about friendship and the compromises and sacrifices that have to be made for friends sometimes. Merilee does not relate to others the way most of us do and that made the book difficult to read, at times. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book. It is neither short nor long, but a good sized story that you can get settled into.

Caudill 09 review #1

Since many of you need to read the Rebecca Caudills for school, we have started a new series reviewing the titles. 2008 is mostly over (in terms of the Caudills) so we are starting on the new 2009 titles. Keep an eye out throughout the year as we review all 20!

Oh Rats! by Albert Marrin

This is the first RC for 2009 that I read, although I have read most of the RC nominees for the past 4 years. Oh Rats! is, I must say, one of the most disgusting books I have ever read. Although it is short, Oh Rats! made me feel nautious more than once. It's really, really gross.

Oh Rats! tells the history of rats in the world - the good and the bad. Since this is a pretty short read, I dont want to give away mahy of the details. Let's just say that rats have done more than you can probably imagine.

I know many of you like to look for the short Caudills, so you can get your requirements out of the way. This book would probably be a great way to do that, but be aware of the gross factor.

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

Do you like the age -old story of King Arthur? The Song of the Sparrow takes the legend of Arthur and Camelot and adds a new twist- that of Elaine of Ascolat- the lady of Shalott. Okay, so I couldn't remember who she was either but it really didn't make a difference when I read this great book. It reads in poetry form- very easily and yet lurical. For me, this meant that it flowed beautifully. Told from young Elaine's point of view while living among the knights in military camp, you get it all- love, betrayal, and war. Lancelot is actually in the book too! I hope you check out this retelling of a great epic - you won't be disappointed!

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

Hello fellow book bloggers: Just wanted to let you in on a great read: Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass. You might have read this already, but if you haven't you should really pick it up. Jeremy receives a locked box from his deceased dad a month before his thirteenth birthday. The box is supposed to be open on his thirteenth birthday and contain the answer to the meaning of life. He and his best friend, Liz, search all over New York City to try to find the missing keys that will open the box. They get them themselves in to strange situations and meet interesting people along the way of searching for the missing keys. If you liked MVP*: *Magellan Voyage Project by Douglas Evans, you will really like this book. If you have read the book, you should let us know if you liked it or not!
Here is some more information about the book:
http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafeClient/ContentCafe.aspx?UserID=MLS90879&Password=CC83320&Display=ReviewSummaryByItemKey&ItemKey=0316058297&Options=Y

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta

I actually read this book quite a while ago, when it came out, in 2004. It is Australian, so there are some cultural differences, but I don't think they are anything you can't move past. This is the story of Francesca who is starting her junior year of high school. She is starting at a new school - a boy's school that just went co-ed. There are very few girls attending and the boys aren't very excited to see them. She's met a boy she thinks could be "the one" but he has a girlfriend already and is sending very mixed signals. On top of this, her mother, who has always been the rock of the family, is taken by depression and can't make it out of bed most days. Between all of this, Francesca is making great friends at school and has the lead in the school play.
This was a book I couldn't stop thinking about. Even when I wasn't reading it, I found myself thinking about the characters and the story. It was very realistic, seeming like something a teenage girl would actually go through. Because everyone's life gets a little complicated sometimes.

LibraryThing

Check out www.librarything.com


This website will allow you to catalog your home library, so that you can keep track of your books. You can even add tags and search other catalogs. It is a pretty neat website. I signed up last night, but have not done much with it yet. It has a limit of 200 books for free, but since I know you get most of your books from the library, 200 should be no problem!

My To Read List

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Frannie in Pieces by Delia Ephron
Something Rotten by Alan Gratz
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
Best Foot Forward by Joan Bauer
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

What books that aren't on my list do you think I should add? Have you read any of the books on my list and think they are complete rubbish and a waste of time? Let me know!

Click: One Novel, Ten Authors

The idea behind Click is similar to that of Remembering Raquel. Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. Each chapter is also written by a different author. I was really looking forward to this book. I tend to like books that are kind of gimmicky like that, plus there are some really awesome authors on this project. Authors included Nick Hornby, Linda Sue Park, Eoin Colfer, and more. I read the first chapter and enjoyed that. However, the second chapter was not just from another point of view, it was almost completely unrelated. Then, in the third chapter, the characters changed ages and nationalities. This was too much for me. It really just seemed like the authors had written the individual chapters without consulting with one another at all. In the end it just didn't work for me.
A book with a similar idea that worked much better was Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. The book takes the form of letters between two cousins. The authors each pretended to be one of the cousins and actually wrote letters back and forth, without plotting what would happen first. I think this is really cool. This is the first in a series and one of my favorites.

Remembering Raquel

For something different and yet very good, try reading Vivian Vande Velde's new book, Remebering Raquel. This is a story written from several different perspectives- all people who knew Raquel. Yes, knew her- because at the beginning of the book you learn that she has died. There is no actual dialogue, just the private thoughts of people who knew this young woman. I really enjoyed this short read- I finished it in under 60 minutes. I also read that the author was inspired to write this novel after seeing several roadside memorials near her home in New York. She wanted to write a story about how someone is remembered after they're gone. Hope you give it a try!

Curling

I thought it might be interesting to give you some information about a different kind of winter sport: Curling. This sport is very popular in Canada. If you want some more information on this winter sport, here is a couple interesting websites to check out:
http://www.curling.com/ http://www.curling.ca/ http://www.usacurl.org/usacurl/index.php
Also, there are curling clubs in our area. Here is a couple websites to check out if you are interested. http://www.curlingchicago.org/ http://www.oakorthoarena.com/rock_star.htm

Cover-Up by John Feinstein

Cover-Up: the Mystery at the Super Bowl, is the third in the series of Susan Carol and Stevie Anderson. I actually liked this book best in the series so far, mostly because football is my favorite sport.
In this third series plot, Susan Carol and Stevie Anderson must find a way to prove that the Dreams, one of the Super Bowl teams, is cheating. Their team owner, Don Meeker, is behind the plot, hiding evidence that some of his players are using the HGH growth hormone. Will they be able to stop Meeker before it’s too late, and the Super Bowl is over?
If you haven’t read the other two mysteries by John Feinstein, you could still read Cover-Up. I always want to know this about a series. You should still read his other two books in the series, The Last Shot, which is about basketball, and Vanishing Act, which is about tennis. It is a fantastic series!

Skulduggery Pleasant

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy is about a walking, talking, well-dressed, and witty skeleton who is a detective. He was also the best friend of Stephanie's Uncle Gordon prior to Gordon's death. After Gordon's death, Stephanie quickly realizes that something odd is going on and Skulduggery knows what it is. Soon Stephanie finds herself acting as a sort of side-kick to Skulduggery and the two of them are embroiled in a magical war involving something known as the faceless ones. This is a very fun book to read and is both fantasy and mystery at the same time. A good read!

Alabama Moon

Did you like the book Hatchet? You probably had to read this book in 5th or 6th grade... it was about a young boy who found a way to survive alone in the Alaskan wilderness. Well, Alabama Moon has a similiar background, only this time the boy is named Moon, and he already lives off the land with his father in the Alabama backwoods. Because they avoid all contact with people and the outside world, Moon has no idea how to survive in the real world- the opposite of Hatchet. As a big fan of Hatchet, I was hooked on Alabama Moon right away. It had a few slow spots, but I really enjoyed the details and descriptions of the wilderness and how Moon uses everything in nature to live. I hope you give this a try... you also might want to read this because it is one of the 2009 Rebecca Caudill nominees.

More Gary Schmidt

Another title worth reading by this author is Straw into Gold. I read it quite a while ago, but I remember that it was really good too. Straw takes the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin and changes it up a bit. Now I guess I'll have to try more of his stuff- including Newbery Honor book, Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. If you've read anything else by him, let me know.

The Wednesday Wars

For a book that started out slowly, The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt, sure turned in to a winner! Set in the late 1960's, Holling Hoodhood (I know, weird name for a boy), is stuck staying after school alone with his teacher. She decides to teach him Shakespeare and from then on, the book becomes great. There are some serious topics covered as well, but much of the book had me laughing out loud. Just ask my fellow librarians at the reference desk- I haven't stop talking about this one! Hope you give it a try.

A Crooked Kind of Perfect

For another quick and easy read, try A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban. It's a funny story about a young girl named Zoe who has big dreams of playing the piano, but gets stuck playing the organ. She somehow manages to stay positive through some interesting (and funny) situations and be happy. This book reminded me of Because of Winn Dixie, another funny book narrated by the main character in a unique and quirky way. This book won't wow you, but it won't make you sad or cry either! Enjoy.

The Garden of Eve

Hi. If you're looking for a quick and easy read, try The Garden of Eve by K. L. Going. Evie and her father move to New York where her father has bought a withered apple orchard that the townspeople think is cursed. She encounters a boy who claims to be dead and a mystery surrounding a lost girl and a magic garden. I like a good mystery and while this wasn't the best I've ever read, I did enjoy it. I hope you'll give it a try and let me know what you think.

Award Winners!

Check out these award winners from the American Library Association!

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village written by Laura Amy Schlitz, is the 2008 Newbery Medal winner.

Three Newbery Honor Books were named:
1. Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
2. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
3. Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children. The Invention of Hugo Cabret illustrated by Brian Selznick, is the 2008 Caldecott Medal winner.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults. The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean, is the 2008 Printz Award winner.

Four Printz Honor Books were named:
1. Dreamquake: Book Two of the Dreamhunter Duet by Elizabeth Knox
2. One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke
3. Repossessed by A. M. Jenkins
4. Your Own, Sylvia: A Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath by Stephanie Hemphill.


Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. Orson Scott Card is the recipient of the 2008 Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring his outstanding lifetime contribution to writing for teens for his novels Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow.

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences
1. American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China by Matthew Polly
2. Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
3. Essex County Volume 1: Tales from the Farm by Jeff Lemire
4. Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden
5. The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
6. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
7. Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
8. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
9. The Night Birds by Thomas Maltman
10. The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Hello fellow book bloggers: You might have read this already since it is a Rebecca Caudill this year. It’s an interesting read about a girl, Miri, whose small village has been picked to be the home of the future princess. Surprising enough to her, she gets picked to attend the academy where they learn how to become a princess. Miri finds out that learning to be a princess isn’t so easy. She has to deal with a mean academy mistress, competition between the girls, and her own desires to be chosen. The girls find themselves in trouble when bandits try to kidnap the future princess.
Did you like reading the Princess Academy? Why or why not?

How to find a good book

A great resource for finding books is Novelist, one of our electronic databases. Novelist provides a brief description, plus any available reviews. For each book it also has a list of subjects. From that list you can choose which elements you enjoyed. The database will then use your selections to recommend other books that you might also enjoy. I really like Novelist. It often comes up with books or authors that I might not have thought of otherwise. You can check out our databases here: http://tplibrary.org/ElecResources.htm

Happy New Year!

Sometimes, I must confess, I become a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of books that are available and demanding to be read. Or I find that I stick with safe things to read, and never really explore new fiction. When that happens, I find that having a plan for my reading helps. Here are some ideas:
1. Alphabetical reading. This can be either titles or authors. Two years ago, I read alphabetical by authors last name. I made it all the way through W, but was completely flummoxed by X. This was a really fun way to read.
2. Thematic reading. The Book a Month program offers readers a topic each month to guide their reading. And we aren't just talking about boring genre suggestions. The topic for January is time. They also give about 20 or 30 suggested books. Even if you aren't going to join up, check out the website. You may find a good book recommendation.

Since I am sure you all resolved to read more in the New Year, this will get you on your way! Any other ideas for planned reading?

Casson family series by Hilary McKay

I’m not a big fan of the YA dysfunctional family genre, but I do like to read stories about family problems that can be settled with some compassion, cleverness, and common sense as if Beverly Cleary had written a Ramona Quimby, Age 16. I just read the last in my favorite heart-warming family saga. It is the four book series about the Casson family by Hilary McKay. Each book features one of the Casson kids -- Saffy’s Angel, Indigo’s Star, Permanent Rose, Caddy Ever After – and deals with everything from adoption, bullying, romance, friendship, sibling rivalry, divorce and much more. The entire family is artsy and eccentric (they are English) so there are many surprising solutions to their dilemmas.

Visit the Terry Pratchett site

If you are a fan of Terry Pratchett or just want to see what his Discworld is about you can visit www.terryprachettbooks.com. Click into the Discworld Travel Guide to get a glimpse of the characters, adventures, and magic. There’s a few games and stuff to print too.

If, like me, you prefer your fantasy a little wacky, try Terry Prachett’s “mini- series” about witches. (For now, it includes The Wee Free Men, A Hat Full of Sky, and Wintersmith. You may have heard of Prachett’s series Discworld; these books are a series inside that series.) Anyway, it’s a goofy fantasy world with no confusing battles between good and evil, no never-ending quests, and no hundreds of characters to sort out. Instead there are teenage witch-cliques, cranky witch instructors, and little blue men who like to fight and cuss. The adventures start when the heroine, Tiffany Aching, teams up with a clan of the six-inch blue men to rescue her baby brother and ward off a sinister invasion from Fairyland. I was hooked after the first book and couldn’t wait to follow Tiffany and the blue guys on further adventures.
BevM

Quaking by Kathryn Erskine

Another title plucked off the new books shelf... this one entirely different but soooooo good! Matt (short for Matilda) doesn't need anyone and lets no one get close to her. Moving from relative to relative, she ends up in Pennsylvania with Sam and Jessica, two peaceful Quakers. Smart and smart-mouthed, Matt trys to blend into the background until bullies (from the past and present) threaten her right to stand up for her belief in peace and those of her new family. Quaking is one of a few anti-war books written recently that makes you think about your own views about the war in the Middle East. It also has been nominated for the American Library Association's 2008 Best Books for Young Adults. I hope you give it a try.

Red Glass

I plucked this book off the new books shelf not knowing anything about it- and then read it in one day! One night Sophie, her mother, and stepfather are called to the hospital where a young Mexican boy is recovering from dehydration. He is the only survivor of a group of people crossing the border from Mexico into Arizona. No one knows who he is or where he comes from. This starts Sophie on an adventure filled with mystery, laughter, and sometimes sadness. I hope you'll give it a try... I also plan to read author Laura Resau's first book, What the Moon Saw. If it's anything like this one, I'm sure it'll be good!

Adam Canfield of the Slash

Hello fellow book bloggers: Did you ever dream of being a newspaper reporter? Adam and his co-writer, Jennifer, are living this dream through writing for their school newspaper, The Slash. I think everyone will be able to relate to this book because Adam always has an overworked schedule and sometimes get a little stressed and takes it out on people. Although the book is a little unrealistic at times, its humorous characters make up for it. If you are a fan of the book Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, you will probably like this book. They are both similar with unrealistic plots and humorous characters. Have any of you read Adam Canfield of the Slash and/or Hoot? Did you like/dislike them?

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Hello fellow book bloggers: How many of you have seen the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka? It is a little different from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Johnny Depp. It's a good movie to see so you can compare the different plots lines. If you did see the movie, which one did you like more? Or, did you like the book better than either of the movies?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Hi fellow book bloggers: Here is a cool website if you liked the movie or book: http://chocolatefactorymovie.warnerbros.com/

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Hi fellow book bloggers: If you liked the recent movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp, you should try reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
It’s a humorous book about a poor boy who gets lucky and draws the winning ticket for a visit to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, the most splendid chocolate factory there is!

Crooked River

If you liked reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, you might like Crooked River. Both books have to do with men who are falsely accused of different crimes. In Crooked River, a Native American in accused of murder and faces the wrath of an all white jury. Rebecca Carver, the 13-year-old girl who is scared of having an Indian in her home, has to decide who she thinks is right-the young Indian’s lawyer, Peter Kelley, or her father, who thinks that all Indians are savages.
If you haven’t read To Kill a Mockingbird, you should! It’s a classic…but besides that, it’s a really great book. In To Kill a Mockingbird, a African-American man is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Scout, a young girl, has to deal with the prejudices of the other townspeople as they look down upon her father, Atticus Finch, who is defending this man.

The Invention of Huga Cabret

Okay, the first thing about this book is that it is 533 pages. I know. Way too big to read. Before you totally stop listening to me, though, there is something else you should know about his book. It is mostly pictures. I would say that at least 300 of those 533 pages are pictures. The pictures aren’t just illustrating what the words say. Mostly the pictures are there instead of words.
This is a great story. I won't say that I couldn't put it down, because at 533 pages you almost have to put it down. However, I did read big chunks at each sitting. This book follows Hugo, an 11 year old boy living in Paris in the 1920's. He lives inside the Paris train station, where he is in charge of the train station clocks. He is trying to fix a mechanical man that he is sure contains a last message from his dead father. At the same time, he is trying to make sure that no one finds out that he is living on his own, or he is sure they will put him out on the street.

Book Blog on Display

Check out our new display in the YA area, featuring books that have been mentioned right here on the Book Blog. This display can be found next to the YA magazines. And don't forget our regular display shelves, which currently feature books relating to our winter programs.

One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke

One Whole and Perfect Day is the story of Lily and her family. Lily a 10th grader in Australia, thinks her family is weird. Her grandfather is a racist, her grandmother has an invisible friend, her mother brings home stray senior citizens, and her brother can't seem to settle down and stick to anything. She herself does all of the housework and so has a bit of a Cinderella complex around her friends.

I wanted to like this book. I really did. But I found the main character, Lily, grating and her mother was too wishy-washy. The resolution was too easy, but not in an over-the-top funny way. I wanted more from the characters. They just felt too one-dimensional.

Life on the Refrigerator Door

This book, written by Alice Kuipers, is a collection of notes between a mother and daughter. The daughter is named Claire, while the mother is known as simply "Mom" throughout. Like most of us these days, they are super busy. Claire has school, homework, friends, babysitting, and boys. Her mom is a doctor working with cancer patients and has a very hectic schedule. As a result, they are always leaving notes on the fridge. As the story develops, we learn that Claire's mom is, herself, ill, and how Claire will deal with that.
This whole book really is just notes back and forth. I am a big fan of books written as letters and this was very similar. It was a quick read that I really couldn't put down.

In Search of Mockingbird

I think maybe I think I liked this book more than I really did. What I mean is that because this book is about To Kill a Mockingbird, which is a book I really do love, that I let that color my opinion. So, because I like TKaM, I think I like In Search of Mockingbird more than I really did. I think I just wanted more from this story. Everything was too quick and too easy. I am not really sure how else to describe this. It wasn't a bad book, just not as good as TKaM. And maybe that standard is too high.
Has anyone else read this? What did you think?

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

I really loved this book. It was quite a bit like Twilight, so if you are a fan of Twilight, definitely check it out. I would say that it is not quite as well written as Twilight, but is very satisfying in ways that Twilight is not. It moves much quicker and it reaches a definite resolution at the end. So, if you are looking for a good, quick read, I would check out this realistic fantasy book.
The story revolves around Aislinn, who would be a normal 17 year old, if not for the fact that she sees fairies. She has spent her whole life pretending not to see them, because if they found out, the best thing she could hope for is to be blinded. Imagine her surprise when the Summer King, one of the fey royalty, approaches her to be his Summer Queen. He needs her to fulfill a centuries old prophecy. Aislinn wants no part of fairy life. Plus, her friend Seth is beginning to hint that he would like to be more than just friends. And he's hot. What's a girl to do?

East

East has a lot to do with Nordic exploration, as Rose journeys the earth for the search for her true love. Did you know the Vikings were one of the first peoples to explore America? Here is a website on Leif Erikson, who discovered North America.
http://www.mnc.net/norway/LeifErikson.htm

East-original verision

This website contains the original version of East of the Sun and West of the Moon:
http://web.utk.edu/~gwhitney/tales/east/ftpgeast.htm

East by Edith Pattou

Hello fellow book bloggers:
In East, by Edith Pattou, a young girl woman Rose journeys the earth in search of her one true love, who is under the spell of a troll queen.
The book is based off of a saga called: "East of the Sun and West of the Moon." It is also a Rebecca Caudill 2008 nominee.

Mythology this week!!!

Earthly Knight by Janet McNaughton
If you like mythology, the Earthly Knight by Janet McNaughton is another good read.
Jenny is only sixteen years old, yet she is old enough to be married in the year 1162. Will Jenny find happiness being married to William de Warenne, the brother of the king of Scotland, or will she find happiness with Tam Lin a mysterious man who lives in the enchanted forest?
Read the book to find out!!!!

http://swan.sls.lib.il.us/search?/tearthly+knight/tearthly+knight/1%2C1%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tearthly+knight&1%2C%2C2

More Crutcher

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am now a huge Chris Crutcher fan. I recently read both Whale Talk and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes in two days. Both were great. I will say that these aren't light, happy-go-lucky reads, but don't let that stop you from picking them up. Whale Talk is about a boys swim team made up of misfit kids getting together to prove a point about sports teams in high school. I was laughing out loud a lot! Staying Fat deals with friendship and loyalty. Crutcher has written about a dozen books- most with realistic teens in realistic situations. He isn't afraid of tackling sensitive issues, so don't look here for a "fluffy" read! But, if you like a quick read with some substance, these books are for you.

Deadline

This latest book by Chris Crutcher was the first I'd read by the author. Now, in just a few weeks, I've read almost everything he's written! Once I started Deadline, I couldn't put it down-and here's why... at a recent YA literature conference I actually saw Mr. Crutcher in person and heard him read aloud the first few pages. From just a few sentences, I was hooked. I immediately went out and bought the book! Deadline has a shocking beginning... high school senior Ben makes a huge decision and then proceeds to live his life in his own personal way. His character is intelligent, sarcastic, and very, very funny. I'm purposely being vague because I don't want to give anything away. I just hope you'll give this one a try... I guarantee that it will make you think and laugh out loud!

Skullduggery by Pete Hautman

Roni Delicata and Brian Bain are back in this exciting sequel to the novel Snatched to solve the mystery of a local archaelogy site that is going to become condominiums, unless they find a way to prove the Bloodwater family is up to no good.

Both Snatched and Skullduggery are both good books if you like short mystery reads.

To get more information on this series, visit this website and click on read about it:http://swan.sls.lib.il.us/search?/tskullduggery/tskullduggery/1%2C1%2C3%2CB/frameset&FF=tskullduggery&3%2C%2C3

Tennis

Hi fellow book bloggers: If you liked reading Vanishing Act, and/or tennis, here is a couple websites you might be interested in:

http://www.tennis.com/
http://www.usta.com/rules/
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/index

Vanishing Act by John Feinstein

Hello fellow book bloggers: I just finished reading a great mystery-the sequel to The Last Shot-
Vanishing Act by John Feinstein. Stevie and Carol find them themselves involved in the middle of a kidnapping at the U.S. Open. Nadia Symanova is one of the world's best tennis players and has just been kidnapped in the middle of a tennis match. What will happen to her?
Stevie and Carol work great as a team solving the second mystery in a row. There is also a little surprise at the end of the novel that you won't want to miss......

Edgar Allan Poe

"True!-nervous-very,very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease has sharpened my senses-not destroyed-not dulled them. Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell. How, then, am I mad? Hearken! and observe how healthily-how calmly I can tell you the whole story."

This is an excerpt from the Tell-Tale Heart, which is one of Poe's most famous short stories.

If you have not read any Edgar Allan Poe stories, you really should!! There is a display at the young adult desk that contains some horror stories. One of the books over there is Tales of Edgar Allan Poe. It contains many of Poe's famous short horror stories.



If you want more information on Edgar Allan Poe, here is a link you can go to:http://www.poemuseum.org/

Clay by David Almond

Hi fellow book bloggers: Halloween is coming up shortly and if you're into supernatural/horror books, you should read Clay by David Almond. Although the book is a little strange at times, I do think the author does a good job of illustrating good vs. evil. The setting is a little different: it takes place in Britain where two altar boys, fourteen-year-old Davie and his best friend Geordie, befriend a boy named Stephen Rose. Davie finds out a little too late that Stephen is really up to no good....I don't want to ruin the rest of the story, so go check it out!

Unexplained by Judy Allen

Hi fellow book bloggers: Just wanted to let you know about a book called: Unexplained by Judy Allen. It looks like an awesome book....if you are interested in ghosts and other interesting unexplained phenomenon...
If you want more information about this intriguing title: visit this link and click on read about it.
http://swan.sls.lib.il.us/search?/tunexplained/tunexplained/1%2C6%2C14%2CB/frameset&FF=tunexplained+an+encyclopedia+of+curious+phenomena+strange+superstitions+and&1%2C1%2C

Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator

Hi fellow book bloggers: The theme of this year's Teen Read Week is humor: so check out this humorous mystery: Gilda Joyce:Psychic Investigator by Jennifer Allison. You'll really like it if you like a mixture of humor and mystery.
Gilda is a high-spirited teen who engages herself in a mystery surrounding her cousin's aunt who died many years ago. If you want more information about the book check out this link:
http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafeClient/ContentCafe.aspx?UserID=MLS90879&Password=CC83320&Display=AnnotationDetailByItemKey&ItemKey=0525473750&Options=Y
Warning: Although this book is pretty humorous, it does deal with serious issues including a relative's death and suicide.

The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World

The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World is the newest book by EL Konigsberg, who is one of the most brilliant writers ever, in my opinion. Reading From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler changed my life. The idea of living in a museum like that was just amazing. I was ready to run away. (I never did.) Then I read Up from Jericho Tel, a brilliant mystery about two trailer park kids and the ghost of Tallulah Bankhead. One of my favorite books of all time. This new book is the third in a series of loosely related books. The first was Silent to the Bone about a boy who refuses to speak after being accused of a horrible crime. The next was The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place, which deals with the indignities of sleepaway camp and also what exactly the definition of art is. The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World also discusses art and who gets to decide what art is exactly. Does anybody have that right? Adoph Hitler thought he did. The book also talks about what ahppened to the art and artists that Hitler didn't care for. This book really isnt a mystery in the traditional sense. It is more of a mystery in the way that life is a mystery.

The Westing Game

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is one of my all-time favorite reads and a great mystery. Several people are invited to live in a new apartment building. They move in and all is well. Soon, however, it becomes clear that they have all been brought together for a specific purpose. To figure out who killed Samuel Westing. So go. read it. now.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

If you go to Andrew High School, you have already heard quite a bit about The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. This was a really good book, but I don't know if I would actually say that I enjoyed reading it. The main character has Asperger's Syndrome, which is a mild form of Austism (or so I gather from the book). As a result, he is unable to relate normally to other people. So as the book goes on it became very frustrating and uncomfortable to watch him deal with the others in the book. You could feel the tension building in the other characters, while the main character has no idea that they are upset or why they would be. Still, it was a good read and a pretty good mystery.

Speaking of mysteries, this post kicks off our month long salute to mystery fiction. So check in with us throughout October to get some recommendations for good mysteries!

Bonus: Cheesy prize to the first person who can tell me where The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time got its title.

2 more good reads!

Oh, one more thing... I just read two more books this week that you might like. Firegirl by Tony Abbott was really good...it's the story of a boy whose life changes when a new girl comes to his class. It's a very short book and an easy read. Also, my new favorite (for the week) is Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson. If you enjoyed the Little House Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder as a little kid, this is the more grown-up version and oh, so good! Hattie is a young 16 year-old girl who sets off to Montana to stake her claim on a farm- all on her own! I read this book in one sitting and wished there was more! If you try any of my suggestions this week, this is the one I would recommend the most!

Lines in the Sand

Hi. Once I finished reading The Falconer's Knot as mentioned in my last blog, I did a bit of research to find out more about Mary Hoffman. On her website ( www.maryhoffman.co.uk/)- she talks about another project she was involved in- the coordinating and editing of a book for young adults about war called, Lines in the Sand. Over 150 writers contributed stories, poems, and illustrations about war and peace. This collection is really interesting and eye-opening. I especially enjoyed the poem, "Counting", and the story, "The Butcher"- although not in a happy way- they really say a lot about war and it's toll. One positive thought to keep in mind is that all the profits from the publishing of this book, went to UNICEF( a world-wide children's relief organization) for the children of Iraq. Just something to think about.

The Falconer's Knot

Hi there! Having never posted to the book blog before, here goes... The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman looked pretty promising for a book chosen right off the shelf. And after all, Mary Hoffman wrote the highly popular Stravaganza series, so how could I miss? This book is a mystery set in 14th century Italy during medievel times. It follows the lives of several characters, mostly a young nobleman accused of murder named Silvano and a young woman named Chiara. There is mystery, romance, and even art. I enjoyed the book and it was an easy read- maybe too easy and a bit silly. I had to finish it though- and find out whodunit! I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think. I will be posting more Mary Hoffman info later in the week, so stay tuned!

Famous Last Words

So Miles, the putz mentioned in my last post, actually had a pretty cool hobby, which was collecting the last words of famous people. For your enjoyment, I include a selection, hand-picked from the internet.

Pietro Aretine: Now I am oiled. Keep my from the rats.

Lady Astor: Am I dying or is this my birthday?

Alexander Graham Bell: No

Leonard Bernstein: What's this?

Johannes Brahms: Ah, that tastes nice. I thank you.

Luther Burbank: I don't feel good.

Lewis Carroll: Take away these pillows. I shall need them no more.

Anton Chekhov: It's been a long time since I've had champagne.

James Dean: That guy's got to stop. He'll see us.

Emily Dickinson: The fog is rising.

George Eastman: My work is done. Why wait?

Queen Elizabeth I: All my possessions for a moment of time.

Adolf Fischer: This is the happiest moment of my life.

Edmund Gwenn: Dying is easy. Comedy is difficult.

Oscar Wilde: Either that wallpaper goes or I do!

Pancho Villa: Don't let it end like this. Tell them I said something.

General John Sedgwick, Union Commander, Civil War: They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist...

FDR: I have a terrific headache

Karl Marx: Go on, get out. Last words are for fools who haven't said enough.

Richard Feynman: I'd hate to die twice. It's so boring.

Looking For Alaska

Looking for Alaska by John Green (of An Abundance of Katherines fame) is actually the author's debut novel and, to be honest, it shows. I mean, it's a good book, but it's not AS good. I really didn't like any of the characters. Even the main character. I think we were supposed to identify with him, but really, he was kind of a putz. He just goes along with the crowd and doesn't think for himself, which I find really obnoxious.
However, this is one of those times when I wonder if not being a teenager is working against me. Because sometimes you have to be a young adult to enjoy young adults fiction and I find, somewhat to my chagrin, that I am just a regular adult these days.
You should not take my word for it on this book, though. Check it out for yourself and see if maybe you disagree.

Cecil Castellucci is the coolest ever!!!

I am totally into the books of Cecil Castellucci right now. When I grow up, I want to be her, she is that freakin awesome! (Yes, her name is Cecil and she is a girl. I don't know why.) She has written three YA novels:
Boy Proof
The Queen of Cool
Beige
and one graphic novel:
The Plain Janes

If I had to pick a favorite, it would be very hard, but I would pick the first one, Boy Proof. Boy Proof is about a girl named Egg, who thinks she is boy proof (and pretty much friend-proof, too), until she meets Max. Max helps Egg see that maybe she doesn't see things very clearly. There are lots of fun Hollywood and nerdy SciFi/Fantasy references that I really appreciated (being a nerdy girl from CA.)
The Queen of Cool is about Libby, a very popular girl who ends up befriending a dwarf at the zoo. Seriously. How cool is that?
Beige is the story of Katie, sent to live with her father, a punk drummer known as The Rat, for a summer. Katie feels pretty beige compared to everyone in this ultra-loud, ultra-hip punk scene, but maybe she is selling herself a bit short. Think old school punk, like The Sex Pistols and Black Flag.
The Plain Janes is sort of a post 9-11 story. How to deal when you aren't the person you thought you were.

If you want to know more about Cecil Castellucci (and there is lots more to know!), please check out her website: www.misscecil.com. She is totally awesome!

The Off Season

Hi fellow book bloggers: This is the sequel to Dairy Queen. In this novel, D.J.'s year is going well until tradegy strikes. If you have read Dairy Queen, this is a must read to see what happens.
I won't give anymore away!
If you've already read The Off Season, did you like the ending? Why or why not? If you were going to write a different ending for The Off Season, what would it be?

Dairy Queen

Hi fellow book bloggers: This is another great book to check out if you like realistic fiction....D.J. Schwenk is a Wisconsin teenager who has to take on the physical work of the farm after her father has hip surgery. She trains Brian Nelson, a rival quarterback from the other town's football team. Through him, she learns that keeping your thoughts inside you isn't always the best medicine.
Visit this link to get more information on Dairy Queen:
http://swan.sls.lib.il.us/search?/tdairy+queen/tdairy+queen/1%2C2%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tdairy+queen+a+novel&1%2C1%2C

Bears Books

Hi fellow book bloggers: If you like sports....especially football, and the Chicago Bears...you should check out Bears Roar: Meet the Men who put the Swagger back into Chicago Football (Y/796.33264 Chicago Bears.)

Another book you should check out is Stadium Stories Chicago Bears: Great Moments in Team History by Law Freedman. You can check out great moments in Bears History!



Don't forget to watch the Bears second regular season game-Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs on September 16th at 3:15 p.m. Here's a link for the rest of the season games: http://www.chicagobears.com/team/schedule.html

An Abundance of Katherines

Another fantastic book that I read this summer was An Abundance of Katherines by John Green. The description in our catalog reads: Having been recently dumped for the nineteenth time by a girl named Katherine, recent high school graduate and former child prodigy Colin sets off on a road trip with his best friend to try to find some new direction in life while also trying to create a mathematical formula to explain his relationships.
This book is so funny! And it is full of footnotes. I know that footnotes sound like something that belong in a book you read at school, not a book that is for fun, but the footnotes are what make this book amazing.
An Abundance of Katherines also involves the final resting place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked World War I.
This book has some language that some might find objectionable. If you think your parents might object, then check with them first.
I know I am not doing this book justice at all with my description. But this really is a great book and totally worth your time. READ IT!

Summer Recap

Now that the summer season has come to its unofficial end, which coincides nicely with the start of the NEW book blog, I wanted to take a look back at all of the reading I did this summer. And also the things I didn't read. Do you ever notice that certain books just seem to be "winter" books. Books that are long and complicated, with lots of characters lend themselves more to curling up inside for a cozy reading session in a comfy chair. During the summer, I like books that are a bit more "fluffy". This is not to say that the books are somehow not as good. Just different.
In any case, my favorite books that I read this summer (besides Harry Potter, which we already devoted two months of the book blog to) were the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I would say this series is actually an all season read, but it is kind of girlie. I have been completely engrossed in these books all summer long. It was a good way to forget about the heat.
So, what did you all read this summer (besides Harry Potter)? Anything I should just drop everything for and start reading right now?

Check back in two weeks! The new and improved book blog will be up and running on Tuesday, September 4!

Question

So, now that you've all read Harry Potter and it's come to an end

What are you going to do now?

another book you may enjoy

If you like the combination of the fantasy and realistic in Harry Potter, you might enjoy the Gregor the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins. Gregor is doing the laundry in the basement of his New York apartment building one day when he and his baby sister, after falling down a hole in the wall, discover a whole world underground. This world is filled with giant cockroaches and bats that talk. I have read the first book and really loved it. The fifth book is due out later this year and I know lots of kids are looking forward to it.

Question

So originally, the movie was supposed to come out today and I was going to ask you all if you were going to run out and see it today, or if you would be waiting for a bit. However, the movie came out on Wed/Tues, so that pretty much ruins that.

SO...who has already seen the movie? What did you think? Too long? Too short? Was it faithful to the book? Do you care?

Discussion Question

If you went to Hogwarts, what house would you belong to?

Another book series you might enjoy:

The Lost Years of Merlin by TA Barron. These books follow a young Merlin, before he became the great wizard of legend.

Click here to visit the band Harry and the Potters, who writes music about guess who - Harry Potter!

Discussion Question

Question: Do you think you'll want to see the last 2 movies? What if book #7 ends badly? How do you think it will end? What will happen to Harry?

Another Book you might enjoy

Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
From our catalog: Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper to a famous oracular sow, sets out on a hazardous mission to save Prydain from the forces of evil.
It is the first in a series. Check it out!

Website

Verita Serum is a website run by HP fans, for HP fans. They are dedicated to getting out the most accurate news they can in a timely fashion. Check it out by clicking here!

Discussion Question

Is Snape what he seems to be?

Another Book

You might enjoy The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which combines traditional fiction with a graphic novel. Mrs. McFarland says it is wonderful!

Lego Fun!

Check out the lego fun by clicking here!

Fun website

Click here to join Dumbledore's Army.

Question

Which Harry Potter movie do you think is most like the book?

Another Book

Ender's Game is the first book in a series about a young boy, Ender, who turns out to be the battle genius needed to save his planet from invasion. The author is Orson Scott Card. You can check it out at the library today!

Fun Website!

Another fun website to check out is The Leaky Cauldron.

A great website

To visit a great website for Harry Potter news and gossip, click here.

QUESTION

Which Harry Potter character is your favorite?

Audio Books

So, by now you have probably read all of the Harry Potter books umpteen number of times. But have you listened to them? The TP library owns all 6 HP books on audio (either on cassette or an cd) and they are phenomenal! Jim Dale reads them all and he gives each character his or her own distinct voice. It will give you a new understanding and enjoyment of all of the books. Check one out today!

Another Book

If you enjoy the Harry Potter series (and who doesn't?), you might want to check out the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer. Artemis is a 12 year old genius, who uses his talents for evil instead of good. His family has been wronged and he is out to get revenge at all costs. There is a fair amount of humour also present in these books, so even if you aren't a big fan of fantasy, you might want to check it out.

HP5

Find out the latest news on the next HP film by clicking here.

Author! Author!

Visit JK Rowling's home on the web by clicking here.

Let's start off with an easy question:

Which Harry Potter book is your favorite?

Welcome!

Welcome to our Harry Potter book blog, where you can discuss all facets of HP! We hope you have fun with us, as we all wait for July 21 to finally roll around!

Vampire Myths

Click here to check out some myths about vampires. Or are they fact?

Question

Are vampires necessarily evil? Because they feed on blood, does that make them bad?

Bran Stoker Awards

If you love to read horror stories, then check out the website for the Bram Stoker Awards.

From the Horror Writers Assocation website:

Each year, the Horror Writer's Association presents the Bram Stoker Awards for Superior Achievement, named in honor of Bram Stoker, author of the seminal horror work, Dracula. The Stoker Awards were instituted immediately after the organization's incorporation in 1987. While many members, including HWA's first President, Dean Koontz, had reservations about awards for writing -- since the point of HWA was for writers to cooperate for their mutual benefit, not to compete against one another -- the majority of members heavily favored presenting awards, both to recognize outstanding work in the horror field and to publicize HWA's activities.
To ameliorate the competitive nature of awards, the Stokers are given "for superior achievement," not for "best of the year," and the rules are deliberately designed to make ties fairly probable. The first awards were presented in 1988 (for works published in 1987), and they have been presented every year since. The award itself is an eight-inch replica of a fanciful haunted house, designed specifically for HWA by sculptor Steven Kirk. The door of the house opens to reveal a brass plaque engraved with the name of the winning work and its author.
The Stoker Awards, like the Oscars, are non-juried awards. Any work of Horror first published in the English language may be considered for a Stoker during the year of its publication. The HWA membership at large recommends worthy works for consideration. A preliminary ballot is compiled using a formula based on recommendations. Two rounds of voting by our Active members determine first the finalists, and then the winners. The winners are announced and the awards presented at a gala banquet held in conjunction with HWA's annual conference, usually in June.

Another Book

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
From School Library JournalGrade 9 Up–De la Cruz has revamped traditional vampire lore in this story featuring a group of attractive, privileged Manhattan teens who attend a prestigious private school. Schuyler Van Alen, 15, the last of the line in a distinguished family, is being raised by her distant and forbidding grandmother. Schuyler, her friend Oliver, and their new friend Dylan are treated like outsiders by the clique of popular, athletic, and beautiful teens made up of Mimi Force, her twin brother, and her best friend. What they have in common is the fact that they are all Blue Bloods, or vampires. They don't realize that they aren't normal until they reach age 15. Then the symptoms manifest themselves and they begin to crave raw meat, have nightmares about events in history, and get prominent blue veins in their arms. Their immortality and way of life are threatened after Blue Blood teens start getting murdered by a splinter group called the Silver Bloods. This novel constantly name-drops and is full of product placements, drinking, drugs, nonexplicit sex, and superficial characterizations, but the intriguing plot will keep teens reading. De la Cruz's explanation for the disappearance of the Colony of Roanoke is unique and the idea that models don't gain weight because they are Blue Bloods rather than anorexic is unusual.

Find out more about Darren Shan

Click here for more information about the author of the Cirque du Freak series or click here to visit his own website.