End of Days by Max Turner

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin (September 28, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0312592523

ISBN-13: 978-0312592523

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Turner’s runaway hit Nightrunner is followed by this action-packed sequel and enough of the first novel is intertwined and disclosed within these pages that this title can be read as a stand alone book.This book continues where the first left off, with Zach Thompson and his two friends, Charlie and Luna all trying to come to terms with being  vampires and all the changes and implications that this transformation has brought into their lives. After attending a rave-like dance, Zach and Charlie become part of an altercation and have to run for their lives. It is while they are on the run that they witness a strange wolf-like creature making short work of the vampire that was chasing them.  It is this mysterious creature that begins a systematic dismantling of the network of support that enables Charlie and others like him to survive, which throws the “underground” into chaos. As the turmoil around them increases , Zach and Charlie are forced to hide, and stumble upon an ancient prophecy that hints at the “End of Days”. Zach takes it upon himself to find out answers and with the help and courage of his friends begins on this path of good at a time when it seems only the ruthless can survive.I truly like the plotline of this story and found that the characters were well developed and that the relationship between Zach and Luna was also blooming.  The reaction of Charlie to his transformation into a vampire was also different…much more human in his anger, resentment and rebellion at being a vampire…just realizing what he has lost in becoming a vampire. This is an action-packed urban thriller that I think will appeal to young adult readers!

Reading  ability:  Grade 7,8, 9

Genre: Supernatural urban-fantasy thriller

Who would like this book?

Readers of books like: The Darkest Powers series by Kelly Armstrong;  Deception by Lee Nichols;  Angel ( Maxium Ride 7 ) by James Patterson

http://us.macmillan.com/BookCustomPage.aspx?isbn=9780312592523&m_type=6#widget

Wild Geese by Carolyn Pignat

 

Paperback: 288 pages

Publisher: Red Deer Press; 1 edition (Sep 1 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0889954321

ISBN-13: 978-0889954328

Wild Geese  is the long anticipated sequel to Carolyn Pignat’s poignant book Greener Grass.

When I saw this title , I just snapped it up and devoured it in one sitting! It is the story of Irish immigration in the years 1845-47 to Canada,during the “Great Hunger”, where families were fleeing the destitute and poverty-stricken land that called home, Ireland. This is a tale of strength, courage, determination, grit, love,  faith and adventure. Through Kit’s narrative we cannot  help but be drawn into the sufferings and deprivations that family upon family had to endure during these lengthy ocean crossings. Pignat ‘s descriptive prose has skillfully brought to life an almost forgotten a part of Canadian history…and time of great trial, tribulation and opportunity.

Although this is a sequel to Greener Grass, Wild Geese can stand alone. However by  reading the first book it will allow readers to better understand the harrowing  ordeals of the Irish immigrants.

Reading ability: Intermediate / Senior level; Grade 7, 8, 9

Genre: Historical fiction, Canadian

Who would like this book? This book will appeal to those interested in ancestry, historical fiction, and adventure

Mr. Peabody’s Apples by Madonna

 Mr. Peabody’s Apples  is based on a 300 year old story and deals with the power words hold. 

 This book tells the story of  a teacher in the town, Mr. Peabody, and the consequences that arise when a rumour is circulated about him.  Tommy, the boy who began the rumour, goes to Mr. Peabody to make amends when he discovers what he saw and said as a result are wrong.  Mr. Peabody demonstrates how the power of words  becomes almost impossible to stop. 

He has Tommy cut open a feather pillow on a windy day and tells him that each feather represents a person in the town.  Tommy realizes what impact his words have had on his teacher and realizes the importance of words.  I especially like how the vivid illustrations by Loren Long add to the story.  This book allowed for excellent discussion in both my junior and intermediate classes.  Students understand the hurt that rumours can cause but not always the difficulty required to try to right the wrong that has been done.  This is an excellent book for character education, and  a wonderful read aloud.

 

Reading ability: Level P  and above - but I would suggest it as a junior or intermediate read aloud to have discussion and get the most out of this book

Genre: fiction

Theme: integrity, courage, growing up

Who would like this book:  young adolescents, fans of Madonna

ISBN: 0-670-04492-X

Tell me why : how young people can change the world edited by Eric Walters

Eric Walters, editor.
Toronto, ON: Doubleday Canada, 2009.
214 pp., pbk., $14.95.
ISBN 978-0-385-66720-3

Forest of Reading: Red Maple Non-Fiction Nominee 2011

 Reading Level: Intermediate and Senior

Genre: Non-fiction; Global Social issues

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Review by Karen:

Eric Walters has done it yet again! 

I found this book to be a very powerful, moving and inspiring book for young people and adults.  The question asked is “what can one person possibly do to make a differnece in the world?”

Walters profiles inspiring prominent Canadians (such as Craig Kielburger,Roméo Dallaire , Robert Munsch) , international activists (such as Jane Goodall)  and five amazing young people who share their wisdom, experiences, views and voices on how a single act can make a difference.”

Teachers can use this book as a read aloud where it can be used as a wonderful tool in showing students that a single action can make a difference. 

This is reinforced in Quill ‘n Quire:

“These stories of resourcefulness and resolve serve as a reminder that anyone can bring about change, no matter how young or unconnected they may feel themselves to be. Tell Me Why effectively answers the titular question and inspires action.”

 

Highly recommended non-fiction read aloud! 

Book Trailer :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRzrdSN-WOg

The Fallen (and Leviathan) by Thomas E. Sniegoski

The stark simplicity of the black and white photo and the singular title is what captured my attention as I scanned the book racks looking for another interesting read….a quest for redemption and a mystery… to me this became an irresistable combination and a must have read!  I was NOT to be disappointed!!

The Fallen 1 and Leviathan are the  first two books in a four- book series by author Thomas Sniegoski.

Usually I am a little leary of books that have angels in the forefront….but this author truly surprised me !   The angels in these series of four books are like no angels that I had ever read about.   Angel mythology and prophecies…and very potent combination in my opinion!    

As an onlooker you see how over time human vices such as jealousy, prejudice, indecision, anger impact upon the ‘Fallen Angels’ and this then sets the stage for conflict and possible resolution. 

Orphaned since birth, Aaron Corbet has finely found a measure of security with the Stanleys and their autistic son Stevie.    Aaron has just turned 18 and is plagued by intense, vivid and often violent dreams — that upon waking leave him disturbed and shaking.  It is the power of these unsettling dreams that have Aaron begin to question  his sanity and he tries to dismiss the heavy foreboding feelings that begin to plague him.  He wants to confide in someone, like Vilma the cute girl in his class, but his fears keep him silent.  He copes by working at his after school job, the  West Lynn Veterinary Hospital and talking to Gabriel, his attention craving yellow retriever. Then two  mysterious strangers approach him, telling him that he has a destiny like no one else…. that he is the chosen one …  the one that was prophesied  millenia ago…that his role will be as a liaison between angels, mortals, and Powers both good and evil ….  it is not a destiny that he wants and he fights to remain a normal teenager! 

 Sniegoski skillfully keeps this wonderful  plot moving by sprinkling great action scenes throughout.  I was really connecting with Aaron and Gabe and definately ‘boooing’ Verchiel, the angel that put himself incharge of hunting Aaron down.  I am very glad that I had the the two-in-one version of the book — and am almost finished with the second two-in-one “ The Fallen 2 : Aerie and Reckoning “!   

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants  to read about angels in another light… so to speak!!

Author Wedsite:  http://www.sniegoski.com/fallen/

Added Reviews and discussions:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7171880-the-fallen-2