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

The Kayak by Debbie Spring

The Kayak

by Debbie Spring

Thistledown Press | March 11, 2010 | Trade Paperback; 190 pages; $12.95     ISBN: 978-1897235-71-3

The simplistic realism of this cover … of a young woman paddling a kayak toward the sunset is what first drew my attention to this book! 

 Serenity and peace … an image that also conjurs  a feeling of enjoyment and relaxation.  At the onset, author Spring cleverly has the reader believing  in  this “sense of freedom”  and even  Teresa’s own words while kayaking …. “This is a mystical place. Out here I feel safe and secure.”   is a contradiction of what  this story is really about….. that of a young woman facing  major psychological and physical challenges in order to enjoy the freedoms she once took for granted.

Teresa , once a typical teenager, hanging with friends, and  running track until a tragic accident changes not only her life but that of her family’s.  Entering adolescence is difficult enough for teens, but add insecurities, anger, and doubts and Teresa struggles to push herself  to attempt things that she’s never done before.  As Teresa battles her physical and psychological demons we  also see the impact these adversities have upon her parents and sister.

This is a powerful touching story with a protagonist that displays courage, determination and grit, but also has an inner depth that  truly has the reader cheering for  her!

Highly recommended!!!!

Genre: Realistic Fiction; Romance

Interest Level: Intermediate/ Senior students; interest in the Physically challenged

Weblinks: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/marking_materials/en10/training_papers.pdf

http://www.docshare.com/doc/91928/Debbie-Spring-The-Kayak-A-literary-deconstruc

http://voicethread.com/share/1893491/

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

Submarine Outlaw by Philip Roy

Fountas and Pinnell Reading Level:   Z      Grade Level:   5-7  

Genre:  Fantasy/Adventure

  Literature Circle set ( 6 copies) available  at  Classroom Support Centre

Red Maple Nominee 2010 , 251 pp.

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“Fourteen year old Al changes his destiny by following his dream to become an explorer. Al’s journey begins off the rugged coast of Newfoundland in his handmade submarine. As he travels through east coast waters he rescues a family of four, finds a lost treasure, eludes the coast guard and the navy, befriends a seagull and an abandoned dog, meets a “queen” of the sea, and saves a lost boy. Al’s nautical adventures make him a celebrity but his ability to evade the police makes him an outlaw.”

http://accessola.com/forest2010/redmaple/rm8/about.php

Review by Karen:

Meet Alfred — a fourteen year old boy who steadfastly refuses to follow in the family tradition of going to sea as a fisherman. However a chance glance through a hole in the local junkyard fence sparks Albert’s imagination and lights the flame of adventure and exploration.  Unexpected friendships, responsibilities and self discovery  all become a part of Alfred’s own journey “out to sea”. 

Highly recommended !!

Theme:  Self-discovery; Adventure; Friendship

Teacher / Curriculum Connections: Canadian Geography /History (Eastern Maritime History) 

Author link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmmb3UO6TwA&feature=related

Violet Raines almost got struck by lightning by Danette Haworth

Violet Raines is an energetic, animated and sometimes saucy young girl who is confronted at a critical moment of adolescence with change,  in the guise of a ‘newcomer’ named Melissa,   to her sleepy Florida town of Mitchell Hammock. She is unsure what to really make of this ‘big city girl from Detroit’ and what is could spell for her friendship with Lottie. As everything that Violet knows begins to change, she struggles with an entire range of emotions, from jealously, humour, stubbornness, anger and loyalty.  I smiled at Violet’s penchant for collecting words and keeping them in a shoebox and then combining her skill words with passion and honesty as she helps Lottie and her family with their financial difficulties.

This  truly sweet coming of age story  by Haworth reminded me of a book I read called : My One Hundred Adventure by Polly Horvath (Canadian Author)

Reading Ability: Junior  (grade 4, 5, 6)

Genre: Friendship; Tweens; Best friends; Jealousy; Coming of Age; Humour; Florida

Theme: Summer; Realistic fiction; Adolescence; Growing up; Childhood

Who would like this book?  Young girls ages 9 to 12

Teacher on-line resources:  Reading guide

http://www.danettehaworth.com/