tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808377888951358972024-03-05T18:03:15.139-06:00Library Chat with Ms. PatInformation and updates on reading, research, and library related topicsMs. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-28936635761820903602015-08-29T18:59:00.002-05:002015-08-29T18:59:46.100-05:00The Haunting of Gabriel Ashe by Dan Poblocki
This is not my typical genre of choice, but being on the Texas Lone Star list for this year, I thought I should read it.
While I'm not completely satisfied with how the story is resolved, I like how the haunting develops and the story behind the monster. With extremely short chapters (sometime just a couple of pages), even reluctant readers will find this story appealing. It also has an extra Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-85962540283942698612015-08-29T18:57:00.001-05:002015-08-29T18:57:06.784-05:00The Great Greene Heist by Varian Johnson
Jackson Greene, known for pulling some of the biggest cons at Maplewood Middle School, swears he's given up all pranks, heists and schemes forever, especially after the Mid-Day PDA caused him so many troubles. When Jackson discovers that bully Keith Sinclair plans to bribe his way into the student council presidency, he knows that he'll have to come out of retirement and pull off the "Great Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-57552916609822529422015-07-20T21:52:00.000-05:002015-07-20T21:52:08.363-05:00Bride of the Water God, Volume 2 by Mi-Kyung YunBride of the Water God, Volume 2 by Mi-Kyung Yun
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
In the previous volume, Soah married the water god Habaek. Now, she must learn to live with him. She still feels uneasy about her new husband and the other gods, especially when Mui outrageously flirts with her. When Soah hears that Habaek and Mui are the same person, she seeks a way to discover if this is true.
Nothing Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-4576843519881184812015-07-20T19:29:00.000-05:002015-07-20T19:29:11.462-05:00Things That Go Bump in the Night by Patrick CarmanThings That Go Bump in the Night by Patrick Carman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Things That Go Bump in the Night is advertised as stories that one can listen, read, or watch in 15 minutes or less. As a follow-up to the success of Skeleton Creek and the other books in the series, Patrick Carman uses video to supplement the stories. Each short story begins with an audio introduction of about a minuteMs. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-19076697499929205232015-03-13T12:19:00.000-05:002015-03-13T12:19:27.177-05:00Marlfox by Brian JacquesMarlfox by Brian Jacques
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was recently weeding books and pulled out Marlfox, because it's in bad shape and needs to be replaced. I decided to read it, because I remember one of my students recently mention that this was his favorite book in the Redwall series. I'm so glad I did.
Legend has it that marlfoxes possess magical powers and can appear and disappear at will. Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-88278957226850555122015-03-11T22:11:00.001-05:002015-03-11T22:11:37.521-05:00Princess Mia by Meg CabotPrincess Mia by Meg Cabot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I recently learned that Meg Cabot has written an eleventh book in the Princess Diaries series to be published summer of 2015. That news was just what I needed to get me to pull out those I still had left to read in the series. I honestly don't know why I got away from them, as I just adore Mia.
In this installment, Mia has a mental breakdown Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-85500496887536691472015-03-10T19:42:00.000-05:002015-03-10T19:42:59.321-05:00Violet on the Runway by Melissa C. WalkerViolet On The Runway by Melissa C. Walker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Violet is discovered by a model agent while working at the local movie theater in Chapel Hill, NC. A self-described wallflower, Violet is excited about the possibilities, but scared that this is just a joke. She's invited to New York for a weekend for a makeover and go-sees. She doesn't think it'll amount to much and is totally Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-81048168972540441422015-03-10T16:17:00.000-05:002015-03-10T16:17:59.283-05:00Frank Einstein and the Electro-Finger by Jon ScieszkaFrank Einstein and the Electro-Finger by Jon Scieszka
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this second installment of the Frank Einstein series, Frank and his best friend, Watson (and the robots) are curious about energy. From Frank's idea for an "electro-finger" invention to Grandpa's desire to find an alternative source of energy to power his house, we as the reader are introduced to many concepts Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-71456290676292493402014-11-11T08:48:00.003-06:002014-11-11T08:48:44.465-06:00New Books - 11/10/14
Computer Graphics: From Concept to Consumer
by Kevin Cunningham
Series: Calling All Innovators
New York: Children's Press, 2014.
64 p.
Explores the computer graphics industry and what it takes to be a computer graphic designer.
The Hunt for Bin Laden
by Josh Gregory
Series: Cornerstornes of Freedom
New York: Children's Press, 2014
64 p.
Presents the events that lead to the death Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-44949325495504959832014-11-10T15:06:00.000-06:002014-11-10T15:06:41.142-06:00Most Popular Books - 11/10/14
Most Popular:
Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo
Orphaned by the Border Wars, Alina Starkov is taken from obscurity and her only friend, Mal, to become the protegé of the mysterious Darkling, who trains her to join the magical elite in the belief that she is the Sun Summoner, who can destroy the monsters of the Fold.
Second Place:
The Compound
by S. A. Bodeen
Fifteen-year-old Eli, Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-26199924615505536392014-11-04T10:09:00.002-06:002014-11-04T10:09:26.077-06:00New Books - 11/3/14
The Blood of Olympus
by Rick Riordan
Series: Heroes of Olympus, Book 5
Los Angeles: Disney/Hyperion, 2014
516 p.
The Greek and Roman demigods must simultaneously prevent the earth mother, Gaea, from waking and stop war from breaking out at Camp Half-Blood.
The King's Dragon
by Scott Chantler
Series: Three Thieves, Book 4
Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2014
112 p.
While waiting for Dessa, Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-26748257008455128622014-11-04T09:29:00.000-06:002014-11-04T09:29:24.119-06:00Most Popular Books - 11/3/14
The most popular book last week:
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan.
The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land--Greece itself--to find the Doors of Death.
Runner Up:
Ungifted by Gordon Korman
Due to an administrative mix-up, troublemaker Donovan Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-21334616628984701192014-10-27T11:59:00.001-05:002014-10-27T12:00:04.401-05:00New Books - 10/27/14
Achilles and the Trojan War
by David L. Ferrell
Series: Jr. Graphic Myths: Greek Heroes
New York: Powerkids Press, 2014
24 p.
In graphic novel format, relates the Greek myth about Achilles and the Trojan War.
The Cabinet of Curiosities: 36 Tales Dark & Sinister
by Stefan Bachmann, Katherine Catmull, Claire Legrand, and Emma Trevayne
New York: Greenwillow Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-7306670819765592432014-10-27T11:17:00.003-05:002014-10-27T11:19:14.764-05:00Most Popular Books - 10/27/14
So, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is the most popular book again this week. This dark fantasy, one of my favorites from a couple of years ago, has a touch of a creepy feel to make it perfect reading close to Halloween.
Orphaned by the Border Wars, Alina Starkov is taken from obscurity and her only friend, Mal, to become the protegé of the mysterious Darkling, who trains her to join Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-13877924813167249762014-10-20T16:29:00.000-05:002014-10-20T16:29:44.457-05:00New Books - 10/20/14
Bigfoot and Yeti
by Jennifer Joline Anderson
Series: Creatures of Legend
North Mankato, MN: Core Library, 2014.
48 p.
Describes the legendary characters of the Yeti and Sasquatch, covering the history of sightings, separating fact from fiction, and more.
The Labors of Heracles
by Johanna Ehrmann
Series: Jr. Graphic Myths: Greek Heroes
New York: Powerkids Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-62003944369779518052014-10-20T14:22:00.001-05:002014-10-20T14:29:37.719-05:00Most Popular Books - 10/20/14
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo was the most popular book last week. It's had a resurgence in popularity at AMS, based mainly on word of mouth. Fans of dark fantasy will most certainly want to read this one!
Orphaned by the Border Wars, Alina Starkov is taken from obscurity and her only friend, Mal, to become the protegé of the mysterious Darkling, who trains her to join the magical Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-83925384740065224312014-10-02T15:20:00.001-05:002014-10-02T15:20:49.890-05:00Navigating Early by Clare VanderpoolNavigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really enjoyed reading this, but I'm not sure how many kids would stick with it. It takes a while for the story to set up and yes, Early is different. Would that intrigue a kid or just make him think the story was weird? I'm not really sure. I for one found Early adorable and see characteristics of a couple of the autistic kids I Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-54186465214759379652014-02-12T10:20:00.001-06:002014-02-12T10:20:57.614-06:00Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson
Rafe has lots of changes in his life right now. First of all, he's now in sixth grade and starting middle school. Next, his mother has recently become engaged to a man Rafe doesn't like. To top it off, his stepdad-to-be is unemployed, lounging around the house all day, leaving Rafe's mom to work double shifts at a diner in order to make ends meet. With his home life all crazy, we shouldn't be Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-12611565063252974152014-02-11T08:30:00.000-06:002014-02-11T08:30:20.805-06:00Ghost Hawk by Susan CooperGhost Hawk by Susan Cooper
I was looking forward to reading Ms. Cooper's latest book, mainly because I'm such a fan of her "Dark is Rising" sequence, but Ghost Hawk didn't live up to my expectations. It started well, recounting the story of Little Hawk, a Native American boy, growing up at the time of the first English settlers in what is today New England. (I thought that part was fairly Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-39343040684839646752013-10-06T19:27:00.000-05:002013-10-06T19:27:42.976-05:00Thoughts on Ghostsitters (Araminta Spookie #5) by Angie Sage
Araminta Spookie is left at Spookie House while her Aunt and Uncle go to Transylvania to see the giant bats. Having Great Aunt Emilene as her babysitter is not how Araminta wished to spend her birthday, but it looks like that's what is happening. When cool cousin Mathilda comes instead, Araminta couldn't be more thrilled. Mathilda always dresses super stylish and is loads of fun to be around-Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-7347608183528420242013-10-06T19:22:00.000-05:002013-10-06T19:22:34.600-05:00Thoughts on Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu
On the surface, Lucy seems like your average, everyday teen, but she has a huge secret. Her mom is a compulsive hoarder, and if any of Lucy's friends ever saw how she lived, her life would be over. When something horrible happens that threatens to reveal her living conditions to the community, Lucy must choose how to handle it.
The first thing I wanted to do after reading this book was to run Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-32754298428182564292013-10-06T19:20:00.000-05:002013-10-06T19:20:34.414-05:00Thoughts on You Will Call Me Drog by Sue Cowing
A strange and somewhat scary story of a boy with a "living" puppet stuck on his hand, You Will Call Me Drog is one I liked better after I finished reading than while I was reading. I didn't get the full impact of the story until the end, so while reading, it just seemed like a crazy tale.
I think many readers will be entertained by the rude, arrogant Drog. I never knew what he might say. Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-3291219146947163682013-07-04T14:03:00.000-05:002013-07-04T14:03:42.966-05:00Thoughts on Olive's Ocean by Kevin HenkesMartha wasn't really friends with Olive. Sure, they were in the same class at school, but they never really talked or anything. Martha hadn't thought much about Olive even after a tragic accident takes Olive's life. But when Olive's mother brings Martha a page out of Olive's journal written about Martha, suddenly Martha can't stop thinking about Olive even while on a family vacation in Florida.
Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-83644364391152008682013-07-04T03:03:00.000-05:002013-07-04T03:03:26.128-05:00Thoughts on Rules for Ghosting by A.J. Paquette
Oliver and his family move into the Silverton Manor on what is supposed to be a six month stay. His parents are house sitters and they are there to oversee the renovations before the house is put on the market. Oliver soon discovers that his family are not the only residents of Silverton Manor. Dahlia Silverton also lives there -- except she's a twelve-year-old ghost that's been dead over 50 Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-480837788895135897.post-84702501377283230952013-07-03T21:40:00.000-05:002013-07-03T21:40:48.831-05:00Thoughts on The Clockwork Girl by Sean O'Reilly and Kevin Hanna
Tesla, a clockwork girl, and Huxley, a monster boy, overcome all of their differences, including how their creators are enemies, to become friends. When their friendship is discovered, their very existence is threatened.
A fabulous graphic novel that will appeal to many. Beautiful artwork and story combined! B rating.
Ms. Pattersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12800627013318918490noreply@blogger.com0