Jillicious Reading: We Were Liars

We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart

Summary: Cadence Sinclair Eastman is the oldest grandchild of the flawless Sinclair family.  Her summers are spent on a private island with her cousins ... her best friends ...and the boy she loves. Together they are The Liars. Then, friendships turn destructive, lies are told, secrets are buried. Cady desperately seeks to discover the painful truth behind the accident and the family's false facade. 

Thoughts: We Were Liars is a truly remarkable novel.  It is like none I have ever read.  From the first page, the reader is swept into the "perfect" world of the Sinclairs and absorbed by the secrets this privileged family hides.  

Lockhart masterfully crafts vivid characters - Johnny, he is bounce, effort, and snark... Mirren, she is sugar, curiosity, and rain... - and tells a haunting tale that stuns at every turn.  It is tense, atmospheric, exquisite. 

I highly recommend this book to teen and adult readers looking for a captivating, unforgettable story.  And if anyone asks how it ends, LIE!

Read We Were Liars, if you ... 

• are a fan of E.Lockhart 
• enjoy sophisticated, intelligent writing
• like suspense, plot twists, and surprises
• are intrigued with the lives of those who "summer" on islands ;) 
• want to read the book that everyone will be talking about!

Click here to learn more about E. Lockhart and her books.  Click here to hear the author reading an excerpt from We Were Liars.    

Note:  We Were Liars will be released May 13, 2014.  Click here to pre-order a copy!

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NCTE & ALAN

In November, I had the chance to attend my first NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Annual Convention. The conference was in Boston - one of my very favorite cities ... added bonus!

Four colleagues and I presented a session on igniting middle school readers and building a reading community.   

Our t-shirts advertising the session were a hit! 

We presented Friday afternoon, the first day of the conference.  We had a lovely crowd, and the presentation went very smoothly ... quite a relief after planning and preparing for so many months!  After presenting, we were able to relax and just enjoy the conference and the sharing of ideas. 


Highlights of included: 

• a fabulous dinner with Little, Brown.  I was able to sit next to the amazing Matthew Quick., author of The Silver Linings Playbook, and my favorite, Sorta Like a Rock Star.   What a treat to hear about his upcoming releases and many movie deals!  
• an excellent session featuring some literary rock stars  ... master teachers Colby Sharp and Donalyn Miller, literature guru Teri Lesesne, literacy experts Kylene Beers and Bob Probst, and hilarious author and reading promoter Jon Scieszka.  The standing-room-only session was entertaining, informative, and inspiring.
  

  

  Jon Scieszka ... such a hoot!

• a delightful Scholastic brunch with Reader's Theater readings from fabulous authors including Rodman Philbrick, Elizabeth Eulberg, and Barbara Kerley.  The room fell in love with Natalie Lloyd, debut author of A Snicker of Magic. 
• Delicious East Coast food!  One of my favorites was the lobster roll at Island Creek Oyster Bar (Best Lobster Roll 2013... definitely earned my vote!) And, a stop at Flour Bakery, breakfast at The Paramount, and a dinner in the North End are Boston musts!

Blueberry Pancakes at The Paramount

• Visiting the amazing Boston Public Library.  I may move to this city just so I can go here on a regular basis.  It was almost a religious experience.  ;)  

• Sitting with incredible Jerry Spinelli at a Random House dinner.  He is such a talented man and a truly amazing person.  It was an honor to get to talk with him.

•  Meeting Lindsey Leavitt.  She is one of my favorite "chick lit" authors.  Her books are heartfelt and hilarious.  I really want her for my BFF.  ;)

 

• Meeting SCOUT! ... aka Mary Badham, the darling lady who played Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird!  

 

 

After the conference, we were able to stay for the ALAN (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents) Workshop. The event kicks off with a cocktail party for all attendees and featured authors.  

The lovely Sarah Dessen

The hilarious Jon Scieszka

The next morning you show up, and they hand you a HUGE box of books!  Opening it feels like Christmas morning!  Then you get to listen to author panels all day and get books signed by favorite authors.  Pure heaven for lovers of young adult lit!

It was a terrific weekend celebrating books, authors, and literacy in an amazing city.  I am thankful for the chance to attend, and can't for next year!   

Caldecott!

Since I started teaching elementary school and sharing books with my students over 20 years ago, I have admired and devoured the books that have received the annual Caldecott Medal and Honors.  As a new librarian, I was delighted to share these special books with more and more readers and to introduce them to artistic elements and mediums.  A favorite yearly activity became issuing a Caldecott Challenge and hearing from students which of the winners were among their favorites.  

It has been a longtime dream of mine to serve on the Caldecott Committee.  As a lover of literature, art and design, I've always felt this would be such an incredible experience.  I am over the moon to report that I will be on the ballot for the 2014 committee!  It is a long shot, but it's a shot.  I am truly honored to be considered and beyond thrilled at the possibility of serving on this esteemed selection committee. Thank you, ALSC (and to a special friend who suggested my name to the committee!), for this amazing opportunity!

Jillicious Side Dish: Favorite Things

A few recent finds for bibliophiles ...




 
Tommy Hilfiger Book Dress

A friend alerted me to this darling shirt dress covered in books.  A must for a librarian or bibliophile, right? 




Kate Spade's Required Reading Collection

 

I love Kate Spade.  And, when she introduced the Required Reading Collection, I knew we were soul mates for life.  These are pricey, but definitely worth saving for! 

Bon Shopper
Index Shopper


Longchamp's Shopping Tote

I am addicted to these totes by Longchamp.  They are perfect for the bibliophile as they are roomy enough to accommodate purse essentials PLUS the necessary book (or two!) AND an iPad and/or Kindle. I've tried purchasing other purses, but quickly return to this tote for its roominess.     

Texas Bluebonnet List Announced!

The 2014-2015 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List was announced at the Texas Book Festival in Austin on October 26.  The announcements were made by the hilarious Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett, creators of the new Battle Bunny. 

The Texas Bluebonnet List is a list of recommended reading for students in grades 3 - 6.  Readers who read 5 or more of the nominees are eligible to vote for their favorite to receive the Texas Bluebonnet Award.  The voting takes place in January; the recipient receives the award in April at the TLA Annual Conference.  

Click here to see the complete 2014-2015 list.  
Click here to see the announcement of the awards.  

Two early favorites on the list are Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan and The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers.  And, of course I love anything by the great Jarrett J. Krosoczka.  I look forward to seeing which books my students enjoy!  

Jillicious Menu: Dystopian Novels

Since The Hunger Games hit the shelves, readers have been clamoring for dystopian novels.  If you are looking for more in this captivating genre, here are several to consider.  Some are well-known and already quite popular; others are quieter, appealing to a smaller audience.  But, all are worth a look by fans of dystopia!

Article 5 series 
by Kristen Simmons
Ember remembers what life used to be ... before people were arrested for reading romance novels or for staying out too late.  She manages in the new government controlled world until her mother is arrested for violation of Article 5 ... and one of the arresting officers is Ember's first love, Chase Jennings.



Blood Red Road series 
by Moria Young
(optioned for a movie by Ridley Scott) 
When Saba's twin Lugh is kidnapped, she sets out with her little sister Emmi to find him; the two endure a tough, gritty world as they seek to reunite their family.  Saba eventually finds hope in the handsome, daredevil Jack and the Free Hawks, a group of female vigilantes.  But, will she ever find Lugh?  

Delirium trilogy 
by Lauren Oliver
(in development as a TV movie)
Lena is looking forward to her 18th birthday when she will receive the cure.  Provided by the government, this remedy ensures a safe, predictable life not threatened by emotion.  But then, unexpectedly, she falls in love. Lena now wonders if a life without emotion is really worth living.



Divergent trilogy 
by Veronica Roth
(movie in filming, set to release in March 2014; final book in the trilogy, Allegiant, just released)
As her 16th birthday approaches, Beatrice ponders which faction of society she will choose; the choice determines her future identity and could also permanently separate her from her family.  Her decision becomes even more complicated when she discovers she is "divergent," the first of many surprising discoveries about herself, her government, and her future.  

The Eleventh Plague  
by Jeff Hirsch 
After the Collapse of America, Stephen, his father, and his grandfather are doing their best to survive by scavenging and staying on the move.  But, a sudden tragedy and a risky decision put Stephen on a completely unexpected path.





Enclave series 
by Ann Aquirre   
After the world is decimated, most of civilization has moved underground into the enclaves.  Deuce turns 15 and, as expected, takes her role as hunter, but is unexpectedly paired with the elusive Fade, a former Topsider.  The discovery they make changes everything.
  

Epitaph Road 
by David Patneaude 
It's 2097. Thirty years ago 97% of the male population was wiped out by a mysterious plague.  Kellen, a 14-year-old boy, now exists in the minority in this female-dominated society.  The ruling women have eliminated the world's most pressing problems - poverty, hunger, war - but this utopia has come at a cost.  




Gone series 
by Michael Grant 
In the blink of an eye, everyone over the age of 14 suddenly disappears ... gone.  When the teens are left in control, sides are drawn, bullies rule, and a frightening new world emerges that no one expected. 

 Incarceron series 
by Catherine Fisher
(in movie development)
Finn has been a prisoner in the vast Incarceron as long as he can remember.  But, he is certain he is an Outsider.  His only tie to the Outside is Claudia, the daughter of the Warden.  Finn is determined to escape the prison, Claudia is determined to escape an arranged marriage.  Do either have a chance?



Legend trilogy 
by Marie Lu
(optioned for a movie: final book in the trilogy, Champion, releases this week!)
What used to be the US is now the Republic.  June, born into an elite family, is the  golden girl of the government.  Day, a son of the slums, seeks to thwart to the government at every turn.  When these two cross paths, an unlikely alliance is made and truths are discovered that neither expected.

 
Matched trilogy 
by Ally Condie
(optioned for a movie)
Cassie trusts the decisions the government makes for her.  When she is Matched with her longtime friend, Xander, she trusts that he is her perfect mate.  But, then another Match flashes momentarily on the screen ... the mysterious outsider Ky.  The government says it was a glitch.  But was it? 



The Maze Runner series 
by James Dashner
(movie in filming, set to release September 2014)
When Thomas awakens, he is in an elevator with no memory of how he arrived there.  The doors open, and he is greeted by a group of boys who welcome him to The Glade.  Like Thomas, they don't remember how they arrived; all they know is that the doors to the Maze open every morning and close every night and that a new boy arrives every month.  All are surprised when the next arrival is a girl with a message.  

The Neptune Project  
by Polly Holyoke
(just named to the 2014-2015 Texas Bluebonnet Award List)
Nere has always felt most comfortable in the water with her beloved dolphins.  But, she is shocked to learn that she has been genetically engineered to live in the sea.  When the government makes a sudden proclamation, her mother tells Nere the truth and insists that she immediately escape in the sea with two others like her.  She doesn't have time to think; she is now on the run from the government officials and the dangers that lurk beneath the water's surface. 


Partials series 
by Dan Wells
Only a small human population remains after a decimating war and a weaponized virus.  The end seems to be in sight for the human race as no babies can survive the plagued new world.  Kira, a medic-in-training, is on the front lines; she makes a discovery that might lead to ultimate survival, but she must battle the government to see it through and time is running out.

 The Testing  
by Joelle Charbonneau 
(nominated for the 2014 Texas Lone Star List)
It's graduation day for Cia.  Against all odds she hopes she will be selected for the Testing; she is not the very top of her class, none of her brothers were chosen, and few have gone from her region.  But, Cia desperately wants to be among those taken to the capital to compete for the chance to lead and to study at the university.  Then she learns more about what the Testing truly involves.



Under the Never Sky 
 by Veronica Rossi 
(optioned for a movie)
Aria lives safely in a domed city where most time is spent in a virtual world.  Perry lives on the outside in a world where life is dangerous and very real.  When Aria's mother disappears, she seeks answers that take her beyond the domed walls and into immediate danger.  Suddenly thrust into this frightening world, she has no one to depend upon but the savage Perry.  

Jillicious Reading: The Neptune Project

The Neptune Project
by Polly Holyoke 

Summary: In one terrifying day, Nere discovers that she is a product of a scientific experiment and is meant to live the rest of her life in the ocean. Nere, and the others like her from the Neptune Project, were genetically engineered to leave the land, oppressive government control, and famines to set-up a new way of life in a colony below the sea.  Nere can't believe her mother never told her of her fate, but she has no time to think about it.  She must immediately adjust to life in the water so she can escape the soldiers, marine guard, and ocean predators that want her dead.

Thoughts: As soon as I read about this book, I was intrigued.  I am absolutely enamored with the ocean, terrified by its enormity and dangers but enamored by its beauty and sound.  When I read that Nere communicated with dolphins, I was completely hooked!  

The novel is a compelling, original adventure.... kind of a FInding Nemo for teens!  :)  I really enjoyed the relationships between Nere and the others who are part of the Project, as well as the tension created by the threats they face under the sea.  It's an interesting twist on the dystopian novel with a lot of suspense, intrigue, and character drama.    

Read The Neptune Project if you ... 

• love the ocean and/or dolphins  :) 
• are a scuba diver (or wish you were!)
• enjoy dystopian novels
• have ever felt misunderstood by your friends or family
• like adventure - on land or at sea!

Visit her website to learn more about debut author Polly Holyoke. For those of you that live in the Dallas area, Mrs. Holyoke will speak at the Parish Episcopal School Literary Festival on October 22, 2013 @ 4:00 p.m.  

Jillicious Reading: Heaven is Paved with Oreos

Heaven is Paved with Oreos
by Catherine Gilbert Murdock 

Summary: Sarah and Curtis are always together.  Not quite just friends and not quite a couple, Sarah is confused about their relationship and worried that annoying Emily Friend (AKA "Emily Enemy"!) has her sights on him. Then, Sarah has the opportunity to travel to Rome with her free-spirited grandmother. This Italian adventure brings surprise discoveries about her family and about herself.

Thoughts: I am over the moon that Catherine Gilbert Murdock has returned to realistic fiction!  In my opinion, this is where she truly shines.  I ADORED the Dairy Queen trilogy and am thrilled that she has returned to this setting with the emphasis on some different characters. 

We get to know Sarah, who made a brief appearance in the earlier books.  She is smart and honest and has an original (often hilarious!) outlook on everything.  We also meet Sarah's grandmother "Z".   She is flawed and flaky, but completely charming.  The grandmother - granddaughter trek through Rome, as told through Sarah's journal entries, is a pure delight.  Readers will be eager to visit (or revisit) this enchanting city.  Murdock's new novel is a funny, insightful celebration of love, family, second chances, and Rome! 

Read Heaven is Paved with Oreos, if you ... 

• enjoyed the Dairy Queen books 
• dream of Italian travels
• are a journaler 
• have made mistakes and are thankful for second chances
• appreciate music and/or Oreos :) 

Click here to visit Catherine Gilbert Murdock's webpage.  (Fun fact: Mrs. Murdock's sister is Elizabeth Gilbert, adult author of the popular Eat, Pray, Love.)  

Jillicious Pairing: Bomb & Shadow on the Mountain

I suggest pairing ...



Bomb 
by Steve Sheinkin

In January, I blogged about Bomb, an outstanding nonfiction book detailing all that happened around the world during the mad race to be the first nation to build an atomic bomb.  Click here to read my full post about this fascinating book.

And, be sure to keep your eye on author Steve Sheinkin, the rock star of YA nonfiction!  His well-researched, quality informational books are always highly readable and engaging.


with ...


Shadow on the Mountain 
by Margie Preus

Shadow on the Mountain tells the story of Espen, a fourteen-year-old Norwegian boy living through WWII.  When Nazi Germany invades and occupies Norway, Espen and many of his friends join the Norwegian Resistance Movement, an underground espionage and sabotage effort of Nazi operations.  Some of Espen's friends fell under the spell of the Germans and their desire to dominate the world.  But Espen, and others like him, stayed loyal to their country and risked their lives to gain and deliver intelligence. 

The novel is fast-paced, exciting, and informative. It gives the reader an authentic look at the Resistance as well as at the Norwegian people and their patriotism.  I lived in Norway for a few years when I was in middle school, so I particularly enjoyed revisiting this setting. Espen's story is based on the real-life adventures of Erling Storrusten; notes, photographs, maps, and other informative artifacts are included.     

Why this pairing works ... 

These two pair nicely as Bomb details some of the Resistance spies and covert missions tied to the atomic bomb; Shadow of the Mountain gives a broader, insider picture of what happened throughout Norway during the years of German occupation.  The Norwegian efforts during the war are not well known to many readers, and these two selections help bring a fresh, informative perspective.