I think the main difference between girls and boys is that boys have to try dangerous stuff before they decide whether they are dangerous or not. Like, what would happen if you peed on an electric fence? And put several 13 year old boys in a small northern Minnesota town, with no TV or organized sports and that spells trouble. Gary Paulsen is the author of Hatchet and tons of other great "boy" books. But when he gets to talking about his own childhood, you marvel that he is even alive today. In an age where even the hockey players didn't wear helmets or pads, Gary and his friends spend time trying to outdo one another in death-defying adventures. From skiing behind a speeding car, to going over a waterfall in a sealed barrel...to talking to girls. This little book is a quick read that will have you in stitches, and even more so because it's true! Oh, and if you are wondering about the title, "Angel" is really a boy named Carl who came so near to dying over a particular stunt that he heard the angels singing. And you'll never guess what song they sang! Boys in 4th-8th grade in particular will love this book, but I'm a girl and I loved it too! Level 6, Points 3
In Mibs family, turning 13 is more than just becoming a teenager. It's when they get their savvy, a special gift, like a superpower. One of Mibs' older brothers can change the weather. The other brother creates electricity. And Mibs' mother is, well, perfect. Now Mibs is about to turn 13 and all she wants is a power to save her dad, who has been in a terrible accident. This 2008 Newbery Honor Book, is full of funny, wacky characters that the reader will grow to love. The book was on Oprah's Book Club Kids Reading List. Grades 5-8 will love it! Level 6, Points 9 Imagine your favorite grandma passes away. In her will, she offers you either one million dollars...or a clue to a treasure. What would you do? This is the first in a 10 book series that follows Amy and her brother Dan Cahill around the world in search of 39 clues that will lead to the secret of the Cahill family. There is something for both boys and girls in these action-packed books. Amy Cahill, age 14, is a very smart, but very shy girl who would rather curl up with a good book than be around people. Amy's younger brother Dan, 11, is something of a troublemaker, but is a genius at math and cracking codes. Girls will like how Amy uses books and research to figure out clues, and boys will like how Dan uses cool gadgets to evade their enemies. It's like the movie National Treasure...but instead of a grown-up chasing clues around the country, while being chased by bad guys, it's Amy and Dan. They are accompanied by a sort of grown-up, to buy plane tickets and stuff like that, but she's too busy listening to her iPod to keep a close eye on them. Level 4.3 Points 7 |
AuthorMrs. Piazza is one of the library ladies at St. John's Lutheran School. She loves books! Ask her what her favorite series was when she was in grade school. Hint: There is a color in the series name! Archives
August 2014
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