Did you see all those comments?
Can you believe what can happen when a bunch of smart and fun 8th graders come together and share their thoughts and ideas?
So many comments are thoughtful, so many inspire more questions and comments, so many make me smile!
I could go on and on, but this blog is about you...so back to books for you!
1. Art, Jeff, Tony S. and others mentioned the Alex Rider books by Anthony Horowitz. A great bunch of books about a 14 year old M5 spy (M5 is England's CIA).
Thank you, Art, for recommending the other Horowitz series. I am not as familiar with those boks, but you can click here to read about them.
2. As many of you stated in your comments, Madeline L'Engle, may she rest in peace, wrote fantastic fantasy books. I think what makes them so good is that they seem like fairy tales too.
If you really liked them, try Shannon Hale's Goose Girl. Not so much fantasy, but definitely fairy tale. It looks like Cassie B. read it if you want more info.
3. I also noticed references to realistic fiction about teenage life. I have two great suggestions:
For Girls: A Brief Chapter in my Impossible Life by Dana Reinhart
For Boys: Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick
4. Lastly, I noticed many of you agreed that reading makes you smarter. You're right. Challenge yourself with some good books. Conor's list made me think of other good books that you'll hear a lot about and probably have to read one day. Add Lord of the Flies to that list. It's short, easy to read, but the themes and motifs are challenging.
I resisting the urge to carry on and on, but I sure don't want you to stop. Keep logging on, keep blogging on.
Reading makes all the difference!
Stenson
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About Me
- Stenson
- Teaching 7th grade at OGMS was a great gig, but now I'm the Dean of Students at SAMS. Reading and books is still the best part of my job. And the kids are pretty cool too. By the way, in real life, I go by ABS Kujawski.
34 comments:
I finished reading Ender's Game.
It's about Ender going into battle school to fight the aliens that are trying to invade earth. Ender is a very intelligent.In the battle school hey have to train by playing games. The battle school changed Ender's life. The games isn't a game anymore for Ender.
You guys should read it, so that you don't have to when your in high school.
You were completely right Ms. Stenson, i am loving the first 20 pages of the brief chapter of my impossible life. LOVING IT!!! I can not wait to keep reading it... i am a slow reader but i have a feeling that i am going to be finishing this book really soon.
What does Feliz mean...i am a little slow.
Tyler McGruder
Hi I finished Twilight yesterday!!!!!!! I LOVE THAT BOOK!! It's my new favorite book!!! I can't wait to get the next one!! Thanx for recommending it to me Stenson!!!!!! I am going to find a brief chapter of my impossible life, because Ms. Stenson and tyler said it was good!!!!!!
If you like Teen-Fiction girlish books I know 3 really good series. The first two are by Cathy Hopkins. The first one is Mates and Dates and the second is Truth or Dare. They're both about groups of kids who live in England, Truth or Dare had 2 boys and 3 girls and Mates and Dates starts with 3 girls then goes to 4. The last series is The A-List by Zoey Dean. It's about a high-class East coast girl who moves to LA to spend time with her Dad. She goes through rough times with boys and Celebritys.
Both are good!
Hey 8th graders past 8th grader here saying hi wow i am so suprised on how many bloggers you have ms.stenson, it's great. I finished Impulse by Elen Hopkins it's so good and sad at the end. It's a quick read even though it looks huge, it's poem form, and it is a very mature book but it's cute. Oh, and did you here they are making a movie for the Twilight Series, I cant wait!! Also hannah i also read 13 little blue envelopes, good book. I love to look at the responces and see what books are out and what kids are enjoying.
Beth Anderson :)
OMG!!! There making a movie for the Twilight Series?? I finished Twilight, but I'm still waiting to get new moon(thats the next one right?) Hey Conor is the A-list good? I've been meaning to start that! ~Hannah C.
OK, I know that these books are like soooooo last year but i'v decided to re-read all of the clique books. I think that it's really funny b/c they are all seventh graders and it reminds me of all of the problems and situations that I would face back as a seventh grader and how the girls decide to handle them.
I would recommend these books to anybody out there who enjoys reading about a whole bunch of stuck up brats who get everything that they want. lol
Drums girls and dangerous pie is a really good book. I didnt know that it was for guys when I got it but I was quickly addicted. It is really sad, so if you don't like sad books I would not recommend this.
HAHA. I agree fully with Jen! She has it down. They are really good books, I still have to read the newest one. My dad stopped buying me them because I read them so fast, he bought like 5 in a week....lol.
Hey Stenson, it’s Madi from prime-time and hour one. Currently, I’m not reading anything that’s worth recommending. [So far, at least.] So I’ll recommend a few books that I’ve read in the past:
A Great and Terrible Beauty / Rebel Angels by Libba Bray –
These books are absolutely wonderful if you like fantasy with a darker twist. They’re about this girl named Gemma Doyle, who lives in the late 1800’s [I think. It’s been a few years since I’ve read it.] After the tragic death of her mother, Gemma travels to a finishing school for girls—Spence Academy. Secrets lurk in the shadows and a dark past is son to be revealed as Gemma’s mysterious ‘powers’ unfold. [Past readers—Libba’s coming out with a third book in the series soon!]
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A classic, and a good classic. “The story takes place during the Great Depression over a span of three years. The narrator is 6-year-old Scout Finch who lives with her brother Jem and their father Atticus, who is a middle-aged lawyer in Maycomb County, Alabama. Jem and Scout befriend a boy named Dill, who has come to live with their neighbor for the summer. They are terrified and fascinated by a phantom neighbor named "Boo" Radley, who is a mysterious recluse the adults are hesitant to speak about, and few have seen for years. They feed each other's imaginations with rampant rumor about his grotesque appearance and his reasons for remaining a recluse, and dream of ways to get him to emerge from his house.
Scout and Jem find that someone has been leaving them token gifts in a tree, and the phantom Boo makes several unseen appearances to the children displaying various gestures of affection. Scout and Jem appraise their small town neighbors through the eyes of children, and with Atticus' guidance not to judge others until they have walked around in someone else's shoes, discover many instances of quiet strength and dignity in the unlikeliest people.
Atticus is assigned to defend a black man named Tom Robinson, who has been accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a young white woman. To the consternation of many of Maycomb's citizens, however, he intends to defend Tom to the best of his ability, and Jem and Scout are subjected to the taunts from other children, whom Scout is tempted to fight against Atticus' orders. Atticus, in his part, faces a group of men intending to lynch Tom, but escapes the situation with the unwitting help of Scout, Jem, and Dill.
When the trial of Tom Robinson comes, Scout, Jem and Dill watch secretly from the colored balcony. Atticus shows that the accusers, Mayella Ewell and her father, the town drunk Bob Ewell, are lying: it was the friendless Mayella who was making sexual advances towards Tom, and was caught by her father. Despite the significant evidence pointing to Tom's innocence, he is convicted. Jem's faith in justice is badly shaken as is Atticus' when a hopeless Tom later tries to escape from prison and is shot and killed.
Bob Ewell feels humiliated by the trial and vows revenge. He menaces Tom Robinson's widow, tries to break into the judge's house, spits in Atticus' face on a town street, and finally attacks Jem and Scout as they walk home from a Halloween pageant at their school. Jem's arm is broken trying to escape with Scout, but in the dark someone has come to their rescue and carries Jem home where Scout sees later it is their reclusive friend Boo Radley. Maycomb's sheriff discovers Bob Ewell has been killed, and argues with Atticus about the prudence of giving Boo the credit for it. Boo asks Scout to walk him home, where he disappears again. While standing on the Radley porch, Scout imagines the past three years' events from Boo's perspective and regrets they never repaid him for the gifts that he had given them.” – Wikipedia.
You Don’t Know Me by David Klass
14-year-old John faces a dangerous problem. A dangerous problem there seems to be no escape from. His frightening, soon-to-be step-father abuses him. On the outside, John appears to be normal by every standards. He attends high school, plays in the band and pines over the most popular girl… But on the inside, we, the readers, see how he is slowly loosing his mind in fear. A sad, sad story… don’t read if you don’t like tear jerkers.
Blue Is For Nightmares series by Laurie faria Stolarz
Stacey brown is having dreams. Not just any dreams, though. Dreams of her best friends imminent demise, dreams of her past and dreams of things she doesn’t want to think about. Do these dreams predict the future, or are they just her immagination to do her practise in the occult?
Flowers In The Attic by V.C. Andrews
This series is probably better for much more mature readers. Incest is involved, sex and poisoning. If your parents aren’t okay with this, then you probably shouldn’t be reading it. [My mom recommended it to me.]
Ever been locked anywhere? How about for four years of your life, with no sunlight or movement at all? The only escape is a cold, cold attic… Do you risk it? And do you try to escape?
And, obviously, the Twilight series. I read them the minute they came out—the name ‘Edward’ [I was obbsessed with a show whose main character’s name was Edward] and the vampires captivated me. I’ve been an avid reader of them ever since, and they are my all-time favorite reads. Breaking Dawn comes out next year, yay!
Hannah – yes, there will be a Twilight movie soon. It’s been in production since last September. How exciting? I know I was thrilled when I first found out.
Yeah Hanna, The A-List is really good. If you want I can lend you so of the books so you don't have to buy them.
Backing Madi now.
I'm reading to Kill A Mockingbird right now. It is Super good! I really like it!
Hey Jen, a new clique book is coming out soon, I'm so excited!! I've read them all so far and they are pretty good. I"M SO EXCITED FOR THE NEW TWILIGHT BOOK AND MOVIE!! Although I have only read the first one(twilight) I read it in less than a day, I am so excited to read New moon. Sara G. and a couple other people said they liked the first and third twilight books the best they didn't like the second one as much as the others. Did anyone who has read the series agree or disagree?? I know I'm going to find out myself, I just want to hear others opinions too!!Thanx! Hey conor- that would be sweet if you could let me borrow the A-list!! and Conor, remember a book cover for s.s.!tee hee! ~Hannah C.
Hey Everybody!
I just wanted to say that I love the A-List books, even though they are very "Pop-y" as I like to call it. Jen! The Clique is not last year! Haha! I still read them.
Right now I am reading "The Dashwood Sisters' Secrets of Love" and I can't put this book down.
It is a twist on all of Jane Austen's novels and is extreamly cute. A very girly book, but not shallow. It is written by a lady in England, so some of the word are kind of funny, but you catch on after a few chapters!
This book is not in our school library, but it is at the public library. I sujest picking up some knowledge on the real Jane Austen books, or this one might be a little confusing, but if you go into it without it, it'll be a SURPRISE! And everyone likes those, right?!
Ms. Stenson- I have read Stormbreaker, and I am a huge action-movie fan. The Bourne Trilogy is some of my favorite movies! I think that's why I liked that movie so much, is because of this book!
Okee-Dokee! Tell me about some more good reads!
Stay Fabulous!
<3
Oh Mylanta! I have so many things to say...
1. Conor, before you share all those books with your classmates, will you pretty-please give one to me. A-List? Do I know these? Should I read one so I know what you are all going crazy over?
2. Great to hear from you, Jimaline. Ender's Game? Never heard of it, but I hope one of my kids checks it out.
3. "Brief Chapter..." is a tresure. Tyler, please do a book talk in class (informal, painless, easy) when you are done. I think the boys would enjoy it too, don't you? Well, at least they would if they got into it...
4. Lizzie, you NEED to share that title with Ms. Lang in the Media Center. We should have it here! What a clever concept to weave those stories together.
5. Madi, Scout from TKAM reminds me of Ms. Sbrocco when she was younger...that much of a bully, that smart, and that much spirit. Don't tell her I said so!
There were other thoughts, but I'll wrap it up here.
Thanks for all the enthusiasm, my little readers. You make me smile and you keep me excited about reading!
Talk soon,
Stenson
I would love to make a book talk because this story is very good. Some guys might like it. maybe i can not make any promises because it is mostly a girl to girl story but i understand were you are coming from wanted the guys to appreciate this book to. For now...ladys get your face in a brief chapter of my impossible life because i have been reading and reading and i know you will love it to...connor you should really try it, just saying. I feel like the spokes person for this book or something
ttfn
Tyler impossible
lol
mcg
Hey Guys!
I have actually heard of Ender's Game! My Dad read it over the summer, and HE liked it. He's been trying to get me to read it FOREVER!
I definatly talk to Mrs.Lang about "The Dashwood Sisters". I'd also like to do one of those papers that you hang in the classroom. I think some other girls in the class might like it!
Ms. Stenson~ You should read the A-List, just to see what it's about. They are very, "pop-y", but like I said before, they totally hook you in with catchy characters, designer name brands, and money. All those girls in that book are RICH! And not the Husky Pride way either! (HaHa!) Does anyone know when the new one comes out? Is it out already?????? Let me know!!!!!
I'm getting excited for "Ready-to Read" Friday! Yay-yay-yay!
Stay Fabulous!
<3
Hey,
So Hanna and Stenson I will bring The A-List in! Now Hannah, I'm sorry, but I think I'm going to have to go with Stenson first, but It;s a bit of a quick-ish read so you are sure to have it after her!
Okay thanx conor!!! I still can't find new moon!! I"M SO SAD!!!! BUT I'M going to look at the school library. ~HAnnah
Hey Lizzie that book you said sounds awsome!! Still on the hunt for new moon...but I haven't gotten the chance to check the school library...but I will! I noticed New moon is in front of the library in the display case. Its taunting me! Every time I walk by I was to run over and rip it out and read it! But I wont because thats not Husky Pride : ) tee hee. I was at borders and I saw A breif chapter of my... I wanted to buy it and read it so bad, but It only came in hardcover and it was expensive, but I will find it!!! I have so many good books to read(and find, which I seem to have trouble doing...) thanx everyone for giving me some exellent book sugestions!!! I LOVE BOOKS! ~Hannah
Hannah-
I think Cheyenne had a copy of New Moon! I'd ask her!
Conor that would be great if you could!!!!!:) I'm excited because I got my sister to look into reading the Twilight series and a couple of my friends from the other team are going to start it too! reading is fun ~Hannah
I will so Ask Hannah! And Stenson I'm working on finding my Copy of The A-List!
Okay thanx again! The sisters grim series-which I totally recomend, The author, Micheal Buckley has a new book coming out in December! I've been waiting for it since the most recent book came out. YAY!!! So if anyone is looking for a super read, The Sisters Grimm Series, by: Michael Buckley. The first book is called The Fairy-Tale detectives(I have that one if anyone wants to borrow it) the second one is called The unusual suspects, the 3rd one is called the Problem child, and the 4th one is ONce upon a crime. The new one that is coming out in Dec. is called magic and other misdemeanors. Keep reading~Hannah
Hannah I might have to borrow that from you sometime!
*I have such a long list to read now!*
Hey has anyone heard about the new Ink book? I Loved the first to *Ink Heart and Ink Spell* But I haven;t seen the 3rd one yet!
Hey Everybody!
I just finished "The Dashwood Sisters" and I thought that the ending was very cute! This book is one of the best books that I have read in a while.
It takes a while to get going, but once you start in, you are immeadatly pulled into these 3 girls' lives.
Each very special in their own way.
I give this book 3 and a 1/2 stars!
Stay Fabulous!
<3
I found New Moon!! Time to REad!!! :) Hannah
i am reading this book called big mouth and ugly girl. it is really interesting so far and kinda sad. the girl has no friends and she calls her self ugly ursula or ugly girl. big mouth is a semipopular guy but gets himself into trouble when hes fooling around with his friends and says hes gonna blow up the school. a few girls over heard it and thought he was serious! everyone believes that he ment it, but ugly girl does not believe it. thats all i know so far so you try reading it ! love blogging its alot of fun !
Kelsey :]
Hey Stenson its meagan oberaigner...I am reading a book called define normal. it is about a girl her name is antonia, she is going to do teis group for school called peer counseling group. and her "friend" is named jazz and she is not a very good person, she is part of a gang... and she is a big punk. antonia needs to get good grades so she can get into the advanced placement programs.
hey guys!
ok well I finished the first clique book and right now I am reading the second one. I found out they they are making a clique movie and I am really excited about that! I just hope that they only base it on the first book and give all of the information thats in the book in the movie. I hate it when they make movies from books and they give barley any information at all and make up a whole bunch of new characters and story lines. In my opinion there is no reason to make a movie about the book if its not the same.
xoxo,
jen
Hey guys- (this is KELSEY, not Stenson!)
This is my first time blogging. I just finished this book called Neela:the victoyr song. It was very good. I recommend it for people who would like to learn about indian ways. My favorite part was the exciting ending. Now i am reading 2 books. one is called the dashwood sisters' secrets of love and the second one is how my private personal journal became a bestseller. Lizzie recomendeed them both to me. Thanks Lizzie. I hope to get very far in them over the weekend. when you start reading them you can't pit them down! Thanks for getting me on this Ms stenson
-Kelsey
I'm reading Little Pilgrims Progress and its a looot more interesting than i thought it would be. when i read i really get into it ok g2g cya!
Stenson,
I have so many good books I want to read but I don't have time. After football ends I will have time. But it still will take me forever because I have like 15 want to read. Before those I have to Finish the 5,6 Harry Potter so I can read the 7th. Then I am going to finish the Young James Bond current book. I am also thinking of joining the teen readers club. To all interested in music and entertainment I set up a blog it is "justaplaceforteenmusic.blogspot.com"
Art
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