Jay's book Thirteen Reasons Why was selected by junior high and high school students as the most popular book of our 2012 Hot Summer Reads campaign. Staff from The Book Stall at Chestnut Court in Winnetka will be on site selling copies of Jays novels. Book sales will begin at 6:30 p.m. and autographing will be available at the conclusion of the authors presentation. Registration is required and begins March 1. The program is recommended for young adults in grades 6-12, as well as adults.

Library: Skokie Public Library
Location: Petty Auditorium
Contact: Youth Services Staff
Contact Number: 847-324-3149

Ninth Ward - "Twelve-year-old Lanesha lives in a tight-knit community in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. She doesn't have a fancy house like her uptown family or lots of friends like the other kids on her street. But what she does have is Mama Ya-Ya, her fiercely loving caretaker, wise in the ways of the world and able to predict the future. So when Mama Ya-Ya's visions show a powerful hurricane--Katrina--fast approaching, it's up to Lanesha to call upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has given her to help them both survive the storm." - Amazon

Shooting Kabul - "In the summer of 2001, twelve year old Fadi’s parents make the difficult decision to illegally leave Afghanistan and move the family to the United States. When their underground transport arrives at the rendezvous point, chaos ensues, and Fadi is left dragging his younger sister Mariam through the crush of people. But Mariam accidentally lets go of his hand and becomes lost in the crowd, just as Fadi is snatched up into the truck. With Taliban soldiers closing in, the truck speeds away, leaving Mariam behind. Adjusting to life in the United States isn’t easy for Fadi’s family and as the events of September 11th unfold the prospects of locating Mariam in a war torn Afghanistan seem slim. When a photography competition with a grand prize trip to India is announced, Fadi sees his chance to return to Afghanistan and find his sister. But can one photo really bring Mariam home?" - Amazon

Ship Breaker - "In America's Gulf Coast region, grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts by crews of young people. Nailer, a teenage boy, works the light crew, scavenging for copper wiring just to make quota-and hopefully live to see another day. But when, by luck or by chance, he discovers an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, Nailer faces the most important decision of his life: Strip the ship for all it's worth or rescue its lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl who could lead him to a better life...." - Amazon

The Sky is Everywhere - "Lennie plays second clarinet in the school orchestra and has always happily been second fiddle to her charismatic older sister, Bailey. Then Bailey dies suddenly, and Lennie is left at sea without her anchor. Overcome by emotion, Lennie soon finds herself torn between two boys: Bailey's boyfriend, Toby, and Joe, the charming and musically gifted new boy in town. While Toby can't see her without seeing Bailey and Joe sees her only for herself, each offers Lennie something she desperately needs. But ultimately, it's up to Lennie to find her own way toward what she really needs-without Bailey." - Amazon

Students can also stop by during recess and advisory times during the week, as well as after school.

Please be sure to stop in to see what we've got!

"Martin was sitting on the front stoop of his apartment building minding his own business when he was arrested for something he didn't even mean to do. Five months later, he's still locked up on Rikers Island, in a New York City jail. Just when it seems things couldn't get much worse, Martin is caught between two warring prisoners, and his face is slashed. Now he'll be forever marked with a prison scar. One good thing comes from the attack: Martin is transferred to a different part of Rikers where inmates are required to attend high school. If Martin opens up to a teacher who really seems to care, perhaps he'll learn a lesson more valuable than any taught in class. - Amazon

Grades 6-12 can visit the fair during their recess and advisory times and after school.  I asked our book fair representative to send more books for middle and high school students this year, so hopefully there will be more of a selection for you to choose from.

Also, all students and families are invited to visit the book fair from 11:00-1:00pm on Sunday, January 27th after the 10:00 mass.

Hours:

Sunday 1/27 - 11:00-1:00

Monday 1/28, Wednesday 1/30, Thursday 1/31, and Friday 2/1 - 8:30-4:00

Tuesday 1/29 - 8:30-3:30

I am still looking for parent and/or student volunteers to help out during the fair and on Sunday after the 10:00 mass. Please email me at jsusina@stbenedict.com if you are available to help. Thanks!

This week, we will look at Caudill nominee "As Easy As Falling Off the Face of the Earth" by Lynne Rae Perkins.  Remember to check out this book and other Caudill nominees in the library!

"Ry, a 16-year-old Wisconsin resident en route to camp, is left behind in Middle-of-Nowhere, MT, as his stalled train pulls out and he recounts the events that led him to leave the train in the first place. Bad goes to worse: he loses a shoe and his phone charger, his grandfather back home is injured, and his parents are having their own misadventures in the Caribbean. A superhero of a fix-it guy named Del helps Ry to put his life back together. Along the way, readers learn that there is more to Del than initially meets the eye." - School Library Journal

This is a great book if you enjoy adventure! 

This week, we will be looking at Lincoln Award Nominee "Paranormalcy" by Kiersten White.  Remember to stop by the library to find this books and other Lincoln Award nominees!

"Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only one who can see through glamours.

We will meet for book club on Wednesday, January 16th.  The few of us that have talked have decided on The Espressologist by Kristina Springer.

http://www.amazon.com/Espressologist-Kristina-Springer/dp/B003NHR9EM/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354816152&sr=1-3&keywords=kristina+springer

The book is a quick, light read, so hopefully everyone can read it over the break.  If not, you still have a little time when we get back to school.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I'll see you next year!

Mrs. Susina