Good Day Updated July 2, 2009 11:45 am |
Summer Reading Assignment 2009
Memorial Middle School
Hull, MA
All incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are required to read 2 books of their choice over the summer.
Each student will complete an assignment related to 1 book he/she reads.
The assignment will be turned in by Friday, September 4, 2009.
CHOOSE 1 OF THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNMENTS:
If you read a Fiction book,
Write a letter to the author of the book. Tell him/her why you did or did not enjoy reading the book. Ask him/her questions you are wondering about the characters and events. Tell the author how you felt while you were reading, what types of questions you were wondering about, connections you made, and/or predictions you made.
Write a letter to a character in the book. Tell the character why you think you could or could not be friends with him/her. Ask the character story related questions you are wondering about now that you have finished the book. Give him/her advice if needed.
Draw an original book cover for the book you read. Include an original drawing/graphic on the front cover, a brief summary of major events on the inside flap, and an explanation of why you did or did not like the book on the back cover.
Draw a series of at least 5 illustrations that detail important events in the book. Include captions to explain the illustrations. Arrange them in chronological time order.
If you read a Nonfiction book,
Write a letter to the author telling him/her why you did or did not enjoy reading the book. Tell the author some of the most surprising facts you learned, interesting facts you learned, as well as questions you still have about the topic.
Make a poster that contains an illustration (or other graphic) related to the topic of the book (Ex: snakes, World War II, Barack Obama). Include at least 5 surprising or interesting facts that you learned about the topic and at least 3 questions you are still wondering about. Be sure to include the title and author on the poster.
YOUR FINAL PRODUCT
should demonstrate the time and effort you put into your reading and your work
should be neat, eye catching, creative, and representative of good thinking
Summer Reading Ideas 2009
Students are not required to read one of the following titles. They are suggested titles middle students may enjoy.
Fantasy
The Lightning Thief (Book 1 Percy Jackson and The Olympians series) by Rick Riordan *MCBA Winner
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman *Newbery Award Winner
The Alchemyst: The Secrets Of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
Merchant Of Death (Book 1 in the Pendragon Series) by D.J. MacHale
The 39 Clues series by a variety of authors (i.e. Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Larangis)
Uglies (Book 1 in the Uglies Trilogy) by Scott Westerfeld
The Stonekeeper (Amulet, Book 1) by Kazu Kibuishi
Savvy by Ingrid Law *Newbery Honor Book
The Ruins of Gorlan (Book 1 in the Ranger’s Apprentice series) by John Flanagan
The Thief by Megan Whelan Turner *Newbery Honor Book
The Hunger Games by Megan Whelan Turner
Simon Bloom: The Gravity Keeper by Michael Reisman *MCBA Nominee
Among the Hidden (Book 1 in the Shadow Children series) by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Eighth Grade Bites (Book 1 The Chronicles Of Vladimir Tod) by Heather Brewer
Billy and The Fish by Charlie James *MCBA Nominee
Realistic Fiction
Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm
Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee
No Talking by Andrew Clements
The Disreputable History Of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart *Printz Honor Book
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford
Ways To Live Forever by Sally Nicholls
Waiting For Normal by Leslie Connor
The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie *National Book Award Winner
The American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang *Printz Award Winner
Out Of Patience by Brian Meehl *MCBA Nominee
How To Steal A Dog by Barbara O’Connor * MCBA Nominee
The Misfits by James Howe
The First Part Last by Angela Johnson *Printz Award Winner
The Body Of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci *Printz Honor Book
Historical Fiction
Code Talker: A Novel About The Navajo Marines Of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
Witness by Karen Hesse
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis *Newbery Honor Book
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson *Newbery Honor Book, *MCBA Nominee
Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata *MCBA Nominee
Mystery
What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell *National Book Award Winner
The Belltown Mystery Series by T.M. Murphy
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein *MCBA nominee
Cover Up: Mystery At The Super Bowl by John Feinstein
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd *MCBA nominee
Action
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz
The Gatekeepers series by Anthony Horowitz
The Angel Experiment (Book 1 in the Maximum Ride series) by James Patterson
Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle
H.I.V.E. by Mark Walden *MCBA nominee
Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart *MCBA winner
Double Helix by Nancy Werlin
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
The Big House by Carolyn Coman *MCBA nominee
Sports
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein *MCBA nominee
Cover Up: Mystery At The Super Bowl by John Feinstein
Miracle on 49th Street by Mike Lupica *MCBA nominee
Safe At Home by Mike Lupica
The Big Field by Mike Lupica *MCBA nominee
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park
Biographies/Autobiographies
Barack Obama: Our 44th President by Beatrice Gormley *MCBA nominee
The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life Of Mark Twain In The Wild, Wild West by Sid Fleischman
The Champ: The Story Of Muhammad Ali by Leslie Garrett
Frank Zamboni and The Ice-Resurfacing Machine by Kay M. Olson
In My Hands: Memories Of A Holocaust Rescuer by Irene Opdyke
Informational Nonfiction
Gross Universe: Your Guide To All Things Disgusting Under The Sun by Jeff Szpirglas
An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story Of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
by Jim Murphy *Newbery Honor book
NY Times Deadly Invaders: Virus Outbreaks Around The World, From Marburg Fever To Avian Flu
by Denise Grady
Chew On This: Everything You Don’t Want To Know About Fast Food by Charles Wilson and Eric Schlosser
Memorial Middle School 2009-2010 Supply List
Ø Pencil Pouches are strongly recommended for storage in binders.
Ø Locker shelves are strongly recommended for locker storage.
Ø All students are provided an assignment book at the beginning of the school year.
MATH
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
1 ? inch binder |
1 ? inch binder |
1 ? inch binder |
5 tab dividers |
5 tab dividers |
5 tab dividers |
Filler paper |
Filler paper |
Filler paper |
Pencils (lots) |
Pencils (lots) |
Pencils (lots) |
|
Graph paper (for home) |
Marble notebook |
|
Simple calculator (for home) |
Graph paper (for home) |
|
Compass/Protractor (for home) |
Simple calculator (for home) |
|
|
Compass/Protractor (for home) |
SCIENCE
GRADE 6 |
GRADE 7 |
GRADE 8 |
1 ? inch binder |
1 ? inch binder |
1 ? inch binder |
5 tab dividers |
5 tab dividers |
5 tab dividers |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
Pens |
Pens |
Pens |
Pencils |
Pencils |
Pencils |
|
12 pack colored pencils |
12 pack colored pencils |
|
2 pocket folder with three prongs |
2 pocket folder with three prongs |
ENGLISH
GRADE 6 |
GRADE 7 |
GRADE 8 |
1 ? inch binder |
1 inch binder |
1 ? inch binder |
3 tab dividers |
5 tab dividers |
5 tab dividers |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
Pens |
Pens (blue/black) |
Pens |
Pencils |
Pencils |
Pencils |
|
2 pocket folder with three prongs |
2 pocket folder with three prongs |
6th graders will use their Social Studies supplies for
Social Studies and Reading class.
SOCIAL STUDIES
GRADE 6 |
GRADE 7 |
GRADE 8 |
1 ? inch binder |
1 ? inch binder |
1 ? inch binder |
5 tab dividers |
5 tab dividers |
5 tab dividers |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole filler paper |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
Marble notebook |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
Pens |
Pens |
Pens |
Pencils |
Pencils |
Pencils |
Colored pencils |
2 pocket folder |
|
100 3x5 index cards |
|
|
HEALTH
GRADE 6 |
GRADE 7 |
GRADE 8 |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
3 hole Single Subject spiral notebook |
Pens |
Pens |
Pens |
Pencils |
Pencils |
Pencils |
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
GRADE 6 |
GRADE 7 |
GRADE 8 |
Appropriate change of clothes for PE |
Appropriate change of clothes for PE |
Appropriate change of clothes for PE |
Personal hygiene products recommended (no spray cans) |
Personal hygiene products recommended (no spray cans) |
Personal hygiene products recommended (no spray cans) |
Combination lock for gym locker |
Combination lock for gym locker |
Combination lock for gym locker |
ART
GRADE 6 |
GRADE 7 |
GRADE 8 |
Pencils |
Pencils |
Pencils |
MUSIC
MUSIC |
BAND |
CHORUS |
Binder |
Valve oil/trumbone ail (brass players) |
81/2 x 11 music folder |
8 ? x 11 music folder |
Reeds(clarinet and sax players) |
Pencils |
Pencils |
10 x 12 music folder |
|
|
pencils |
|
Summer Reading Ideas 2009
Fantasy
The Lightning Thief (Book 1 Percy Jackson and The Olympians series) by Rick Riordan *MCBA Winner
Percy Jackson thinks he has big problems. His father left before he was born, he's been kicked out of six schools in six years, he's dyslexic, and he has ADHD. But that's only the tip of the iceberg: Percy vaporizes his pre-algebra teacher, learns his best friend is a satyr, and is almost killed by a minotaur before his mother manages to get him to the safety of Camp Half-Blood--where he discovers Poseidon is his father. Poseidon has been accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, and unless Percy can return the bolt, humankind is doomed.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman *Newbery Award Winner
Nobody “Bod” Owens lives in a graveyard, being raised and educated by the ghostly inhabitants. Over the years, he encounters many dangers and adventures. Bod can not leave the graveyard or he will come under attack from “the man Jack” who murdered his family.
The Alchemyst: The Secrets Of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
Twins Sophie and Josh Newman take summer jobs in San Francisco across the street from one another: she at a coffee shop, he at a bookstore owned by Nick and Perry Fleming. Armed goons storm the bookshop, take Perry hostage, and swipe the Codex, a rare book of magical wisdom. Nick Fleming is revealed to be Nicholas Flamel, the 14th-century alchemist who could turn base metal into gold, and make a potion that ensures immortality. Sophie and Josh learn that they are mentioned in the Codex's prophecies: "The two that are one will come either to save or to destroy the world."
Merchant Of Death (Book 1 in the Pendragon Series) by D.J. MacHale
Fourteen-year old Bobby Pendragon has it all; he's smart, popular, and a star basketball player in quiet Stony Brook, Connecticut. But a visit from Uncle Press soon topples all of that as Bobby learns that he is a Traveler, someone who can ride "flumes" through time and space. Bobby lands in Denduron, a medieval world where the Bedoowan enslaves the gentle Milago, and it's Bobby's job to free them.
The 39 Clues series by a variety of authors (i.e. Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Larangis)
Grace Cahill, matriarch of the world’s most powerful family, dies and leaves behind a challenge to her descendants. They can either inherit one million dollars, or forgo the money and receive the first of 39 clues that will lead them on an around-the-world adventure in search of, well, that’s a secret. Ten books are planned for this series (each by a different author).
Uglies (Book 1 in the Uglies Trilogy) by Scott Westerfeld
Tally Youngblood lives in a futuristic society that acculturates its citizens to believe that they are ugly until age 16 when they'll undergo an operation that will change them into pleasure-seeking "pretties." When her nonconformist friend, Shay, speaks out against the society and is thought to have defected, Tally is coerced by the cruel Dr. Cable to find Shay and her compatriots or remain forever "ugly".
The Stonekeeper (Amulet, Book 1) by Kazu Kibuishi
After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather. Before long, a sinister creature lures their mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals. Their hopes rest in a magic amulet that seems to be working in their interest—until it suddenly isn't.
Savvy by Ingrid Law *Newbery Honor Book
Each member of the Beaumont family develops a supernatural ability, or “savvy, ” as they turn 13. Twelve-year-old Mississippi (Mibs) is just about to celebrate her thirteenth birthday when her Poppa is seriously injured in an accident far away. As her family makes the journey to be with him, Mibs discovers her savvy and the family has many lively adventures, both geographic and emotional.
The Ruins of Gorlan (Book 1 in the Ranger’s Apprentice series) by John Flanagan
Will hopes to become a knight; instead, he winds up as a Ranger's apprentice, joining the secretive corps that uses stealth, woodcraft, and courage to protect the kingdom. His aptitude and bravery gradually earn the respect of his gruff but good-hearted master.
The Thief by Megan Whelan Turner *Newbery Honor Book
Gen, an accomplished thief incarcerated for stealing the king's seal, is dragged from his cell by the king's magus, who is on a quest. The prize is Hamiathes's Gift, said to be a creation of the gods that confers the right of rule on the wearer. No one is entirely evil or completely perfect in this story.
The Hunger Games by Megan Whelan Turner
Sixteen-year-old Katniss poaches food for her widowed mother and little sister from the forest outside Panem, a futuristic North American state. Katniss’s hunting and tracking skills serve her well when she is then cast into the nation’s annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death where contestants must battle harsh terrain and artificial weather conditions.
Simon Bloom: The Gravity Keeper by Michael Reisman *MCBA Nominee
Simon Bloom can’t believe his luck when he finds a book that enables him to control the laws of physics. When two thugs with evil intentions come after Simon, he must use the formulas to save himself and the book from falling into their hands
Among the Hidden (Book 1 in the Shadow Children series) by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Born third at a time when having more than two children per family is illegal and subject to seizure and punishment by the Population Police, Luke has spent all of his 12 years in hiding. His parents disobeyed once by having him and are determined not to do anything unlawful again. Gazing through an air vent at new homes, he spies a child's face at a window. Is it possible that he is not the only hidden child?
Eighth Grade Bites (Book 1The Chronicles Of Vladimir Tod) by Heather Brewer
Vladimir Tod has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. They died mysteriously three years ago, and “Aunt” Nelly, his mother’s best friend, has become Vlad’s guardian. Nelly is a nurse and brings home bags of blood from the hospital to help Vlad deal with his blood cravings. However, neither blood cravings, school bullies, nor unrequited love is Vlad’s biggest problem…he is being hunted by a vampire.
Billy and The Fish by Charlie James *MCBA Nominee
Ned Finn is a boy who knows what he wants. He wants a break from his boy-crazy sister, Stacey, and for his little brother Billy to leave him alone. Heck, he just wants a normal set of parents. ~But when Billy eats some of their father’s experimental fish food and turns into a cod, Ned just wants to turn him back.
The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
Sixteen-year-old Jack forgets to take his medicine one morning, and by afternoon is filled with such strength that he sends his rival, Garrett Lobeck, sailing into the net at soccer tryouts--without even touching him. Jack soon discovers he is no ordinary teen and his medicine is not what he thought it was. Since the secret insertion of a warrior stone in his chest at infancy, Jack has been dosed with a suppressant designed to hold his powers as a Warrior Heir in check until his wizard sponsor can retrieve him and prepare him to fight in a death tournament for supremacy.
Realistic Fiction
Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm
The pages of this book are a series of collages, with diary entries, post-it notes, cards, text messages, etc. that detail Ginny’s 7th grade year. Ginny not only experiences problems with friends, boys, clothes, and hair, but also has a hard time adjusting to her new step-father, dealing with an older brother who is drinking too much, and facing the consequences of poor behavior choices and poor grades.
Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee
Millie is an 11-year-old with a genius IQ, but she does not have much of a social life. Against her will, Millie’s parents sign her up for summer volleyball and enlist her to tutor Stanford Wong, her nemesis. Millie becomes friends with Emily, a volleyball player and typical preteen, but she neglects to tell Emily about her genius status.
No Talking by Andrew Clements
Dave Packer's fifth-grade classmates are so boisterous and difficult to quiet down that the teachers have dubbed them "The Unshushables". Dave has just read about Mahatma Gandhi and learned that the man practiced silence one day a week to bring order to his mind. Dave persuades the fifth grade boys and girls to compete in a no-talking contest for 48 hours. They can answer direct questions from adults with three-word sentences but must otherwise remain silent.
The Disreputable History Of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart *Printz Honor Book
Frankie Landau-Banks at age 14: Debate Club, her father's "bunny rabbit”, a mildly geeky girl attending a highly competitive boarding school. Frankie Landau-Banks at age 16: Possibly a criminal mastermind. This is the story of how she got that way.
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
A brutal and poetic account of how one girl stealthily vanishes into the depths of anorexia. Lia’s competitive relationship with her best friend, Cassie, once landed them both in the hospital, but now not even Cassie’s death can eradicate Lia’s disgust of the “fat cows” who scrutinize her body all day long.
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Em is an independent teenager who is more interested in playing online video games than with trying to fit in with the A-list crowd at her private school. Then, a freak accident mortally injures Em and leaves superstar model Nikki brain dead. After a brain transplant, Em wakes up in Nikki’s body and must keep her identity a secret and live her life as Nikki.
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
Things get out of hand for a twelve-year-old boy when a neighbor convinces him to expand his summer lawn mowing business, invests his earnings, and provides business advice.
Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford
Moxy is a 4th grader who has procrastinated her assigned summer reading until the very last day of summer.
Ways To Live Forever by Sally Nicholls
“My name is Sam. I am eleven years old. I collect stories and fantastic facts. I have leukemia. By the time you read this I will probably be dead.” So begins a frank unflinching first-person account of the last days of a young boy’s life.
Waiting For Normal by Leslie Connor
Twelve year old Addie, lives~with Mommers in a trailer on a busy street in Schenectady after her adored stepfather~and half sisters move upstate. Mommers has lost custody of the “littles”~because of neglect, and though she and Addie can laugh together, once~Mommers hooks up with Pete, she is not much for good times—though she brings the bad times home.
The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie *National Book Award Winner
Arnold “Junior” Spirit, a goofy-looking dork~with a decent jumpshot, spends his time lamenting life on the Spokane Indian reservation, and drawing cartoons. When he transfers from the reservation school to a school populated with many rich, white students. Junior is determined to improve himself and overcome poverty, despite the handicaps of birth, circumstance, and race.
The American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang *Printz Award Winner
As alienated kids go, Jin Wang is fairly run-of-the-mill: he eats lunch by himself in a corner of the schoolyard, gets picked on by bullies and jocks, and develops a sweat-inducing crush on a pretty classmate. And, oh, yes, his parents are from Taiwan.
Out Of Patience by Brian Meehl *MCBA Nominee
Twelve-year-old Jake Waters has a dream: he longs to be the first male in his family to escape the suffocating confines of tiny Patience, Kansas, founded by his great-great-great-grandfather, who inadvertently saddled the place with a curse (buried treasure is involved). Jake's dad, the local plumber, also has a dream: to establish the first American Toilet Museum. How embarrassing is that?
How To Steal A Dog by Barbara O’Connor * MCBA Nominee
Georgina and her family have been living in their car since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment. Desperate to help out, Georgina decides to steal a dog for the reward money.
The Misfits by James Howe
A marvelous story of friendship, The Misfits chronicles the efforts made by a group of outcasts to elect one of their own as student council president. Their goal is to force their teachers and their peers to recognize them as worthy individuals.
The First Part Last by Angela Johnson *Printz Award Winner
Bobby (age 16) is scared to be raising his baby, Feather, but he's totally devoted to caring for her, even as she keeps him up all night, and he knows that his college plans are on hold. In short chapters alternating between "now" and "then," he talks about the baby that now fills his life, and he remembers his beloved girlfriend, Nia, who suffered irreversible postpartum brain damage.
The Body Of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci *Printz Honor Book
When class freak Chris Creed suddenly disappears, his fellow students are not so much worried but abuzz with speculation: Is he a runaway, a suicide, a crime victim?
Historical Fiction
Code Talker: A Novel About The Navajo Marines Of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
Six-year-old Ned Begay leaves his Navajo home for boarding school, where he learns the English language and American ways. At 16, he enlists in the U.S. Marines during World War II and is trained as a code talker, using his native language to radio battlefield information and commands in a code that was kept secret until 1969.
Witness by Karen Hesse
Witness tells the story of the Ku Klux Klan in small-town Vermont in 1924. Included are the stories of a twelve-year-old African-American, a six-year-old Jewish girl, and numerous adults with differing viewpoints.
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis *Newbery Honor Book
Eleven-year-old Elijah lives in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves near the American border. He's the first child in town to be born free. All that most people see is a "fra-gile" boy who's scared of snakes and talks too much. But everything changes when a former slave steals money from Elijah's friend, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the South. Now it's up to Elijah to track down the thief.
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson *Newbery Honor Book, *MCBA Nominee
When a new white student nicknamed “The Jesus Boy” joins her sixth grade class in the winter of 1971, Frannie’s growing friendship with him makes her start to see some things in a new light.
Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata *MCBA Nominee
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, twelve-year-old Sumiko and her Japanese-American family are forcibly relocated from their flower farm in southern California to an internment camp on an Indian reservation in Arizona. There, Sumiko tries to hold on to her dream of owning a flower shop.
Mystery
What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blundell *National Book Award Winner
Fifteen year old Evie grows up quickly when she discovers her adored parents are not the people she thought they were.
The Belltown Mystery Series by T.M. Murphy
Orville Jacques is a sixteen year old sleuth. Within the series, he investigates current and past murder mysteries in his hometown of Belltown, MA as well as in Ireland while he is on vacation.
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein *MCBA nominee
Steve Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson are teenage reporters who win a writing contest. The prize is a free trip to the Final Four basketball tournament and an opportunity to cover the games. Friction between the pair quickly turns to camaraderie when they overhear one of the players from fictional Minnesota State being coerced into throwing the title game. Steve and Susan set out to expose the scandal.
Cover Up: Mystery At The Super Bowl by John Feinstein
Teen reporters Steve Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson reunite at the Super Bowl, where they stumble on yet another scandal, this time dealing with offensive linemen taking steroids.
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd *MCBA nominee
Ted and Kat’s cousin, Salim, gets on The London Eye Ferris Wheel, but to their shock,~Salim doesn’t exit with his fellow riders. Ted with his “funny brain . . .~(that) runs on a different operating system” (seemingly Asperger’s Syndrome) and the impatient Kate must work together to figure out what happened to Salim.
Action
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
Markus, a 17-year-old techno-geek bypasses the school’s gait-recognition system by placing pebbles in his shoes and routinely evades school security with his laptop, cell, WifFnder, and ingenuity. When Markus is caught near the site of a terrorist attack on San Francisco, he is held by the Department of Homeland Security for six days of intensive interrogation. After his release, Markus attempts to stage a techno-revolution.
Alex Rider adventure series by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider is a premier teenage spy who works for the British spy agency MI6. Throughout the series, Alex fights ingenious villains and charms every girl he meets.
The Gatekeepers series by Anthony Horowitz
The series first focuses on 14-year-old Matt, a troubled orphan who is in with the wrong crowd. Matt’s experiences lead him to discover Raven's Gate, an ancient portal to the world of evil. Matt is destined to be a Gatekeeper and save the world from evil. As the series continues, Matt meets the world’s other four Gatekeepers.
The Angel Experiment (Book 1 in the Maximum Ride series) by James Patterson
Maximum Ride is the leader of a band of kids who have escaped the lab where they were bred as 98% human and 2% bird (wings being a key component) and developed a variety of other-worldly talents.
Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle
When interviewed by a teen reporter, Ruben Hart tells the story of how, in 1929 Rhode Island, his family and his best friend’s family were caught up in the violent competition among groups trying to control the local run-smuggling trade.
H.I.V.E. by Mark Walden *MCBA nominee
H.I.V.E. is operated on a volcanic island in a distant ocean by G.L.O.V.E., a shadowy organization of worldwide wickedness. Otto Malpense soon discovers that here the slickest of young tricksters, thieves, and hackers have been brought against their will to be trained as the next generation of super villains. He’s determined NOT to be one of them.
Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
Cadel Piggott was hacking into computer systems by the time he was seven and causing all sorts of trouble by the time he fast-tracked through high school. At age 14, he is encouraged by his longtime "psychiatrist" to enroll in the Axis Institute to study Misinformation, Disguise, Basic Lying, Embezzlement, and Explosives. Cadel soon becomes suspicious of what is going on at the Institute.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart *MCBA winner
Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities", and is asked to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks. Kate, Constance, and Sticky also complete these tasks, and the four children become the Mysterious Benedict Society. They travel to an isolated school where Mr. Curtain, a criminal mastermind, is training other children to take over the world. The Mysterious Benedict Society needs to use its special talents and abilities to discover Mr. Curtain's secrets.
Double Helix by Nancy Werlin
Eli is a high school senior whose mom is slowly dying from Huntington’s Disease, an illness that makes you slowly go crazy, and that Eli himself might be a carrier for. Eli begins working with Dr. Quincy Wyatt, the man who revolutionized genetic studies – what could be better? But when he gets home and tells his father, he finds his father is shocked and outraged at his decision, but he won’t tell Eli why.
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Ginny has never been a risk taker, although her Aunt Peg was a free spirit and unpredictable. After Aunt Peg passes away, Ginny receives a little blue envelope with $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket. Against her better judgment, Ginny does it, and what ensues is the adventure of her life. She is instructed to open one envelope upon the arrival of each place she goes to. Following the directions in the envelopes take Ginny across Europe, introduces her to some interesting people and brings her closer to her aunt.
The Big House by Carolyn Coman *MCBA nominee
Ivy and Ray are sentenced to live with Marietta Noland, an heiress whose testimony has just sent their parents to jail for embezzlement. The Big House of the title isn't a prison, but rather "La Grande Maison," the mansion owned by the scheming Marietta Noland. Ivy, who comes from a long line of scam artists, decides she and Ray must do surveillance and get the lay of the Nolands' grand but unwelcoming home. What they come to discover within the mansion helps to free their parents from jail.
Sports
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery by John Feinstein *MCBA nominee
Steve Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson are teenage reporters who win a writing contest. The prize is a free trip to the Final Four basketball tournament and an opportunity to cover the games. Friction between the pair quickly turns to camaraderie when they overhear one of the players from fictional Minnesota State being coerced into throwing the title game. Steve and Susan set out to expose the scandal.
Cover Up: Mystery At The Super Bowl by John Feinstein
Teen reporters Steve Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson reunite at the Super Bowl, where they stumble on yet another scandal, this time dealing with offensive linemen taking steroids.
Miracle on 49th Street by Mike Lupica *MCBA nominee
When Molly’s mother finds out she is dying, she tells Molly that Josh Cameron, a star player for the Boston Celtics, is her biological father. Molly sets out to contact Josh and hopes to build a father/daughter relationship, but Josh is skeptical of Molly’s story and preoccupied with his own celebrity persona.
Safe At Home by Mike Lupica
Nick Crandall doesn’t fit in this new family with his new foster parents, both of whom are professors. They don’t know the first thing about sports—and he’s not exactly a model student. It’s only a matter of time until they realize he’s not the right kid for them. And Nick certainly doesn’t belong playing varsity baseball. He’s only twelve years old! But Nick needs to prove that he belongs—to his parents, to his team, and to himself.
The Big Field by Mike Lupica * MCBA nominee
For Hutch, shortstop has always been home. It's where his father once played professionally, and it's where Hutch himself has always played and starred. Until now. The arrival of Darryl "D-Will" Williams, the top shortstop prospect from Florida since A-Rod, means Hutch is displaced, in more ways than one.
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park
Nine-year-old Maggie likes to hang out at the fire station, where she listens to Dodgers games with the firemen. The new guy, Jim, teaches Maggie how to score a game, and after Jim is drafted and sent to Korea, Maggie writes him letters. When she learns that he has been traumatized and sent home unresponsive and unable to function on his own,~Maggie works on a plan to bring Jim back to himself and his old life.
Biographies/Autobiographies
Barack Obama: Our 44th President by Beatrice Gormley *MCBA nominee
The book follows Obama’s life as a community organizer and his involvement in politics as well as his family relationships.
The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life Of Mark Twain In The Wild, Wild West by Sid Fleischman
When Mark Twain first started giving speeches, the poster advertising them read, “Doors open at 7. The trouble begins at 8.” Fleischman writes about Twain as an author, of course, but also as steamboat pilot, a journalist, a prospector, and a lecturer—in other words, as an adventurer who didn’t mind a little trouble.
The Champ: The Story Of Muhammad Ali by Leslie Garrett
Muhammad Ali, three-time World Heavyweight Boxing champion, continues to be known and revered by young and old alike. Muhammad Ali is remembered for his incredible skill as a boxer, as well as his stance against the draft, his efforts for civil rights and justice, his work against world poverty, his commitment to Islam, and his battle with Parkinson's disease.
Frank Zamboni and The Ice-Resurfacing Machine by Kay M. Olson
Frank Zamboni created the ice-resurfacing machine, and affected the world of ice-based sports. This book is written in graphic-novel format.
In My Hands: Memories Of A Holocaust Rescuer by Irene Opdyke
Irene Gutowna was a seventeen-year-old nursing student when Poland was invaded by Germany in 1939.
She details her life after the invasion: hiding in the forest with a Polish military unit; being captured and forced to work in a Russian hospital; living under an assumed identity in Kiev; and rescuing numerous individuals.
Informational Nonfiction
Gross Universe: Your Guide To All Things Disgusting Under The Sun by Jeff Szpirglas
This lively title is for readers who love stomach-flipping facts, most of which are connected to the human body. Whether describing the mites that live on dead skin, in the nose, and around eyelashes, or maggots that clean out pus, the information is presented in a witty manner that is sure to keep readers turning pages.
An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story Of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
by Jim Murphy *Newbery Honor book
The yellow fever epidemic of 1793, centering in Philadelphia, was a crisis of monumental proportions. Black-and-white reproductions of period art, coupled with chapter headings that face full-page copies of newspaper articles of the time, help bring this dreadful episode to life.
NY Times Deadly Invaders: Virus Outbreaks Around The World, From Marburg Fever To Avian Flu
by Denise Grady
Grady offers information on each of seven deadly diseases: Marburg fever, avian flu, HIV/AIDS, Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, West Nile disease, SARS, and monkeypox.
Chew On This: Everything You Don’t Want To Know About Fast Food by Charles Wilson and Eric Schlosser
Readers will learn about the 37-day life of the pre-McNugget chicken, the appallingly inhumane conditions of slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants, and the ways that the fast-food giants have studied childhood behavior and geared commercials and free toy inclusions to hook the youngest consumers.
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