Ask Mrs. B About…as if being 12 3/4 isn't bad enough, my mother is running for president!

as if being 12 3/4 isn't bad enough, my mother is running for president! by Donna Gephart

Well, the reviews are in…Natalie told me it was “really good!” and Kate said “it’s really exciting right up to the end!” Given the fabulous student reviews, I had to read this Donna Gephart book during Spring Break.

Natalie and Kate were right! Kudos (Kudos. K-U-D-O-S. Kudos.) to Gephart. This book is another winner.

As if Vanessa Rothrock doesn’t have enough to contend with already - Preparing for the upcoming spelling bee by  endlessly spelling out words; Worrying about tripping over her huge feet, while praying that her other body parts will catch up; Being followed everywhere by a huge bodyguard (and I mean EVERYWHERE!); Realizing that the cute boy she’s been crushing on is actually a neanderthal (Neanderthal.  N-E-A-N-D-E-R-T-H-A-L. Neanderthal.); Worst of all,  Vanessa is starting to feel like she has to make an appointment to see her mom, the one person she needs most of all.  Her mother has been busy dealing with her work as the Governor of Florida.  

And now her mother is running for President of the United States.  Not only does Vanessa worry that she’ll never see her mother again, what if something bad happens to her?  As Vanessa begins receiving threatening (Threatening. T-H-R-E-A-T-E-N-I-N-G. Threatening.) notes at school, it looks like her fears may prove to be very real!  Somebody has to do something, and it’s looking like that someone will have to be Vanessa.  But does she have the courage to do what needs to be done to protect her mother?  And will her mother understand and forgive her?   Well, you don’t expect me to tell you, do you?  You’ll have to read this book to find out.

Ask Mrs. B about…Wonder

Wonder by RJ. Palacio
This is the season of giving and I am excited to share with you the gift of Wonder by R.J. Palacio!  I think you will also want to share this book with others when you are done reading it.
August "Auggie" Pullman is an ordinary boy in many ways.  He likes to ride his bike, eat ice cream and play XBox, just like many of the students at Canonsburg Middle School.  Unfortunately, Auggie doesn't feel like a normal boy, especially when other kids stare at him or look at him and run away screaming.  All because he was unlucky enough to be born with a severe facial deformity.
Now after years of home-schooling, Auggie is about to enter the fifth grade at Beecher Prep. It’s hard enough being the new kid in middle school, but being the new kid in middle school who doesn’t look like anyone else…this was going to be a challenge!
It would be nice to think that everyone at Auggie’s new school will be welcoming and accepting, but unfortunately, that isn’t the case. It rarely is. While some of the students are nice to him, others are just down-right mean. At one point, Auggie discovers that his class-mates are playing their own version of “The Cheese Touch” by spreading the rumor that you’ll get the “Plague” by touching Auggie.
So what do you think? Will the kids at Beecher Prep be up to the challenge? Will they choose to be cruel or kind? I dare you to read Wonder and not want to do your own part to make even just a small difference at Canonsburg Middle School. Are you ready to Choose to be Kind?

Check out our new books!!!

A BIG thank you goes out to Mrs. Cheri Scott, Grandmother of 7th Grade Spartan and library aide, Sarah. She has donated the following 6 awesome new books to our library media center:  

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

 

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney

Middle School: Get Me Out of Here! by James Patterson

My Fairy Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison

The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Mrs. B is reading...Freak the Mighty

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Everything changes for Maxwell Kane the summer before his 8th grade year when Freak moves in down the street.

Max, who is in the learning disabled class, describes himself as a Butthead who doesn’t have a Brain. Max is a big kid who does his speaking with his fists and his feet. It doesn’t help that he looks like his father, Kenny “Killer” Kane. Since Maxwell’s mother is dead and his father is in jail, he lives in the basement with his Grim and his Gram.

Max is bored, hanging out in his back yard one summer day, when he notices a moving van parked down the street. Soon after, he sees a “weird-looking little dude” about two feet tall with a twisted body, waving his crutches around and yelling at the movers. Max soon discovers that while the boy’s body is crippled his brain is not. He is a genius! When the new kid spots Max, he demands that he identify himself and goes on to shoot him with his crutch saying “die, earthling, die!” So while it doesn’t look like the start of a beautiful friendship, in no time the two are inseparable.

With Kevin riding on Max’s shoulders, the two start having adventures together as Freak the Mighty. They go on a quest to rescue fair maidens and slay dragons. It turns out to be a really cool summer. But not all fairy tales have happy endings.

Guest Reviewer: Mister B is reading…X-Isle

X-Isle by Steve Augarde

Set in a future where massive floods have buried cities and towns underwater and only those on the highest ground have survived, XIsle tells the story of a supposed island oasis run by charismatic Preacher John. Boys are selected to live on the island when their families trade valuable goods to give their sons and young brothers a chance to sail on the Cormorant and live with Preacher John and his crew.  The island provides a hopeful future away from the drowned society they reside in with their families and friends.

All is not what is seems for the boys once they arrive on the island.  The promised advantages are replaced by cramped living quarters and slave labor.  The boys are forced to work for Preacher John, a self-righteous religious fanatic looking to collect as much wealth and valuables as possible. Preacher John's crew watch over the boys and make their lives miserable.

XIsle focuses on a boy name Baz and explores his trials and tribulations as he and the other group of boys trapped on the island try and figure out a way to escape.  There are moments of hope and moments of tragedy as the David vs. Goliath story moves along.  Funny situations give way to sometimes brutal consequences.  

The characters in the book speak in an English accent which at times can be confusing for the reader.  Overall, I would say the book is pretty predictable but does have some exciting twists and turns.  If you like "me against the world" stories, then you probably will enjoy XIsle by Steve Augarde.  Not up to "Lord of the Flies", "Lost" or "Hunger Games" standards, but not bad.   

Short and Sweet Summer Summary...Mindbllind

Mindblind by Jennifer Roy

Open File: C:\My Files\Books_I_am_glad_I_read\Mindblind.avi(Date:8/4/12)

Mindblind is 14-year-old Nathan Clark’s story. As a boy with mild Asperger’s, he experiences life in 2 worlds.

One is his “Aspie” N-world where he often disappears when a word triggers a memory that he has stored in his brain, like a computer file. His best friend, Cooper, says he’s like a zombie when it happens. In his own N-world, Nathan creates and solves mathematical formulas and he isn’t forced to interact with people and “hangout” with other teenagers.

But Nathan can’t always live in N-world. Sometimes he has to be a part of the outside world where it seems that people want to “fix” him. In the outside world, he has to worry about things like the clothes that he wears and whether he has crumbs on his face.

People often call Nathan a genius, but he “knows” that technically, he isn’t one. When he was younger, he read in a book that “a genius is a person who has accomplished something outstanding with his or her talents.” Since he hasn’t made an impact on the world yet, Nathan knows that he isn’t an official “genius”…yet! And so his quest to become one begins.

While on his quest for genius, Nathan also has to deal with the normal stuff, just like everyone else. His dad just doesn’t get him, he has a crush on his band-mate, and he’s not sure if he’s ready to share his songs with the world.

Nathan is relatable and funny. Read Mindblind to see if he succeeds in his quest for genius.

Short and Sweet Summer Summay...Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

 and Jack have been best friends forever. When others didn’t understand or accept Hazel, Jack was always there for her. They just fit. That was until one day, without warning, when Jack seems to suddenly change over night.

Hazel’s mom tries to convince her that this is normal for kids their age. By fifth grade, boys and girls sometimes find that it’s hard to remain friends. Her mom encourages her to make a new friend, but Hazel knows that whatever is wrong with Jack, it isn’t that simple.

As it turns out, Jack’s heart has been frozen by a shard of magical glass and he has been taken into the woods by the White Witch. But is he being kept against his will, or is he there by choice? Hazel knows that she has to go after Jack.

I’m not sure what to think of Breadcrumbs. I have to say it wasn’t really a favorite of mine, but I seem to be in the minority. Most every review I read of this book was positive…even glowing. So if you like books that are part coming-of-age story, part fairy tale and part adventure, give Anne Ursu’s version of The Snow Queen a try and let me know what you think.

Guest Reviewer: Mister B is reading…The Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

The more things change, the more they stay the same. In the case of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, that actually is a good thing.

The latest entry in Jeff Kinney’s Wimpy Kid series is “Cabin Fever” and I found it to be enjoyable. I admit I didn’t laugh out loud as much as I did with the early books, but I still managed many smiles.

Greg Heffley’s adventures are still the wacky, outrageous ones you’ve read before. There are the battles with his parents, the run-ins with his big brother and new experiences with his younger brother Manny. In fact, one of the funniest moments had to do with a bad winter storm and an enterprising Manny. He is growing up!

I would recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and isn’t looking for a new twist on the story.

Short and Sweet Summer Summary…Smile

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

The author relates her own dental drama in this graphic novel. She was 12 when she fell and knocked out her 2 front teeth. For the next 4 years, she lived through surgery, braces, false teeth and headgear. At the same time, she was dealing with typical teen drama -- friends, mean girls and boys. Will Raina ever feel “normal” again and will she ever find a reason to smile?

Short and Sweet Summer Summary…The Accidental Genius of Weasel High

The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie


Looking for something similar to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books? This just may be the book for you!

Larkin Pace is an aspiring movie-maker. Or at least he will be once he earns enough money to get the camcorder he wants. In the meantime, he can tell you everything about every movie he has ever seen, including the director, the cast, the plot and more. He can even recite large pieces of dialog from his favorite scenes.

While he’s waiting to make his own movies, he shares his stories through his personal notebook blog. Some of the people he writes about include:
-Kelly, his thug-of-a-sister, who makes his life miserable
-Brooke, his best friend who he thought might be his girlfriend. Turns out she doesn’t like him that way
-Freddie, his weird, non-verbal friend who eats pickle cracker sandwiches and dresses like an old man
-and Dalton Cooke, his nemesis and the school bully, who seems to have captured the attention of Brooke

Mrs. B is reading…Reasons to be Happy

Reasons To Be Happy by Katrina Kittle
Looking at the cover of this book, I was expecting a light, fluffy chick-lit story. I had no idea it would have such an impact on me!

Hannah was a happy girl. So much so that she kept a list of all of the things that made her happy. She was even excited to start her 8th grade year in a new school. How quickly things change!

Hannah was always okay with being the plain-jane, ordinary daughter of two of Hollywood’s most glamourous stars. But on the first day at her new school, she unintentionally became part of the mean-girls clique. This led her to doubt everything about herself, including the things that made her the most happy, like her artwork and running. Suddenly she felt ugly. She was afraid that she’d never be able to live up to her parents expectations. Worst of all, her mom got sick.

Hannah had to find a way to deal with it all. She thought she had found a secret remedy, but was it really helping or only making things worse? What happened to the girl she used to be and how could she get her back?

Reasons To Be Happy was touching and inspiring. It made me smile and it made me cry. It took me back to when I was in middle school. I wish this book had been around for me then. If you’ve ever worried about fitting in, follow Hannah on her journey and she just may inspire you too.

My reasons to be happy:
-Learning something about myself when I least expect it
-Knowing that our library has the perfect book for just the right person waiting to read Hannah's story

Short and Sweet Summer Summary…Red Kayak

Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings

This is a book I have been wanting to read for a long time, but I kept forgetting to bring it home with me. Well, I finally remembered, and I’m glad I did! This book turned out to be as good as I had hoped.

Brady Parks is celebrated as a hero after the dramatic rescue of his young neighbor. But soon, a tragedy and a secret change everything. As Brady pieces things together, he realizes that he must make some tough decisions.

“…I knew that once I said something, I could never take it back. And that everything -- and everyone -- would be changed by it.”

This is a suspenseful story of deception and lies and deciding between what is easy and what your heart tells you is the right thing to do.

Cover2Cover - Final Thoughts for the Year

Well, the second year of the Cover2Cover book club has come to a close and it was a big success!

We had our last meeting on May 16th, when we discussed the book Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman.  Fun was had by all!


The book club members participated in Grimm Legacy-related activities. They created their own mad-libs fairy tale. And even though students avoided being shrunk by Ms. Badwin’s magic wand, they turned themselves into figurines. And as always, there were some tasty snacks!


We want to make next year’s Cover2Cover book club even better, so students gave their input on what they liked about book club and what they would like to see at future meetings. In addition, Mrs. Barbarino introduced an exciting new summer reading program!  Check out the Mid Macs Read Summer Challenge wiki for more information.

Mrs. Barbarino would like to thank Mrs. Gaetano, Mrs. Ramsey, Mrs. Wolf and Mr. Nairn for being part of the Cover2Cover team. Thanks for always going above and beyond! And thanks to all our student members. With everything that competes for your time and attention, you continue to make reading a priority. You rock!!!

Mrs. B is reading…Dead End in Norvelt

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

“School was finally out and I was standing on a picnic table in our backyard getting ready for a great summer when my mother walked up to me and ruined it.” -- Jack Gantos

It is the summer of 1962 and Jack’s mom informs him that he has been enlisted to help out their old neighbor, Miss Volker, to write obituaries for the local paper. She will dictate the stories about the residents who have passed on and Jack will prepare them for print.

But that was the least of his problems. “Oh sweet cheeze-us!” Jack hadn’t known that the rifle was loaded when he aimed and fired at the enemy on the drive-in movie screen, which led to his being grounded for the summer.

And then there was the small problem of his “sensitive” nose from which blood would come spewing out of whenever Jack got a little excited

Oh, and did I mention that someone might be killing off all the original little old ladies of Norvelt?

You’ll get to know the locals as you join Jack on his adventures, some of which include:
-trying to silently pass gas to save the life of a deer
-checking on the elderly to see if it is too soon to write an obituary…while dressed as the Grimm Reaper
-sneaking out of the house to go on Girl Scout fire patrol with his best friend, Bunny

This pleasant story is part adventure, part historical fiction, part murder mystery and full of quirky characters.

Book Trailers

Not sure what a book trailer is? Here are some examples to check out to get some ideas:
Canonsburg Middle School's Book Trailer Page
2012 SLJ Trailee Award Nominees

Cover2Cover - AFTER EVER AFTER Meeting Recap

The Cover2Cover book club just keeps getting better and better!
This month’s meeting started off with the world premiere of the book club member-created video “The Top 6 1/2 Reasons Why CMS is the Best”. The video is based on prior book club selection, How to Survive Middle School by Donna Gephart.  Next stop for these kids: Hollywood! Check the video out here:

Then we turned our focus to this month’s book, After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick.  Kenny S. put together a fun and fabulous trivia game that tested everyone’s knowledge about the book. Whew! It was tough!!! Good thing these questions weren’t on the AR quiz!

Next, we discussed the book by used Edmodo for our version of Instant Messaging, just like Jeff and Tad in After Ever After.

Finally, since math was a big obstacle for Jeff in the book, we had a fierce math competition.  After a very competeitive final round, the winner was:  Natalie C!  She took home Jordan Sonnenblick’s newest book Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip.  Way to go Natalie!

It is not too late to join in on the Cover2Cover excitement!  Our next meeting is on May 16th when we will be discussing The Grimm Legacy.  Here is a book trailer to get you excited:


Stop in the LMC to pick up a copy of The Grimm Legacy and a permission slip. Hope to see you next month!!

Guest Reviewer: Mister B is reading…Spilling Ink

Spilling Ink by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter, Illustrated by Matt Phelan

Don’t you just hate when you are assigned some complicated, crazy math problem?  And you sit there for hours trying to figure out why one car would leave at the same time as the other and who even cares which one arrives at the grocery store first?  Very frustrating!  It would be much simpler if someone wrote clear, detailed steps for you on how to solve the problem and free you from your math torture.

Well, if you ever wanted to write a poem, a short story, a book, or just about anything and really weren’t sure how to do it, then you must read Spilling Ink by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter!

Spilling Ink is an excellent instruction book for writers.  It provides information and ideas for writers of all ages.  From the basics of coming up with a topic to how to write effective dialogue, Spilling Ink covers it all.

The best thing about Spilling Ink is that it doesn’t teach you to write in a boring way, like those grammar lessons taught in an English class (of course I don’t mean a CMS English class!).  Instead, the authors of this book provide funny, creative and interesting stories to help you learn how to write.  Both authors are successful published writers, so you know what they have to say is important.

So, if you want to write the next Hunger Games, Harry Potter or Twilight saga, you must start by reading Spilling Ink!

Mrs. B is reading…After Ever After

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

If you’ve read Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick, then you MUST read After Ever After.

Actually, if you haven’t read Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, you should still read After Ever After…and then read Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie too.

Actually, let’s make this easy…if you see a book by Jordan Sonnenblick…read it.  And let me just say in advance…you’re welcome.

After Ever After is another winner by Jordan Sonnenblick.  He spent 11 years teaching middle school before he started writing full-time.  Maybe that’s why when you read his books you can tell that he gets what it’s like to be a middle school student.  

After Ever After is a follow-up to the book Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, in which 8th grader Steven Alper is faced with his 5-year-old brother’s leukemia diagnosis.  In After Ever After, Jeffrey Alper, Steven’s brother, is now in 8th grade himself and has his own story to tell.

Though in remission, the cancer is never far from Jeffrey’s mind.  He still worries that it will return.  In addition, he has to handle all of the normal stuff that middle school students deal with.  Like just meeting the girl of his dreams.  And trying to figure out what is up with his best friend Tad, a fellow cancer survivor, who has been acting strange and keeping secrets. Also, there are the impending state standardized math tests that Jeffrey must pass or he'll be forced to repeat the 8th grade.  On top of it all, he'd love to be able to talk to his brother Steven about everything, but unfortunately Steven is "wandering around Africa with a pair of bongos strapped to his back" trying to "find himself.“ 

After Ever After is an honest, funny look at a middle-school student's emotional roller-coaster of a life.

Cover2Cover made the local news!

Check out this post on the Patch about our Skype session with author Donna Gephart.

Mrs. B is reading…The Grimm Legacy

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

When one of Elizabeth’s teachers recommends that she apply for a job at the New-York Circulating Material Repository, not only did she like the idea of earning some money, but she also thought it might be a good way to make a few friends. Being the new girl at school wasnt easy.

The Repository is similar to a library, but instead of books, it has collections of objects for people to borrow. It has everything from shoes to tea sets and globes to rugs. It even has historical items, like a wig worn by Marie Antoinette. But the most valuable collection is hidden in a secret room in the basement. Only the most trusted repository employees will receive access to the Grimm Collection, where magical items from the Grimm fairy tales are kept. Things such as spindles and straw and a golden egg. Oh, and even a magical mirror that speaks in riddles and can tell you anything that you want to know!

Elizabeth and her new friends get caught up in a dangerous adventure to try and catch the thief when the magical items begin to disappear. And, to make it even more it more important to find the criminal, they have to do it quickly before they become suspects!

Cover2Cover...Our Virtual Author Visit

Have you ever tried a new trick on your skateboard and then Tony Hawk showed up to show you how to do it?  Ever been practicing your karaoke skills and then have Katy Perry knock at the door and ask you to sing a duet? Ever been tossing the football around and then have Ben Roethlisberger stop by to give you tips on how to throw a perfect spiral?

Well, had you attended this month’s Cover2Cover book club meeting, you would’ve had the opportunity to read a book and then have a virtual discussion with the author!  The book club members read How to Survive Middle School in January.  After Mrs. Barbarino put a post about the meeting on this blog, the author of the book, Donna Gephart, contacted Mrs. B and offered to Skype with Cover2Cover. 

 

The virtual visit with the award-winning author was scheduled for March 7th, World Read Aloud Day.  During the Skype session, book club members heard Ms. Gephart’s history with reading and were given the inside scoop on the life of a writer.  It was especially interesting to hear how personal experiences often find their way into books.  Like how a 2^nd place finish in a school talent show led to the “unfortunate hula hoop incident” in her soon-to-be-released book, Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen.  Book club members were even able to ask some of their own questions before Ms. Gephart closed the Skype session by reading an excerpt from her upcoming book.

Check out Donna Gephart's blog post about World Read Aloud Day.

Still don’t believe Cover2Cover is THE place to be?  Read what some of the members have to say:

- “Book club is more than reading a book.  It helps you realize how fun reading can be.  In Cover2Cover, we have played games, discussed how books we read relate to our lives, and we even Skyped with Donna Gephart.  And for those who get hungry, we get to eat yummy snacks.”

- “We get to read great books; We do fun activities; We get to Skype with a funny author”

- “Meetings are super fun!”

It’s not too late to join Cover2Cover.  We are reading After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick for our next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, April 11th.  See Mrs. Barbarino in the LMC for a copy of the book and a permission slip.  Who knows what exciting things will happen next?  You sure don’t want to miss out!.

Cover2Cover...Meeting Recap

Ever dream of winning a fantasy cruise on The Love Boat by making it all the way to the top of the $20,000 Pyramid, then being so excited you put on your Walkman and break into a disco dance?  Think some day you will be playing Quidditch while a hologram version of your favorite singer serenades you from the sidelines?  

Hmmm....Things that are round?

Ok, maybe you haven’t dreamt or thought these things, but if you had attended this month’s book club you could have!  The feature book this month was When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and the book club members were shown fashion, music, entertainment and news highlights from the late 70’s; played a version of the $20,000 Pyramid; predicted what things will be like in the future; ate lots of Oreos; and even had great discussion about the book.  Fun times for all!

What should we ask Donna Gephart?
I wonder if she knows how to get Oreos crumbs out of your teeth?

Don’t miss out on our next book club meeting on March 7^th when we will be joined by a real live author to celebrate World Read Aloud Day!  Donna Gephardt, who wrote last month’s book club book How to Survive Middle School, will be joining us via Skype to talk about her books, read from her soon-to-be-published book, and maybe even answer a question or two.  See Mrs. Barbarino for a permission slip.  You don’t want to miss this one!!!!!!!  

Mrs. B is reading…When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

As the story begins, Miranda’s mother is preparing to be a contestant on the game show, $20,000 Pyramid. As they practice for the speed round and the Winner’s Circle, they add items to the wish list that hangs on their fridge. While they try not to get their hopes up, it’s too late for that. This is just a part of the story though…

Miranda and Sal have been best friends for years, but everything changes the day Sal gets punched by Marcus. Sal begins to shut Miranda out, and she finds herself spending time with Annemarie & Colin. Then things turn strange. Various items start to disappear, like a key, a shoe and a bank.  Not only do things go missing, but anonymous notes start to appear:

“I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I ask two favors. First you must write me a letter…
The trip is a difficult one. I will not be myself when I reach you.”


What does this mean? The notes keep appearing and Miranda soon realizes that whomever is writing them knows things that no one could know. How could the note-writer possibly know what happens in the future?

Not only is this story a mystery, but it is also a story about relationships and friendships. Take time to read this one. You won’t regret it!

When You Reach Me is the next book we are reading for Cover2Cover.  Our meeting will be on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 3:00-4:15 in the Canonsburg Middle School Library Media Center.  See Mrs. Barbarino for a copy of the book and a permission slip if you would like to attend.  Please come and join us!

Join Us for Cover2Cover - Our CMS Book Club

Justin Bieber or Zachary Gordon (Greg Hefley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid)?

Had you joined us at our most recent book club meeting, you could have helped to decide which of these entertainers to cast in the role of David Greenberg, the main character of our most recent book club selection, HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL by Donna Gephart.

Cover2Cover Members Play Casting Director

"Sounds like fun!" you say.  Well it’s not too late to join Cover2Cover.  Not only do you get to read some cool books and spend time with friends, but you also get to have some "awesome snacks”.  Think about joining us next time!

The next Cover2Cover meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 3:00-4:15 in the Canonsburg Middle School Library Media Center.  We will be discussing the book WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead.  See Mrs. Barbarino for the book and a permission slip.

Hope to see you there!

Check Out This Website...GirlsHealth.gov

Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be You. Beautiful

GirlsHealth.gov is a website created for girls ages 10-16. It is a great source for information on many topics, from health & fitness to relationships & your future.
Check it out!

What's happening in the lmc?

...It is never boring , that's for sure!

Ms. Paddick's period 10 students were in the lmc recently to practice and record their author interviews:

And the Knights were researching and preparing presentations on Greek Gods and Goddesses:

Mrs. B is reading…The London Eye Mystery

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

Ted and Kat allow their visiting cousin Salim to decide how they spend the day. Salim decides they should fly the London Eye, a giant Ferris Wheel that is a popular tourist attraction.

A stranger offers them a free ticket and Ted and Kat decide that since Salim is visiting, he should use it. When the London Eye finishes circling and Salim’s pod empties out, he is no where to be found. Evidently, what goes up doesn’t necessarily come down. And so the mystery begins.

The police are brought in but even they are mystified by Salim’s vanishing into thin air. Ted has some theories though. Maybe Salim spontaneously combusted? Or maybe he entered a time-warp? Or maybe there is a more logical explanation for what happened to Salim? Ted and Kat work together to follow the clues and try and solve Salim’s mysterious disappearance.

Check this one out if you like to work through mysteries.