Carter Finally Gets it by Brent Crawford (Abe Lincoln)

Carter Finally Gets it is a humorous account of a guy figuring his way through his freshman year of high school. With the help of his friends, parents and older sister. Carter eventually gets it and figures out who he is and who he wants to be. This is a humorous book and I think everyone would enjoy it and relate to Carter.

Before I Die by Jenny Downham (Abe Book)

                                       Before I die by Jenny Downham is an interesting read. Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. Her bestfriend attempts to help her complete the items on her list. First on the list is to lose her virginity.

Mexican White Boy by Matt De la Pena ( Abe Lincoln Book)

Matt De La Pena is a strong young adult author. This is a book for the boys and fans of baseball. To be honest, I did not finish this book as it did not peak my interest. As an Abe Lincoln title though I am positive that there are students at LPHS who will love this book.

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr (Abe Lincoln Book)

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr follows Deanna Lambert after she made a mistake when she was 13. Deannas father catched her in the backseat of her brothers bestfriends car and can't forgive her for her actions. Growing up in a small town, Deanna is branded as the town slut. Four years later and no one has forgotten, her father still won't acknowledge her and she finds herself working with the boy who ruined her reputation.  This is the story of a girl who made a mistake.

It's been a while

I had a busy summer spent teaching in the elementary school, traveling and lots of READING.
This Summer I read a variety of Young Adult Books and some Adult fiction.
Adult books
1. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
This was a lengthy read ( almost 1000 pages) but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It takes place in Europe in the early 1900's as Europe prepares and experiences the first World War. It is the first book in a new trilogy.
2. The Midwives Confession by Diane Chamberlain
I have recently discovered Diane Chamberlain and I truly enjoy her books. This book was filled with secrets and twists leaving the reader wanting more.
3. Somebody Elses Daughter by Elizabeth Brundage was an intriguing story about keeping appearances up towards the public and the secrets we all keep.
4. Room  by Emma Donoghue I heard very mixed reviews about this book so I was hesitant to read it. The first few pages it was hard to get into but I stuck with it and LOVED this book.
5. The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff This was such an interesting story focusing on the early history of Mormonism and Polygamy Then and Now. I couldn't put this book down.

Welcome Back

Summer has come to an end and it is time for school!. This summer I read several books that I am excited to share with all of you.

Beastly by Alex Flinn
Abe Lincoln Title
 If you liked Beauty and the Beast growing up, you will love this story. Alex Flinn wrote an updated version set in Manhattan for all those people who loved the classic tale. Kyle is the most popular boy in school and very goodlooking. However, he is very ugly on the inside. One day after being particularly cruel to another student, the student, who was really a witch, casts a spell on Kyle and turns him into a horrific beast. Kyle has to find someone who will fall in love with the true him if he ever hopes to break the spell. Tune in to find out if Kyle can learn from his mistakes. There is also a movie that came out this year starring Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens.

Along way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
Ishmael Beah
I loved this story. Ishmael Beah's memoir of growing up in Sierra Leone is heartbreaking and unbelievable. The story is set in Sierra Leone in the early 1990's. The author, Ishmael, is just a young boy of twelve when his village is attacked by rebel troops. Ishmael finds himself orphaned and on the run in a war torn country. It seems there are no real safe places to hide. By the age of thirteen Ishmael is picked up by the government army. Once a gentle young man, Beah finds himself becoming a killer. Hopped up on marijuana, speed and a local mixture of cocaine and gunpowder, he carries his AK-47 with pride and becomes one of the deadly killers he has spent the past year running from. This is a gripping tale of war and the destruction of families and children in war torn countries.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman ( sequel to if I stay)

I finished the sequel of this book in one day! I absolutely loved it. The story picks up three years from where we left off in, "If I Stay". Mia is off in New York City at Juliard and Adam is a full fledged Rock Star. The story is told from Adam's perspective and goes back and forth filling in the blanks from the last three years. I highly recommed both of these books.