Sam and CY students & staff are reading…

Who would like this book? Readers, grades 5 and up, who are interested in what happened when the Titanic sank.

The goods on this book: To prepare for writing this book, Deborah Hopkinson conducted extensive interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Titanic disaster. Combining the riveting stories of passengers and participants with thoroughly researched information about the ship and its voyage, Hopkinson has written a book that is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the Titanic. The story follows the voyage from its departure to after its sinks from the point of view of a wide variety of 27 people: young and old; crew members; and first, second, and third class passengers. It’s a nonfiction account, so she does not embellish the stories. Her straightforward prose allows the heartbreaking, horrific experiences speak for themselves. The book is not only a riveting story of people meeting death or escaping near death, it is also an excellent presentation of the ship itself and an explanation of the facts of what happened and when. Photographs, a timeline, diagrams, statistics, the official final report from 1912, short biographies of the people in the book, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index make this book a useful tool for research. I learned so much from reading this captivating book and found that I had many misconceptions about what really happened.
This book is an ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2012 nominee and an ORCA 2015 nominee.

The details: 289 pages; 2012 (910.9163 Hop) Review by Samrarian

Share

Review by Tyra D.

Who would like this book? Any age or gender would like this book. It’s for all those interested in Wicca and/or witchcraft in real life.

The goods on this book: Wicca for Beginners is a very well written book, and the first one I found to talk about pathworking. There is some humor in it, but nothing unbearably dry. It’s got great information, the pacing and organization is well done, and the voice is very easy to read. The beginning is a bit hard to get through, but once you do, the book is great. It’s a bit traditional, though, and for an eclectic Wiccan like myself, it can be a bit annoying. For example, the author is very specific about how to cast a circle, when I do mine completely different. But, like I said, the book has great, great information

The details: 262 pages; 2006    Review by Tyra D.

Share

Who would like this book: Anyone who is interested in the risks of concussions and brain trauma in football needs to read this book. Actually, anyone who plays or knows someone who plays football or other contact sports needs to read this book.

The goods on this book:  When football got started in the 1890s, it was so violent that ten players were killed in a single year. Even with this carnage, its popularity soared, though slowly changes were made that made the sport somewhat safer. In straightforward prose, this book presents football’s rough beginning and then goes on to explain the continuing risks of concussions and brain trauma. With striking stories about specific players – professional, collegiate, and younger – McClafferty puts a face on what happens when players get hit too often and too hard. She also presents the facts of what happens to the player’s brain as the impact causes it to slam against the skull and helmet. The ongoing research and information about how to prevent serious brain trauma is invaluable. It’s a short book and a quick read, making it a wise investment for anyone involved in contact sports.

The details: 96 pages; 2013    Review by Samrarian

Share

Who would like this book? People who like the books of Walter Dean Myers or are interested in what it would have been like to grow up in Harlem in the 1940s and 50s.

The goods on this book: Walter Dean Myers tells his personal story from his youngest days until he enters the service at the age of seventeen. His family situation was complex, and he was raised by relatives whom he called “Mom” and “Dad.” A bright and active boy, Walter struggled to find his way in Harlem. A gifted athlete and never shy about getting into fights, Walter had another side that he had to hide. He couldn’t let his reputation be ruined by being seen as a bookworm or a writer, so he pursued these passions in secret. His early experiences were also multiracial, so he faced severe disappointment when he encountered racism. His problems came to a head during his high school years, and these years were also when literature became his lifeline. His discussion of how specific books affected his thinking is captivating. The events of his life makes this book worth reading, and the style in which he writes makes this reading especially meaningful.

The details: 214 pages; 2002   Review by Samrarian

Share

Who would like this book? People who like historical nonfiction, especially involving criminals, would like this book.

The goods on this book: Sheinkin tells the riveting story of counterfeiting during 1875 and 1876. The best counterfeiter in the United States was an engraver name Ben Boyd (no relation, as far as I know!). When Boyd was captured and imprisoned, the profits from counterfeiting dried up and his partners in crime became desperate. In order to get Boyd out of prison, Big Jim Kennally plotted to have his underlings steal the body of Abraham Lincoln so that he could bargain for the release of Boyd in exchange for Lincoln’s body. A secret service operative, Patrick Tyrrell, caught wind of the plan and planted a double agent in the midst of the counterfeiters. The race between the conspirators and the agents hot on their trail makes for exciting reading. Lot of details about the daily life of people in the 1870s adds interest to the narrative. History junkies will not want to miss this book!

The details: 214 pages; 2012    Review by Samraian

Share

Who would like this book? Anyone, 12 years old and up, who is interested in President John F. Kennedy and his assassination.

The goods on this book: In the first part of this informative book, James Swanson presents the high points of President Kennedy’s early life and career as president. He includes details about his family life, his marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier, and his children. In the build-up to the assassination itself, the narrative gives a brief history of Lee Harvey Oswald’s sad life that works to explain why he would seek to kill the president. Swanson describes the events of the day of the assassination with striking details that gives the reader a close perspective from the point of view of the first lady and that of Oswald. The horror of the events brought me to tears, breaking my heart anew. Throughout the book, extensive photos and diagrams enrich the text greatly. An extensive bibliography will be welcome to readers who are not quite satisfied with the official explanation of the Warren Commission, which is fully supported in this book. Swanson makes the case that the three shots from Oswald’s rifle were the only shots fired, and that Oswald acted alone out of “evil” or to make a name for himself. Oswald’s murder by Jack Ruby is mentioned only briefly. This book is an excellent starting point for the young reader who seeks learn about John Kennedy and his assassination.

The details: 336 pages; 2013    Review by Samrarian

Share

Who would like this book? People, 6th grade and up, who like riveting nonfiction about the American Revolution and/or the story of the transformation of a war hero into a traitor.

The goods on this book: In a labor of love, Steve Sheinkin tells the compelling and deeply disturbing story of the most famous traitor of the American Revolution, Benedict Arnold. Defying the odds at birth by surviving a treacherous snowstorm, the young Arnold grew up as a daredevil and hyperactive show-off. When he came of age as the Americans went to war against the British, Arnold used his immense energy and fearlessness to become a brilliant though mercurial commander who saved the war effort for the colonies. His ego and lack of political skill undercut his military victories, though, and as he won battles for the war he acquired so many enemies that his military career was cut short. Newly married to a beautiful, conniving socialite, Arnold’s need for money escalated just as his means for acquiring it evaporated. What he does to solve his financial problems and how closely he comes to succeeding is a suspenseful story that I couldn’t put down. Sheinkin’s short chapters and the perspective of Arnold’s British contact heightens the drama. The book includes copious source notes, quotation sources, maps, and an effective index, making it a valuable text for research in addition to its value as a powerful story. It’s an awesome nonfiction selection for the Battle of the Books for 1013-2014.

The details: 337 pp. 2010   Review by Samrarian

Share

Review by Rachel U.

Who would like this book? 4th graders to adult females would love this book. If you like the ocean or sports,  then you would love this book. Also, if you like true stories that are really inspiring, you would love this book.

The goods on this book: Bethany has her mind set on being a pro surfer, but when she loses her arm to a shark she thinks her dreams are crushed. But she is a strong Christian. She is able to put her faith in God. I really like this book. It is so inspiring and Bethany is a great person who wants to help others and she always puts God first. She is not ashamed to share her faith in God.

The details: 213 pp. 2004   Review by Rachel U.

Share

Review by Daisuke

Who would like this book? Someone who likes constellations or who want to see the night sky, this book can be guide for you. If you want to see the constellations’ map, you should read this!

The goods on this book: Each page has beautiful pictures. It tells about the constellations’ history and some planets’ history. Each page has interesting sentences and a big picture or map. This book isn’t new, but the sentences are very intelligible. In this book, I learned about the position of constellations. I learned the constellations are moving to different position each season (Spring,Summer,Fall and Winter).

The details: 159 pp. 1999    Review by Daisuke

Share

Who would like this book? Anyone who is curious about Mark Twain or who wants to read a humorous, true story about a guy trying to find his way in the wild west.

The goods on this book: This book is a treasure in every way. It tells the story of the younger days of Mark Twain with prose that is a total treat to read. Twain – Sam Clemens in those days – led a colorful, crazy life – taking the stage coach to the West, mining gold, making and losing fortunes, and digging up ways to get ahead. His adventures in the wild West become the fodder for his stories and lectures, which he would advertise with “Doors open at 7. The trouble begins at 8.”  The volume includes wonderful vintage illustrations and photographs, an engaging timeline, an annotated bibliography, an index, and the text of “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Even if you’ve never heard of Mark Twain, this book would be worth considering!

The details: 224 pp. 2008   Review by Samrarian

Share