BookTweet: Marked

Marked in 140 characters or less:

The House of Night=Hogwarts for Vampires & rated-R.



The House of Night, Book 1

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BookTweet: The Help

The Help in 140 characters or less:

1963 Mississippi: black maids anonymously tell their stories of what it’s like to work for white families. It’s dangerous for all involved.

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BookTweet: Suite Scarlett

Suite Scarlett in 140 characters or less:

Scarlett is a 15 yr-old Eloise--without the Plaza & the money. There’s a whole lotta drama checking in to her NYC hotel this summer.

Also available on MP3.

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BookTweet: How to Build a House

How to Build a House in 140 characters or less:

Harper needs to escape her ruined family, maybe ex-boyfriend, traitorous ex-sister. Will building a house for others help her deal?

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BookTweet: The Adoration of Jenna Fox

The Adoration of Jenna Fox in 140 characters or less:

Perfect Jenna was in an accident that nearly killed her, burned her body, & erased her memory. She’s perfect again. But is she still human?




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An Interview with Kristin Cashore

Five questions for Kristin Cashore

With Graceling, Kristin Cashore wrote a first novel that was a remarkably disciplined fantasy, with just a single magical element giving the story its premise (and title): the heroine Katsa, like only a handful of others in her world, is “graced” with one extraordinary power, in her unfortunate case, a grace for killing. While the book has intrigue and swordplay aplenty, it is also a juicy romance. This month, Cashore follows Graceling up with Fire, a prequel set in the same world but a generation earlier and featuring Fire, another charismatic heroine. (14 years and up)

1. If you could have one Grace, what would you want it to be? Well, if you’d asked for my sci-fi superpower of choice, I would have said teleporting, hands down, but you didn’t, and teleporting isn’t realistic as a Grace. So I’m going to go with languages. One of my sisters has a language gift — after a few months of study in Finland, she was more or less fluent in Finnish — and I am definitely not like that! Give me the Grace of being fluent in any language after a day or two of hearing it in use.

2. Why do you think palace intrigue has become such a prominent trope in fantasy fiction? Hmm. You know, I think a palace is the fantasy novel’s version of a boarding school — or college dorm, if you prefer. Everyone lives together in one big building or set of buildings. Everyone’s on top of everyone else; there’s a forced intimacy in relationships; secrets are harder to keep and it’s more important that they be kept; the tension never ceases, because no one ever goes home for the night; it’s easy to sneak between bedrooms. Plus: hidden doorways! Secret passages! Tapestries to hide behind! Dumbwaiters to send secret objects of dire importance from floor to floor! Walkways on the roof! Spiral staircases! Moats and drawbridges and walls made of shrubberies! I’m beginning to wonder how you could even ask this question.

3. What fantasy novel or series would you recommend to the unconverted or unconvinced? If it’s a person who likes slow-moving, introspective novels, I might send them to Mary Stewart’s The Crystal Cave, the first book in her King Arthur trilogy (told from Merlin’s perspective). If it’s someone who likes character-rich YA realism, I might give them Cynthia Voigt’s Novels of the Kingdom, because they aren’t typical fantasy — no one has magical powers — but they take place in a made-up universe and have the feel of fantasy. If it’s a reader who’s really, really resistant, I might take a sideways route and have them try some magical realism or softcore sci-fi. Maybe Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games, Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies or Peeps, or Margaret Mahy’s The Tricksters. I would also recommend Megan Whalen Turner’s Attolia books to just about anybody, but that may be the inveterate fantasy-lover in me speaking.

4. In writing Fire, did you find yourself wishing you could change anything in Graceling? There are a thousand things I wish I could change in Graceling, but they’re more for the sake of my current work-in-progress or for Graceling’s own sake than for anything to do with Fire. Fire takes place in a different part of my fantasy universe, so I was practically able to start over and create a new world for the writing of Fire.My current work-in-progress, tentatively called Bitterblue, is a whole other kettle of fish. Bitterblue takes place in the same part of the world as Graceling, and, honestly, I don’t even know where to start. Why didn’t I ever make up a unit for measuring distance in Graceling? Because I could really use one now, and the third book in a series is a weird time to suddenly say, “Ah, yes, it’s 100 killybongs from here to there; we all know how long a killybong is, don’t we?” Also, speaking of distances, there’s the little matter of an impenetrable forest and an uncrossable mountain range between Sunder and Monsea that were oh-so-convenient for slowing my intrepid heroes down in Graceling, but that are creating all sorts of headaches for me now as I write a novel in which various people of all stripes are constantly visiting Bitterblue’s court in Monsea. All the journeys have to take so ridiculously long and require many backbreaking supplies! Sigh . . .

5. The Horn Book is something of a proud parent of the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature, with Horn Book editors Paul and Ethel Heins having been part of the Center’s founding in the 1970s. What was the value of their master’s degree for you? I can’t overstate the value of my graduate experience at Simmons. Simmons is where I learned to think critically and creatively about books. The instructors are fabulous, the reading list is a joy, the classes are rigorous; I immersed myself in the experience completely, and the first thing I did after graduating was write Graceling. I would not be where I am now if it weren’t for the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature.

Notes from the Horn Book October, 2009

Book Tweet: The Book Thief

The Book Thief in 140 characters or less:

Death narrates story of German family in WWII. They publically honor the fuhrer but behind his back they risk their lives to hide a Jew.

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BookTweet: If I Stay

If I Stay in 140 characters or less:

The car crash that killed her family has left Mia in a coma. She can decide her fate: should she join her family? Should she stay?





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BookTweet: Story of a Girl

Story of a Girl in 140 characters or less:

Deanna's dad caught her w/an older boy 2 yrs ago & life @ school & home is still miserable. How can she move on if no one will let her?


Book Club for October 2009

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BookTweet: Little Brother

Little Brother in 140 characters or less:

Teen hackers are unfairly imprisoned & tortured after a terrorist attack. Watch out big brother, little brother wants his freedom back.

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BookTweet: Lock and Key

Lock and Key in 140 characters or less:

Ruby goes rags-to-riches against her will. How is she supposed to deal with all this positivity? Miserable and alone is way better. Right?

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BookTweet: Envy

Envy in 140 characters or less:

The Holland sisters accompany Mr. & Mrs. Schoonmaker on a Florida vacation. Will it solve their problems or cause more drama? I vote drama.

The Luxe, Book 3

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BookTweet: Catching Fire

Catching Fire in 140 characters or less:

Six months later. The 75th anniversary of The Hunger Games approaches. Katniss survived the games but the capitol isn't ready to let her go.

The Hunger Games, Book 2

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BookTweet: Max

Max in 140 characters or less:

Max & flock turn celebrity. Mysterious villains plotting their deaths while Fang & Max try to date. Final showdown to save the planet.

Maximum Ride, Book 5

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Sigh.

I love this poster. I must have it.

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BookTweet: The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book in 140 characters or less:

Toddler escapes murderer and is taken in by ghost family. Bod makes it to his teen years safely but the murderer is still on his trail.

Newbery Award winner, 2009.

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BookTweet: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist in 140 characters or less:

Can a 5-minute faux relationship turn into something real? Nick & Norah find out during one crazy night in NYC.

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BookTweet: Wake

Wake in 140 characters or less:

If anyone sleeps near Janie, she gets pulled into their dreams. Is she stuck forever in other's embarrassments, desires, & nightmares?

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BookTweet: The Knife of Never Letting Go

The Knife of Never Letting Go in 140 characters or less:

In the future you can hear everyone's thoughts. Noise no peace. Todd is in danger from his own people. He can run but his noise won't let him hide.

Chaos Walking, Book 1

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Bonus! The Lightning Thief trailer

If you are a fan of the Percy Jackson books, you'll like this! 20th Century Fox has released the movie trailer and you can watch it here.

Here are the actors playing the three main characters. If you ever watched the television series Jack and Bobby, you might recognize Logan Lerman.

Logan Lerman as Percy

Brandon Jackson as Grover

Alexandria Daddaria as Annabeth

The movie debuts February 12, 2010.

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BookTweet: Evermore

Evermore in 140 characters or less:

Family killed. Has conversations with her dead sister. Sees people's auras and hears their thoughts. Gorgeous Damen can explain. So why won't he?



The Immortals, Book 1

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September Book Club

In September, we'll have our first book club meetings. All students who want to attend should read the book and come prepared to discuss all the juicy tidbits. Please do read the book first because we're definitely going to talk about the ending and we don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet. You do not have to bring a copy of the book. Just bring yourself.

Watch book trailers for both books on the library wiki @
http://heritagelibrary.wikispaces.com/Book+Clubs



The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins


Come to either:
Tuesday, September 22 @ 8am
Wednesday, September 23 @ 4pm





Shift
by Jennifer Bradbury

Come to either:
Tuesday, September 22 @ 4pm
Wednesday, September 23 @ 8am





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BookTweet: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks in 140 characters or less:

Elite boarding school. All-male secret society. Frankie doesn't just want to join it. She wants to run it.





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Bonus! Deleted Scenes

Cassandra Clare posted deleted scenes from City of Glass to her website! http://www.mortalinstruments.com/COGdelete.html







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New Moon Gets New Look

This is the new cover for New Moon, courtesy of the second movie in the Twilight series. Sooo...Jacob looks pretty hot. But seriously, did they even read the book? That pose is way too intimate for their friendship (even if Jacob wants to be more than friends). In my humble opinion, the follwing movie poster would have made for a better, more accurate cover:



Jacob trying to protect Bella from her obsession with Edward. That's more like it. Gee, wish someone would protect me from my obsession with Edward.


p.s. For more Twilight fun, see the Buffy the Vampire Slayer vs. Edward Cullen video mashup on the Heritage Library wiki.

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BookTweet: Rumors

Rumors in 140 characters or less:

Society is still buzzing about Elizabeth. Diana luvs Henry but does Henry luv Diana? If information is power, who will rule?




The Luxe, Book 2.

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BookTweet: Undercover

Undercover in 140 characters or less:

Elisa plays Cyrano to the boys at school, writing love notes for their girls. Can she be drawn into the limelight? Does she want to be?





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BookTweet: Book of a Thousand Days

Book of a Thousand Days in 140 characters or less:

Dashti swears to obey Lady Saren: living with her in captivity, impersonating her, courting her lord, and standing up to her tormenter.





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BookTweet: Paper Towns

Paper Towns in 140 characters or less:

One night of revenge pranks courtesy of Margo. A goodbye message and disappearance. Where is Margo? Who is Margo really?

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BookTweet: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games in 140 characters or less:

Corrupt government forces teens to fight to the death on national tv. Katniss volunteers to go instead of her sister. Winner gets to live.

p.s. The sequel, Catching Fire, debuts on September 1st.

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BookTweet: City of Ashes

City of Ashes in 140 characters or less:

Complications of the heart. Two love triangles. Jace imprisoned. Valentine on the loose. And just how helpless is Clary?



The Mortal Instruments, Book 2.

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BookTweet: City of Bones

City of Bones in 140 characters or less:

Human girl falls for angelic Shadowhunter while he fights demons and tries to save girl's mom. Not Twilight but close. Mindbending end.


The Mortal Instruments, Book 1

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BookTweet: Shift

Shift in 140 characters or less:

2 BFFs. Cross-country bike ride before college. One goes MIA. The other investigated by the FBI. What really happened?





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TAYSHAS List 09

I wanted to make sure to include the TAYSHAS reading list. If you are looking for a good read, this is the place to start. These are the best books for students in grades 9-12. Every book was published in the last two years and has a positive review from professional review source in addition to the seal of approval from committee members on the Young Adult Round Table of the Texas Library Association.

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BookTweet: Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why in 140 characters or less:

Mystery package. Voice from beyond the grave confesses the reasons why she killed herself. Blame. Regret. Gutwrenching.




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BookTweet: The Poison Apples

The Poison Apples in 140 characters or less:

Evil stepmothers send unsuspecting stepdaughters to boarding school. Time for revenge. Watch your back, new mommies.




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BookTweet: Graceling

Graceling in 140 characters or less:

Cruel king sics deadly Katsa on enemies. Must Katsa obey or can she free herself to help the mysterious Po save their land?



p.s. Click here to watch a live-action book trailer for Graceling.

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BookTrailer: The Sweetheart of Prosper County

This is a fantastic first book by author Jill S. Alexander. I read it in an afternoon, unable to put it down. I hope you'll catch my enthusiasm through the book trailer, though of course, it can't do justice to the book itself. Look for The Sweetheart of Prosper County on September 1st!

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Reading Re-Do: A Separate Peace

I'm re-reading A Separate Peace by John Knowles because HHS 9th graders read it. I haven't picked up a copy since I was in 9th grade myself. Let me say: it is SO much better this time! Or maybe I'm better: more mature (doubtful), more patient (improbable). Either way, I'm really enjoying this book that I disliked in high school. You're probably thinking, "Great. I'm in 9th grade. I'm not going to like it." But the thing is, you might. Don't worry about having to critique it just yet and get lost in the story of Gene and Finny. Decide if you are more of a Gene or a Finny - that would be a Facebook-worthy personality test. Imagine yourself at the Devon School. (But when it IS time to analyze it for class, come see me. I can't tell you how many times I've said "Ohhhh, I get it now!" in the last few chapters.) Take it from me, a former ASP hater, it's a fantastic book. My opinion has changed so dramatically that I'm considering re-reading books that I disliked the first time around. Maybe I'll try Heart of Darkness again. Or maybe not. "The Horror!"

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BookTweet: City of Glass

City of Glass in 140 characters or less:

Ill-fated sweethearts Clary and Jace fight their love for each other as they simultaneously fight evil Valentine. Somebody gonna get hurt.


The Mortal Instruments, Book 3

p.s. Cassandra Clare is writing a prequel series to The Mortal Instruments. The new series will be called The Infernal Devices.

p.p.s. You can follow Cassandra Clare on Twitter. CassieClare.

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The Perks of Fame

I saw on Twitter today that Rick Riordan is reading an advanced copy of Catching Fire. Aaauuuggghhh! I have been salivating over the thought of that book since I closed the cover on The Hunger Games. I want to read it! Why Rick? Oh sure, he's written one of the hottest series since Harry Potter. And yeah, he's a really nice guy. But what about me? Can you hear the whine from where you sit? What about I supposed to do, wait patiently until September 1st? Right. Fabulous. To occupy my time, I wordled The Hunger Games. I feel slightly better.



p.s. Have you seen the girls sing the Hunger Games song on YouTube? Search "Now or Never Everdeen Sisters."

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BookTweet: The Luxe

The Luxe in 140 characters or less:

Gossip Girl in ballgowns. The Mean Girls of 1899. Star-crossed lovers, secrets, wealth, frenemies. A tragic end: death by humiliation?





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