NaNoWriMo 2010

It's that time of year again! Time to temporarily abandon your social life, skip sleeping late on a weekend, and trade your usual hobbies for the adventure of composing a 50,000 word novel in one month.

For those of you who don't remember last year's NaNoWriMo blog post, National Novel Writing Month runs from November 1st-30th, and is a self-proclaimed "fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing" and "thirty days and thirty nights of literary abandon!" Unlike any other writing you (or anyone) has probably ever done, NaNoWriMo encourages quantity...just quantity, and that's it. It's not about producing a work of quality (and really, how could it be with just a month to complete so much?), so you can use the opportunity to just be free, write whatever you feel like writing, and know that we're all producing ridiculously bad works of literature together - that's part of the fun!

Sound like something you'd like to try? This will be my fifth year embarking on the challenging and really kind of silly journey and I'm getting myself ready by trying to plot out different kinds of turns for my story to take. To be honest, it's looking like it might be a pretty mundane story - but hey, it doesn't matter! Knowing that you just wrote a whole novel, no matter how terrible, is an AWESOME feeling!

So do you want to sign up? Check out the Official National Novel Writing Website for more information.

Good luck writers!

Exciting Stuff for Rick Riordan Fans

Hey Percy Jackson fans! We've got some exciting news! First, if you haven't heard yet, the arrival of the first book in Rick Riordan's newest Heroes of the Olympus series - The Lost Hero comes out on Tuesday, October 12! If you're eagerly awaiting the day, put a copy on hold now!

And for those of you who canNOT get enough of Rick Riordan's fabulously adventurous writing, there's a very special event going on Tuesday night, the night the book comes out! You can be a part of the largest demigod gathering in history! Rick Riordan will be broadcasting live from Camp Half-Blood! Be sure to register for this FREE live webcast as soon as possible! It will be held on October 12th (7pm Eastern, 6pm Central, 5pm Mountain, 4pm Pacific). To register, visit camphalfblood.com.

Want to know what the book is about ahead of time? Here's a quote from the official Heroes of the Olympus website on what the first book is all about:

After saving Olympus from the evil Titan lord, Kronos, Percy and friends have rebuilt their beloved Camp Half-Blood, where the next generation of demigods must now prepare for a chilling prophecy of their own:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Now, in a brand-new series from blockbuster best-selling author Rick Riordan, fans return to the world of Camp Half-Blood. Here, a new group of heroes will inherit a quest. But to survive the journey, they'll need the help of some familiar demigods.

Exciting stuff! Enjoy!

Battle of the Books Review: Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

Reviewed by: Varun, Gr. 9
This book was okay. At times it was a little confusing, but it gives you a sense of what life was like at that time. Also, there are some unique, funny problems and a really funny family. Also, they do a good job of incorporating events that were going on in the 1960s into the story.



Reviewed by: Jocelyn, Gr. 9
There is one thing Holling Hoodhood knows from the first day of seventh grade: his teacher, Mrs. Baker hates his guts. It was an odd concept to Holling: he wasn't a bad kid, he never pulled cruel jokes on any teachers, but Holling knew from the second Mrs. Baker called his name that she had a problem with him. And so begins seventh grade at Camillo Junior High, 1967. Holling has to face a battle against expectations, rats, cream puffs, flower children, baseball, and (the horror!) Shakespeare… and all in time for strawberries. This is a fantastic, quick read and I strongly recommend it to anyone.

Battle of the Books Review: Schooled

Schooled by Gordon Korman

Reviewed by: Erika, Gr. 9
This is a very interesting book. It tells the story of a boy whose body is in 8th grade in present day, but his mind is stuck in 1967. Since Capricorn (Cap) Anderson's grandmother Rain went into the hospital, he had to live with a former resident of the commune, and go to Claverage (C Average) Middle School. Since he is in 8th grade, one of the school bullies named Zach Powers sets things up so that Cap is stuck as 8th grade president which in middle school, is a big joke for the rest of the school. Meantime, Cap has no idea what is going on, but after a few weeks, he has become the best middle school president yet, and Zach Powers does not like it at all.

I think that this book is a wonderful way to look back on the 60's, and understand how life has changed, and how in some instances, oblivion is a good thing. I would recommend this book to everyone, even people that don't enjoy reading. =]



Reviewed by: Reah, Gr. 7
Schooled is a great book! Capricorn "Cap" Anderson lives with his grandmother Rain. They live on Garland Farm. They live like it's still the 60s. After Rain gets hurt when she falls from a tree, Cap is sent to Mrs. Donnelly, who is the guidance counselor at Claverage Middle School, the school that Cap will be going to as an 8th grader until Rain gets better. Claverage is called "C-Average" by its students. When Cap is voted to be the 8th grade president, he doesn't know what to do. This book has funny parts, romantic parts, sad parts, and a lot of mean parts. I really liked this book.



Reviewed by: Varun, Gr. 9
I didn't like this book very much. I found it to be pretty boring and I thought that it was weird that a person still lived like a hippie in the 21st century. I wouldn't really recommend this book to a friend.



Reviewed by: Jocelyn, Gr.9
Capricorn Anderson is stuck in the sixties. He was brought up in the commune of Garland, where peace is a necessity, money means nothing, and duct tape fixes everything. He has never had a haircut, he wears all tye-dye, and his shoes are made from dried corn husks. Living with his grandmother, Rain, in their sheltered home, means he has no idea how to live in the outside world. But that is exactly what he must do when Rain is injured and forced to attend months of therapy. He must face the cruel justice of middle school where bullies rule. But Cap, although clueless about some things, spreads a message of peace and love to the students of Claverage Middle School and to all those he meets. Schooled is a well written story of the harsh reality of middle school life. I strongly recommend it.



Reviewed by: Sarah, Gr. 9
I really loved this book! "Schooled" was a hilarious, inspiring, and touching story about a hippie-boy who came from the middle of nowhere and had to deal with the sudden transition into a life at a public school. Cap has to learn social skills, organize social events, and please everyone in the school-while he has only known one other person, Rain, his entire life. He tries his hardest to juggle everything he considers his duties by being President of Claverage Middle School: writing checks, learning everyones names, and teaching tai-chi classes on the lawn. This book has an amazingly unique story! I would give it 4 out of 5 stars!!

Battle of the Books Review: Ranger's Apprentice- Book 1

Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan

Reviewed by: Reah, Gr. 7
This book is about Will, a castle ward that was chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. Will always thought that he could have a chance at being accepted into Battle school to train to be a knight, but Sir Rodney didn't accept him. Halt, the Ranger that chose Will, teaches Will the ways and techniques of a Ranger. I don't like fantasy books much, but I really loved reading this book. I was glued to it until I finished reading it.



Reviewed by: Varun, Gr. 9
I really liked this book, the plotline is very interesting and the mystical land of Alaruen is really cool. Also, the villains are real strong and they are completely ruthless. Also, it tells the story of a boy who doesn't fit in anywhere but gets a life worth living eventually.



Reviewed by: Jocelyn, Gr. 9
Will is an unusual case. Unlike the majority of the fiefdom, he is a ward of Baron Arald, being raised out of the goodness of the Baron's heart. This means that he has no parents to set the course for his future and thus will take part in Choosing Day with the rest of the wards and be chosen by one of the craftsman to be taken in as an apprentice or else become a farmhand for the rest of his life. But unlike the rest of the wards, he has no skills to speak of for any of the known crafts. So when Choosing Day comes, he is hopeless. But, Will is, as mentioned, an unusual case. And he is chosen to train under Halt, a shadowy member of the even more shadowy group known as the Rangers. And so Will starts his life as a Ranger, a protector and spy for the kingdom. Even as an apprentice, he will face danger and action beyond his imagination. The Ranger's Apprentice was an engaging read that I completely enjoyed. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and recommend this book to everyone.

Battle of the Books Review: Peeled

Peeled by Joan Bauer

Reviewed by: Reah, Gr. 7
Hildy Biddle is a journalist for Banesville High's newspaper, the Core. There, the newspaper is based on facts. The only town's newspaper, The Bee, twists lies around to sound like the truth. Their story talks about the so-called ghost of the Ludlow property. Years ago, Clarence Ludlow was found dead on his property. It's up to Hildy and the rest of the Core staff to uncover the truth.



Reviewed by: Varun, Gr. 9
I didn't like this story very much because I am not very interested in books about reporting. I find them kind of boring and I didn't find the plotline to be very interesting.



Reviewed by; Jocelyn, Gr. 9
Hildy Biddle desperately wants to prove herself as a journalist. She lives in a small town where news is slow going and everyone's focus is on this year's apple harvest. But, there is one thing attracting the attention of everyone in the small town of Banesville. The old Ludlow house seems to be the home of a ghost. Soon, the rumors of the ghost spread out of Banesville and through the country as wild and sensational stories are being published by the other local paper, The Bee. But Hildy and her friends aren't willing to listen to the rumors. Hildy is determined to get to the bottom of this ghost story and see who really is lurking as a threat to Banesville. Joan Bauer weaves a tale of mystery and suspicion in this fast paced book that will keep you hooked until the very last page.

Battle of the Books Review: Peak

Peak by Roland Smith

Reviewed by: Reah, Gr. 7
Peak is an amazing book. It involves friendship, trust, and one of the most famous mountains in the world-Mount Everest. When Peak Marcello is busted by the cops for scaling and tagging a skyscraper, he is sent to court. The judge decides to put Peak on probation and make him pay a fine. The state will refund the money if Peak follows his probation. Peak would have to leave New York that day so the story that the media is talking about would die down. When Peak leaves New York to go live with his dad in Thailand, he finds out that his dad, the famous Joshua Wood, is going to take him to climb Mount Everest. If Peak makes it to the top before his 15th birthday, he will be the youngest person to ever climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Will he make it in time? I really enjoyed this book and was glued right to it.



Reviewed by: Varun, Gr. 9
I enjoyed this book. Reading about mountain climbing is always cool because it is so adventurous. Also, it is pretty dangerous and people are breaking the law, which gives it an interesting twist. The main character is very nice.

Battle of the Books Review: The Lightning Thief

Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Reviewed by Reah, Gr. 7
Last year, The Lightning Thief was one of my favorite books. I still love it as much as I did last year. Percy Jackson is expelled and sent to another school every year because something weird happened. Percy is now finding out who he really is...and he is definitely not normal. He is sent to Camp Half-Blood to keep away from monsters, but on his way there, a monster finds him and his mom disappears in a flash of golden light. Where is his mom, and will he save her? This book has monsters, fighting, and some sadness in it. It involves a lot of Greek mythology. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.



Reviewed by: Rebecca, Gr. 6
This was a really good book! Rick Riordan created very real characters with an interesting plot. I liked that the book took place on Long Island.



Reviewed by: Varun, Gr. 9
This is one of the best books I have ever read. There is a lot of adventure and it is very unique how Riordan uses Greek gods as part of his story and the characters are very well developed as well.



Reviewed by: Jocelyn, Gr.9
The Lightning Thief is the story of Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old, New York City boy who learns that he is the son of Poseidon. He is whisked off to Camp Half Blood to train as a hero but quickly realizes that he is the child of a prophecy that affects the future of the gods. This means that there are many, many people who quickly dislike him. Percy must, with the help of his friends, Annabeth and Grover, go to the Underworld, retrieve a stolen weapon, and prove that he is not the lightning thief. This book is packed with excitement and Greek history and I strongly recommend it.

Battle of the Books Review: Kingdom Keepers

Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson

Reviewed by: Reah, Gr. 7
Kingdom Keepers involves a magical place, Disney. There, in the Magic Kingdom, the tour guides are called DHIs, standing for Disney Hosts Interactive and Daylight Hologram Imaging. The 5 kids that are DHIs are Finn, Charlene, Maybeck, Philby, and Willa. Together they have to stop the Overtakers, a group of villains from the Disney parks such as Maleficent. This was an amazing book full of magic, suspense, and secrets.


Reviewed by: Jocelyn, Gr. 9
What would you do if you had the chance to roam Disney Parks after dark? Finn Whitman is an Orlando teen who gets to do just that, along with four of his friends. Finn, Charlene, Willa, Maybeck, and Philby are connected for a special reason. They were all chosen to be a part of the DHI (Disney Hosts Interactive) program. At first this means filming and having hologram copies of themselves roam Disney's Magic Kingdom as tour guides, but as they all soon realize, it is more than that. The DHIs were created to save Disney, and the world as we know it, from a mysterious enemy group called the Overtakers. The question is, will they be able to? Read this exciting, action-packed, first installment of the Kingdom Keepers to find out.


Reviewed by: Varun, Gr. 9
This book was great. It has a really unique idea in how the park comes to life and there are villains. I like the imagination in how there are holograms that people can turn into in their sleep. It’s like having superpowers, except in a funny and unpredictable way. I really liked this book.

Battle of the Books Review: Found

 Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Reviewed by: Reah, Gr.7
Found is a great book. Jonah Skidmore is adopted. When he starts receiving weird letters that make no sense, he wonders if it has something to do with his adoption. His wondering gets him, his younger sister Katherine, and his best friend Chip Winston involved in a crazy adventure. I really liked reading this book.



Reviewed by: Jocelyn, Gr. 9
Jonah Skidmore is an average kid. He is adopted, but his family is his family: quirky, annoying, and loving. Everything about Jonah's life is normal until, one day he receives a mysterious note in the mail: "You are one of the missing." Six words that change his life. Jonah looks deeper and finds that his new neighbor, Chip (who is also adopted), is also receiving anonymous notes. Jonah, with help from his loyal sister, Katherine, and his new friend, Chip, now must look back to his past to figure out what it means to be one of the missing.



Reviewed by: Varun, Gr.9
This book was very good. Haddix has unique ideas about time traveling and they are really cool. I also think it’s cool how everybody moves to the same place to be sent to the cave. The sequel to this book is really good too.