Few things can draw a reader to a new book like a book trailer can.
Get the popcorn ready.
Lights…Camera…Action!
First, survive. Then tell the truth.
For fans of Marie Lu and James Dashner comes the first book in an epic new series.
“Brace yourself. You’re about to be immersed in a mindscape that you’ll never want to leave.”
—Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend trilogy
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
{Celebrating the books we’ve read in the past week
&
the titles we are currently reading.}
This meme is originated by Jen and Kellee at TeachMentorTexts. Thanks!
Remember Macbeth from high school? Yeah, I didn’t think I did either. In my head I always get Macbeth and Hamlet confused.
Though after reading Hinds’ graphic novel, I realize that THIS is the play I really remember—even to the point of being able to put the book down and recite some lines. “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps on this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time.”
I’ll spare you the rest.
I had fun reading this graphic version of Macbeth. I did still struggle with some of the meaning, but I didn’t let it bog me down. I understood enough and the illustrations—the rich, colorful, gory illustrations— were enough to keep the story moving along.
I already recommended this to the eighth grade teachers in my building when they do Shakespeare.
National Book Award Finalist
• New York Times Bestseller
• New York Times Notable Book
• Kirkus Best Book
• School Library Journal Best Book
• Publishers Weekly Best Book
• NPR Best Book
• New York Public Library Best Book
• Chicago Public Library Best Book
• A Spring 2015 Indie Next List Pick
The New York Times bestselling graphic novel sensation from Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic. Kirkus says, “If you’re going to read one graphic novel this year, make it this one.”
Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel has been hailed by critics and fans alike as the arrival of a “superstar” talent (NPR.org).
Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.
But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona’s powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.
I had a blast reading this GN. It was clever and witty with lots of subtle snarky humor—right up my alley. So much is captured with little facial expressions. I kept reminding myself to take my time and look carefully at the picture clues.
It was interesting how when the story began, it seemed that Nimona as the main character. That changed as the story developed. Lord Ballister Blackheart took center stage—and he was a great, enigmatic lead.
Author Noelle Stevenson has apretty cool site, too, with scenes from the book and some other comics she’s illustrated. So much talent.
Few things can draw a reader to a new book like a book trailer can.
Get the popcorn ready.
Lights…Camera…Action!
Our very own Linda Sue Park, author of the loved A Long Walk to Water — that book which has garnered so much praise and inspired so much action—is at it again. This time, the first book in a fantasy trilogy:
From Newbery Medal winning author Linda Sue Park comes a captivating fantasy-adventure about a boy, a bat, and an amazing transformation.
Raffa Santana has always loved the mysterious Forest of Wonders. For a gifted young apothecary like him, every leaf could unleash a kind of magic. When an injured bat crashes into his life, Raffa invents a cure from a rare crimson vine that he finds deep in the Forest. His remedy saves the animal but also transforms it into something much more than an ordinary bat, with far-reaching consequences. Raffa’s experiments lead him away from home to the forbidding city of Gilden, where troubling discoveries make him question whether exciting botanical inventions including his own might actually threaten the very creatures of the Forest he wants to protect.
The first book in an enchanting trilogy, Forest of Wonders richly explores the links between magic and botany, family and duty, environment and home.
Glad to say that I have an ARC of this and am looking forward to digging in soon. I’m confident Mrs. Park won’t disappoint!
In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.
Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.
I will not soon forget Joana, Florian, and Emilia. I’d like to forget Alfred, but I will remember him too.
War make friends and accomplices of of people who would never meet under normal circumstances. These four are brought together as WWII is drawing to a brutal and bloody end. It is winter of 1945 and the Germans have finally admitted that defeat at the hands of the Russians is inevitable. Hitler had denied this outcome for so long that now, escape is a harrowing and tragic ordeal. Joana, Florian, and Emilia are the three main characters who are working their way to the Baltic Sea to get on board a departing vessel that will take them away from the brutal Russian army. Each has a different story to tell. Each has his or her own secrets to keep. Each is vying for a coveted spot on board the doomed ship—the Wilhelm Gustloff.
I don’t know how Sepetys so deftly weaves so many stories and so much history together into one novel. I found myself engrossed in the characters and their histories—waiting on edge for a new secret or tidbit to be revealed. All the while knowing what they were heading for disaster. A sinking ship.
Do you like historical fiction? Are you interested in secret stories? Did you read
Sepetys’ Between Shades of Gray? Then please don’t miss this one.
I was also fortunate enough to receive this year’s Newbery and Caldecott winners in the Scholastic order this week.
“Robinson’s simple shapes, bright palette and flat perspective belie a sophisticated use of acrylic and collage. His cityscape is diverse and friendly, without neglecting the grittiness: litter, graffiti, security grilles and a soup kitchen—CJ and Nana’s destination. With this final detail, Last Stop on Market Street provides a gentle twist, letting readers in on the secret Nana and CJ have known all along: They’re on the way to help others who have even less. But it’s also the warmth of their intergenerational relationship that will make this book so satisfying, for both young readers and the adults sharing it with them.”–New York Times
A #1 New York Times Bestseller and Winner of the 2016 Caldecott Medal
Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie. And she was a girl!
In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in World War I, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took the bear to war.
Harry Colebourn’s real-life great-granddaughter tells the true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey–from the fields of Canada to a convoy across the ocean to an army base in England…
And finally to the London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin.
In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.
Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.
Let’s also watch the first 3:00 of this video:
If that looks good, I’d also highly recommend Mrs. Sepetys’ first novel, which can be seen as a companion to Salt to the Sea.
In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina is preparing for art school, first dates, and all that summer has to offer. But one night, the Soviet secret police barge violently into her home, deporting her along with her mother and younger brother. They are being sent to Siberia. Lina’s father has been separated from the family and sentenced to death in a prison camp. All is lost.
Lina fights for her life, fearless, vowing that if she survives she will honor her family, and the thousands like hers, by documenting their experience in her art and writing. She risks everything to use her art as messages, hoping they will make their way to her father’s prison camp to let him know they are still alive.
It is a long and harrowing journey, and it is only their incredible strength, love, and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day. But will love be enough to keep them alive?
Between Shades of Gray is a riveting novel that steals your breath, captures your heart, and reveals the miraculous nature of the human spirit.
{Celebrating the books we’ve read in the past week
&
the titles we are currently reading.}
This meme is originated by Jen and Kellee at TeachMentorTexts. Thanks!
… Lots of Interim assessments and blog posts… and half of my current book. SO GOOD!
This was how I spent part of my Sunday—at the Blood Mobile outside my church doing the Double Red Blood Cell donation.
Double Red Cell Donation
What Is It?
Double red cell donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow you to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you.
This is an AMAZING book so far. I’m 63% through. The book trailer was just released—Perhaps it’ll show up on Friday’s BOOKflix Friday. I can’t say enough so far.
Born on February 9th, 2016
From Barnes and Noble:
For readers of Between Shades of Gray and All the Light We Cannot See, international bestselling author Ruta Sepetys returns to WWII in this epic novel that shines a light on one of the war’s most devastating—yet unknown—tragedies.In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia, and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, almost all of them with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer toward safety.Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.Told in alternating points of view, and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson’s critically acclaimed #1 NYT bestseller Dead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein’s Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of theWilhelm Gustloff—the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.
y were heading for disaster. A sinking ship.
{Eat the Book} 
