Monday, December 28, 2009

Michelle Obama: An American Story

by David Colbert
Lexile: ???
Genre: Biography

This biography provides a look at the life of the first lady, Michelle Obama. It details her early years in Chicago, her school years at Princeton and Harvard and more recently her life as it as changed after she married Barack.

Crocodile Tears


by Anthony Horowitz
Lexile: ???
Genre: Action/Adventure

Alex Rider is back and ready to save the world one more time. As his 15th birthday nears, he recounts the amazing 7 missions that he has undertaken as an MI6 operative. This challenge pits him against the mysterious Desmond McCain, a former prisoner turned minister who is head of the First Aid foundation. Of course with Alex, things are never as they appear so the adventure begins when the car he is traveling in mysteriously slides off the road and into a lake. If you enjoyed the other adventures, you're sure to enjoy this one as well. Read on to see if Alex will live to celebrate his 15th birthday.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Stone Fox

by John Reynolds Gardiner
Lexile: 550
Genre: Traditional Literature

This is the story of Little Willy who is determined to figure out the mystery behind why his grandfather has mysteriously stopped speaking. The two have lived together happily on their farm for a number of years until one day when Little Willy's grandfather will not get out of bed. Little Willy struggles to keep the farm going until one day when the tax collector shows up at the farm demanding $500. Little Willy enters the National Dogsled Race with his dog, Searchlight, in hopes of winning the $500 prize. He has to win, or he and grandfather will lose their home.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Chains


by Laurie Halse Anderson
Lexile: 780
Genre: Historical Fiction

Isabel has had a rough life. Born into slavery, she and her sister Ruth are supposed to be freed upon their Mistress's death. However, the will and freedom papers go missing and the girls are sold to the Lockton family and moved to New York City. There they are forced to work day in and day out. Isabel is approached by a local boy about spying on her family to help the patriots in their fight against the British. Isabel is unsure at first if he can be trusted as putting her trust in him could jeopardize her life and that of her younger sister.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Out of the Dust

by Karen Hesse
Lexile: ???
Genre: Historical Fiction

Billie Jo is growing up in the middle of the Great Depression in the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma. Life is pretty tough - the crops aren't growing, her parents have little money, and have been unable to have more children. Billie Jo is an aspiring pianist and enjoys her making a little money playing the piano. Then, a terrible accident occurs that changes her life forever and forces her to accept many new realities.