Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Deck Z: The Titanic

By Chris Pauls and Matt Solomon
Lexile:  880
Genre:  Historical Fiction

So you think the Titanic sunk because it hit an iceberg?  After you read this book, you might think differently!  Theodor Weiss, a German scientist, is trying to escape from Europe to the United States.  He is traveling alone, but has a deadly companion, a vial that contains a strange new plague that quickly transforms its victims into soulless, flesh-eating zombies.  Dr. Weiss' vial is stolen and the passengers below decks are exposed.  Will the ship sink in time to save those who are not infected?

Who was Steve Jobs?

By Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso
Lexile:  660
Genre:  Biography

Steve Jobs was an interesting character his whole life.  As a young boy, his imagination caused him to want to continuously build and fix things. As a young man, he rarely showered, ate only fruits and vegetables, and showed up barefoot to work.  But all the while, his mind was at work, creating new products that would change the way the world works and communicates.




Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli
Lexile:  820
Genre:  Historical Fiction

Jeffrey "Maniac" Magee has been running for a long time.  First it was to get away from his aunt and uncle, then it was from the kids East Side and finally, the kids from the West Side.  Nobody can seem to catch Maniac, and his legend continues to grow.  All Maniac wants is an address...a permanent address...a place he can call home, where people can all get along.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Power of Six

by Pittacus Lore
Lexile:  840
Genre:  Science Fiction

Number Four, also known as John Smith, has narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Mogadorians.  He knows that his time is limited if he can't find the rest of the numbers in his group.  Brought to Earth many years ago to save their Lorien race, John and 8 others are trying to stay alive.  John has found Six and they both know their dangerous journey to find the others must continue.  Number Seven is fighting to stay alive in Spain.  They have no idea what is lies ahead, but are sure of one thing:  they are more powerful together, than alone.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Who was Albert Einstein?

by Jess Brailler
Lexile:  810
Genre:  Biography

Who was the genius with the crazy hair?  He didn't look the part, but Albert Einstein was one of the most brilliant men of all time.  He was a scientist who made many, many discoveries, one of which led to the invention of the TV.  He was also a fan of peace, despite the fact that one of his theories led to the invention of the atom bomb.