Dark secrets?? Forbidden romance?? Life?? Death?? How did Victor Frankstein acquire the knowledge to later create a hideous & live monster?
Kenneth Oppel writes a prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankstein titled This dark endeavor: the apprenticeship of Victor Frankstein In this account, 16 year old Victor Frankstein lives with parents, his twin brother Konrad, distant cousin Elizabeth Laveza, and younger brothers at Chateau Frankstein in Geneva, Switerzland. His best friend Henry Cleval also stays with the family on a regular basis. Victor struggles with his conflicting feelings towards Konrad. As his twin, Konrad is interconnected to Victor like no other. Victor hides his animosity towards his brother who is gifted with far more intelligence, atheticism, and charm. One day, the four teenagers stumble across a secret library filled with mysterious books. When Mr. Frankstein catches them, he forbids the teens to ever step foot in the room. In a short period of time, Victor, along with Elizabeth & Henry, disobey their father's order, after Konrad becomes gravely ill with a mysterious illness no respected doctor can treat. As the three teens search for answers through less than reputable sources, they uncover a way to create a permanent cure. However, they must enlist the help of a Polidori, an alchemist admired for medical discoveries, yet banished by their own father after of the concoctions kills a respected member of the community. During Victor's quest to save his brother, he falls passionately in love with Elizabeth, a girl who had always thought of as a sister. When Victor discovers she is bequeathed to Konrad, a rage & passion burns inside him. Victor vows to cure Konrad and have the girl he wants at any cost. Take a look at Kenneth Oppel's discussion & book trailer at http://www.kennethoppel.ca/pages/darkendeavor_videos.shtml Image located at http://www.beyondhollywood.com/uploads/2011/05/This-Dark-Endeavor-Book-Cover.jpg
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Luis Rodriguez chronicles overcoming poverty as first generation Mexican immigrant and Los Angeles gang member in his gripping autobiography. He dedicates the book to his son who experienced a similar fate.
Rodriguez's raw and honest accounts are not for the faint of heart. Despite my discomfort , I gained an awareness & perspective I didn't previously have--particularly since I taught near his neighborhood. Even though CHS students reside 50 miles away, many have had similar experiences. This book circulates well, especially among reluctant readers. I took these factors into account when selecting Always running as the September 2011 Yellowjacket Literate Book of the month. Image located at http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1171655988l/112148.jpg Besides humor/funny stories, I often get asked for mystery & horror fiction book recommendations. Since I generally don't gravitate towards these types of books, it's a challenge. However, I am making more of an effort to be more helpful to students. In fact, I am currently perusing through possible selections for October/Horror Fiction month. I also included Books for Twilight Lovers link on YA Literature website page at Ms. Geltch's YA Literature. Below is a list of my top four recent favorite reads in this genre. Feel free to concur or disagree... The more input the merrier...
1. Gaiman, Neil- The graveyard: Baby Nobody escapes to the graveyard as a man named Jack murders his parents & siblings. The spirits protect and raise Nobody away from Jack, who must finish murderous contract. I appreciate the few gruesome scenes as I rooted for Nobody to escape Jack's clutches http://www.neilgaiman.com/works/Books/The+Graveyard+Book/ 2. Fitzpatrick, Becca-Hush, hush : Initially, Nora fights her attraction to her Biology lab partner Patch. As she spends more time with him, terrifying events begin occurring. Yet, she becomes more drawn to him at the same time. I find myself drawn into the intense forbidden love story. I will read the remaining books when an opportunity arises. http://beccafitzpatrick.com/ 3. McCann, Lisa-Wake-Janie has battled with nightmares which she has done her best to keep from others throughout her childhood. Now, her dreams are becoming more real, dangerous, and impossible to hide. I remained glued to this action packed tale. Janie's abilities become even more important throughout the Wake trilogy. http://lisamcmann.com/html/wake.html 4. Mead, Richelle-Vampire academy series- As Rose Hathaway prepares to become her best friend Moroi Princess Lisa's protector at Vampire Academy, she confronts danger and forbidden love throughout her journey. I admired Rose's spirit as she matures through her struggles during the six part account. http://www.richellemead.com/books/vampireacademy.htm Image located at http://www.mysteryandimagination.com/home/rolling%20darkness.gif As I have given seventh grade library orientations, many students have asked for funny books. They only know of Diary of the Wimpy Kid books, which have been checked out. I created a complete Word document of current titles in the humor genre titled "If you like Diary of a Wimpy Kid". You will find it at the Children's Website tab of Ms. Geltch's YA Literature http://gelyalit.yolasite.com/
Here are my top five recommendations based on positive book critic and student reviews. I will also get cracking & begin reading these hilarious works. Make sure to support the CHS Redlands Barnes & Noble Book Fair on Saturday September 24, 2011 and the CHS/CMS Scholastic sales from Monday October 10-Friday October 14, 2011 so more copies will be available at each of the school libraries. 1. Patterson, James- Middle school, the worst years of my life http://www.jamespatterson.com/books_middleSchool.php 2. Peirce, Lincoln- Big Nate series http://bignatebooks.com/ 3. Russell, Rachel Renee- Dork diaries series http://www.dorkdiaries.com/ 4. Benton, Jim- Dear dumb diaries series http://jimbenton.com/ 5. Various Authors- Tales from the crypt: Diary of a stinky dead kid http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diary-of-a-stinky-dead-kid-david-gerrold/1102792307 Image from http://www.musicandmischief.com/content/wp-content/uploads/Diary-Of-A-Wimpy-Kid.jpg |
AuthorI am Ms. April Geltch, CJUSD Librarian & advisor of the Yellowjacket Literate Book Club. YA Book Sites 50 Young Adult Book Blogs 100 Awesome Social Sites for Bookworms Ms. Geltch's 2009-12 Books of the Year: The Early Years Ms. Geltch's 2013 Books of the Year Ms. Geltch's 2014 Top Ten Books of the Year Ms. Geltch's 2015 Books of the Year Ms. Geltch's 2016 Books of the Year Ms. Geltch's Favorite Books 2017 Ms. Geltch's Reading Possibilities 2018 Ms. Geltch's YA Literature Recreational Reading Guide Nearby Libraries
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