Library
Here are some books that connect with this week’s Spirit Day and Arts and Poetry Night. Happy Reading!
NERDS by Michael Buckley
School Library Journal (December 1, 2009)
Recommended for grades 5-7
An action-packed, tongue-in-cheek take on the world of superheroes and villains. Jackson Jones, 11, transitions from Mr. Popular to complete loser in the time it takes to be fitted for braces with headgear. He soon happens upon the underground headquarters of a group of outcasts called NERDS, who, with the help of technology "upgrades," turn weaknesses like allergies into superpowers, fighting crime in secret until the age of 18. While trying to escape, Jackson himself is accidentally upgraded-his braces become equipped with tiny nanobytes capable of morphing into any object. Asked to join the NERDS, Jackson quickly learns that not everyone wants him around-especially those he used to pick on. Unity must come quickly, however, to foil the evil Dr. Jigsaw, whose mission to reunite the continents of the world will lead to massive destruction. The absurd story line humorously hits on some oft-ignored topics-what is the difference between a goon, a henchman, a minion, and an assassin anyway? Readers will delight in these unexpected touches. The pacing is quick and the action is plentiful-kids will almost hear the sound effects as they read. The book itself is treated as a top-secret NERDS case file, complete with increasingly ridiculous security-clearance requirements (thumbprint,saliva sample, money). Angular, black-and-white illustrations highlight main characters and pivotal moments. NERDS brings a worthy message to the fore-that uncool kids can grow up to be anything but. Funny, clever, and thoroughly entertaining, this title should be popular.-Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems by John Grandits
Horn Book starred (September, 2007)
Grandits playfully channels a teenage girl's dreams, anxieties, and pet peeves in the seconcrete poems. Across the thirty or so poems, Jessie reveals she's avegetarian, plays volleyball and cello, and can't stand cheerleaders. In turn feisty and insecure, Jesse leaps off the page. By book's end, she's removed some bricks from "The Wall" that divides her likes and dislikes.
Recommended by Mrs. Trepanier:
I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets
