Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Feb 9, 2012, 12:00 am
Synopsis:  What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the g...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Feb 6, 2012, 7:34 pm
This Saturday, February 11, 2012, marks the 50th Anniversary of A Wrinkle in Time. At school we are participating in the celebration of A Wrinkle in Time with a display case and a giveaway! We'll be giving away tote bags, t-shirts, and buttons! On the blog, one lucky entry can rece...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Feb 1, 2012, 8:18 pm
 Yes! The School Library Journal Battle of the Kids' Book officially kicks off today with the posting of the The LIST! These 16 titles will battle it out for King of the World, er Best Kid's Book of the Year!! This will be my third year participating and I am psyched! I am challen...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 30, 2012, 1:00 pm
Check out Teach Mentor Texts with Jen and Kellee to find more #kidlit bloggers joining in this special meme. In The Past These are some reads over the past two weeks. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - This started out strong for me but then it ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 23, 2012, 5:05 pm
ALA was in one word, amazing. Seriously. There were so many people and so many books! Most everybody was super amazing and nice and polite. I met some really nice bloggers in line while I was waiting for Bitterblue. And yes, I got Bitterblue! I'm still excited over that! Isn't that just a gor...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 22, 2012, 4:57 pm
We had our final meeting! And the Mock Newbery winners are: Winner: Divergent by Veronica Roth Honors: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater              Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt  The titles we read were: City of Orphans by Avi...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 20, 2012, 5:00 am
Reviewed by: Aneeqah's Not So Real Life ..................................................................................... Incarnate by Jodi Meadows Rating: 4.5/5 Stars Genres: Dystopia, Paranormal Release Date: January 31, 2012 My Review: First off, thank you so much to HarperCollin...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 17, 2012, 8:00 am
Reviewed by: Aneeqah's Not So Real Life ....................................................................................... Everneath by Brodi Ashton Rating: 4/5 Stars Genres: Mythology, Paranormal Release Date: January 24, 2012 My Review: First of all, thank you to HarperCollins for giving me ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 16, 2012, 11:49 am
Check out Teach Mentor Texts with Jen and Kelley to find more #kidlit bloggers joining in this special meme. In the Past Last week was a slow reading week for me. Deliberately. I'm trying to slow down and read less and do more stuff around my house and outside of it.  We'll see ho...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 15, 2012, 12:01 am
from What I Wore tumblr I found this tumblr What I Wore and fell in love with it! I checked out Jessica Quirk's book, What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style from the library and decided I needed to own it. See, I just buy stuff. And most of i...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 14, 2012, 4:00 am
RELEASE DATE FOR ME@YOU.COM IS JANUARY 17TH. Synopsis: Is it ever impossible to fall in love with someone you've never even met? Immy Summers think so... because it happened to her. Immy is 18 years old living a normal life, has a very normal family... and a somewhat normal ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 12, 2012, 7:05 pm
Tempest: A Novel (Tempest - Trilogy). Cross, Julie. St. Martin's Griffin. 352p. $17.99. 978-0312568894. If that cover doesn't suck you in -  I don't know what will! Oh, maybe this awesome trailer! The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in col...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 12, 2012, 6:39 pm
Ivy and the Meanstalk. Lairamore, Dawn. Holiday House. 227p. 978-0823423927. Courtney Says: The book Ivy and the Meanstalk was a delightful new tale woven in with some old classics. Being a 14 year old girl, I rarely find myself picking up books in the children's section of Barnes...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jan 11, 2012, 12:01 am
Hello everybody, this is Aneeqah here! I'm going to be doing a few memes, and hopefully be keeping up with them throughout the year. Anyways, In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren, where you basically talk about books you've received. So let's get on with it! For Review: GoodReads...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Nov 1, 2011, 10:23 pm
 Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Graphia. 9780547258300. $9.99 Reviewed by BellaNush Isabella says: I loved this book! I just enjoyed everything about it! It was an  interesting idea. The two different col...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 31, 2011, 9:23 am
Over the next several weeks, I'll be introducing you to several student bloggers from my summer book club. Each blogger will be answering questions from Welcome to My Tweendom.  These students are new to blogging and look forward to sharing their book thoughts with you.  Please help m...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 30, 2011, 1:35 pm
I don't know why I post reading plans, they always make me fee boxed in.  But, they also help me to see what's on my plate.  I've been trying to combine reading from the various groups I'm in: The SJCPL Mock Newbery clubs - one for kids and the one for adults The DMS Mock Newbery...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 23, 2011, 8:00 pm
THE GREAT GLOBAL PUZZLE CHALLENGE WITH GOOGLE EARTH-REVIEW BY LUCY Hi Everyone! It is very exciting and today I will be reviewing my first book! As you saw the title is THE GREAT GLOBAL PUZZLE CHALLENGE WITH GOOGLE EARTH.  It was an exciting book that was very interactive. At the ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 23, 2011, 2:05 am
Hey guys, once again, it's Aneeqah! I'm calling it quits for the Read-a-thon, it's already past 1 AM here, and I've been up since 6:30 am! I'll post my final updates tomorrow, right now, I'm too tired!
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 11:51 pm
Hey all, Aneeqah here! I'm sorry I haven't been able to update, I just got home from my relative's house! Luckily, I had some good time to read there. Here are my updated stats: Right now, I am currently reading All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin. Number of Pages Read Since Last Update: ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 11:18 pm
It's a wrap for me folks! More to come later in the week of reviews! (I hope) ~Loving to Read One Step at a TimeLucy
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 11:05 pm
1. What are you reading right now? Drums Girls and Dangerous Pies2. How many books have you read so far? 1 3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Sadly NONE4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Off Reading Ye...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 10:25 pm
I've finally reached my second book: Drums Girls and Dangerous Pies I am currrently on page 64. To keep the mood of reading I found a couple of videos! Take a look!Keep READING!!~Learning to Read One Step at a TimeLucy
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 10:24 pm
Shop Indie BookstoresThe Apothecary by Maile Meloy. GP Putnam and Sons. 16.99. 9780399256271. With a mix of realistic fiction and fantasy, known as magical realism, we are drawn into Janie Scott's memories as she looks back almost 60 years ago when, at the age of 14, she had the best year of h...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 5:14 pm
Book 1 Completed! I had already started this book, but was dying for finish it, so I did. Its an amazing story from growing up in "the ghetto" to NFL football. Michael Oher grew up with a mother doing drugs. His sibli...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 4:58 pm
The Fingertips of Duncan DorfmanThe Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by Meg Wolitzer. Dutton. 16.99. 9780525423041 Duncan Dorfman just discovered the coolest thing about himself.  But he promised his mom he wouldn't tell anyone. But, circumstances have forced his hand. His fingertips, I mean. Of...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 4:40 pm
I know, I have been totally not around, and yes I haven't been reading. But good news! I'm starting as soon as I finish writing this! I am GOING to finish I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to the Blind Side, and Beyond By Michael Oher, with Don Yaeger Ready set Read! Whoo!! ~Loving to Read One St...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 22, 2011, 12:24 pm
Woo-ha! My first update.  Reading, relaxing, cheering, and running errands.  Soon to be cleaning! Yeah for the weekend!  Currently Reading:The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman Number of Pages Read Since Last Update: 20...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 16, 2011, 12:42 pm
Over the next several weeks, I'll be introducing you to several student bloggers from my summer book club. Each blogger will be answering questions from Welcome to My Tweendom.  These students are new to blogging and look forward to sharing their book thoughts with you.  P...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 12, 2011, 6:13 pm
 This year there are SIX finalist in the Young People's Literature Division of the National Book Awards: Chime by Franny Billingsley - which we read and discussed in the Goodreads Mock Printz Group. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai - we read and are discussing in our SJCPL Mock ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 10, 2011, 7:27 pm
With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo With a Name Like Love  tells the story of  Ollie  Love as she and her family stop in the little town of Binder. The Loves family will stay in Binder for a few days while her father spreads the word.  Her family has gone from town to town, never sta...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Oct 2, 2011, 3:45 pm
Hey guys! =) So, as some of you know, I was at the Austin Teen Book Festival yesterday!! I got to meet a bunch of authors, get book signed, and had an awesome time!! There were panels of authors that you could go and listen to. Out of 5, you got to choose 3. At t...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Sep 27, 2011, 8:24 pm
Over the next several weeks, I'll be introducing you to several student bloggers from my summer book club. Each blogger will be answering questions from Welcome to My Tweendom.  These students are new to blogging and look forward to sharing their book thoughts with you.  Pl...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Sep 15, 2011, 8:49 pm
Over the next several weeks, I'll be introducing you to several student bloggers from my summer book club. Each blogger will be answering questions from Welcome to My Tweendom.  These students are new to blogging and look forward to sharing their book thoughts with you.  Pl...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Sep 8, 2011, 9:12 pm
Over the next several weeks, I'll be introducing you to several student bloggers from my summer book club. Each blogger will be answering questions from Welcome to My Tweendom.  These students are new to blogging and look forward to sharing their book thoughts with you.  Please help me...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Sep 5, 2011, 10:48 am
Poll What should we read for September? Titles must be pubbed as Young Adult between January 2011 - September 2011. Please check the list before writing in titles! Thanks! My Beating Teenage Heart by C.K. Kell...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Sep 2, 2011, 12:17 am
 At the beginning of the summer I made this huge promise that I would not just include multicutural books in my reading mix, but specifically books by African American writers that focused on what it's like to be an African American.  Also known as books that would qualify for the Coretta Scott Ki...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Aug 28, 2011, 2:09 pm
Back to School! The students arrived Wednesday, August 24th.  I don't know how I could have forgotten the chaos of starting a new year! Those first few days were exhausting! It will take me at least another week to pull myself together! June 5 - June 25, 2011 - 27 books June 26 -...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Aug 7, 2011, 9:56 pm
Koertge, Ron. Now Playing (Stoner and Spaz, 2). Candlewick, 2011. $16.99. 209p. 978-0-7636-5081-0. The historic Rialto Theater in California plays a huge part in Ron Koertge's Stoner and Spaz.  Earlier this year, I read Lisa Yee's Warp Speed which also featured the Rialto.  This prompt...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 31, 2011, 11:29 pm
Robinson, Cheryl. New American Library, 2011. $15.00. 400p. 978-0-4512-3338-7. (ARC reviewed was 508p) Mia Marks-Glitch has always wanted two things: to be married and to be well off.  She finally has what she wants, so why isn't she happy? Danielle King has always wanted to be a writer. She ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 31, 2011, 10:29 am
This is my second year participating in The Book Whisperer's Bookaday challenge. My goal is to end the summer having read 72 books. June 5 - June 25, 2011 - 21 days, 27 books June 26 - July 31, 2011 - 36 days, 35 books So far I've read 62 books in 57 days! I have 15 days left and m...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 28, 2011, 9:11 am
Davis, Aric. Nickel Plated. AmazonEncore, 2011. $9.95. 172p. 978-1-9355-9732-2 Nickel is this twelve year-old kid who lives on his own and solves problems for people. He was raised in foster care and his last placement went so horribly wrong that he barely escaped with his life. He's det...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 27, 2011, 2:17 pm
English Acad Superbowl practice Three weeks from today. August 17, 2011. That's the day I'm going back to work full-time. I'll be in out for the next two weeks getting things in shape. Some stuff I'll be working on: Finish re-shelving fiction and box up the items to be weeded List...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 26, 2011, 8:41 am
Henderson, Jason. Voice of the Undead (Alex van Helsing, 2). HarperTeen, 2011. 16.99. 304p. 978-0-0619-5101-5. Alex is finally training with the Polidorium, that CIA-like super funded group of evil fighters, and he feels like he's found where he belongs.  Unfortunately, Scholomance, the vampi...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 25, 2011, 8:16 am
I'll be working over at SJCPL Mock Newbery blog today. Stop by and add your comments to some of these promising titles. What books are on your list? Add them to this Gearing Up post! So far, I like Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt True.. Sort of by Katherine Hannigan Breadcrum...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 24, 2011, 12:01 am
1976?I have always had short hair. Always. When I was a kid, I used to wear a scarf on my head all the time. Except for picture day. It was the one day my mother made me leave the house without it. I cried the whole time. I had something called Trichotillomania. I mostly pulled from the right ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 23, 2011, 8:27 am
Stiefvater, Maggie. Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls, 2). Scholastic Press, 2010. 17.99. 369p. 978-0-5451-2328-0 If you haven't read Shiver, Do Not LINGER here! Those Mercy Falls wolves are calling and each character is having a different reaction! Grace's body is falling apart from not be...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 22, 2011, 3:00 pm
Oppel, Kenneth. This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein. Simon and Schuster, 2011. 17.99. 304p. 978-1-4424-0315-4 15-year-old Victor Frankenstein is ambitious and passionate and want to make his mark. His identical twin, Konrad, is compassionate and gentle and wants to...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 10, 2011, 12:23 pm
Coretta Scott King 2011 Cindy Pon and Malinda Lo have issued a challenge on their wonderful site, Diversity in YA.  They challenge readers/librarians/bloggers to diversify their reading by incorporating more books by and/or about people of color or books by and/or about LGBT into their ...
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Kathy B. posted an article on The Brain Lair - Jul 7, 2011, 12:01 am
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu Walden Pond Press/HarperCollins Children September 2011/ARC "It would just be like she was a leper, and leprosy really wasn't so bad once you made it part of your routine." "They were plastic flowers of words -- but they looked nice on the surface." "This is what...
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