The News!!!!!!

Most of you have heard it by now but I'm gonna blog it anyway....Neal Shusterman is coming to Melissa High School!

That's right, readers. The author of Unwind (2009 Talon award winner), Everlost, Downsiders, Full Tilt, and so many more of our favorites will be here...in the MHS library...in person...talking to you!

So here's my challenge to you. Are you Neal's biggest fan here at MHS? If so, you can prove it and win a front row seat to his presentation and an autographed copy of Unwind. And when I say front row, I mean first class front row. You and a friend of your choice will be seated on a couch or recliner and be provided with snacks and sodas for the event. How do you earn it? Easy. Blog about the Shusterman books you've read. Those who blog the most and the best (as decided by an impartial jury of your English teachers) will win. See your English teacher or me, Mrs. Niche, to get your blog set up.

Neal Shusterman!

Wolves of Mercy Falls Update...book 3 is finished!

Just read an interview with Maggie Stiefvater, author of Shiver and Linger. She's finished writing book 3 and it will be called Forever. Can't wait to get more about Sam and Grace. It will be out in July 2011. Much too long to wait.

I was interested to find out that she did quite a bit of research about wolves while writing Shiver. She said that the real research, however, was to develop the medical explanation of the wolves (don't want to give away too much here!). I also found out that she was a musician who counts on music from her iPOD to keep her grounded while writing.  You can read the interview at http://www.flr.follett.com/intro/btb-stiefvater.html

Her website: http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/index.php

Darren Shan writes Cirque du Freak Prequel!

It's the book all you Shan fans have been dreaming of. The Saga of Larten Crepsley tells the story of how Mr. Crepsely became a vampire. Here's what Darren Shan's website says:

Larten Crepsley's life as a human ends one grey day in the factory where he has worked since he was eight years old... and his life as a vampire begins! The first of a four book series, this charts Larten's years as a vampire's assistant, and his formative experiences once he is blooded. We meet some familiar faces from The Saga Of Darren Shan, along with some new characters who were instrumental in his growth. It all starts here!!   


Yesyesyes, it is on the October book order. Duh, 3 copies! Shan also has another book out called The Thin Executioner. It's on order, too.

First Week of School

It's Sunday night and I'm still recovering! You guys kept the library busy this week. It was terrific to see y'all, especially since you were eager to get your hands on books. No book was more in demand then Mockingjay, of course. I ran out at lunch time Tuesday and scored 4 copies. I honestly could've used 40. Besides MJ, you were eager to read City of Bones by Clare, anything at all by Ellen Hopkins, Unwind by Shusterman, Hush, Hush by Fitzpatrick, the Vladimir Tod series (8th Grade Bites, etc.), Riordan's new book The Red Pyramid, and Linger by Stiefvater.

It's so cool that you come in knowing what you want! Nearly 500 books were checked out this week.

Ready to read?

Can you believe school starts this Monday? I'm psyched to see you all and hear what you've been reading. Make sure to bring me any ideas you have for new books....I'm getting ready to order and I've already got hundreds of hot new titles on my list including:

• Mockingjay (August 24th!)
• Crescendo (sequel to Hush, Hush)
• Torment (Fallen series)
• Everwild (Skinjacker trilogy)
• Linger (sequel to Shiver)
• Twelfth Grade Kills (Vladimir Tod series, September 21st)
• Burned (House of Night series)
• Halt's Peril (Ranger's Apprentice #9)

And many more!

My summer reading so far

• The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan....meh. Lacks the power of the Lightning Thief. Stock characters.

• Relentless by Dean Koontz.....ridiculous concept but good and scary.

• Every Day in Tuscany by Frances Mayes....Just getting into it. I want to visit Tuscany soooo much.

• Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich....Hilarious, loved it. Hate waiting a year for 17 though. BTW, this is not a teen book.

What are you reading?

Make custom t-shirts at CustomInk.com