The Danger Box & Darwin

I am almost done this book and had no idea that Charles Darwin was such a deep ad empathetic man. He was a family man who lvoed his children and was devastated by the loss of his 10 year old daughter. He also knew his theory of evolution would be contreversial and was a man of science. For as much as his theory is discussed and even sadly discounted, but then so is global warming and we can actually see that for ourselves; I had no idea how interesting and complex Mr. Darwin was personally till reading this book. I love the idea of the kids "Gas Gazette" and it took me some time to realize..................................

******SPOILER************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** who they were describing. This may also be because I did not read any backround on the book was just handed it since my collegue and the school librian knows I have really enjoyed Blue Balliet's other books. Additionally, I can also see a nice tie in with core common standards and Science in middle schools or a nice G/T activity as well. The writing in this book is not as deep or philosphical as the other three books of hers I have read but it still will appeal mainly to 7/8th grade readers and younger high readiung level and interest readers! Images courtsey of

The Danger Box

Moving On by Larry McMurtry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, I read it at 25 or so and could not put it down. I lost my copy, and now want to reread it. Though the whole time I was reading I kept hearing the Paul Simon song: "Train in the Dostance". The two stories entertwine so well, that I went out and got Negotioation and Love Songs!
" Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance.....Negotiations and loesongs are often mistaken for one and the same..." Paul Simon

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Skinny by Donna Cooner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phenomenal book! I cannot believe those who felt she did not deleve deep enough into the Mother death issue. The whole book was about that, she ate because of it. I loved the writing style, the skinny voice in her head was wonderful aspect to the novel. I think it was interesting how she was able to grow as a person and realized she imposed much of the social barriers herself. In fact, I find myself still thinking about the book days later! I reccomend it for the young adults and adults alike.




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Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I reread this book because my 11 year old is reading it and there was some concern about how dark it would be for her. I would like to say I think I see it with a darker more experienced view than my daughter does, but she too, hopes she never has a friend so depressed and one that no one realizes is so depressed. It is a great read but very emotional. I cannot reccomend it highly enough!

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The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was excellent. I think it is a very mature reader for middle school. It would require high interest and upper level reading skills. That said, it was well done, had very interesting theories. It would make a nice GT unit with books like A wrinkle in Time. I also enjoyed hte ending and hope it hints of more to come. I also found it to be seasonally approriate. I will say that it did start a bit slow but I reall liked how it picked up at about page 60 or so.

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The End of Everything by Megan Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this Megan Abbott book. I also loved that i met her and got it signed at the Albany Bouchercon. I picked this up this week and could not put it down. It is haunting. I loved the quality of her writing, the perspective and the questions it left me with at the end. I could not decide what I thought, I am still mulling it over as I finished it this afternoon.
I would reccomend it very highly! A dramatic and intriguing book that makes you remember and question your childhood.

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