California woman dies of water intoxication

I read this newspaper article in the January 16th issue of the Free Lance Star. I couldn't believe it was possible to die from drinking too much water. It amazes me that two radio stations and a fraternity all held these types of water drinking contests and didn't check with medical professionals to verify the safety of those involved. Check out the story on www.fredericksburg.com under the Free Lance Star archives.

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Ok, I really didn't think I was going to like this book. The main character, Hollis, is a brat! Well, until she finds the right family...only to run away from them. Hollis describes her drawings as she recalls life with the family she should be living with while she hides from the social worker with an eccentric former art teacher whom she grows to love.
The book started a little slow, but picked up pace a third of the way through...rating? 6

Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis

Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis was handed to me by one of my 8th graders. This almost 400 page book flew by as I read it because it is packed with action and I wanted to see if my predictions were correct. I can't wait to get the next book from the public library...scale of 1-10...10! I've been reading it to my children at home and they ask for more when it's time to stop. Great recommendation...thanks, Jacob.

The Afterlife by Gary Soto

The Afterlife is a book that starts and ends with the reading wondering "why?". Author, Gary Soto, puts the reader in the life, death and afterlife of a teenage hispanic boy, Chuy who learns just how much people cared about him. He also learns what it is like to fall in love...after he died.
On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (a must read) ....8.5 the story moves quickly and you feel a part of the character in this first person narrative.
Some of you have been reading this as well...please comment and tell what you think about the book.

Question 1 Friday Feb. 2, 2007

What do you look for when you select books to read? How do you determine if the book you pick up off the shelf is one you might like?

Extreme Elvin by Christopher Lynch

Extreme Elvin...hmm, I would say this is an interesting story about a young man (9th grader) learning who he is and what is truly important to him. Elvin suffers from being overweight and under popular until his friends Mikie and Frankie drag him to the Big & Tall store for some clothes to wear to the BIG DANCE...the dance that determines your popularity fate...
This book is good for boys and girls to read as it gives girls the boy's perspective on popularity, fashion, friends and peer pressure, but it also allows boys to see that life doesn't have to be so complicated.
I would suggest this story (and most of Chris Lynch's work) for 8th grade or higher.
Overall rating from 1 (low) to 10 (a must read)....7

Welcome...let's talk middle school books.

The purpose of this blog is for students and parents to utilize the internet as a form of meaningful discussion about the independent reading they are being asked to do in and out of class. It is important that students know how to discuss books in an intelligent, thoughtful way, but they should also be able to use a medium they are interested in as well.
With that said, I will post questions here and students may choose to respond to one or more EACH week. Once a week is required, however they may post more often.
Please identify yourself with first name, last initial and class period in order to receive proper credit. Practice internet safety as we discussed in class as well. You are held responsible for what you post...please keep your writing appropriate and remember that your teacher and peers are your audience. School rules apply to this activity. Please avoid slang and internet shortcut writing (I'm older than you and may not know what you are trying to say :-) ).