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October Ideas in the Media Center

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High School Book of the Month:
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (2012)

From the publisher: Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before its barely begun. When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, shes sure she doesnt stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, shes living a spys worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy? A Michael L. Printz Award Honor book that was called "a fiendishly-plotted mind game of a novel" in The New York Times, Code Name Verity is a visceral read of danger, resolve, and survival that shows just how far true friends will go to save each other. ****This is one of THE BEST books I’ve read in a long time. I’m always on the lookout for great books, ones that are hard to put downs, ones that make me think and refer to, even after I’ve finished reading the words. This book meets all the requirements. It is a bit hard to connect with and get into so give it a few chapters and then……. you’ll be hooked as well! The author writes with exquisite detail so readers feel like they are tucked right inside of the plot. Cleverly disguised “code” and plenty of twists will keep readers wondering, check details and making predictions, without even meaning to. What I love most is that this selection highlights the female heroes of World War II and brings recognition to their brave efforts. Challenging readers to think about stature, gender and roles, this selection covertly examines societal classes against the backdrop of the war. A note of caution: there are some graphic aspects that contribute to the validity and seriousness of the storyline. This book is for mature readers.

Elementary Book of the Month:
Ugly Pie by Lisa Wheeler

from the Publisher: “Ol' Bear wakes one morning with a hankering for Ugly Pie, so he goes on a search from neighbor to neighbor. All he finds are pies that please the eye and . . . ingredients? Wait a second. Maybe it's time for Ol' Bear to start cookin' up something ugly himself! Ol' Bear shares that Ugly Pie with his generous neighbors--and he shares his secret recipe, too, in the back of this book. Lisa Wheeler's story is a joy to read aloud and some parts just beg to be sung. Heather Solomon's illustrations aren't the least bit ugly, but full of lovely details and charming bears with big ol' appetites for pie.”

September Accelerated Readers:
Congrats to the following students who have met their reading goals for the month of September:

6th grade
Matthew Jacobs
Reagan Williams

7th grade
Nolan Benjamin
Karlie Gerlach

8th grade
Paige Wood

9th grade
Ethan Plummer
Amanda Smith
Connor Williams

11th grade
Lydia Fritsche
Dylon Strobel

12th grade
Tori Van Drimmelen

With the temperatures getting cooler and we find ourselves inside a bit more, consider setting aside some time to read, either as a family or individually. Asking questions is a great way to see what your child is able to recall and comprehend. Kids of all ages have interests and taking the time to connect through conversation and discussion is an easy and fun way to support their educational pathways. If you needs ideas on family reading activities or book recommendations, please email me robyn.johnston@maywoodtigers.org or call the school 308-362-4359.