Staff Picks

THE YEAR OF SECRET ASSIGNMENTS writtenby Jaclyn Moriarty
Reviewed by: Marjorie Fellows, Media Assistant
Three students, Cassie, Lydia and Emily are all in English class together and are also best friends. Their teacher has given them a 'pen-friend' assignment which will buddy them up with three students from the rival high school.  What starts out as a simple letter exchange soon leads to secret missions, false alarms, lock picking and so much more!
The story is humorous with a touch of soul-searching honesty.  Written as diary entries, fast and easy to read.  Makes me wonder if TuHS and THS could do this?

Nineteen Seconds Written by Jodi Picoult
Recommended by Mrs. DuPuis
Summary: The book focuses on a school shooting, the background of bullying and the trial that ensues, dividing a community.  Very relevant to staff and students who will empathize with the bullied boy and connect to the situation.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (4 books in all) Written by Douglas Adams
Recommended by: Mr. Clark
Summary:Don't Panic! The world may be destroyed, but there's still hope! Fun, thoughtful read about the human comedy of existence...

Twilight Written by Stephanie Meyer
Recommended by: Ms. Hubbard
Summary: A love story for teenagers with a ghoulish twist. A teenage girl moves to a small town that is constantly rainy and overcast (sound familiar?).  There she meets a clan of vampires one of whom isn't sure if he loves her or wants to kill her.  My daughter recommended it to me and she really liked it.

Burro Genius Written by Victor Villasenor
Recommended by: Ms. Fellows
Summary: If you are Hispanic trying to learn English, read this book and you'll see you are not alone.  If you are American with Hispanic friends read this book and be more understanding.  Hang on though, it's a wild ride!  The author writes about his early school years, how he struggled to learn English and found reading absolutely impossible. He also tells crazy stories about his family.  Aside from the stories, what you're really reading about are love, honor, heritage and a young boy coming of age.  Extremely well written, I laughed right out loud on several chapters. colorful language.

My Life Written by Bill Clinton
Recommended by: Ms. Weiss
Summary: Autobiography - from youth to presidency. Interesting look at recent politics and the shaping of a president. Long, but a pretty easy read.

Turning Angel and The Quiet Game Written by Greg Iles
Recommended by Mrs. Evans
Summary: Set in Natchez, Mississippi. The main character, Penn Cage, finds that he is in the middle of a blackmail plot and murder.  If you like a murder mystery, these two are great reading!  Lots of interesting characters and vivid descriptions.

Omnivores Dilemma Written by Michael Pollan
Recommended by Ms. Lundy
Summary: Follows the path of food, like corn or beef, from the farm to fast food restaurants, grocery stores and the table.  Very easy to read because it's all about the food we eat every day!  Very well-written and fascinating!

Life of Pi Written by Yann Martel
Recommended by Ms. McKay
Summary: Follow an Indian boy on his Journey from India to the U.S. on a cargo ship.  After a shipwreck, Pi is left alone on a raft with a tiger, zebra and monkey in the middle of the ocean.  Pi is a very interesting character who faces a unique problem.  For the majority of the book, he is the only human character and faces personal "demons" and engages in internal dialogue.

King Leopold's Ghost Written by Adam Hochschild
Recommended by Mr. McManamon
Summary: The untold story of the brutal colonization of the Congo by Belgium's King Leopold.  Virtually unknown or ignored by many nations and/or historians.

Guns, Germs and Steel Written by Jared Diamond
Recommended by Mr. Murray
Summary: Why did the Spanish explorers (in 1492) possess steel and superior technology to the natives they encountered? Gives an outline for the development of human civilization.  Fascinating and challenging.

The Fountainhead Written by Ayn Rand
Recommended by Mr. Duggan
Summary: This is a dense book about the careers, relationships, and life choices of two young architects in the early 1920's.  It is not for the faint of heart - Be serious about reading.  The characters and the choices and paths they take are very compelling.  The author makes the reader think about choices we all make in life.

I am the Messenger Written by Markus Zusack
Recommended by Mrs. Payne
Summary: Ed is nineteen years old and in a dead-end job. Then he stops a bank robbery and begins receiving anonymous messages that change the course of his life.  Full of suspense with a totally unpredictable ending.