Guitar Notes by Mary Amato

Ever felt like you don't quite fit in? 

Tripp Brody, brooding guitarist, knows the feeling.  All summer, Tripp avoids others (and his school work) by thrumming on his guitar.  In an effort to push him out of his shell, Tripp's mother holds his instrument hostage until he improves his grades and social skills.  Luckily, Tripp signs up for the use of a school band practice room and is able to borrow a guitar.  Tripp has the room on odd days. 

Lyla Marks, perfect in nearly every way and cellist extraordinaire, has that same practice room on even days.  She has been playing the cello for years, because of others' expectations.  However, she isn't truly happy.   

This unlikely pair begins exchanging notes (addressed "Ms. Even and Mr. Odd) and form a type of friendship.  Tripp helps Lyla find passion in music, while Lyla helps Tripp gain confidence in his own abilities.  The two challenge each other to write songs. 

Guitar Notes is a tale of the power of friendship and finding your own passions and talents.  It is full of humor and situations common in any high school.


www.guitar-skill-builder.com

Maus by Art Spiegelman

“An epic story told in tiny pictures.”—The New York Times

"I read this book for an American Lit class and I highly recommend it. Even if you don't especially enjoy reading, please try this book - you will enjoy it. It's like a comic book, but deeper and full of meaning. It's really unforgettable, and it's a fast read. This is the most unique book I have ever read."
--Anonymous Barnes and Noble review

“The most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust.”
—The Wall Street Journal


The Holocaust is typically viewed as a dark spot in the earth's history.  During this time period, millions of Jewish peoples were taken from their homes and businesses and locked up in concentration camps.  The true reasons for the Holocaust are up for debate.  However, it is a universal thought that no such tragedy should again happen on Earth. 

Art Spiegelman's Maus is a graphic novel that outlines the life of Spiegelman's father (a Polish Jew).  Using mice (Jews) and cats (German soldiers), Spiegelman brings to life a tale of horror, survival, and learning.

Maus is on AR.

The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts

"Yes, Libby, you have done a fine job.  Better than I ever imagined a girl your age--"
I groaned when he said "girl."
"Okay," he corrected himself, "better than I ever imagined a person your age."
I was pleased with his admission.  He hadn't thought I could raise steers, and I had proven to him that I could.
"But, Libby, the toughest part is yet to come." 
I knew what he meant. 
"You've already been through it once.  You know what it feels like to let go.  That's why I made you go out this morning and halter up Piggy."
I felt guilty, remembering that I had thought he was being mean.  He was just making me face what would happen at the end of every steer project.  They all end with goodbye. 
(The Beef Princess of Practical County, pg. 123)

Libby Ryan, "the beef princess" is finally old enough to raise two steers and show them at the county fair.  Against her father's better judgment, Libby names her animals and becomes attached to them.  A harsh reality sets in as the county fair draws nearer and Libby realizes that her steers will be sold to the higher bidders.  Can Libby handle the heartache? 

The Beef Princess of Practical County is on AR. 

For information about cattle raising:  http://www.explorebeef.org/raisingbeef.aspx. 

True Stories of the First World War by Paul Dowswell

8,528,831 killed.
21,189,154 wounded. 
www.pbs.org 
The war that will end all wars.
The Great War. 

Almost 100 years after the end of World War 1, the stories and lessons learned still haunt citizens of today's world.  World War 1 (often referred to as WWI) was the first modern war.  The availability of new technologies allowed slaughter on a massive scale...numbers of wounded and dead soaring into the millions.  In Paul Dowswell's True Stories of the First World War some of these horrifying tales come to life.


This book is sure to interest history buffs, as well as those readers just looking to learn a little more about "the war that will end all wars".   

True Stories of World War 1 is on AR. 

If you want to learn more about the author, Paul Dowswell, click on this link:  http://www.pauldowswell.co.uk/index.htm.

Conspiracy 365 by Gabrielle Lord

"Listen and learn, dude." said Boges, reading from his notebook yet again.  "According to the dictionary, a riddle is 'a question or a statement requiring thought to answer or understand; something perplexing, something that requires solving; an enigma."
"A what?"
"Yeah, I had to look that one up too.  An enigma is something secret or hidden," said Boges.
"We already knew that!"  I said in frustration.  "Take a look at them.  They are all enigmas!"
(February, pg. 123)

Welcome to Conspiracy 365...the survival tale of teenager Callum Ormond.  Callum (Cal, for short) has been warned that he must keep himself hidden for 365 days.  In this 13 book series (January-December and Revenge), Cal must beat the odds to keep himself alive through near-drownings, kidnappings, animal attacks, and much more.  Will Cal be able to solve why he's being hunted?  Will things ever return back to normal?  Only one way to find out.  Pick up a copy of Conspiracy 365 at your Rugby High School library!  

This series is on AR. 

www.conspiracy365us.com