We have had several rounds of book exchanges now with most grades.  It appears some authors are quite popular here at Sykesville Middle School.  Which authors would you read or recommend to fellow students?  Why do you like those  particular authors? Here in the media center we like Sarah Dessen, Andrew Clements, Gordon, Korman, Gail Carson Levine, Gary Paulsen… just to name a few. Perhaps we should give a Sykesville’s favorite author award.  Who would you nominate and why?  Remember to use good grammar when you write your post.

Choosing a book to read is an individual decision. Some students choose a book by its cover, others because of a recommendation from a friend or teacher, and still some choose authors that they love or the next book in a series. What book did you choose today and why? What do you think the book will be about? Explain your book choice today and make some predictions about what you think it is about.

The public library has recently launched a book club program. Every month, the club meets to discuss the book that they read that month. This month’s book is Raven’s Gate by Anthony Horowitz. Make sure you check it out! The book club meets on October First.

Wow!  There have been quite a few comments to approve in the last few days which is great.  But, it appears many students have forgotten basic grammar rules.  Remember, your comments are visible to the world so take your time and use correct punctuation.  This will make you a better writer and communicator, too.  Here is today’s question.  Do you think we should post comments that are filled with errors? Why or why not?

It is great to see all of the new 6th graders visit the media center for the first time.  We  will use the interactive remotes for the very first time in the the media center for this orientation.  Let me know what you think and what we should do to improve orientation for next year. 

Last week 8th graders came in to take their first SRI (Reading Inventory) tests on the computers and to check out books for the first time this year. In fact most all classes will be in, in the next 2 weeks for the same thing. So my question for you is, what did you check out? One group of 8th grade boys took William Sleator’s book The Beasties. It is a great book that blends the weird with adventure and suspense. The classics were also popular with a lot of Jane Austen’s book going out, and many, many students took books with multiple copies so they could read the same thing as a friend. So what are you reading? Why did you choose what you did? Send us a comment and let’s get the conversation about books started!

And PS: We loved those gold shoes one of the 8th graders had on!

If you are a fan of Arthurian legends– King Arthur and the knights of the Round table, check out The Book Of Mordred by Vivian Vande Velde.  It tells the story of Kiera who is kidnapped as a child but rescued by a young Mordred who is King Arthur’s child.  It follows both Kiera and Mordred through time until the end.  There is a lot of suspense as Kiera becomes a pawn for her magical powers, and is Mordred really good or evil— or perhaps a bit of both.

By JK Rowling

The 7th and final installment of the Harry Potter series has been released and I am sure many of you are finished or in the process– especially since the Harry Potter midnight party was well attended.  I won’t be a spoiler– but am wondering what you think?  Do you think it wrapped the story up answering all of the questions posed over the 7 books?

Hmmm… imagine being back in the early 1800’s, climbing up the attic stairs to find an accused murderer being held prisoner there. Seems as if they could have told you about the extra “guest” before shocking you senseless. This is the situation the main character finds herself in a historical mystery and courtroom drama. It is a page turning full of suspense book that gives a window into the prejudices and fears present almost 200 years ago.

Should she set the captive free? Is he guilty? What do you think?

An interesting science fiction story about a futuristic world.  In this world when children turn 16 they undergo an operation to be made “pretty”.  Their bones are ground  down to the correct proportions and faces are all given proper “pretty” looks.  But does the operation take away individuality too?  What happens if you don’t want the operation?  But why would anyone want to remain ugly– especially when everyone else is pretty?  this book will make you think as it describes the adventures of teenagers in a creepy future world.