VVMBookBlog

Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Danica’s people and Zane’s people are at war. Both have lost family and loved ones in this never ending war. Danica is a hawk/human while Zane is a serpent/human. This didn’t bother me because both spend most of their time in human form. For obvious reasons the two do not get along. Both, however, are concerned about how to bring peace to their warring families. Since both are at the stage in their life when they will rule their individual communities and look for a “mate,” the answer seems to be for the two to get married. What? Hawk and Snake? Although the Danica and Zane agree, they do not love each other. Danica and Zane agree to join only to keep the peace between these two warring families and communities. How do two people who hate each other stay together with the pretense of love and peace? Is it possible? Another problem arises because the people in this community need to believe in this relationship in order to stop the warfare. Everyone must agree in order to make it work. Is it possible for everyone to agree on anything?

Ms. Moeller

The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter

A struggling baseball team from Dillontown is in the middle of a town controversy. A small, ragged team is in a position to save the hometown ballpark. The problem is they are up against a “all star” team with money. These two teams will play each other in a “winner takes all” type game. The controversy continues when the team from Dillontown is coached by a “has been” player who quit the Padres before a World Series game. Although he is considered a “quitter,” I think Barry Bonds could learn from his beliefs about baseball. He has been a recluse for years and has some unorthodox coaching methods. This team needs to prepare quickly for this game of “loyalty vs. big bucks.”

Ms. Moeller

Rising Water by P.J. Petersen

Just out of juvenile detention, “juvie”, Kevin has an easy choice, volunteer at Jefferson Science Center cleaning animal cages or going back to “juvie.” The choice is easy. His job requires more than cleaning out cages. He must also work with a girl, Tracy, who treats him like a little kid and a criminal. Kevin rarely gets the chance to explain. While Kevin is working to stay out of the trouble, Tracy and her brother, Luke, don’t get paid; they volunteer. As the day progresses, Kevin realizes this job requires more than cleaning out cages and staying out of trouble is not easy.

Ms. Moeller

Buddha Boy by Kathe Koja

Justin is your average high school student. He’s not part of the popular group, but he’s not part of an outcast group either. School is a place to hang with his friends at lunch and go to class. It is evident Buddha Boy, on the other hand, is definately not going to fit in. Buddha Boy, nicknamed by the popular (with students and teachers) bully at school, dresses in big baggy t-shirts, doesn’t wear a coat in the winter, shaves his head, and takes everything the popular kids throw at him (literally). Why would Justin choose to befriend someone like this? Doesn’t he know it will hurt him in his social standing at school?

Ms. Moeller

Last Shot by John Feinstein

From the beginning of Last Shot until the end, it is obvious to the reader that John Feinstein knows college basketball. Anyone that follows college sports, especially basketball, will know the names and teams mentioned in this novel. Feinstein is a sports reporter who has worked for publications such as The Washington Post and Sports Illustrated. His expertise shines in this novel.

Most people realize that college sports is a business. Two eighth graders, Stevie and Susan Carrol, find discover this “first hand” as they are given the opportunity to be sports reports at the Final Four (March Madness) basketball tournament. Both teenagers need to work with two big name reporters, keep their fathers from being suspicious, and follow their own lead. This lead could become the biggest story of their lives unless they continue to get into trouble following a story of NCAA corruption.

Last Shot is a book for anyone who loves basketball and watches ESPN or the Final Four (March Madness) basketball tournament. It will also be for those who would like to learn more about the huge money that follows this tournament.

Ms. Moeller