Nothing to Lose by Alex Flinn

Genre: Action/Adventure

Honors: ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Review: Michael is running from his past and hides out where he will not be found, working for a traveling carnival.  His mother is on trial for murder of her husband, Michael's stepfather, and Michael is staying as far away as possible from her.  Why isn't he at home supporting his mother?  Does he have a guilty role in the murder of his stepfather? While in the carnival he meets Kristie, a girl that will help him understand that we all have something to lose. 

Opinion: This is a suspenseful, well-written novel that gives a few more clues with each chapter.  It keeps the reader engaged and manages to still have a surprise ending.  Overall, a very good read for young adults. 

Ideas: This is a great book for reluctant readers and may even attract boys that are not usual fiction readers. 

 

Holes (Screenplay Written by Louis Sachar,2003)

Genre: Action/Adventure
 

Honors:Sierra Award-Best Family Film

Review:Stanley Yelnats is in the wrong place at the wrong time and is mistakenly accused of stealing a professional baseball player’s shoes from a charity benefit.  Stanley is sentenced to attend Camp Greenlake and hopes he will finally get to enjoy a real camp.  Stanley is disappointed to find that the only activity in Camp Green Lake is to dig holes is the stifling heat of the desert. While in Camp Greenlake Stanley learns about his ancestors and discovers that the warden is hunting for something important and that she is forcing the campers to dig to find it.  Stanley’s bravery will be put to the test as he tries to expose the employees of Camp Greenlake, and in the process learns a little about his past and a lot about true friendship.  Readers will enjoy this original story and will root for Stanley as he triumphs over adversity.  

Opinion: I really liked this move.  The characters are likable and the story is very interesting and unique.  This is really a great family film, maybe something older teens can enjoy with younger siblings. 

Ideas:  This movie is written by the author that actually wrote the book Holes.  I think this book is a little young for older teens to read alone, but it could be an interesting idea to compare the screenplay to the book.  This could be used as an example to study in film or graphic arts classes. 

Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner by Mark and Mary Willenbrink

Genre: Art, Watercolor

Honors: None Found.

Review: Artists and potential artists will be inspired to learn how to paint with watercolors once they see the gorgeous artwork on the title page of Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner.  This introductory book begins with a detailed description of required materials and the vocabulary associated with watercolor painting.  Next, artists will find several basic lessons demonstrating the various techniques associated with using this medium.  Once learners have gathered all necessary materials and have had practice with painting techniques they are ready for the third and final section of this book, Let's Paint!.  In this final section painters will learn different styles of painting and will be guided through several practice lessons.  Rich in visual descriptions done in detailed color, this is an informative and practical guide to learning how to paint with watercolors.

Opinion: This book is neatly and logically organized and the many images allow the reader to flip through the pages and easily find the needed information.  The examples in the book are stunning, yet simple enough for the beginner to replicate.

Ideas: Have a space in the library where students can practice drawing and painting.  If feeling inspired, create still life displays for students to paint. 

Draw Insects by Doug DuBosque

Genre: Art, Drawing

Honors: None Found

Review: Each page of this simple and straightforward guide has directions for drawing a different insect.  In addition to easy to follow step-by-step directions there are images of the drawings in the various stages of completion.  The combination of visual and written direction makes for an easy to follow great drawing book that will help even the most inexperienced artists to make realistic creepy-crawlers. 

Opinion: This is a fantastic book for beginning artists.  It is clear and does not require much previous experience with drawing.  Insects are a good starting subject to draw because they are generally simple and do not require a lot of detail to be recognizable. 

Ideas: Display this book with actual art created by students to inspire non-artists to try their hand at drawing.