Sunday, February 5, 2012
















Don't forget to stop by the PHMS Library this week and check out what is happening! You can enter drawings for free books, recommend books that you love, and enter our "I love my library!" bookmark contest.

Stop by and show your support for libraries!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Josh and Emma have been best friends and neighbors for their entire lives. Yet, when Josh develops romantic feelings for Emma, things change a bit, but life changes even more when Emma receives her first computer, logs on to the Internet, and finds herself on Facebook. While this may not seem odd right now, the story takes place in 1996 and Facebook did not yet exist. Emma does not know where to turn, so she asks Josh to view the website with her. Both teens navigate through Facebook and learn about what the future holds for them, as they view pictures and read posts from their future lives. They soon discover that decisions they make each day change their futures as shown on Facebook. Will Josh and Emma learn to trust the future, or will they try to change it?

Sunday, January 22, 2012

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander

Mac is a 6th grader who has quite a business in solving problems. His business office is in the "fourth stall" of the boys' bathroom, and Mac helps kids with academic and social issues. Mac's business thrives, and he has even earned enough money to buy tickets to a World Series game. However, the game changes a bit when Mac takes on a job to protect a third grader from bullies, and he must confront one of the town thugs. Will Mac and his business make it? If you enjoy comedy, suspense, and interesting characters, you'll love The Fourth Stall. It's even on the Lone Star Reading List 2012!

A Monster Call: a Novel by Patrick Ness

As the Lone Star Reading List for 2012 arrived, I could hardly wait to read some of the selections. I recently finished A Monster Calls: a Novel by Patrick Ness, Inspired by an idea by Siobhan Dowd. Wow! The story and the sketches are powerful and beautiful! The story begins as Conor shares some of the details of his recurring nightmare and details of his mother's battle with cancer. His life at school isn't much better, as he must deal with constant bullying by classmates. When things couldn't get worse, Conor is visited one night by a real monster in the form of a yew tree. The tree monster shares three stories with Conor and makes Conor promise that he will share his own story at the end of the three tales. To find out the truth about Conor and his mother, check out A Monster Calls: a Novel. You'll be hooked!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Dragonfly by Julia Golding


As the story opens in this fantasy novel, readers discover that a marriage is being arranged between Ramil Lagan ac Burinholt and Taoshira, Fourth Crown Princess of the Blue Crescent Islands. However, the arranged couple cannot stand the sight of each other. Just as they find a way to get away from each other, they are both kidnapped, and a marvelous journey begins. The journey includes battles, dangerous situations, and a little bit of romance. Will Ramil and Taoshira be able to work together to save themselves, or will they cause more problems? Check out this fantasy novel!


Divergent by Veronica Roth

In a futuristic society, people are divided into five factions: Erudite, Abnegation, Dauntless, Candor, and Amity. At the age of sixteen, students may choose to live with their families in their current factions or choose to move to another faction that better suits their lives. Beatrice has a tough decision to make. Will she remain her family or move to another group? How will her decision change her future?

Personal Thoughts: Wow! Fantastic books! Beatrice is a strong character, and the story is fascinating. Make plans to read this new Lone Star 2012 book!

Author Visit


Jordan Sonnenblick, author of Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, After Ever After, Zen and the Art of Faking It, and Notes from the Midnight Driver, visits the PHMS Library on Monday, January 23rd. For more details, visit the PHMS Library!


Monday, September 26, 2011

Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt

In order to help Payton Gritas deal with her father's MS diagnosis, Payton begins to visit the guidance counselor at her school. The counselor tells Payton to begin a focus journal, making her focus on other areas in her life. Who/What will be the object of her journal? For the past several years, Payton has looked at the back of Sean Griswold's head, since due to their last names, she sits behind him. So, Sean Griswold's head and Sean Griswold become the object of Payton's focus journal. Needless to say, Payton learns quite a bit about Sean, and in the process, their relationship blossoms. What will happen when Sean realizes that he is the focus of her journal?

Personal Thoughts: Lindsey Leavitt's book made me laugh out loud! Payton's honesty about Sean's head and her feelings were believable and realistic! If you enjoy a lighthearted read, pick up Sean Griswold's Head.

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

Cheyenne Wilder, a blind teenager sick with pneumonia, rests in the backseat of her stepmother's car. Tragically, the car is stolen, making Cheyenne a victim of kidnapping. Even though she promises that she cannot see anything so she won't share information with the police, Griffin, the criminal, takes Cheyenne back to his house where his hostile father and friends must decide what to do with Cheyenne. Upon discovering that Cheyenne is the daughter of Nike's president, Griffin's father decide to ask for ransom. Will Cheyenne sit back and wait for the money to be delivered? Will she receive any help along the way?

Personal Thoughts: I loved April Henry's novel! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and sometimes I even found myself cheering for someone besides Cheyenne. If you like suspense and action, read Girl, Stolen.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Epitaph Road by David Patneaude

Have you ever wondered what would happen if women ran the government? In David Patneaude's Epitaph Road, Kellen, a fourteen-year-old boy, lives in a world of women. A disease killed off most of the men, causing some men, including Kellen's dad, to move to colonies far away. When Kellen's mom encourages him to get away from the city for a few days, he knows he must check to see that his dad is stiff safe from the disease. On his journey to find his father, Kellen's discoveries are surprising and thrilling.

Personal Thoughts: I wasn't certain what to expect when I first started reading Epitaph Road, but I was immediately engrossed in the story. Each chapter begins with an epitaph for one of the deceased men. I then followed Kellen on his journey to discover the truth, and to be honest, I was surprised! If you enjoy science fiction and dystopian thrillers, you will love this book!

Miles from Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams

At the young age of thirteen, Lacey has certainly had her share of worries. Her mother's mental illness puts the two of them in financial and physical troubles, and no one is around to help. But when her mother gets a job at the local grocery store, Lacey hopes life will change. In fact, she even begins a friendship with Aaron, her neighbor. But, when her mother disappears, Lacey realizes that she cannot keep the family together alone, so she seeks help.

Personal Thoughts: This psychological thriller definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. What I enjoyed most was Lacey's growth. She is a believable character, whose honesty amazed me. I felt her frustration in dealing with her mother and her sadness in deciding that her mother needs to move to a safe place.

The Girl Who Became a Beatle by Greg Taylor

After her high-school band, the Caverns, breaks up, Regina wants to remain playing music; in fact, she wants to be as well-known as the Beatles. Well, her wish comes true. As Regina wakes up the next day, she discovers that she is a pop-star. The Caverns now have the status and songs formerly associated with the Beatles. But is stardom all she expected? When given the choice, will she go back to being the unknown Regina?

Personal Thoughts: As a music enthusiast, I really enjoyed this book. Greg Taylor knows quite a lot about music! Watching Regina grow and mature was fun, especially when she had to realize the truth about happiness.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Enemy by Charles Higson

What happens when children are the only ones to survive? In this dystopian thriller, adults are the minority, and those who survived a deadly disease are covered in boils. Arran and Maxie organize and work to keep their group of kids safe. However, just when they believe they have found safety, things change.

Personal Thoughts: I can't share too much about Higson's novel without giving the storyline away, but I will tell you that I was hooked from the start! I cannot wait to begin reading the prequel, The Dead.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Matched by Ally Condie

In a novel set in the future, The Society controls everything - food, jobs, marriage. Cassia attends her "matching" ceremony, only to find that she has been matched with two boys: Xander and Ky. How could The Society make such a mistake? Who will Cassia choose?

Personal Thoughts: What a fantastic read! Cassia's journey to discover the truth about herself and the truth about Xander and Ky is powerful. I can hardly wait for the sequel, Crossed. It's due out November 1, 2011.

Visit http://www.allysoncondie.com/ and check it out!

Stuck on Earth by David Klass

Humans are "the laughingstock of the universe" and the planet is about to be vaporized. But there is hope. Ketchvar III takes over the mind of a middle-school nerd to see if humans should live or die. Once inside Tom's brain, Ketchvar learns lessons about the power of the human spirit as he watches Tom overcome class bullies and heartache. Will Ketchvar III's observations help save the planet?

Personal Thoughts: Klass' novel made me laugh and cry. Klass accurately portrays a middle-school boy through the character of Tom.

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

When Elizabeth begins her job at the New York Circulating Material Repository, her life changes. She's given access to the Grimm Collection, a room that houses all of the objects from the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales. The items, including glass slippers and magical mirrors, start to disappear, and she must help find the thief or take the blame.

Personal Thoughts: I grew up listening to my parents read fairy tales, so I really enjoyed this book. If you love fairy tales that twist and turn, you will love Shulman's book!

Fantasy Series by Cinda Williams Chima


I LOVE all books by Cinda Williams Chima.
Visit her website to read summaries and watch book trailers for
The Warrior Heir and The Demon King series.
If you love fantasy, adventure, and romance, you will enjoy Chima's books.
I cannot wait for the next book in each series to arrive.



Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson

To everyone around him, Alex Van Helsing is a troublemaker who gets in fights. After being transferred to a boarding school in Switzerland, Alex discovers that he is a descendent of great vampire-hunters. From this discovery, everything changes for Alex. He becomes involved in a vampire-tracking organization and must work to save his friends.

Personal Thoughts: What a fantastic read! It was fun following Alex through his adventures, and without a doubt, the book is action packed. I cannot wait for the sequel - Voice of the Undead.

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

Brewster "Bruiser" Rawlins doesn't have many friends, until Bronte and Tennyson befriend him. The twins begin to notice that Bruiser is different, and they worry about him. He lives with an abusive uncle and always seems to have cuts and scrapes. Bronte and Tennyson, however, feel better when he is around. Why does Bruiser feel so much pain when they don't?

Personal Thoughts: I am a huge fan of Neal Shusterman's works, but I believe this might be my favorite! This powerful story is told from three different points of view, Bruiser, Bronte, and Tennyson, and explores the idea of true sacrifice through pain. Like most of Shusterman's works, you will think about the message long after you put down the book.

Forgive My Finds by Tera Lynn Childs

Lily is the new girl in high school, and she hides quite a secret: she is a mermaid princess living on land. Before she is allowed to take the throne in the ocean kingdom of Thalassinia, she must find a a mate. In fact, one kiss will seal her to her love, but the kiss comes from her annoying neighbor Quince. Lily and Quince swim to meet her father and have the bond removed, but she finally realizes that Quince truly loves her. But, how does she feel about him?

Personal Thoughts: I loved swimming through Lily's adventure! She is a strong character, possessing lots of intellect, humor, and under-the-water wit.