The Hobbit by J.R. Tolkien

Yes the movie is out soon, but listen to this great piece of storytelling and be inspired to read the book too.

Thanks for the time and enthusiasm given by Mrs W.

Book review - Lord Sunday by Garth Nix

If you are in the middle of the Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix, listening to this book review will be a bit like skipping to the last page. Lord Sunday is the last book in the series taking the reader on the final action-packed adventure, you may be inspired to read the story from the beginning.

Book review - Roderick rules by Jeff Kinney

In 1998 Jeff came up with the idea for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, a story about a middle-school weakling named Greg Heffley. Jeff worked on his book for almost eight years before showing it to a publisher in New York. (Source : Wimpy Kid Official Website http://bit.ly/SDBmzL )

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is popular and is rarely on the shelves for very long. Jeff Kinney has definitely got readers enjoying the escapades of Greg. Roderick Rules doesn't disappoint.

Staff morning tea

It has become an annual event as this is the third time we have hosted a morning tea for staff. We endeavour to offer an inviting and tasty spread, and the usual favourites were to be found. Cheeseboards, fruit, sandwiches, cake, fudge slice, crackers and dip, sliced meat are some of what can be seen on the table. We hope it was an opportunity to enjoy our hospitality during this busy period.

Skulduggery Pleasant: Kingdom of the Wicked by Derek Landy

Magic is a disease. Across the land, normal people are suddenly developing wild and unstable powers. One of those is Kitana. A normal teenage girl who, along with her friends, becomes infected. Becomes powerful. Becomes corrupted. Wielding the magic of gods, they're set to tear the city apart unless someone stands up to them. (Back cover)

The seventh instalment in this comedy-horror-adventure series. For reviews go to http://bit.ly/Rv9crp

The Key by Simon Toyne

Journalist Liv Adamsen has escaped from the highly secretive Citadel at the heart of the ancient city of Ruin and now lies in isolation, staring at hospital walls as blank as her memory. Despite her inability to recall her past, something strange is stirring within her. She feels possessed by a sensation she can't name and plagued by whispers only she can hear: "KuShiKaam," the key.
(Source: HarperCollins http://bit.ly/V8hk5r)

For reviews go to http://bit.ly/V8g2Hn 

To read the opening chapters of the book got to : http://bit.ly/TtMz8S

Piri: Straight up by Piri Weepu with Heather Kidd

The Saviour, Superman, Super Sub, or just plain superb? Piri Weepu may not actually have divine powers, but he has attracted legions of loyal fans and earned the respect and admiration of players, coaches, his community and family. Told with Piri's trademark humor, humility, warmth and honesty, this look back through his career tells us what makes him tick, and the people, places and passions that supercharge his batteries. (Source: inside cover)

The Klencke Atlas - biggest in the world

Dimensions of the world's biggest atlas:

1.78m high
1.05m wide
11 cm thick

It takes six people to lift it.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT! Go to http://on.fb.me/OuIwYV

Mister Creecher by Chris Priestly

Can a monster and a boy ever really be friends? 1818. London. Billy is a street urchin, pickpocket and petty thief. Mr Creecher is a monstrous giant of a man who terrifies all he meets. Their relationship begins as pure convenience. But a bond swiftly develops between these two misfits as their bloody journey takes them ever northwards on the trail of their target...Victor Frankenstein. (Back cover)

For reviews about this book click on the following links:

http://bit.ly/STubYZ

http://bit.ly/PyYkWH

Haunters by Thomas Taylor

Eddie, Adam and David have the same gift. They can time-travel, appearing in the past as ghosts. But each of them wants something different... Eddie is sworn to protect the course of history. Adam wants to change it for his own ends. And David must find a way to keep them apart - and save the future of the world... (Back cover)

For a review about this book click on the following link: http://bit.ly/V320Eh

Graham Henry: Final word by Bob Howitt

Final Word is an honest and reflective look at the life and career of a truly remarkable and often controversial leader. With the Rugby World Cup win in 2011, Graham Henry broke the 24-year curse and restored the NZ All Blacks to the top of the rugby pedestal. But while Graham began and ended his career on a high, along the way he experienced moments of despair, bordering on depression. At the lowest point in his career, he almost gave it all away. This book traces his lack-lustre academic career, surprising considering he rose to become a successful headmaster; his achievements as a cricketer, the origins of his rugby coaching; and his strong partnership with his wife, Raewyn. (Source: Wheelers)

Four new titles by Michael Morpurgo

Alone on a Wide Wide Sea

There were dozens of us on the ship, boys and girls. We were off to Australia, but it might as well have been the moon. Orphaned in WW2, Arthur is separated from his sister and sent to the other side of the world. (Back cover)



The Dancing Bear

High in the mountains, an abandoned bear cub is adopted by a lonely orphan child. Soon they are inseparable - happy and safe, until the arrival of a glamourous film crew who need a dancing bear...(Back cover)


Billy the Kid 
                 

The only thing Billy ever wanted was to play for Chelsea. Finally his dream came true when he was picked for the team. But that was 1939, and the Second World War was about to start, changing Billy's life - and everyone else's - forever. (Back cover)


Farm Boy

The sequel to War Horse and told by the grandson. Joey was the last working horse on the farm, and the apple of Grandpa’s eye. In War Horse, Joey was sent away from the farm to be a warhorse in WWI. Grandpa had joined the cavalry in order to find, and fight, with Joey. Farm Boy brings us forward fifty years with Grandpa not only telling his grandson, Joey’s story but also a ‘shameful secret’ which he has held for years – Grandpa has never learned to read and write. (Source: www.amazon.co.uk)

Our awesome library assistant

Mrs G has been helping us out in the library for a couple of hours in the afternoon during this term. She is doing an exceptional job with cataloguing. We really appreciate her time and the work she has been doing.

Book review - Spookiest Stories

Book review - Hunger Games

Book review - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Welcome to our first book review hosted by Year 7 students. They are looking forward to being able to share their thoughts on books that they believe are good reads. We hope you will enjoy hearing their reviews.

Winner of the Olympics Competition

Congratulations to this student. He correctly answered all the questions and won the draw for a $20 voucher for the tuck shop. Love the smile! Enjoy spending up.

The competition was well supported with many entries. Awesome job guys! We enjoyed being able to tie in a competition with the research about the Olympics that the Intermediate classes were undertaking.

Award Winning novel - Rangatira by Paula Morris

Rangatira has won the Fiction Category Award in the 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards. This book has been recently purchased and makes an interesting historical read as well as being suitable for Level 2 wide reading.

Auckland, June 1886.

Ngati Wai chief Paratene Te Manu spends long sessions, over three long days, having his portrait painted by the Bohemian painter Gottfried Lindauer. Hearing of Lindauer's planned trip to England reminds him of his own journey there, twenty years earlier, with a party of northern rangatira. As he sits for Lindauer, Paratene retreats deeper and deeper into the past, from the triumphs in London and their meetings with royalty to the disintegration of the visit into poverty, mistrust, and humiliation. (Source www.penguin.co.au)

Homework group

An enthusiastic group of senior students supervise students wishing to do homework in the library, offering help with reading, questions and advice after school.  The homework group has been successfully meeting on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 3.15 to 4.15.

Parents of students wishing to use this service are encouraged to communicate with the school office.

Wired

The library is a popular place to hang out with friends in the morning before classes begin. One ear plugged into music and the other open to listening to conversation is a great way to start the day.

Olympics

As part of the Year 7 and 8 study on the Olympics.  The librarians have posted up a quiz for the students to answer.  The prize will be $20.00 Tuck Shop voucher.  

Competition is quite fierce and the drawer will take place Monday 6 August.

The above picture is one of the displays that can be found on the intermediate classes level to add to the flags along their corridor. Students have been visiting the library to access the resources set out for them to provide information for their research.

The library has also entered into the Olympic spirit, brightening up the room with its own colouful array of flags and Olympic rings.

Mr Pip (by Lloyd Jones) film adaptation

The movie Mister Pip will premiere at the International Toronto Film Festival. A celebration for New Zealand literature and Lloyd Jones.

Directed by Andrew Adamson with the main character played by Hugh Laurie and given international acknowledgement; viewing this film has increased in appeal. If you haven't read Mister Pip then please get your copy here at the library.

It is set on the island of Bougainville as civil war breaks out. Foreigners move out and the villagers must face the isolation from the rest of the world as they attempt to survive. Only one white man, an eccentric school teacher named Mr Watts chooses to stay. This is a story about relationships, the effects of war and the power of story. It is the winner of the 2007 Commonwealth Writers Prize and shortlisted for the 2007 Booker Prize. If you need an award-winning book with good themes; give this one a go.

Author visit - Mark Chamberlain

Today Year 7 and 8 students were able to enjoy a visit by Mr Chamberlain, who is an old boy of the school. His novel Eddie's Big Fat Lies is based on FDMC, so that when he and a student read from this book, there was much the boys could relate to. It captured their attention and imagination, and they were keen to hear more.

Audible oohs and awws were expressed as the boys listened to a fight scene between a newbie and a bully at the school. The story had great appeal and will be one that they will readily study in class.
There was applause in appreciation of his time and sharing. Mr Chamberlain also held writer's workshops for students.

I invite students who were part of the author visit to add their comments about what they enjoyed.

Brown Brother by J.H.Iosefo

Spoken word poetry is awesome and so is this guy. A challenging and uplifing poem that this young man has composed and performs so well. So worth listening to.

                                 (Source : You Tube - Brown Brother by J.H Iosefo)

Our own masterchefs

Every fortnight Mrs MMcN and her three young chefs treat library staff to their delicious cooking. The boys take great delight in being able to share what they have made. In order to extend their range of recipes, the library has purchased a cookbook for their use.

If you are interested in cooking, perhaps you could check out the other recipe books on the shelf. We have ones that include ideas for teens, Japanese, microwave, slow cooking and low fat cooking.

Rock legends

Congratulations to Noriac, FDMC band that won the Taranaki Smokefreerockquest last Saturday night. Rock legends in the making. Well done! Check out their original song 'Dusk'.

                                (Source You Tube: Noriac - Dusk. PureNZBeast)

A mention also for our other talented musicians in the bands 30 Days Hath September and General Vibe who also participated in the competition.

Other rock legends that you may be interested in reading about, are the autobiographies of Slash from Guns n Roses fame, The Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chilli Peppers vocalist Anthony Kiedis. All books are part of our library collection.

Frankfurt Book Fair

More than 60 New Zealand authors and 100 performers will be in Germany showcasing Kiwi artistic talents leading up to and during October’s Frankfurt Book Fair where New Zealand is this year’s Guest of Honour.
“New Zealand has been attending the Frankfurt Book Fair for more than 20 years but Guest of Honour status this year has increased our German sales by at least 600 percent. This is a standout year in New Zealand publishing history and is a fantastic platform for a country of just over 4 million people. Doors have opened for New Zealand writers and this is our big moment to shine the light on the enormous wealth of talent coming out of such a small country” says Kevin Chapman, president of the Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ). (Source: New Zealand Book Council)

Such an awesome opportunity to shine!

Goosebumps Horrorland - R.L.Stine

Our Goosebumps books are so well read they are just about worn out. However the good news is that we have bought some new ones in the Horrorland series.

Find out more about what inspired R.L.Stine in this video.

                                      (Source: You Tube Barnesandnoble)

If you want to play some Goosebump games go to the following link:  http://www.scholastic.com/goosebumps/

A Confusion of Princes - Garth Nix

Taken from his parents as a child and equipped with biological and technological improvements, Khemri is now an enhanced human being, trained and prepared for the glory of becoming Prince of the Empire....... no sooner has Prince Khemi graduated to full princehood than he learns the terrible truth behind the Empire: there are ten million princes, and all of them want each other dead. (Back cover)

New York Times bestselling author Garth Nix discusses his new young adult space adventure novel, as well as the science fiction authors that have inspired him. (Source: Harperteen - You Tube http://bit.ly/LXiTOO )

If you click on link above it will also allow you to go to another link that will let you read a few chapters of the book.

Doglands - Tim Willocks

Book review:

When I picked up the galley of DOGLANDS, a new fall 2011 YA novel by noted British crime fiction writer, physician (and dog owner) Tim Willocks, I had a reasonable expectation that I was the ideal reader for the book and would be sufficiently entertained by the story. What I did not expect was how completely bowled over I would be by this magnificent novel. DOGLANDS works on so many levels I don’t even know where to begin. For one thing, the novel is a page-turning adventure story about a brave young half-breed greyhound named Furgul, who after escaping a brutal camp where other purebred greyhounds are groomed for racing, goes in search of his father and also plots to rescue his mother who remains captive at the camp and whose life may be at risk. The twists and turns of the story will perhaps remind readers other great adventure stories – CALL OF THE WILD, WATERSHIP DOWN and INCREDIBLE JOURNEY—but the story has a much more contemporary feel. (Source: Randomactsofreading http://bit.ly/LtoqdG )

The Undivided - Jennifer Fallon

For all you fantasy fans, this may be one for you.

The Undivided are divided.

The psychic twins Rónán and Darragh have been separated by a traitor Druid, Amergin, who has thrown Rónán through a rift into another reality. Now time is running out for Darragh. If Rónán isn′t found soon, they will both die.

Meanwhile, Ren Kavanagh has no notion of where he comes from and is plagued by mysterious injuries. Then he meets the enticing and mysterious Trása, and before he can figure out how it happened, he is in serious trouble ...

Ren′s life is about to become more bizarre and dangerous than he could ever have imagined. (Back cover)



If you want to read the beginning of this book  so you can get a feel for the writing,
go to the following link http://bit.ly/KXJlIk

Currawalli Street - Christopher Morgan

With simpicity and great beauty, Currawalli Street reveals the echoes between past and present through the story of one ordinary street and its families, from the pre-war innocence of early 1914 to the painful and grim consequences of the Vietnam War. (Back cover)

For a review written by David Hill go to http://bit.ly/LwHtkW

The Eye of the Tiger (not the song) - Wilbur Smith

I was an avid reader of Wilbur Smith's Ballentyne and Courtney series, especially the earlier books. The books were set in the rugged and dangerous landscape of Africa. The Eye of the Tiger follows a similar scenario however it is based not on the land but at sea and on tropical islands. This novel was first published in 1975, so it is not a recent novel.

                                                        (Source: Flickr - Globalisation Pictures)
The following excerpt may help you decide if you might like to read it.
Harry Fletcher, a man with a chequered past, has reformed and is making an honest living as a charter skipper fishing for big game in the seductive waters of the Indian Ocean. suddenly men from the would of violenceHarry has put behind him overturn his good intentions, involving him in a hectic race to recover a fabulous treasure from and ancient wreck. (Back Cover)

Scroll over book cover on the  Shelfari shelf for more information.

Tagxedo

Tagxedo turns words -- famous speeches, news articles, slogans and themes, even your love letters -- into a visually stunning word cloud, words individually sized appropriately to highlight the frequencies of occurrence within the body of text. (Source: Tagxedo website)

I created this image using the Tagxedo web tool. It features words that exist within this blog. It is a fun way to create a visual image to incorporate into your assigments that is linked to your content. There are many features that enables you to customize the image such as colour, theme, orientation and font. I suggest you got to www.tagxedo.com and check it out. For more information on 101 ways to use Tagxedo go to http://bit.ly/101tagxedo

Swords - Ben Boos

The latest edition to the Shelfari new books shelf is Swords. It is a beautiful illustrated book of swords with background information about them. Highly recommended even if you aren't even interested in swords. And with sadness to learn that the author has passed away.

Ben Boos: In Memoriam

by Candlewick Press on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 7:50am ·

Ben Boos (1971-2011)

It's with sad hearts that we announce that our beloved author/illustrator Ben Boos passed away June 22nd, 2011 in a tragic accident. He leaves behind a loving wife and 4 children. Ben Boos was the creator of Swords: An Artist's Devotion and Fantasy: An Artist's Realm as well as a designer for the Diablo video games. His artwork also appears in the upcoming Spring 2012 title What Color Is Your World? The world has lost a great talent. (Source: Facebook)

Guns and utu: a short history of the Musket Wars - Matthew Wright

                                  Wright disputes the many mythologies of these wars,
                                  examining the whys and wherefores of this generation-long
                                  collision. (Back cover)

An easy-reading book that can be used for personal interest or information on New Zealand history.

Earth dragon, fire hare - Ken Catran

New Zealand's forgotten war, fought in the deep green jungles of Malaya. In 1948 Britain and her allies are pitted against Communist terrorists in a struggle for freedom. On opposing sides are Peter Hayes, a young Kiwi soldier, and Ng, a dedicated guerilla. They are enemies, but, as the bitter conflict deepens, both will ask questions. Who fights for freedom? Who is the oppressor? (Back cover)

Having written for TV and film, Catran clearly knows a thing or two about introducing characters using an action-driven plot and maintain a non-stop pace right to the very end. He hooks the reader immediately, and has crafted a well-written, interesting (Catran gets bonus points for writing about a war I’d never heard nor read of) and easy read. (Reviewed by Keri Trim at Booksellers NZ ) For the full review go to http://bit.ly/K4u2eS

Visit from Massey University representative

The library has been hosting visits from university personnel from around the country to provide an opportunity for Year 13 students to hear what each university can offer. Today Leland Ruwhiu from Massey covered areas such as entry requirements, facilities and services, recommended and required Y13 subjects to be taking for specific areas of tertiary study, and the various Massey campuses. Leland was pleased with the enquiries and the level of preparation the students had already acheived.

For more information and pamphlets see Ms Land at the Careers Office.

The Tell Tale Heart - Edgar Allan Poe

The tell tale heart

Click on the link above to view an  animated short film of a short story written by Edgar Allan Poe. It is moody, eerie and narrated with dramatic tension by James Mason.

Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 - October 7, 1849) was an influential American poet, novelist, short story writer and literary critic. The majority of his writings, both poetry and prose, fall within the horror genre. He is sometimes credited with inventing modern detective fiction with his 1841 short story Murders in the Rue Morgue. (Source: http://literature.wikia.com/wiki/Edgar_Allan_Poe)

New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards

The following books (except for Calling the Gods) are available at the library.

Winner of the New Zealand Post Children's Book of the Year and winner of the Non-Fiction category.

                                                 Honour award: Non-fiction category.

 Winner - Young Adult category.

                                   Winner of the Junior Fiction and Best First Book Award.

                                                  Honour Award - Picture Book category.

                                                       Honour Award - Young Adult.

                                                        Honour Award - Junior fiction.

Winner of photo competition

Monday school assembly; there was a tangible sense of anticipation and the 'drumroll' of feet just before the announcement of the winning entry for the competition held last week. Contestants were required to identify the staff members whose faces were only partially revealed behind a book or under a hat, and in one case photographed when he was much younger. The second requirement was to name one book labeled/tagged in the library blog with 'level one reading'. Although there was a great response, only 17 correct entries made the draw. Our lucky winner is Joshua who chose a $20 iTunes card for his prize. Congratulations Josh!

New books

I have added 6 new books to the Shelfari shelf. Scroll over cover or click on cover for more details about each book.

No time for fear: how a shark attack survivor beat the odds - Paul de Gelder

                                                    (Source :You Tube. Paul de Gelder - No Time for Fear)

Paul lost two limbs, and his career as an elite navy clearance diver was flung into jeopardy. Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him - from his wild teen days to his haul up the ranks of the defence forces - Paul left nothing to chance in his recovery. His inspiring story takes 'never say die' to a whole new level. (Back cover)

Author of the Year Award goes to...

                                                   (Source: You Tube. Author of the Year - CBCBook)

The Children's Book Council (in the U.S.A.) has announced Jeff Kinney as their author of the year at the 2012 CBCA's. He was in esteemed company with other nominations being Christopher Paolini, James Patterson and Rick Riordan. The video features the presentation of this award, well worth viewing.

Graphic novels

         On display and available for issue are number of new graphic novels.

The lifeboat - Charlotte Rogan

Over the course of three perilous weeks, the passengers on the lifeboat plot, scheme, gossip and console one another while sitting inches apart. Their deepest beliefs about goodness, humanity and God are tested to the limit as they begin to discover what they will do in order to survive. (Back cover)

(Source: You Tube. Charlotte Rogan on The Lifeboat)

Book with a difference!

Reading this book is is a bit like taking a wonder along a trail, where there are twists and turns on the way.

(Image source: Strand Books)

It is titled Kapow by Adam Thirlwell (not available at FDMC library). For more info about this unusual book go to: http://bit.ly/KxtMaj

The day she cradled me - Sacha De Brazin

                                                        (Image source: www.listener.co.nz)

A fascinating novel based on the life of the infamous baby farmer Minnie Dean, the only woman in New Zealand ever to be hanged. (Back cover)

The Nutters Club: helping nutters from the inside out - Mike King with David Codyre

                                                          (Source: www.radiolive.co.nz)

Mike King is in his own words a 'Certified Nut'. Every Sunday he and psychiatrist, Dr. David Codyre, host the hugely popular Nutters Club radio show on RadioLive. The show focuses on the life experiences of a Guest Nut who shares their story to help others with Mental Health issues.

This book focuses on 11 people from different walks of life who talk about their life challenges. Through each story you learn about coping mechanisms, recovery and hope, in a way that is non-preachy and easy to understand. Includes stories from Mike Chunn and Denise L'Estrange-Corbett and some insight into Mike King's personal battle with depression, drugs and alcohol. (Back cover)

Untamed: the extraordinary adventures of the Swazi Man by Davey Hughes

Davey was born in Scotland and came to New Zealand as a young boy. It was this country that shaped him, that gave him a sense of adventure and a yearning for the hills and mountains. (Inside cover)

                                                                                 (Source: www.mightyape.co.nz)


Keep up with Davey's adventures at www.swazi.co.nz

Calico Joe by John Grisham

John Grisham - Calico Joe is a stunning and poignant novel about sons and their dads, the forgiveness and redemption that can be needed in these relationships, all set in the world of Major League Baseball. (Source: www.calicojoe.com)


An unforgettable novel about childhood, family, conflict and guilt, and how a lifetime of tragedy might finally be forgiven. (Backcover) 


For reviews go to:
www.goodreads.com/book/show/13154952-calico-joe

An evening with Helen Brown

Taranaki is being spoilt this month with a visit from another author, New Plymouth-born Helen Brown. Well-known journalist and author for 28 years, she will be at Benny's Books on Wednesday 30 May, 5.00 - 6.30pm. It is a free event but bookings are essential. Phone Benny's Books: 7594350.

Helen's book After Cleo, came Jonah is a sequel to Cleo.

                                                        Source: www.borders.com.au

Books will be available for purchase and signing.