The Haunting of Derek Stone/City of the Dead

Vacation at last! I'm home with the kiddies Mon and Tues, but after that I can READ READ READ all I want! I cannot wait!
Last night I finished The Haunting of Derek Stone: City of the Dead. This is the first in a creepy series of what looks like 4 books (Scholastic). Derek, his dad and his brother Ronny are on a train coming back from a convention, when the entire train derails and falls into Bordelon Gap, where at least 10 people are killed in the fall into the canyon. Derek seems to be the only survivor and is mourning with his uncle when his brother Ronny comes home in a taxi! Only, Ronny isn't really Ronny; he's someone else entirely. As you read you realize that the "dead" are returning and they are after Derek. This short volume will creep out the stoutest of readers and I can't wait to unleash it on my 7th grade boys because I think it will be a huge hit in my classroom. I was also given the ARC of Book 2- Bayou Dogs, which I will begin promptly. The "creepiness" of this book really intrigues me to read more.

Jane in Bloom

I found this delightful book in my pile that would be just perfect for middle school girls.

It is no surprise that Jane's older sister, Lizzie, is in trouble with her eating disorder. And, after Lizzie dies, Jane isn't sure what to do with her new only child role. Jane's always been close to Lizzie and yet has lived in her shadow. Lizzie was the beautiful blonde-obviously haunted- who everyone noticed. As the story progresses you gradually see the reasons Lizzie might have been prone to an eating disorder. Jane eventually finds her way to "growing up" on her own and the journey is beautiful.

This book is like a milder version of Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (also coming in March). While Wintergirls is definitely for older teens, Jane in Bloom can teach younger girls the perils of eating disorders; controlling, perfectionistic mothers; and possible missteps in the journey of adolescence. This book was quietly wonderful and you cheer for Jane through every page. A little romance thrown in never hurts the plot either- especially where teenage girls are concerned. Spare, lovely prose graces the novel from cover to cover.

Wow! Check this Out!

My new cool friend from Australia (The Book Chook) just graciously had me "over" for a guest blog. Read all about it here! This woman is awesome, and not just because she featured me in an entry! :) Click on the link to see the entry. Happy Reading!