the Twighlight series by Stephanie Meyer

The Twighlight series, written by Stephanie Meyer, has been the craze for preteens and teens alike. It is a four book series that is full of fantasy, drama, mystery, romance and comedy. It is a series that appeals to the masses, because of its diverse nature. Anyone who likes the new portrayal of vampires, as living among us and not turning into bats or sleeping in coffins, will enjoy the storyline. The books are large, but don't let it itimidate you. The print is large, with a lot of white space and once you start reading you won't even notice how long they are. I would recommend caution to parents when letting your preteen or early teen read the fourth in the series, Breaking Dawn. It hints very strongly at the romantic points and a good reader will read between the lines.
Another good read, by Stephanie Meyer, is Host. Yes, it's another romantic, adventure filled fantasy novel.

House Rules by Jodi Piccoult

This book is amazing. It's the story about a teenage boy with Asperberger's Syndrome. This is a condition that falls on the autism spectrum. This young man is obsessed with criminal forensics and often sets up crime scenes for his mother to solve. This is all great, until he sets up a real crime scene to point the police in a different direction. Now he has to deal with lawyers, courts and uncertainties of family. It is heartywarming, intriguing, enlightening and a wonderful read. Not only does it take you into the mind and life of a person who lives with Asperberger's Syndrome, but also into the life of the family that also lives with it (and those with lack of knowledge that have to engage with those who have). Anyone above the 5th or 6th grade could read and enjoy this book. Everyone will learn something through its pages.

the House of Night series

Wow. I've recently been reading the House of Night series of books, by PC Cast. I've read 6 of them and could hardly put them down. They are along the lines of the Twighlight trilogy. A young girl is at her school locker, sees a man, feels ill and discovers that she has been Marked. She now has to get to the House of Night, to be around other vampires, or else she will die. What a rude awakening to find out that she is to become the new High Priestess. Some love her, some hate her and don't forget all of the typical high school drama. Throw in all of the dark business, need for blood, imprinting and the struggle to save humanity and you have a whirlwind series that many would love to read. Some of the content is strong language, a curse here and there, and some sexual references. I'd let my 7th grader read it, because we've talked about such things.
http://houseofnightseries.com/pages/series.html

Final thoughts/Recommendations

At the outset of this book I was worried that it was going to be too absurd for an adult. I was wrong. It was a cute story, with a wonderful message for anyone willing to listen. Knowing that this book was written for 4th-5th graders, I believe that it's a wonderful addition to any classroom library or as a mandatory class read.
There are many emotions contained within the pages and several underlying messages/morals to be explored. It would make an endearing, thoughtful, inciteful and appealing book to delved into for comprehension, context, content and enjoyment.
I would definately recommend this book for individual or class reading.

by Skidkid

Chapters 15-21 Connections

I found myself approaching tears watching Louis undergo his maturation process, much as human children do. I experiencing pride as Louis accomplished so many things, while culture and lifestyles were stacked against him, much like myself overcoming many obstacles to make myself become successful in this life and be a good role model for my kids. I hope that my children grow up to be as honest and honorable, hard working and true to himself as Louis and Sam.

by Skidkid

Chapters 15-21 Characters

Here's the thread for analysis of any new characters.

by Skidkid

Chapters 15-21 Summary

Here's the thread.

by Skidkid

Chapters 15-21 Word Finder

crepuscular: in zoology it means active in the twilight hours


by skidkid

Chapters 15-21 Discussion

Let's discuss the remaining chapters of the book and the book in its entirety.

1.  What was the point of Louis' going to Philadelphia? Who did he find there right before Christmas?
2. What dilemma did Serena's arrival bring and how was it solved?
3. What did Sam discover about himself, due to bargaining on Louis and Serena's behalf?
4. Did the cob's debt to the music store get paid?
5. How did Louis and Serena spend the rest of their lives?
6. Who do you think experienced the greatest personal growth: Sam, Louis or the Cob?  Tell us why?
7. What was the main point that you got out of the story/what do you think the underlying message was, if any?

by Skidkid

Chapters 8-14 Summary

Just opening the thread.

Chapters 1-7 Summary

Just starting the Label/thread for our summarizer to post under.

Chapters 8-14: Characters

CHARACTERS
-Sam Beaver is eleven-year-old boy who lives in Montana with his parents in Bar Nothing Ranch. He enjoys reading about bird and writing in his journal. Sam is Louis right hand man.
-The Trumpeter Swans are Louis Parents'
Louis Father- (Cob) gives Louis a present
Female swan is a pen but in the book, she is called wife and Louis Mother- shows Louis that she cares about him and keep Cob is line.
-Louis is a swan who was born with a speech defects and is not able to communicate with his family because of his lack of voice. He learned to read and write in school to be able to communicate with his family, but failed. His family does not know how to read. Louis at this time in the chapters is 18 month old. Louis reading skills help him learn to play the trumpet.

SECONDARY CHARACTERS
Mr. and Mrs. Beaver- Sam's parents
Serna- a female swan who Louis is in love with.
Mr. Brickle- director of the camp Kookooskoos
Applegate Skinner - a boy at the camp who hates birds and is constantly being pick on by the campers because of his name.
Boatman- is the owner of Swan Boat in Boston, the capital of Massachusetts
Skunk- is an animal who was snooping around at the camp for food.

Chapters 8-14: Connections

     I found myself feeling proud of the cob for the extent that he goes to for his son. I can totally connect with the cob's feeling of need to to do whatever is within his power to help his son. I would and have given everything that I've had to benefit my kids. I feel so defeated when I'm unable to help them accomplish things or experience things.
     Louis' feeling of excitement at going to camp is dead on with what I witnessed in my kids when they first went to camp (thanks to the kindness of others and their contributions). I cried when I looked at their faces and exhuberance when they got they got their first looks at the wonderous place that they would be staying. I felt so proud and scared for them.

by skidkid

Chapters 8-14: Word Finder

sensibilities: sense of right and wrong; personal beliefs
desirous:  driven by desire
resonant voice:  voice that is characterized by an echo quality
malodorous:  having a bad odor


by skidkid

Chapters 8-14: Discussion

-What does Louis' mother notice that she previously predicted would occur (when he was a cignet)?
-What does Louis' dad think and do about it?
-Why did Louis go to see Sam at his ranch home? What happened because of the visit?
-What happened at camp Kooskooskoos and how did it effect Louis' demeanor and concept of self?
-Why did he go to Boston and what did he experience there?
-What is the prevailing/recurring theme throughout these chapters?

by skidkid

Chapters 1-7: Connections

I found that, while reading the descriptions and actions taken by Sam, I was continually saying things to myself, such as; Dillon (my son) takes off and does things like that(disappearing to scout the woods and things), oooh...I remember when Sierra (my daughter) did ??? (anything to help an animal) and sounds like my kids. My kids are very active, outdoorsy, curious and concerned about the wildlife in their environment.
by Skidkid

Chapters 1-7: Word Finder

I found it interesting when I read that a "COB" is what a male swan is called.
My son was looking over my shoulder and asked what "boggy underfoot" meant. I replied; soft, soupy, sticky, wet and kinda sucks your feet in.
by Skidkid

Chapters 1-7: Discussion Topics

Who are the main characters?
Who are the secondary characters?
Is there an overwhelming demeanor or attitude expressed by each character and if so what and by who?
What is the setting for the story?
What is the main problem of the story?
How does the problem begin to resolve itself?
What is the beginning mood of the story and how does it begin to change?by Skidkid (Connie Fuller)

6-15-2010 beginning post

Our bookclub title is: "The Trumpet of the Swan".
Our club consists of:
Connie Fuller - Discussion Leader/Word Finder/Connector
Josie Elizondo - Character Analyzer/Word Finder/Connector
Glenn Sechler - Summarizer/Word Finder/Connector
We plan on looking at 7 chapters per week; so ch. 1-7, ch. 8-14 and ch. 15-21.

Oppinion Survey

Well...whatdya think? Will this work for everyone?