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.