Samantha

Hello, and Welcome to BookIt! This is the page where you can find EVERYTHING on and about books, from reviews and recommendations, to the best-seller list!

This week, I will be posting a summary of a book that has gained popularity recently, The 39 Clues!

Summary- In this series, Amy (14) and Dan (11) are orphans who cherished their weekly visits to their grandmother's estate. When she dies, their life is altered forever, in more ways than they expected! Amy and Dan are offered a choice at the reading of their grandmother's will: a million dollars, or a chance at a game that could decide the fate of the world. The siblings accept the challenge, and at pitched into a free-for-all race to gather all 39 clues which will give them the recipe to unlimited power. They are up against cold-blooded relatives who will do anything to get the clues first. Against all odds, Amy and Dan become top competitors, and the top targets for their family members. Amy and Dan will be forced to navigate the world to find clues and evade their murderous family with nothing but their strange baby-sitter, and a red-snapper-loving cat.

Welcome Letter!

Welcome back hawks! It’s a new school year, with fresh opportunities to meet new people, do better in class, and set new goals! This year, whether it’s you first or last year here with us at BCMS, is going to be the best one yet! Open House was Tuesday, September 21, if you didn’t go, you missed a LOT of school spirit! Parent’s toured the campus, led by their children. Progress Report’s went out Thursday, September 23, which signals we are half way through our first quarter already! Other school events are coming up soon! As long as you maintain good behavior, you can attend concerts, sports competitions, spirit days, dances and more! Take a look at the following calendar for upcoming events!

October
 * Monday || Tuesday || Wednesday || Thursday || Friday || Saturday || Sunday ||
 * ||  ||   ||   || 1 || 2 || 3 ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">4 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">5 <span style="color: #008000; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Picture Day! || 6 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">7 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">8 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">9 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">10 ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">11 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">12 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">13 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">14 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">15 <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">No School! || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">16 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">17 ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">18 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">19 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">20 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">21 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">22 <span style="color: #ff0000; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Report Cards || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">23 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">24 ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">25 <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">No School! || 26 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">27 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">28 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">29 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">30 || <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">31 ||

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">This week, I will be posting my review of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and how it measures up to the book!

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Recently, I had the opportunity to go the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in Islands of Adventure, Orlando. If you are familiar with the name Harry Potter, that isn't a surprise! You can find references to "The Boy Who Lived" just about everywhere and anywhere! By watching TV, glancing at a newspaper, even going to your local grocery store you can find advertisements for Harry Potter. While at the park, I was blown away. As someone who has read the books multiple times, and throughally enjoyed the movies, I was astounded by the accuracy of the park-builders. Hogwarts and Hogsmeade look genuine, and even the Hogwarts Express was there. There was almost nothing out of place; it was every reader's dream come true. Sadly, the snow-covered roofs of Hogsmeade seemed out of place in the sticky humidity, although the snow looked real too. If you have either read the books, seen the movies, or both, this will enthrall you. The main attraction, by far, it The Forbidden Journey. This was an amazing ride, like nothing I had ever seen or heard about. Any reviews you have ever seen on the ride are not enough to do it justice. Plenty of quick turns and creatures jumping out at you to keep the adventurous rider content, and no plummets or loops (although you flip onto your back to fight dragons, Dementors, and several other evil creatures many times) for anyone not so brave. The Dragon Challenge was incredible, I enjoyed it as well, and although you walked through the dungeons, it was not nearly as impressive as The Forbidden Journey. You can choose to ride on either a Chinese Fireball (which is appropriately a red color) or a Hungarian Horntail (Which for some reason, which is beyond me, is blue. This dragon was known for being able to spew fire the longest and farthest of all dragons. However, allowances for the park builders can be made, seeing as the roller coaster was already there. They probably did not want to paint it another color-possibly green for a Green Welsh-.) All together, the park was excellent, the food smelt as though I were in England (and for lunch, you can dine on a huge plate of fish and chips, if you choose, with butterbeer or pumpkin juice), and Honeydukes and Zonkos were open for business! However, one could not get within fifty feet of Ollivanders. I do mean this literally, there were SWARMS of people surrounding the wand shop, I suggest if all you want is to buy a wand, go to another shop (Dervish and Bangs is an excellent place, as is the Owl Post). Shops are very crowded, although the streets are not nearly as bad.

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">All in all, the theme park was as close to a perfect representation of the books. Whether or not you have read the series, however, the park will amaze you.

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">10-7-10 It has just now occurred to me that I should probably be posting the date on which I post my column. If you are interested, I will be posting every Thursday night. Anyway, this week I will be posting a recommendation for a book series that you may, or may not have previously heard about. This series has been steadily increasing in popularity, and is known as, "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. I highly recommend this trilogy; it is an excellent read for anyone from Middle School to adults. Some parts of the books are a bit gory, but don't worry if that type of book doesn't appeal to you, The Hunger Games incorporate nearly every genre into one smooth blend, without seeming forced or jumbled. The main character, Katniss Everdeen, lives in a future world that seems all-to-likely a possibility: The government is a dictatorship in which they force 12 other districts into submission through a cruel sport called "The Hunger Games" (hence the name). The Hunger Games is a yearly event in which 24 children between the ages of 12-18 are thrown into a foreign environment, and must fight to the death. The question remains the same: What would you do to live? Would you kill or be killed? Dealing with the terror of being hunted, trying to survive in a hostile land, and knowing that you must inevitably be a killer will take a heavy toll on the characters, and eventually, you are left wondering: "Even if they could survive, could their sense of humanity?" <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This was a thrilling read, something that leaves you guessing, even to the last page.

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">10-15-10 Of course, because I made a plan, I am NOT posting regularly. Normally, I WILL be posting Thursday, so you can conclude that today was just unusual, which it was! However, this week, I wanted to shed light on another of my favorite series'. The first book is called "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver. This book is set sometime in prehistory, and the main character, Torak, is growing up orphaned and alone. He has grown up as an outsider, without ever knowing why. He has amazing skills in the way of hunting, tracking, and survival, but has hardly ever seen another person besides his father, who was murdered by a demon-bear. Torak's world is turned upside down when he rescues a young wolf pup, who is as much trouble as a mystery. Torak (who happens to be only 12) soon realizes that some of the wolf-pup's barks and growls are starting to make sense! This book delves into the realm of spirits, spins into a tale of isolation, finding your place in the world, and one of the first tales of mans best friend. Full of psychological brain teasers, gut-wrenching choices, and mind-blowing consequences, you are sure to love this series!

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">10-21-10 This week, I will be posting the titles and corresponding authors of this year's Sunshine State Young Reader's Awards. Each year, fifteen outstanding books are chosen and listed as SSYRA books. This is the list for grades 6-8. <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Seer of Shadows-Avi <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Boy Who Dared-Susan Campbell Bartoletti <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Taken-Edward Bloor <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Diamonds in the Shadow-Caroline B. Cooney <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Football Hero-Tim Green <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Great Wide Sea- M.L. Herlong <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Do Not Pass Go-Kirkpatrick Hill <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lawn Boy-Gary Paulsen <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Billy Creekmore-Tracey Porter <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lost Time-Susan Maupin Schmid <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Mailbox-Audrey Shafer <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Changeling- Delia Sherman <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I, Q.:Idenpendence Hall-Roland Smith <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Mercy on These Teenage Chimps-Gary Soto <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Smiles to Go- Jerry Spinelli

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I am rather impressed with this year's assortment of titles, and am shocked that I've only read one of these books! I am personally Looking forward to Lost Tiem, The Boy Who Dared, The Seer of Shadows, Billy Creekmore, and Smiles to Go. All of the titles seemed interesting, although these appealed to my personal interests. If you are interested in discriptions of these titles, [] would be the place to go! <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Have an excellent week!

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">10-28-10 <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The Cry of The Icemark Series. Never heard of it? It's not surprising, as it is one of the amazing titles that have not been given the recognition they deserve. The author, Stuart Hill, is more commonly know for adult reading material, and has not received much aknowlegdement for his books. The main character, 14 year old Thirrin Freer. The book is set in a time period equivalent to the Crusades, and Thirrin's father is about to go to war, and is making preparations for his death. Thirrin fears she will soon become queen at age 14. She will have to face not only the troubles of a kingdom, but also the looming army of highly advanced, undefeated men who have come to crush her country beneath their heel. Full of suspense, wonder, fairytale creatures, and the ever-present hidden themes that reflect our own history, this book is amazing. I can not give it enough praise. This is actually the first book in a trilogy, and I ordered the third book from the UK, because it came out sooner there! I couldn't wait any longer for the final book. The characters are so full of life and personality, you feel as though they are actual people, standing near you, and whispering the story to you. The dark, twisted minds of the villans, the persistance of Thirrin, and her stubborn, likable character turn her into a character you will never forget.

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">11-11-10 <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Another excellent series that I am a huge fan of is, "The Mysterious Benedict Society" books. This trilogy is designed for readers who enjoy a good plot, filed with twists and turns. The uncommonly original characters seem to draw in the reader, making them feel as though they were a main character. With unusual turns of events, the storyline is made beliveable and sprung to life in the reader's mind. The author, Trenton Lee Stewart, has hilariously stereotypical villains squaring off against our spunky main characters, who are anything but average. The reader sees circus-trained, ingenious Kate, the brainy, speed reader Sticky (whose birth name is actually George Washington), stubborn and disagreeable, yet exceptionally gifted -even for this group-, Constance Contraire. Lastly, the reader meets the character who seems every bit normal outwardly, but has a well-rounded, intelligent demeanor that sets him above the rests, and names him the leader, Reynie Muldoon. The most astounding fact about these brilliant characters? They haven't even hit their teens. While the plot is somewhat predictable, it is interesting to see through the illustrated mind of a child genius. <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">*Also, I would like to apologize for not posting last week, I have no reasonable excuse, so I will simply have to leave my apology blank*

=<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">BUILDER'S CLUB HELP "STUFF-THE-BUS" AT PALMETTO PUBLIX! = <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">This autumn season, the Manatee County School District and Publix have teamed up to battle hunger in Manatee County! Saturday, November 20th, from 9a.m.-1p.m. Builder's Club members will be helping load groceries that have been donated by kind-hearted customers onto a school bus. All the food that has been donated will be transported to the Food Bank of Manatee. School buses will be at every Publix in Manatee County over the weekend. In a recent statement, the managers of this wonderful cause have set a goal of 100,000 lbs to be donated. Customers can buy extra groceries to donate and help make a real difference in our community. Last year, this program provided more than 36,000 meals for local families. Please make a contribution to benefit people in need in Manatee County.

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">11-18-10 <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">BCMS REWARDS STUDENTS FOR READING! <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Yes, reading. For each battle of the book you read, you can go to the library and tell Mrs. Lester a little bit about the book you read, she will give you a coupon thats good for either a cookie or an ice-cream. For every five books you read, you get a free "Icy Creation". When you read 15 of the books, you get entered into a drawing for a free iPod! This is a really good program that you should take advantage of, especially since the books on the list are not strictly the books on the list above. Two excellent books I really recommend are __Wolf Brother__ by Michelle Paver, and __I, Q: Independence Hall__ by Roland Smith. This year is not Roland Smith's first time as a SSYRA author, and for good reason. His writing is exceptionally good, and his characters are both original and witty. __Wolf Brother__ is a more serious book, which I actually covered a few weeks ago. Please take advantage of this awesome program, and keep reading!

<span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">12-11-10 <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> CONCERT A SUCESS! <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">Tuesday, December 7th, BCMS's Orchestra, Jazz Band, and the Steel Talons Steel Drum Group dazzled their friends, family, and neighbors with an assortment of wonderful songs! The night started off with dinner, and carried on with performances from pianists, the Intermediate Orchestra and Intermediate Jazz Band, Advanced Jazz Band and the Steel Talons. Perish Gril served dinner to ticket holders starting at 5:30pm, a choice between spaghetti or Cajun chicken with a salad, beverage and dessert. Ticket prices were $6 for students who wanted to eat and $10 for adults who would be eating dinner. There was some confusion about admission and ticket prices, but it was NOT necessary to purchase dinner to come listen to the performers. The cafeteria was soon ringing with applause when pianists Patricia Meehan, Kaitlyn Evans, and William Kelley took the stage. The young musicians played several holiday songs along with a few of their favorites! Among these were: "O' Come All Ye Faithful," "The Meadow," "Hark! The Harold Angles Sing," "Endless Love," "Housetop Boogie," and, "Silent Night." <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;"> Next, Intermediate Jazz Band played, performing songs such as, "Jammin' With Charlie," and "Uncle Milo's Slideshow." Next to perform was the Intermediate Orchestra, playing "Dragon Slayer," "Improvada," and "Nightrider." <span style="color: #ab25da; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">The Hemidemisemi Quavers, a group of elite eighth grade orchestra students, played several songs, such as "Themes from the Nutcracker," and "Christmas Bits and Pieces."