It's all over but for the voting!

All of the discussions for the nominated White Pine books have now been posted and now comes the hard part and that is picking and voting for your favourite book of the year.

Here at Secord, the ballots and ballot box have been placed out and everyone has til April 22 to cast their ballot.

Remember, you have to have read five of the ten nominated books to enable you to cast a vote for your favourite read.

Next stop? A great day in Toronto at The Harbourfront Centre for the White Pine announcement ceremony on Wednesday, May 13th. It's going to be a "par-tay" along with Fort Erie Secondary School and Westlane Secondary School when we travel together on that day. Can't wait!!!

Tweaked by Kathryn Holubitsky
Tweaked is an honest, accurate, and non-judgmental portrait of a family dealing with methamphetamine addiction. Told from the perspective of the addict’s little brother, Tweaked depicts the highs, the lows and everything in between.

Questions:

"Crystal meth" is a very powerful and addictive drug, but considered a trendy club drug by some.

For this family, Chase's addiction to this drug spelt death for him, and a death to the family unit. Need more information on the facts of this terrible and destructive drug?

Did you relate at all to Gordie and what he was going through?

Chase's mother seemed determined to "help" her son, no matter what the cost to the rest of her family. Do you condone her behavior or do you think that she was in complete denial? Discuss.

The very last page of the book depicts a conversation between Gordie and Ryan and it seemed like there was hope that Ryan was beating his addiction and was going to be ok. Even after hearing about Chase's death, it looks like Ryan was on the slippery slope to an addiction, once again. Why do you think, after all the pain and sorow and self inflicted misery that his addiction caused, Ryan would go back to meth as a way out of his reality? Why does any one?

Mountain Girl River Girl by Ting-xing Ye

Pan-pan and Shui-lian leave their small town homes with the hope of finding a better life in a modern Chinese city. They soon realize that only by working together will they have a chance at success.

Questions:

Life for young women in China looks a lot different than it does for teens inthe Western World.

• Did you relate to the characters of Pan-pand and Shui-lian?
• How do these characters change or evolve throughout the course of this story?
• What triggers such changes?
• Did certain parts of the book make you feel uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way?

Gravity Journal fans!

The author of this book, Gail Sidonie Sobat has recently posted to our blog. Check out the posting here under the title of the book!

Welcome Marsha Skrypuch, author of "Daughter of War"!

White Pine is happy to welcome Ms. Skrypuch as a follower and contributor to this blog. She would love to hear from you!

I live in Brantford and my novel, Daughter of War, is on the 2009 White Pine list. Just wanted to drop you a note to let you and your students know that they can ask me questions via email and I will answer them. If you would like me to participate in your blog, I would be delighted to. If they'd like to read my blog, it's here:
http://marsha-s.livejournal.com/
and my website is:
www.calla.com
And Chapters did an extensive interview with me about the novel. It can be found here:
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/Marsha-Skrypuch-Q-A/MarshaSkrypuch_QA-promo.html

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

After his city is attacked, Marcus is wrongfully taken into custody by Homeland Security. When he’s released, one of his friends is missing, his rights are gone and his city has become a police state. The only computer the government isn’t watching is his Xbox....

Discussion questions:

How realistic do you think Marcus' situation was?

Coult this "Police State" ever really happen in Canada or the United States - in these democracies? Why/Why not?

Did you ever consider that Van or Ange might actually be traitors to Marcus? What about Masha or Zeb?

Did you think this was a well-written novel? Why/Why not?

What did you think of the plot? If you have read Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell do you see any similarities between the two novels?

Do you think the Omar Khahr arrest had anything to do with the theme for this book?

Don't forget to check out Cory Doctorow's website boingboing.net!

NB: A downloadable FREE ebook version of Little Brother is available from the author if you want to choose this format.

Gravity Journal
By Gail Sidonie Sobat

While battling anorexia in rehab, Anise keeps a journal. Anise's mother and father seem oblivious to her struggle and her brother is too consumed with his own problems to be able to help her. Her poems, daily accounts and personal reflections reveal the destructive nature of anorexia as well as the amazing strength of the human spirit to survive.

Discussions Questions:

What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel?

Can you relate to the characters' predicaments?

To what extent do they remind you of yourself or someone you know?

In your opinion, what triggers the disease of anorexia and self-mutilation?

Do you keep a journal or diary?

Thank you Laura Secord for the great welcome! We at FESS are looking forward to blogging with you about the White Pine Books. We are really enjoying them this year. We prefer them to last year's choices.
Looking forward to reading some great material together!

Gotcha by Shelly Hrdlitschka

It's ‘bead season' at Slippery Rock High. This year the bead-snatching grad game called ‘Gotcha' has been banned as an official school activity because the teachers have decided to put an end to a dangerous tradition. After paying an entry fee the players are given a bead and someone’s name. The object of the game is snatch the bead of your victim and take their name. The winner ends up with all the beads—and all the money. After the game is banned it becomes even more appealing. The game goes underground and more grads than ever are participating. Katie is reluctant to join in, but as a member of grad council she feels she has to go along. The game quickly spins out of control. Katie finds herself losing friends and falling victim to her classmates’ obsession with the game. She considers dropping out of the game but then devises a better way of getting even with her classmates. Katie finds herself sliding further and further down the chute that leads to disaster. Can she bring a safe end to this deadly game?

Discussion questions:


For me, part of the appeal of this book is the bright blue colour on the book cover, as well as the the beads that are the focus of the theme of this book. Did you know it takes the average reader 8 seconds to decide to buy a book, based on the cover? Did this book appeal to you for the same reasons?


Can you relate to Katie's predicament? How would you have done things differently if the bead game was at your school?

This author is from British Columbia. About twelve years ago there was a fourteen year old girl, Reena Virk, murdered because she was swarmed by a group of girls and one boy. Eventually one of the girls finally told the others to stop. However, two followed Reena and she was dragged underwater and drowned. Do you think the author got the idea for Gotcha from this actual happening?

Do you think you would be immune to a mob mentality?

Dooley takes the fall by Norah McClintock

Ryan Dooley, a teenager with a criminal record, witnesses another teen’s violent death. Police suspect he is involved and the gritty mystery unfolds as Dooley is determined to prove his innocence.

Norah McClintock has written a tense, psychological mystery. She adeptly reveals things about Dooley, Everley and Gillette slowly, heightening the suspense. Dooley gets a crush on Everley's sister, but talk about coming from the wrong side of the tracks, Dooley realizes he doesn't stand a chance with her. As his past becomes common knowledge, the reactions to Dooley from his peers and the police become more pointed.

Discussion questions:

Did you enjoy this book? How has the author held your interest in Dooley's story?

Do you believe that hypnotism really works?

Dooly had two counselors that he worked with, one of which he really didn't like. In your opinion, what make a good counselor?

Word has it that Westlane is joining us as White Pine Readers and posters to this blog. Welcome Mrs. Clakstone and her readers. I hope you enjoy your time here.

Let's give a great big Secord welcome to the White Pine Readers from Fort Erie Secondary School led by their fearless library leader, Mrs. Jane Townsend. Mrs. Townsend will now be co-authoring this White Pine Blog with me and the nominated book discussions will now include musings and thoughts from the students at Fort Erie Secondary School.

All I can say is "the more, the merrier"

Ms. Secord.

Guess who's coming to the White Pine Ceremony in May?

The White Pine Awards Ceremony is shaping up to be a treat with authors such as:

CORY DOCTOROW
ALLAN STRATTON
TING XING YE
MARSHA SKRYPUCH
DONNA MILNER
SHELLY HRDLITSCHKA
GAIL SIDONIE SOBAT

These authors are all scheduled to make an appearance and with most of the authors putting together workshops for students the day of the festival! Plus all the different activities and games that will be happening will be keeping us busy. If you haven't been to the festival before check this out.

Corps Of The Bare-Boned Plane by Polly Horvath

When an accident leaves teenage cousins Meline and Jocelyn parentless, they come to live with their unknown and eccentric Uncle Marten on his private island.

They soon discover that the island has a history as tragic as their own: it was once an air force training camp, led by a mad commander whose crazed plan to train pilots to fly airplanes without instruments sent eleven pilots to their deaths.

Discussion Questions:

3 This book talks about grief and how we all handle it differently. For you, what was unique about the setting of this book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?

3 Do the characters seem real and believable?

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Daughter of War by Marsha Skrypuch

“Daughter of War” is a story of the children of a holocaust. Teenagers Kevork and his betrothed Marta are the lucky ones. They have managed so far to survive the Armenian genocide in Turkey, and both are disguised as Muslims. But Marta is still in Turkey, pregnant with another man's child. And Kevork is living as an Arab in Syria.Kevork yearns to get back into Turkey and search for Marta, but with the war raging and the genocide still in progress, the journey will be impossibly dangerous. Meanwhile, Marta worries that even if Kevork has survived and they are reunited, will he be able to accept what she has become? And what has happened to her sister, Mariam, who was sold as a slave to the highest bidder?

Daughter of War is a gripping story of enduring love and loyalty set against the horrors of Turkey during World War I.

There will be no discussion of this book, but please check out the following links and read about the real Armenian Holocaust and the life of the author, and how she got to be an author. You may relate to how she felt in high school.

3The Armenian massacres are true and actual occurrences, but this novel is a work of fiction.

3Marsha Skrypuch has led a very interesting life and is the author of many books for children and teens. If you enjoyed Daughter of War as much as I did, check out her life story.

After River by Donna Milner

Natalie grows up on a Canadian farm as part of a close, connected family. When River, a Vietnam War protester, comes to work for them, unsettling changes lead to catastrophe.

Questions to ponder and answer after you have read this book.

The theme of foreshadowing is applied heavily in "after River". When I was reading it, I knew something big was going to happen, but I didn’t know what it was and when it was going to happen. Were you as surprised as I when all was revealed who River was and how it affected Natalie and her family for years after? Do you think foreshadowing kept the plot moving unnecessarily or was it a device used by the author to engage the reader to emotionally invest in the characters in this book?

Life for Natalie, who grew up in Canada in the 60's was very different than it is for teens today.

Did you know that being gay was a criminal offence in Canada until 1969, punishable by imprisonment for up to 14 years ? Do you think people have accepted gays or is discrimination still prevalent in today's society? How would have life for Natalie and her brother been different if this book had been written today?

Back in the 60's and even when I was growing up, having a baby out of wedlock, especially if you were a teen, was something to be ashamed of. You never heard of someone keeping their baby, the support was just not there and it was the view of society that young mothers were just not equipped financially or emotionally to face the trials of raising a child. Young moms were sent away to give birth and the babies were put up for adoption or there was a "shotgun wedding" . In your opinion, was society's take on this issue good or bad, or somewhere in between?

The Vietnam War era was a time of much political dissention in the United States during the 60's and there were many young men who chose not to fight, River being one of them. He was labelled a deserter or draft dodger, a dirty word for patriotic Americans. Did you agree with River and believe that he was standing up for his rights or do you think he was a coward? How do you think our soldiers fighting for freedom in Afghanistan today would view River's beliefs?

If you have any other comments about this book, please post them! Did you like this book? Why?

___________________________________________________

Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton

Set in sub-sarahan Africa, Chanda's wars is a griping tale of family intrigue, love and courage, forgiveness and hope. To heal rifts with her extended family, Chanda travels to her grandmother's rural home with her younger brother and sister. Just when things are looking up, Chanda's siblings are kidnapped and it is only a matter of time before they are full-fledged child soldiers. It is up to Chanda to protect the ones she loves.

Discussion questions for this thought provoking book.

The book's title suggests that Chanda fights multiple wars. What are some struggles that Chanda is faced with during the course of the story.

Why do so many people in Chanda's wars refuse to mention or discuss HIV/AIDS. How does their silence affect HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention? Should people avoid discussing some diseases, especially in public? Why, or why not?

Cell phones and radios are important to the characters in Chanda's Wars. Why do you think these kinds of technology are important to them? What kinds of technology are important to you? How do the ways they use technology compare to the ways you use it?

Other thoughts or comments about this book?

FYI: Chanda's Secrets is another book by this author. Published in 2004, this story precedes "Chanda's Wars" and introduces us to Chanda and her life. This book is also available in the Laura Secord Library.

Please add your name as a follower of the blog by clicking on the link that is located beneath my picture, just as Tiffany has done, as well as subscribing to the blog. The info for this is located at the bottom of the page. When you post your reply to the blog at any time, please leave your name so I know who is participating, as you will "anonymous" unless you do. Please see the next posting located below for the latest discusion questions on "After River" & Chanda's Wars". Next week, we will be discussing "Daughter of War" and "Dooley Takes The Fall" .

The kick off

I think that we are off to a great start with our White Pine Reads and I'm so glad to see your enthusiasm for the nominated books and the t-shirts (which we will work on Mondays at lunch, so have your ideas ready) We also have the chance to go to Harbourfront in Toronto in May to see the White Pine Ceremony, host as the MCs and be part of the fun.

If you have any questions or there is something I didn't explain quite to your understanding, please drop by the library any time to see me.

Greetings, everyone! The purpose of this blog is to help all of us at high schools in Niagara to connect with each other as we enjoy the ten books that have been nominated for the book of the year by the Ontario Library Association.There is a great selection of books at http://www.accessola.com/forest2009/ to choose from this year and here at Laura Secord, many students have shown interest in participating in the ever growing program of "reading for the fun of it". If you listen to the buzz, these books are being very well received and it is going to go down to the wire as to who is going to come out on top this year. I don't envy the hard choices you have to make, the nominees have written some fabulous titles. Instead of just letting your fellow readers at your school know what you think of the book you have finished, I thought that this virtual meeting ground would be a great place to share all of our thoughts and ideas. I will be posting a weekly blog on each of the 10 nominated books and we will finish up on April 22, 2009. Don't forget that voting day is April 23, so if you are looking for recommendations on what to read next, or just want to tell all of us what you thought of the book of the week, here is the place to be heard. All I ask is that you sign your name to your post and let us know what school you are attending. It will be fun to see where we all are coming from!I would like to kick things off by posting a synopsis of the first book on the list, "After River" by Donna Milner . This discussion can be about what you thought of of the book, how you liked the character development, the plot line, or just a general overview of whether you would recommend this book to others. Have fun with this and I hope that you enjoy posting here!