Carman Collegiate Library

New Books

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Books added to the library September - October 2009

Watch this space for more new book details. Leave your name at the library desk if you would like to read any of these books and they are already checked out.

Teen novels

Wake is the first in a series by Canadian science fiction writer Robert J. Sawyer. The next two novels, called Watch and Wonder, will complete the WWW series about the internet gaining consciousness. From the book jacket: "Caitlin Decter is a typical teen... but she's also blind. She undergoes an experimental procedure to regain her sight and the results are unexpected. She "sees" but not just the way we do--for her the world wide web is a riot of colours and shapes, its own dimension. While exploring it, she finds an "other" lurking there--and it finds her, seeing what she's seeing and learning as she learns. But that's not where it ends ..."

Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke- - the third book in the Inkheart series. Life in the Inkworld has been far from easy since the extraordinary events of Inkspell, when the story of Inkheart magically drew Meggie, Mo and Dustfinger back into its pages.With Dustfinger dead, and the evil Adderhead now in control, the story in which they are all caught has taken an unhappy turn. As winter comes, there is reason to hope – but only if Meggie and Mo can rewrite the wrongs of the past and make a dangerous deal with death.

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

From the book jacket: "Dear Dr. Fujiyama, By now, you have probably heard that I'm dead. This means I won't be attending this year's regional science fair, which is a great disappointment to me as I'm sure it also is for you. At the time I died, I felt I was starting to make real progress with those earthworms..." How can fifteen-year-old Liz let go of the only life she has ever known and embrace a new one? Is it possible that a life lived in reverse is no different from a life lived forward?

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is set in the not-too-distant future of North America where, "winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun..."

The library also has Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games.

Just when the librarian thought she had purchased every possible vampire book available, along came some more... Readers who liked the Twilight and Marked series of books will enjoy Vampire Academy. Fans of the Darren Shan vampire books will enjoy The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod.

EIGHTH GRADE BITES: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Grade 8 by Heather Brewster

From the book jacket: "If you thought eighth grade was tough, try it with fangs and a fear of garlic.Junior high school really sucks for thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod, and not in the good slurp-up-the-blood kind of way. A gang of bullies harasses him daily, the principal is dogging his every move, and the girl he really likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has to hide the fact that he's a vampire. When the one teacher he really connects with mysteriously vanishes, Vlad is determined to find him. But then Vlad finds an unsettling note scribbled across his essay: "I know your secret." Vlad must locate his missing teacher, dodge the principal, resist the bullies' tempting invitations to Bite me!, and get a date for the dance—all before he is exposed for the teen vampire he is.

NINTH GRADE SLAYS: The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd Grade 9 by Heather Brewster

From the book jacket: If middle school sucked for Vladimir Tod, high school is a real drain. Besides being a punching bag for bullies, he's still stalled with dream girl Meredith, and he's being tailed by a photographer from the school newspaper. Needless to say, practicing his vampire skills hasn't exactly been a priority for Vlad--until now. A monumental trip to Siberia with Uncle Otis is Vlad's crash course in Vampire 101. Training alongside the most gifted vampires is exactly what Vlad needs to sharpen those mind-control skills he's been avoiding. And he'd better get it right, because the battle brewing back home with the slayer who's been stalking him...could be Vlad's last.

Daniel X: Watch the Skies by James Patterson (Maximum Ride series) is the sequel toThe Dangerous Days of Daniel X.

From the book jacket: "LIGHTS All's quiet in the small town of Holliswood. Television sets, computers, and portable devices are aglow in every home, classroom, and store. Yet not all is perfect. Evil is lurking, just out of sight, behind the screen. CAMERA Residing in this sleepy town is a villain with more ambition than the world can withstand. Twisted beyond reason, he is dead set on throwing Holliswood into chaos and documenting the destruction of every person in it, including Daniel X. EXTERMINATION The only person who can stop this made-for-TV tyrant, Daniel must use his extraordinary power to save the town. But this devilish director has assembled an all-star team of his own creation and vows to stage the most spectacular finale the world has ever seen. Can Daniel X stop this deranged outlaw--or will he find himself on the cutting room floor?"

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman recently won the The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature.

From the book jacket: "Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy-an ancient Indigo Man beneath the hill, a gateway to a desert leading to an abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible menace of the Sleer. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family. . . . "

The library has acquired a number of new books by popular Canadian children's and teen author Eric Walters.

United We Stand by Eric Walters is the sequel to the award-winning 9/11 theme booked We All Fall Down.

Alexandria in Africa by Eric Walters tells the story of Alexandria Hyatt who has an easy, fabulous life is easy... until she is arrested for shoplifting. From the book jacket: "...Alexandria has been in trouble before–and this time she can’t find a way to scheme out of the consequences. Before she knows it, she’s on a plane headed to Kenya where she has been ordered to work for an international charity. Over 7,000 miles away from home with no hot water, no cell phone reception, no friends or family, Alexandria is confronted with a land as unfamiliar as it is unsettling. Over the course of her month in Africa, Alexandria will face a reality she could never have imagined, and will have to look inside herself to see if she has what it takes to confront it."

In Wounded by Eric Walters Marcus and his sister and mother are counting the days until Marcus's father comes home from Afghanistan. From the book jacket: "There are many different ways to be wounded... Waiting weeks for a phone call, and with only the occasional e-mail, has been difficult for the family, but they're ready to celebrate his return. When the big day comes, they're overcome with happiness and relief that he's safe, but as the days pass, Marcus begins to feel that there's something different about his father. He barely sleeps, he's obsessed with news from Afghanistan, and while at times he seems almost too happy, at other times he's erratic and aggressive. Marcus knows that post-traumatic stress disorder affects many soldiers, but at first he finds it hard to believe his father needs help, and then when he does think he needs counselling, he just can't seem to convince his father."

Graphic novel fans will be glad to hear that the second instalments of two popular graphic novels have arrived.

Amulet Book 2 - The Stonekeepers Curse continues the story of Amulet - The Stonekeeper in which Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather where they are lured into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals, and the most terrifying monster of all.

The Arctic Incident picks up where the first graphic novel and novel in the Artemis Fowl series left off. The graphic and original novel series by Eion Colfer, also on the library shelves, follows the adventures of 12-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl.

For Mature Readers

PG-15 fans of Eion Colfer will appreciate his newest novel --- the sixth book in the "increasingly inaccurately named" Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy. The book - the next instalment of the series first made famous by the late Douglas Adams as a radio play in 1978 - was written with the blessing of Adams' widow to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the publication of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy as a novel on October 12, 1979. Adams passed away in 2001, the same year that Colfer, an Adams fan, published his first Artemis Fowl novel. The new novel is officially named Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Part Six of Three, And Another Thing. The library also has copies of Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Life, The Universe and Everything, So Long and Thanks for All the Fish, and Mostly Harmless.

A number of historical novels have been added to the library including The Eagle series of novels by Simon Scarrow and The Warlord Chronicles, The Grail Quest and The Saxon Stories novels by Bernard Cornwell.

Thank you to Mr. Rivest for his kind donation of approximately 30 fantasy books including several books from the popular Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms series of books. Also thank you to Colby VanAssen for his donation of several fantasy and quick read novels.

Author bios, reviews of young adult books, please ask if we have these titles

More reading suggestions

Books added to the library in 2008-2009

Three Cups of Tea: One man's journey to change the world one child at a time

is a young reader's version of the worldwide bestseller Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. From the book jacket, Three Cups of Tea is "the story of a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan’s treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson’s quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit." This version is updated by Greg Mortenson to bring his remarkable story of humanitarianism up to date for the present. Includes new photos and illustrations, as well as a special interview by Greg's twelve-year-old daughter, Amira, who has traveled with her father as an advocate for the Pennies for Peace program for children. Look for the original version of the book in the library soon.

The Book of Negroes

by Canadian author Lawrence Hill is the 2008 winner of the Commonwealth Writer's Prize for Best Book. From the book jacket: "Abducted as an 11-year-old child from her village in West Africa and forced to walk for months to the sea in a coffle—a string of slaves— Aminata Diallo is sent to live as a slave in South Carolina. But years later, she forges her way to freedom, serving the British in the Revolutionary War and registering her name in the historic “Book of Negroes.” This book, an actual document, provides a short but immensely revealing record of freed Loyalist slaves who requested permission to leave the US for resettlement in Nova Scotia, only to find that the haven they sought was steeped in an oppression all of its own. Aminata’s eventual return to Sierra Leone—passing ships carrying thousands of slaves bound for America—is an engrossing account of an obscure but important chapter in history that saw 1,200 former slaves embark on a harrowing back-to-Africa odyssey."

The Last Lecture

by Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow is the book version of the incredible final lecture given by Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch before he died of cancer. Entitled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" the lecture was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, enabling the dreams of others and seizing every moment. You can view the lecture here.

Other new or gently used books:

Pendragon #9 Raven Rise

From the book jacket: "This is where it begins. The showdown for Halla. At stake is nothing less than all that ever was and all that will be. There's only one thing missing--Bobby Pendragon. While Bobby remains trapped on Ibara, the battle moves to his home territory: Second Earth. Mark Dimond and Courtney Chetwynde are left on their own to defend Second Earth agsinst the forces of Saint Dane. They must face off against a charismatic cult leader who has risen to power by revealing a shattering truth to the people of Earth: They are not alone. The Convergence has broken down the walls. The territories are on a collision course. The final phase of Saint Dane's quest to rule Halla is under way. And Bobby Pendragon is nowhere to be found." This is the second last book in the original Pendragon series. More information about Book 10 including the cover art which will be released March 3, 2009 here.

Pendragon Before the War The Travellers Book 1 and Book 2

From the book jacket: "Every territory of Halla has a Traveler. They lived for years—some even for decades—before learning of their true destiny. What was life like for Bobby Pendragon's fellow Travelers before they joined him in the fight to save every time and place that has ever existed? What led up to their becoming the guardians of Halla? The answers are here! In this first of three thrilling Pendragon prequels, read about Vo Spader's death-defying adventures in the underwater world of Cloral, Gunny Van Dyke's race to find a murderer in 1930's Manhattan on First Earth, and the tough challenges Kasha faced on Eelong well before Bobby Pendragon arrived . . ." Book three is being published in March 2009. You can see the cover art and more information about the book here.

Dear Canada Not a Nickel to Spare: The Great Depression Diary of Sally Cohen

by Perry Nodelman is a book from the Dear Canada series of historical novels written as diaries. From the book jacket: "Coping with being poor during the Depression is hard enough, but Sally also has to deal with the anti-Jewish feelings in her community when she ventures outside her familiar Jewish neighbourhood. And her cousin Benny is always getting into scrapes Sally has to try to get him out of. Sally must find the strength and learn to cope with the world around her."

Dear Canada Footsteps in the Snow: The Red River Diary of Isobel Scott

by Carol Matas was recently nominated for the McNally Robinson book of the year for young adults. Another book from the Dear Canada series of historical novels written as diaries, this book will be of particular interest to Manitoba readers. From the book jacket: "Isobel thinks that she and her family will find their fortune in Canada. But Isobel's mother dies before they even cross the ocean, and other misfortunes seem to follow their every step. Isobel's family and the other Selkirk Settlers find themselves caught in the fur-trading rivalry between the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company. They cannot even start to build once they finally reach their destination. The harsh climate and escalating threats against the settlers make it impossible to start a new life. Only through perseverance and help from the local Cree band are Isobel and her family able to put down roots in the Red River Valley."

Dear Canada Where the River Takes Me: The Hudson's Bay Diary of Jenna Sinclair, Fort Victoria, Vancouver's Island 1849

by Julie Lawson is a diary-style novel chronicling the adventures of Jenna Sinclair. Since the death of her father, Jenna has been living with her Aunt Grace in Fort Edmonton where she also shares time with her grandmother and her best friend Suzanne. Everything changes when Aunt Grace meets Rory Kennedy and Jenna's aunt and new uncle move to Fort Colville. At boarding school on Vancouver Island Jenna makes some enemies, finds a few new friends, and finds herself trying to solve a mystery.

Elija of Buxton

by Christopher Paul Curtis is the tale of eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first child born into freedom in Buxton, Ontario, a settlement of runaway slaves just over the border from Detroit. A former slave calling himself the Right Reverend Zephariah W. Connerly the Third steals money from Elijah's friend Mr. Leroy, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the South. Elijah joins Mr. Leroy on a dangerous journey to America in pursuit of the disreputable preacher, and he discovers firsthand the unimaginable horrors of the life his parents have fled, a life from which he'll always be free, if he can find the courage to get back home.

The Proof that Ghosts Exist and The Curse of the Evening Eye

by Carol Matas and Perry Nodelman are the first two installments of The Ghosthunters trilogy, ghost stories complete with chills, thrills, mysteries, and more than a few laughs. Readers will recognize Winnipeger Carol Matas as the author of the popular Lisa, Jesper and other holocaust-themed books as well as her Visions series. Carol Matas and Perry Nodelman fans can attend the official launch of The Curse of the Evening Eye at McNally Robinson Grant Park in the Prairie Ink Restaurant on Monday March 9. Seating starts at 7:30 with the reading at 8:00 p.m.

Last Apprentice Night of the Soul Stealer

by Joseph Delaney is Book Three in The Last Apprentice series.

Saving Jessica

by Lurlene McDaniel.

Last Dance

by Lurlene McDaniel.

Prey

by Lurlene McDaniel.

Change of Heart

by Jodi Picoult.

Notable New Books for January

The Host

is a book by Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, not about vampires but about a species that takes over the minds of their human hosts.

The Tale of the Beedle the Bard was originally a limited edition handbound book created by J.K. Rowling author of the Harry Potter series. From the bookjacket: "Alluded to in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, these tales were bequeathed to Hermione by Dumbledore and published last year in an ultra-limited, hand-bound edition. Now they are available to the world outside of Hogwarts. With hints of Aesop and the Brothers Grimm, these five fairy tales continue the rich background of the Harry Potter novels and will offer clear lessons for young wizards."

The Killing Joke is a stand-alone graphic novel from DC Comics that will appeal to fans of the recent Batman movie, Dark Knight.

In Marley and Me the so called "world's worst dog" brings a family together.

The library has recently expanded its psychology section with these titles...

The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Didge, M.D. examines a new science called neuroplasticity. From the bookjacket: "In this revolutionary look at the brain, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Norman Doidge, M.D., provides an introduction to both the brilliant scientists championing neuroplasticity and the people whose lives they’ve transformed. From stroke patients learning to speak again to the remarkable case of a woman born with half a brain that rewired itself to work as a whole, The Brain That Changes Itself will permanently alter the way we look at our brains, human nature, and human potential."

Mindset: The New Technology of Succes by Carol Dweck explores the idea that one's attitudes needn't be set and that a fixed mindset that limits a person's ability for success can be changed into a growth mindset that allows a person to learn and grow beyond his or her perceived intelligence and talents.

This is Your Brain on Music will appeal to music lovers and those curious about how the human brain works. From the bookjacket: "In this groundbreaking union of art and science, rocker-turned-neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin explores the connection between music, its performance, its composition, how we listen to it, why we enjoy it, and the human brain..."

Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks will appeal to those interested in music and its healing force. From the bookjacket: "What goes on in human beings when they make or listen to music? What is it about music, what gives it such peculiar power over us, power delectable and beneficent for the most part, but also capable of uncontrollable and sometimes destructive force? Music has no concepts, it lacks images; it has no power of representation, it has no relation to the world. And yet it is evident in all of us–we tap our feet, we keep time, hum, sing, conduct music, mirror the melodic contours and feelings of what we hear in our movements and expressions. In this book, Oliver Sacks explores the power music wields over us–a power that sometimes we control and at other times don’t."

Cesar Millan, known as the Dog Whisperer, has sage advice for dog owners, for would be dog owners and for life in general in his books: Cesar's Way, Be the Pack Leader and A Member of the Family. “I rehabilitate dogs. I train people.” - —Cesar Millan

Notable New books for November and December (watch for more books to be added soon)

Starclimber is the long awaited sequel to Airborn and Skybreaker by Canadian celebrated author Kenneth Oppel, author of the Silverwing series about bats.

Brisingr is the even longer awaited sequel to Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini.

Marked, Chosen, Betrayed and Untamed continue current readers' fascination with all things related to vampires or in this case vampyres. Thanks to Miss Sylvester in Grade 7 for her donation of these books.

New books for October

October was library month. To celebrate a number of new books were added to the library shelves. Keep checking back for more information on the following books and more.

Specials and Extras are the next two books in the Uglies series of books.

Cut

Joltedis the newest book by Arthur Slade, author of Dust and Tribes.

Chocolate River Resucewas nominated for a Manitoba Young Readers Association award.

Schooled is another popular book by Gordon Korman this time by a once home-schooled teen who makes the switch to real school.

Cathy's Keyis the mysterious sequel to Cathy's Book.

Snakeheadis the next in the popular Alex Rider series of books about a teenage secret agent.

New Books for September

A number of new books were added to the library shelves for the beginning of September. If a book you want to read is out, you can have your name put on a reserve list at the circulation desk.

Shattered by Eric Walters

From the book jacket: "In order to pass social studies, fifteen-year-old Ian must complete community volunteer service. Choosing to work at "The Club” sounds like fun, until he arrives at what turns out to be a soup kitchen for the homeless in an unsafe part of the city. After a near-mugging, from which he’s saved by a fierce, pipe-wielding homeless man, Ian figures this will probably be the most depressing and scary assignment he’s ever had to complete. When Sarge, the man who saved him, shows up at the soup kitchen looking far less fierce, Ian begins to get to know him. His real name is Jacques, and he was a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces. His last tour of duty was as a peacekeeper stationed in Rwanda, an African nation Ian knows little about. In this gripping tale, Ian learns not only about Rwanda but about the world, and he is not at all prepared. But what will he do with his new-found knowledge? Can he help Jacques, a man who has lost everything but his nightmarish memories? With a foreword by General Roméo Dallaire, force commander for the United Nations Mission to Rwanda, Shattered is an important book, one that asks what one person can do to make a difference." Readers of Roméo Dallaire's Shake Hands with the Devil about the general's horrific experiences' in Rwanda will appreciate this book.

End of the World as We Know It by Lesley Choyce

Lesley Choyce is the author of popular teen novels Falling Through the Cracks, Big Burn, Good Idea Gone Bad and more.

In The End of the World as We Know It, 16-year-old Carson is asked to write something for English class that expresses who he really is. He writes a paper expressing his hate for everything in his life. From the book jacket: "Stuck in a private school for kids who have repeatedly flunked out elsewhere, Carson knows he''s got nowhere lower to sink to. "Flunk Out Academy" is the last resort for Carson and his classmates, in a small town where its deeply troubled students are decidedly unwelcome. Then Carson meets someone who is even less optimistic than he. Christine struggles to get by, living in a trailer by herself, abandoned by her mother and father, so desperate that she has become almost immune to the pain and loneliness. Confronted by her deep sadness, Carson starts to care for her and she for him. Once focused on someone other than himself, he begins to notice the world around him and realize that there is beauty as well as hopelessness, love as well as hate."

Deconstructing Dylan by Lesley Choyce

From the Publisher:

The year is 2014. Dylan Gibson is 16 and knows there is something unusual about him, but he doesn''t know what - aside from his fascination for things like insects, opera, old Japanese sci-fi movies, playing the didgeridoo, and the Loch Ness monster. After being dumped by his girlfriend, Caroline, who thinks he''s too strange, Dylan meets Robyn, who''s something of an outcast herself.

Dylan''s father works for a big drug company, and his mom, a former geneticist, dropped out of research after a mysterious event. When Dylan discovers a mysterious photograph of himself at a younger age, he starts to suspect that there may be more to his identity crisis than he realized. With Robyn''s help, he begins to investigate the mystery that is his own life.

Far by Carol Matas is the third book in the series that began with Visions and The Freak about a girl named Jade who discovers she has psychic abilities.

From the book jacket:

"Ever since Jade discovered her "abilities", she's been looking for answers - answers to questions about what her powers mean, and how best to use them. Now, she's hoping that a family trip to Palm Springs, California, will answer these questions and more. A local university boasts an entire division devoted to psychic testing and Jade is eager to see what these experts will make of her. But as excited as she is to share her experiences and talk to others like herself, Jade hates being away from Jon. Does the dark feeling she's been having about his new tutoring student mean Jon is in some kind of danger? And what about the "accidents" that keep happening to her and her family? Are they an omen of terrors yet to come?"

Silverfin is the first in the young James Bond series that feature James Bond as a high school student.

Firestorm

On the Devil's Court

Twisted

Mass Effect Ascension is the second novel based on the popular Mass Effect video game. It is written by Drew Karpyshn who as a Canadian writer working for Bioware (now owned by EA) wrote the stories for the Mass Effect and Knights of the Old Republic games.