Westbury Middle School Library Media Center

Element Information

2012-01-25T07:39:00.001-05:00

Use the following links to access information about your element.

World Book Encyclopedia Online

It's Elemental

Chemical Elements

Web Elements

Chemicool

Periodic Videos

New Books

2012-01-10T09:31:00.001-05:00

Interested in the new books in the WMS Library?

* No Ordinary Day
* Around the World
* Witchlanders
* Shelter
* I M Pei
* Tanglewood Terror
* Discovering Atoms
* Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits
* Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever

Book Review

2011-10-31T14:03:00.000-04:00

Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman

Phineas Gage was a hard working individual. He was in charge of a crew of man clearing way for the railroad. He was responsible for detonating explosions to clear the rubble. One horrible and tragic day, something went very wrong. His tamping iron, a tool he used in setting the explosives, was shot through his head. It went through his cheek and out the top of his head. He should have died, he didn't. How could he survive that? What changed as a result of the incident? How or why did he survive and what finally did kill him?

This is a true story of the individual that really started the science of the brain. This individual survived - how? What was discovered as a result? If you like forensics and science you will find this very interesting.

World Maps

2011-10-19T13:41:00.004-04:00

Maps can tell a story about an area. Use the following links to define the types of maps available and create your own maps of a particular region.

Types of Maps
National Geographic Map Maker
CIA World Factbook
Infoplease - Country Profiles
Quick Facts - US Census

Book Review

2011-10-18T11:50:00.001-04:00

Miracle: The True Story of the Wreck of the Sea Venture by Gail Langer Karwoski

On June 2, 1609, nine ships started a voyage from England to the Jamestown colony in Virginia. They carried men, women, and children, as well as supplies meant to replenish this colony. The new governor was aboard the main ship - the Sea Venture. All was well, until July 23rd when a hurricane hit. The Sea Venture was damaged and took on water, they endured high winds and seas for five days. They were not going to make it; then they saw Bermuda and ran aground. More than 100 people survived the storm, but how many people could survive being shipwrecked?

Read the book to find out what happened to these storm survivors. This was a fast paced read with interesting facts given throughout the book - Why were hogs already on the islands of Bermuda?

Book Review

2011-10-18T08:07:00.003-04:00

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

Salva is forced to run away from school, he cannot go home and he doesn’t know where he is going. All he knows is that he needs to stay away from the men with guns. He must walk and walk for days to try to stay safe. He is in the middle of Sudan; he is only 10 years old. Will he survive? What happens to the Lost Boys of Sudan dealing with lions, dehydration, starvation, and war?

This is based on the life story of Salva and what he encountered in Sudan. His life is full of danger and uncertainty. A fascinating story about resilience and determination.

Inventions

2011-10-17T08:54:00.005-04:00

Books - Click on the book title to view the Destiny Catalog information about the the book.
The Inventor's Times: real-life stories of 30 amazing creations by Dan Driscoll
Mistakes that Worked by Charlotte Foltz Jones
The 100 most influential inventors of all time edited by Robert Curley

Websites
Inventions Timeline
Enchanted Learning – Inventions
PBS – Inventions
Historical Timeline
FactMonster

Ancient Civilizations Projects

2011-10-14T12:39:00.003-04:00

Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs

Ancient Mayans
Kids Konnect
Ancient Mayans
Mayan Kids
Mr. Donn Mayans

Ancient Aztecs
Mr. Donn - Aztecs
Kids Konnect
Kids Past

Ancient Incas
Mr. Donn - Incas
Kids Konnect
Kids Past

Book Review

2011-10-14T12:23:00.001-04:00

Chat Room by Kristin Butcher

Linda is a quite girl in school. She doesn’t really have many friends and is very unsure of herself. When the school develops a chat room, she is intrigued about how it will operate and who will use it. When she visits the chat room, she realizes that she can say all of the things that she thinks throughout the day, but doesn’t say. She becomes more outgoing, but only online. She starts to receive gifts from someone from the chat room. She is not sure who it is or how he/she figured out her identity. Is it a real person or is it a hoax? Will she be safe or is it a dangerous situation?

This was a good realistic fiction story about the Internet and why you should be safe online. Good drama!

Book Review

2011-10-12T13:42:00.000-04:00

Dewey the library cat: a true story by Vicki Myron

When librarian, Vicki Myron, found a tiny alley cat in the freezing cold book return drop of the Spencer Library, she knew that this cat was special. It was a very resilient cat and needed to be kept. She couldn't keep it, she wanted it to be the library cat. All she had to do was convince the community and library board to allow the cat to stay. Dewey became a household name and people from around the world came to seem him. He was a very special cat who took over a library.

This was a moving story about a very special cat. Very enjoyable.

Genre in Literature

2011-09-14T10:49:00.000-04:00

What type of books do you like? Non-fiction, historical fiction?
What are the characteristics of different types of books?

Genre List

Genre Definitions

New Books

2011-09-09T13:37:00.000-04:00

Looking for something new to read? Check out some of these new titles in the WMS Library:

* Tom Thumb: the remarkable true story of a man in miniature by George Sullivan

* The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow

* True (--sort of) by Katherine Hannigan

* Hammerin' Hank Greenberg : baseball pioneer by Shelley Sommer

Welcome Back!

2011-09-09T08:40:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to school! I hope everyone had a restful and wonderful summer.

The books that you may need to read for the summer reading project are on display in the library. You can borrow one book at a time.

I look forward to seeing everyone in the library during the year!

Book Review

2011-09-09T08:19:00.000-04:00

Climbing the Stairs by Padma Venkatraman
Vidya has a loving family. She is very proud of her father who is a doctor. He is involved in the nonviolence movement in India during WWII. He wants to get the British out of India, but in a peaceful way. He is an enlightened man for this time period, he is allowing his daughter to get an education. Everything changes when her father is gravely injured trying to help someone else. He will never be the same. Vidya's family is no longer allowed to stay in their own home, they must move in with her father's family. Vidya is no longer allowed to do anything. She is separated from her brother and father. Her movements are watched and she is no longer allowed to get the same education. What will happen to her and the family? Can they survive?

This was an excellent historical fiction book about the culture of India. If you enjoy historical stories, you should try Climbing the Stairs.

Ms. Link's Zoo Project

2011-05-24T10:25:00.002-04:00

Use the following links to assist with the research about your animals.

World Book Encyclopedia

San Diego Zoo Animal Bytes

National Geographic – Animal Facts

How Stuff Works – Animal Facts

Use the following link to create the graphs for your Power Point Project:

Create A Graph

Book Review

2011-05-09T09:14:00.001-04:00

We Could Be Brothers by Derrick Barnes

Robeson and Pacino are in after school detention together because of one person, Tariq. They do not immediately get along, until they realize what they have in common. They learn to respect each other and their differences. Things change when they realize that Tariq is after them. He is very serious about getting one of them back. Find out what happens to each of these three boys.

Book Review - Hana's Suitcase

2011-05-06T10:58:00.000-04:00

Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine

This is the story of two different worlds, at two different times. During 2000, Tokyo, Japan was establishing a Holocaust Memorial Museum. The curator appealed to everyone around the world to donate materials to this museum. Finally, people responded, the museum received a suitcase with the name Hana Brady. Now everyone wanted to know about this person. Who was she? What was her story? So the mission began to find out about Hana, a woman in Japan started the search to find out all she could. What she found was a sad story about a very young girl.

Book Review - Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So Popular Party Girl

2011-05-05T13:27:00.002-04:00

Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not-So Popular Party Girl by Rachel Renee Russell

Nikki is a great artist with two really great best friends. She has a super secret crush on Brandon and really wants him to ask her to the school's big Halloween dance. She thinks he may like her, but supposedly he is going to the dance with one of the nastiest girls at the school, Mackenzie. This girl does not like Nikki and tries to make her life miserable in every possible way. When Mackenzie leaves everything a disaster, Nikki is responsible for cleaning everything up. What happens when she is supposed to be in two places at once?

This book was a really funny story. It reminded me of a girl version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

May is Get Caught Reading Month

2011-05-03T10:12:00.001-04:00

Get Caught Reading during the month of May. Do you need a good book?

Here are some new books available in the library:

* Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen
* Amelia Lost: The life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming
* Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
* Kick by Walter Dean Myers and Ross Workman

Stop by the library for these and other great books!

Planets

2011-03-28T08:12:00.001-04:00

Use the following links to find information about your planet:

World Book Online

Enchanted Learning – Planet

NASA Solar System

NASA – Planet

Science National Geographic

Ancient Greek Gods

2011-03-21T13:43:00.000-04:00

Use the following links to find information about the Ancient Greek Gods.

World Book Online

Mr.Donn’s Ancient Greek & Roman Gods

Greek Mythology

Greek Gods – History

Greek Mythology

Biomes

2011-03-21T08:19:00.000-04:00

Use the following links for information about biomes.

World Book Online

Berkley University

Blue Planet – Biomes

Enchanted Learning – Biomes

Kids do Ecology

Pics4Learning

World Biomes

Ancient Greece

2011-03-17T07:38:00.000-04:00

Use the following links to help find information about Ancient Greece.

History for Kids – Ancient Greece

The British Museum – Ancient Greece

Mr. Donn’s – Ancient Greece

BBC – Ancient Greece

What Books are Available in the Library?

2011-03-08T08:21:00.000-05:00

Wondering if there is a certain book in the library? Need to find information for a project? Use the Library Catalog to see what is available for you. Click Library Catalog to check!

March is Women's History Month

2011-02-28T10:34:00.002-05:00

Use the following links to find out more information about Women's History Month.

* The National Women’s History Project
* Women’s History Month – Library of Congress
* History Channel – Women’s History Month
* Smithsonian Magazine – Women’s History Month

Book Review

2011-02-28T09:10:00.001-05:00

Surviving the Angel of Death: the Story of a Mengele Twin in Aushwitz by Eva Mozes Kor

Eva and her twin sister Miriam are just 10 years old when things in their Romanian town start to change. They are the youngest daughters of the only Jewish family in town. They work hard and do well for themselves. Eva and Miriam are the only twins in their town; they have a lot of friends and are happy. That changes when Germany starts to invade and take over, when Hitler decides that Jewish people are terrible and should not be allowed to live. Eva’s family is put on a train and sent to Aushwitz. The last time that they see their family is on the train platform. They do not know where their parents are sent, but they are chosen for a special assignment. They are twins, they are chosen by Dr. Mengele for his experiments. Find out what he does to them and how they survived.

Ms. Grabinski's Travel Brochure

2011-02-14T13:42:00.001-05:00

Use the following links to assist in your research on a specific place.

Michigan
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108228.html

http://www.michigan.gov/

http://www.50states.com/michigan.htm

http://www.michigan.org/

California
http://www.50states.com/californ.htm

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108187.html

http://www.ca.gov/

http://www.visitcalifornia.com/

Mexico
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35749.htm

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107779.html

http://www.visitmexico.com/wb2/Visitmexico/Visi_Home

Endangered Species Project

2011-02-11T14:15:00.003-05:00

Use the following links to find information about endangered species.

* Arkive.org

* World Wildlife Fund

* US Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species

* KidsPlanet.org

* Animal Planet – Endangered Species

* San Diego Zoo – Animal Bytes Use the search box to find the specific animal.

* Animals – National Geographic

Don't forget to use:
World Book Online Encyclopedia (see your teacher for the user name and password.)

Book Review

2011-02-10T13:55:00.001-05:00

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

Cheyenne is very sick – she has pneumonia. She is waiting in the car while Danielle, her stepmother, gets her medication from the pharmacy. She convinced Danielle to leave the keys in the car so she can stay warm. She is sleeping in the backseat when someone jumps in the car and takes off. He is stealing the car and she is in it. He doesn’t realize that she is the car until she starts screaming at him. He panics and doesn’t know what to do. He doesn’t want her to identify him. She tells him to let her go – she can’t identify him – she is blind. He doesn’t know what to do. He takes her back to his home; he is going to let her go later – at night so no one sees them. That is until his father finds out that she is the daughter of the president of Nike. Cheyenne is being held for ransom. She is very sick and blind. How will she survive?

This was a very fast paced adventure on how you can survive. Highly recommend.

Book Review

2011-02-08T08:46:00.002-05:00

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn

Florence is an orphan in London. She does not have any family willing to take her in so she is sent to live in an orphanage. She is not happy there, but at least she has friends that care about her. One day a letter arrives saying that a long lost uncle will take her. She is sent to live with these strangers in the country – Crutchfield Hall. She is excited because she has two cousins, also orphans; that live there. She will have people to play with. When she gets there she realizes things aren’t as nice as they seem. Her cousin Sophia died in a tragic accident about a year ago and her brother is very ill. He does not come out of his room. Florence starts to feel as if someone is watching her, mocking her. This person follows her around and she is not sure who it is. Then she realizes that it is Sophia – Sophia wants revenge for what happened to her. She is going to use Florence to get that revenge.

Find out if Florence is strong enough to stop her! This is a classic Hahn ghost story. Great, quick read.

Book Review

2011-02-04T14:07:00.003-05:00

The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow
Lydia and Julie have been best friends forever. They always have each other and have done well. Things are different now, they will be moving on to Junior High next year and they are determined to be popular. Their mission for the year is to research, observe, and record everything that the most popular kids do in school. They will also experiment and try to copy what these girls do to see if it makes them popular. As you can imagine things do not always work out the way they want. One experiment results in a bald spot! As the year goes on, their friendship is tested. People do not always do the right thing. Will popularity break up this friendship? Find out!

This was a great, fun story. The characters make you laugh and cringe at the same time! It was definitely a good read. If you liked the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, you may like this!

Westbury and the Underground Railroad

2011-02-02T10:18:00.003-05:00

Follow these links for information about Westbury and the Underground Railroad.

Village of Westbury – History

New York Times Article

Long Island and the Underground Railroad

Underground Railroad and New York City

Quakers and the Underground Railroad

Escape Routes out of NYC

National Geographic – Underground Railroad

African American History Month

2011-01-24T12:21:00.004-05:00

Since 1926 Americans have recognized and celebrated African American History in one form or another, it started as a week of celebration. In 1976 we started to celebrate February as African American History Month. Here is a list of helpful websites to provide more information.

* Biography Black History Month

* Infoplease Black History Month

* History.com

* African American History Month

* Enchanted Learning

* Fact Monster Black History Month

Book Review

2011-01-18T10:11:00.003-05:00

The Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham

Teddy and his mother have moved to a desert town when she gets a job at the nuclear power plant. It is right before school is about to start and Teddy is nervous about being the new student. His mother makes him go out everyday and try to make friends. Every boy that he meets seems to want to get him into trouble. They seem to constantly be leading him to danger - to the TREE. If he follows them, he may never return.

This was an interesting scary story. It is definitely not on the top of my list for scary stories, but it was not terrible. I think you will need to be a very dedicated reader to finish this book.

Library Update

2011-01-10T10:54:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!
I am back from my leave and I am excited about new books and projects. Keep checking back for new book reviews and project assistance.

Mrs. McNally

Middle Ages

2010-06-03T09:05:00.002-04:00

Please use the following links for assistance with your project on the Middle Ages and Castles.

* World Book Online

* Middle Ages Castles
* Castles in Medieval Times
* The Middle Ages for Kids
* Kid's Castles

Famous Mathematicians & Scientists

2010-06-01T08:26:00.002-04:00

Use the following links to assist in your research on a famous mathematician or scientist.

World Book Online

Internet Public Library

http://www.math.com/students/mathematicians.html

Biographies of Women in Mathematics

Factmonster - Scientists

Body Systems Project

2010-05-25T08:28:00.003-04:00

In addition to the print resources that are available, please use the following links to assist with your body systems research.

* World Book Online

* Body Systems - Fact Monster

* Human Body Systems

* Library Thinkquest - Body Systems

Book Review - The Maze Runner

2010-05-18T11:43:00.006-04:00

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Imagine waking up somewhere and only remembering your first name. You do not know how old you are, where you come from, or even what you look like. This is what happens to Thomas. He wakes up in an elevator, when the doors open, he is surrounded by about 60 boys. He has no clue what is going on. He is told that he has to work with the other boys, the goal is to solve the maze so that they can get out. The only problem is that the maze holds deadly "Grievers" that come out at night. Three boys remember Thomas, they do not like him for what he has done in the past. He has no clue what he did or whether or not to believe them. He is in major trouble and there may not be a way out. When the elevator shows up with a girl - the first girl ever- she has a message - "This is the End". The boys need to figure out what is going on before they all die. Find out if they can.

This was a great read. If you liked "Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - you will like this!

New Books

2010-05-10T09:23:00.002-04:00

Do you like to read new books? Here are some books that are available in the library.

* Day Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand New Colors by Chris Barton
Every wonder about the neon signs that you see everywhere? Who created that? How did they figure it out? Here are the answers.

* Closed for the Season: A Mystery Story by Mary Downing Hahn
When thirteen-year-old Logan and his family move into a run-down old house in rural Virginia, he discovers that a woman was murdered there and becomes involved with his neighbor Arthur in a dangerous investigation to try to uncover the killer.

* Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko
Moose Flanagan, who lives on Alcatraz along with his family and the families of the other prison guards, is frightened when he discovers that noted gangster Al Capone, a prisoner there, wants a favor in return for the help that he secretly gave Moose.

* Maze Runner by James Dashner
Sixteen-year-old Thomas wakes up with no memory in the middle of a maze and realizes he must work with the community in which he finds himself if he is to escape.

Book Review - Hex Hall

2010-05-10T09:09:00.005-04:00

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Sophie is a very unique girl. She only knows her father's name, she has never met him. Sophie and her mother have moved around quite a bit, she is always the new kid. This becomes even more of a problem when Sophie turns 12 and discovers that she has powers - she is a witch. This power comes from her father's side of the family. She begins casting spells and they always go awry. After one too many times, she is sent to the magical school for delinquents - Hecate Hall. It is there that she finds out that her father is the one that sent her to stay at the school, he has also punished everyone else there, condemned them to this school until their 18th birthday. Things aren't safe at this school, witches are being murdered. Sophie thinks she knows who is responsible and she may not be safe. A great supernatural read!

April is National Poetry Month

2010-04-20T11:44:00.004-04:00

Here are some very interesting websites about Poetry. Since 1996, April has been National Poetry Month. Please to a look at some of the websites listed below for information about Poetry.

* Poets.org

* Poetry for Kids

* Internet Public Library
This lists numerous websites for poetry readers. Enjoy.

More Ancient Greece Resources

2010-03-19T14:12:00.003-04:00

Lighthouse of Alexandria
http://library.thinkquest.org/5821/LIGHTHS.HTM

Lighthouse of Alexandria
http://www.unmuseum.org/pharos.htm

Oracle of Delphi
http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/background/7_p1.html

Oracle of Delphi
http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/articles/ArticleView.cfm?AID=8

Ancient Greece

2010-03-19T08:36:00.002-04:00

Use the following links to assist with your research on Ancient Greece:

Ancient Greece
http://www.ancientgreece.com/s/Main_Page/

The British Museum – Ancient Greece
http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/

History for Kids – Ancient Greece
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/

BBC – Ancient Greece
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/

Ancient Greece
http://greece.mrdonn.org/

Booktalks - Mrs. Zoia's Period 3 Class

2010-03-03T09:10:00.003-05:00

Here is the list of the books used for the booktalks:
* All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn

* Jade Green by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

* Double Dutch by Sharon M. Draper

Mr. Ebe's Project - Earth's Features

2010-03-02T07:25:00.003-05:00

Students please use the following websites to assist in your search for information regarding your topic.
World Book Online
Use search boxes for the links below to find information on your specific topic.
National Geographic
ThinkQuest
Science.gov
Answers.com

Marianas Trench

Dog Breeds

2010-02-08T13:08:00.002-05:00

Look here for information about your dog breed and the cost of owning the dog throughout its life.

American Kennel Club

Animal Planet Dog Breeds

Supplies and Costs for the Dogs

Petco

Petsmart

Periodic Table - Elements

2010-02-08T09:23:00.000-05:00

Please use the following links for the Periodic Table and information about the Elements.

Web Elements

Chemical Element

Periodic Table

Book Review - Bad Girls Don't Die

2010-02-03T13:27:00.003-05:00

Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender

If you like creepy, scary stories – this is the book for you. Alexis is 15 years old and is very interested in doing her own things. She doesn’t really like the cheerleaders and has alienated herself from everyone else at school. She has a younger sister, Kasey, who she tolerates. Alexis is considered a bad student – she scares people, so when things start going wrong – people look at her. She isn’t the one doing it. Something is wrong with her sister, her little sister has changed so much. She has a bad attitude. Bad things start to happen all around Alexis – her father is in a serious car accident, her things are being stolen and destroyed, and she knows it has something to do with her sister.

Alexis is worried about Kasey. Kasey is changing and becoming very rude. Kasey isn’t acting like herself. When her normally blue eyes turn green, trouble always follows. What is wrong with Kasey? Can Alexis figure out what is wrong before it is too late?

African-American History Month

2010-02-02T09:48:00.002-05:00

Don't forget that February is African-American History Month. Check out the websites listed below for information about famous people, places, events, and themes that helped to shape the nation. These are just a few of the websites that are available for information.

Library of Congress - African American History Month

Infoplease.com - Black History Month

History.com - Black History Month

Biography.com - Celebrate Black History

Time.com - Celebrate Black History Month

African American History Month

2010-01-20T11:10:00.002-05:00

Please feel free to use the following links to find information about your famous person or event:

Online Databases

2009-12-15T12:29:00.003-05:00

The following are links for the Online Databases that are available to use in school.

EBSCO Databases

Gale Resources

World Book Online

Opposing Viewpoints

Ancient Egypt Project

2009-12-14T09:25:00.002-05:00

Please use the following links for assistance with your Ancient Egypt Project.

Ancient Egypt

Daily Life in Ancient Egypt

National Geographic Kids – Ancient Egypt

National Geographic

History Links

Ancient Mesopotamia Project

2009-12-03T10:35:00.002-05:00

Use the following reliable websites for your Ancient Mesopotamia Travel Brochure.

Good Websites for Ancient Mesopotamia Project:
The British Museum - Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia - Mr. Donn

Ancient Mesopotamia

Exploring Ancient Worlds - Mesopotamia

Homework Help

2009-12-03T08:31:00.001-05:00

Are you having a hard time completing your homework? Do you need help? Check out the Live Homework Help or Tutor.com. You chat online with certified tutors that will assist in your homework. It covers all grades and subjects; all you need is your library card barcode. Homework Help

Book Review - Notes from the Dog

2009-11-23T11:55:00.004-05:00

Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen

Finn does not like to talk to people. His only goal for this summer vacation is to read as many books as possible and talk to fewer than twelve people. He does not want to talk to more than twelve people, including his own father, grandfather, and his friend Matthew. He sometimes stumbles over his words and doesn’t want to make a fool of himself. That changes dramatically when he meets Johanna, the new next door neighbor. She changes all of his plans for the summer. Find out what she does by reading Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen.

This was an excellent book about growing up and getting involved. Like most of Paulsen’s books, it is very interesting and a quick read.

Book Review - Schooled

2009-11-23T11:42:00.006-05:00

Schooled by Gordon Korman

Have you ever met anyone who you thought was from a different world or time period? That is Capricorn Anderson – he has grown up on a commune and is suddenly forced into modern day society. All he has ever known is the commune and his grandmother. They grow their own food, he is homeschooled, and he has never really met anyone else. When his grandmother gets hurt and needs to stay in the hospital for an extended time, Capricorn is forced to live with a foster family and go to a real middle school. No one understands him and he is a prime target for bullies.

This was a great story about school and the odd-man out. Capricorn is a likeable character.

New Books

2009-10-14T08:28:00.001-04:00

The Library recently received new books. Check the new book display for some titles.
* Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen
* Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (sequel to Hunger Games)
* Football Champ by Tim Green
* The Great and Only Barnum

Book Review - All the Lovely Bad Ones

2009-08-07T11:54:00.008-04:00

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn

Brother and sister, Travis and Corey, are so bad that they are not allowed to attend summer camp anymore. They were banned from summer camp. They are not upset about this at all; they are going to spend the summer with their grandmother. Their grandmother owns an inn that was reportedly haunted. Once these two hear about the ghosts, they decide to make trouble. Corey pretends that she is a ghost and actually scares the guests. People are really excited about the ghosts, more and more people stay at the inn with the hopes of a sighting.

Travis and Corey are really excited about their pranks, until they realize that they may have awakened something far worse. All the lovely bad ones heard them and are ready to get their own revenge. Find out if Corey and Travis can survive!

Great book!

Book Review - Hunger Games

2009-07-30T08:22:00.005-04:00

Katniss is 16 and takes care of her family. Her father was killed in a mining accident and if she does not hunt and fish, her family will not survive. She is responsible for her mother and younger sister. She is the sole supporter of her family.

Every year there are the Hunger Games. Each district sends one girl and one boy to compete in the Hunger Games. The teens fight to the death and the last one standing is the hero of their district. The winner’s district receives extra food and necessities from the capital. The competitors are chosen with a raffle. Beginning at the age of 12, everyone must put their name in the raffle. Katniss’ younger sister is called – she is only 12. Katniss volunteers to go in her place. So begins the fight for her life and the life of her family.

This book was amazing! It is the 1st book of a trilogy. The competitors are tested beyond the limits and are willing to do anything to survive. This is one of the best books that I have ever read. Highly Recommended!

Book Review - Slob by Ellen Potter

2009-07-30T07:48:00.008-04:00

This is a sad, but funny story. There are numerous things that many people will be able to relate to. Owen is the smartest 7th grader in his NYC school. He is really brilliant, but he still has problems. One of the biggest problems is his gym teacher. Owen's gym teacher picks on him and tries to humiliate him at every turn. Owen happens to be the biggest 7th grader. He wasn't always obese; it started two years ago with the death of his parents.

This book was a really great, quick read. Owen has a lot of things going on and he isn't always capable of coping with them.

Assigned Summer Reading

2009-07-09T09:23:00.004-04:00

Please remember that you need to read at least three books this summer. You can read anything by the assigned authors (except if otherwise noted). You will need to complete the assignments by the end of September 2009.

Incoming 6th Graders:
Patricia Reilly Giff, Dan Gutman, Paula Danziger, and Andrew Clements
Incoming 7th Graders:
Lois Lowry (except Number the Stars), Jerry Spinelli, Mike Lupica, and Gordon Korman
Incoming 8th Graders:
Walter Dean Myers (except Bad Boy), Sharon Draper, Robert Cormier, and Gary Soto

Westbury Public Library Summer Reading and Activities

2009-05-28T16:05:00.002-04:00

Get ready for the end of the school year! Check out the YA department at the Westbury Library for great programs!

Summer Reading! Keep checking back for book reviews.

Ancient Egypt

2008-12-11T07:31:00.002-05:00

Doing a project on Ancient Egypt? Check out these websites for more information.

http://www.ancientegypt.co.uk/menu.html

http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/egypt/

http://www.discoveringegypt.com/

http://www.ancient-egypt.org/

Don't forget to the books in the library and the Online Databases, such as World Book Online.

Teen Zone

2008-12-09T12:48:00.001-05:00

Looking for something to do after school? Grades 7 and up can go to the public library for Teen Zone. Teen Zone is open Monday - Thursday from 2:30-4:30, we have games, DVDs, CDs, and computers. Also, take a look at westburyya.blogspot.com for information on upcoming programs and book recommendations.

Free Online Homework Help

2008-12-09T09:43:00.005-05:00

Available for all Westbury students with a Westbury Public Library card. This is an online chat tutoring service. It is available for students K-12 from 2pm - 10 pm every day.

Online Homework Help - Tutor.com

Welcome!

2008-12-09T07:41:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the new WMS Library Media Center Blog. The purpose of this blog is to help inform our students, staff, and parents about the different resources available in the library.