Age of Exploration

Use the following links to find information about your explorer.

• World Book Online
• Go to World Book Student
• Section called Biography Center
•  Explorers
•  European Explorers
• How Stuff Works – European Explorers
• How Stuff Works – European Biographies
• Library Thinkquest – European Explorers

Gary Paulsen Author Study

Please visit the following website to find information about Gary Paulsen.

www.garypaulsen.com

Iroquois Webquest

Use the following links to find the information regarding the Iroquois Native American tribe.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Book Review

Shooting Kabul by N. H. Senzai

Fadi and his family were in the process of escaping Afghanistan when tragedy strikes.  They were racing to jump into the back of truck that was to bring them to safety, Fadi was responsible for his little sister Miraim.  So many people were racing to the truck, Miraim was lost and there was no turning back.  Six year old Miraim is lost, on her own in Afghanistan, and her family cannot go back for her.  Fadi and his remaining family must continue their journey to America or else they will lose their asylum.  Can they get Miraim back?  Where is she, is she in the hands of the Taliban? Can she be found and rescued?  Can Fadi save her when he failed to protect her before?

This was a very inspiring book that looks at family, responsibility, and hope.  A very good read.

Book Review

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Jessica is a 16 year old track star.  She is one of the best runners on her high school team and lives to run.  That changes with a tragic accident.  The bus she was on has an accident on the way to a track meet, Jessica loses part of her leg.  At least she is alive, one student is killed.  Jessica doesn't feel alive, she sometimes wishes that she was dead.  Can she survive?

This is a very moving book about courage, determination, and survival.

Pinterest

Use the following link to follow Pinterest, an interactive bulletin board.

http://pinterest.com/kmcnallywms/

Book Review

Matched by Ally Condie 

Cassia Reyes is very happy in her life with family and friends.  Everything is moving along as planned by the Society.  She is excited to attend her Match ceremony, where the Society will reveal who she will marry and live with for the rest of her life.  On that night, she discovers that her best friend, Xander is her match.  She is so happy and relieved, however when she reviews the file that the Society has given her, another face appears.  Someone else that she knows as well, which person is the real match?  Did the Society get it wrong or are there other things at work here?

Find out what happens when Cassia tries to figure everything out and how that affects her life and family.

This was an excellent read, it reminds me of The Giver, with a twist.  This is the first book in the series.