Online Databases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.