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.  

Element Information

Use the following links to access information about your element.

World Book Encyclopedia Online

It's Elemental

Chemical Elements

Web Elements

Chemicool

Periodic Videos

Animal Facts

Use the following links to find information about your animal:

• San Diego Zoo Animal Bytes
• National Geographic Animal Facts

Health & Nutrition

Use the following links to find information dealing with overall health and wellness.

•   Health and Nutrition for Teenagers 
•   Teen Health 
•   LiveStrong - Teens 
•   Medline Plus

Book Review

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women written by Catherine Thimmesh Who was the first person to make chocolate chip cookies? Who invented windshield wipers? What about "white-out"? Read this book to find out who, when, where and why these things were invented! It is a quick read, giving the background information about the person and details of the event that led to the invention. The illustrations are amazing.