The Titanic: it wasn't JUST the iceberg

I'll admit that I've never been overly-fascinated with the story of the Titanic, so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson.  The author did an amazing job at her research; the book's many photographs, quotes from survivors, and illustrations really drew me into the story.  By following a variety of individuals (such as a young boy excited to be on such a large ship, the two wireless operators who were sending and receiving telegrams as the disaster unfolded, and a mother with her two sons), the reader is able to put a very personal touch on the situation.  I learned a lot, too - there were all sorts of problems that made the shipwreck even worse.  Did you know there weren't even enough lifeboats for all the passengers and crew?  And some lifeboats weren't even full when they were lowered off the sinking ship?  And a ship that could have helped rescue those in the water didn't? A thoroughly absorbing book, even for those familiar with this tragic event.

Girls, this one's for you

Have you or your girlfriends ever done any of this? Discovered boys.  Tried a new style of clothes or shoes or make-up that just didn't work.  Agonized over a zit.  Messed up a friendship.  Gotten a crush. Really, really embarrassed yourself in front of someone special.  Slammed a door.  Spaced out in class because you're daydreaming.  Gotten bad cramps. Tried to become someone you're not.  Gotten your hopes up.  Yelled at your mom or dad or brother or sister and you don't truly know why.  Sulked. Gotten your hopes crushed.  Fixed a friendship.  Had a mom or aunt or grama dry your tears.  Given a friend a huge hug.  Yes? If a lot of this sounds familiar, check out Planet Middle School, a wonderful book written in free verse by Nikki Grimes.  I bet you share it with a friend.

What would you do if you knew you were going blind?

Accept it?  Deny it?  Learn to deal with it?  Any of these reactions would and DO make sense in Blindsided by Priscilla Cummings.  Natalie is 14, and she has a disease that is slowly robbing her of her sight.  Her parents enroll her in a boarding school for the blind so that she can be taught strategies to cope. She doesn't want to be there - she's sure she's different from "them" - and she fights against learning Braille or how to use a white cane.  But as she slowly makes friends, she develops both skills and an inner strength that she'll need when some scary events take place, with one event ending in a sad and unexpected way.  Not only does the story seem very real (the author spent time studying blindness; her detailed knowledge is evident in her writing), but the way the teenagers react and speak is authentic.  The book will appeal to many middle school (and possibly high school) readers; I'd especially recommend it to fans of Shark Girl or The Running Dream.