Staff+Picks

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 * [[image:razor's_edge.jpg width="138" height="136" align="left" caption="The Razor's Edge by W.Somerset Maugham"]] || __The Razor's Edge__ by W. Somerset Maugham

I enjoyed this book because it was a novel that was more about the characters and character development than it was about action or any other type of plot. The main character has been traumatized by war and he is just trying to enjoy life. The reflection of his slow return to this enjoyment of life is reflected in the pace of the novel. For individuals who enjoy detail, this is a great book.

Mr. Michael Young, Math Specialist ||
 * [[image:lead.jpg width="150" height="146"]] || __Leadership without Easy Answers__ by Rold Heifetz

This is a leadership book that explains why decisions made by Martin Luther King Jr., an environmental watchdog chairman, and several past Presidents were so significant. This book contains a lot of stories as well as a leadership theory that will stretch student leaders. I not only learned a lot of history by reading this book, I also learned how to make better leadership decisions.

Mr. Craig Taylor, Technology Specialist ||


 * [[image:my_sister.jpg width="150" height="146" align="left"]] || __My Sister's Keeper__ by by Jodi Picoult

A teenage girl doesn't want to donate her kidney to her older sister. The girl has already made blood cell donations etc. to her sister in the past.

Dr. Patricia Magee, Associate Principal ||
 * [[image:lady.jpg width="84" height="115" align="center"]] || __The Lady and the Unicorn__ by Tracy Chevalier

I would recommend all of her books- she writes historical fiction with a twist. I love her writing style because her descriptions of different places are so vivid -it feels like you are traveling through time.

Ms. Terry Sutton, Guidance Counselor ||


 * [[image:killer_angels.jpg width="90" height="110" align="center"]] || __Killer Angels__ by Michael Shaara

Great historical background for the Battle of Gettysburg. Good prep for students entering the AP US History course in 11th grade. Plenty of action and drama.

Mr. Dan Hulse, Social Studies Teacher || by Alan Tennant This book is about 2 men that capture and band radio devices to perigrine falcons.Then they follow the birds on their migrations.The book is full of information regarding falcons and other wildlife as well as the unique experiences these men get into while tracking the falcons. It is an exciting true adventure.
 * [[image:on_the_wing.jpg width="72" height="107" align="center"]] || __On the Wing: To the Edge of the Earth with the Peregrine Falcon__

Mr. H. Billings, Driver Education Teacher ||
 * [[image:house-rules-157.jpg width="96" height="157" align="center"]] || __House Rules__ by Jodi Picoult

This is a story of a teenage boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Picoult does an exemplary job of describing the hallmark behaviors of Apsperger's. It is a fast paced murder mystery that is sure to engage the reader while creating an awareness of autism. Again, because the student population with autism is growing in our schools and in society (1 in 91!) it would be beneficial for young people to have a better understanding of the challenges it presents. While Aspergers is at the high end of the autism spectrum it is becoming more prevalent in our high school. Ms. Carol Barlow, Special Education ||
 * [[image:200px-The_Book_Thief_by_Markus_Zusak_book_cover.jpg width="93" height="116" align="center"]] || __The Book Thief__ by Markus Zusak

A great read that gives the view of World War II from the German citizen's perspective. After reading, the reader finds that he or she learns so much more about what occurred back in 1940's Europe. The narrator is a real surprise too.

Ms. Eileen Springfield, ||
 * [[image:geeks.jpg width="87" height="122" align="center"]] || __Freaks, Geeks & Asperger Syndome__ by Luke Jackson

The book is written by a 13 yr. old boy and describes what it is like growing up with Aspergers syndrome. It is a heartwarming story and would be an interesting read for high school students. Because the student population with autism is growing in our schools and society (1 in 91!) it would be beneficial for young people to have a better understanding of the challenges it presents. While Aspergers is at the high end of the autism spectrum it is becoming more prevalant in our high school.

Ms. Carol Barlow, Special Education ||
 * [[image:Persepolis-.jpg width="150" height="111"]] || __Persepolis__ by Marjane Satrapi

This graphic novel is a coming of age story of a young girl growing up in revolutionary Iran in the lat 70's and early 80's. The story follows her relationships, discoveries, and inquiries. The author tells the story using a comic strip style. I recommend this book, because it opens the reader's eyes to a different culture that is often stereotyped. The main character lives a modern lifestyle under restrictive conditions. Also, read the sequel!.

Mr. Joel Simon, Social Studies Teacher ||
 * [[image:tattoo.jpg width="134" height="136"]] || __Girl with the Dragon Tattoo__ by Stieg Larsson

A crime thriller, set in Sweden, that features a really misunderstood, smart young girl (Lesbeth Salender). This book is the first of a series of 3--lots of intrigue, some violence and mature subject matter, revolving around the publishing business, private investigation agency, a family business, and the Swedish police. I'm on the third book now, and they are riveting.

Ms. Aleta Thompson, English Language Arts Cadre Specialist ||
 * [[image:Touhey.jpg width="129" height="136" align="center"]] || __The Agony of Winning__ by Kevin M. Touhey

This book takes a hard look at what we are teaches our student / athletes in regards to winning. Is it all about Winning? Have we lost our perspective about sports? Can Victory be achieved if the score is not in our favor? The importance of teaching character, integrity, and teamwork within the framework of fun is as important now than ever before. In fact, these values can serve everyone in their personnal or professional life.

Mr. John Parker, Driver Education Teacher ||
 * [[image:thin.jpg width="99" height="152" align="center"]] || __Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster__ by Jon Kraukauer

Krauker, a journalist for adventure magazine //Outside,// tells of the events leading up to his decision to participate in an Everest expedition. The book tells of the events that take place on the mountain and the tragedy which takes place during the push to the summit. Krakauer alleges that safety methods adopted over the years by experienced guides on Everest are sometimes compromised by the competition between rival guiding agencies to get their clients (some with little or no mountaineering experience) to the summit. I couldn't put this exciting non fiction book down!

Mrs. Kathy Lindemer, Library Media Specialist ||
 * [[image:nineteen.jpg width="108" height="165" align="center"]] || __Nineteen Minutes__ by Jodi Picoult

This emotionally charged novel delves beneath the surface of a small town to explore what it means to be different in our society. In Sterling, New Hampshire, 17-year-old high school student Peter Houghton has endured years of verbal and physical abuse at the hands of classmates. His best friend, Josie Cormier, succumbed to peer pressure and now hangs out with the popular crowd that often instigates the harassment. One final incident of bullying sends Peter over the edge and leads him to commit an act of violence that forever changes the lives of Sterling’s residents.

Rich with psychological and social insight, __Nineteen Minutes__ is a riveting, poignant, and thought-provoking novel that has at its center a haunting question. Do we ever really know someone?

Mr. John Myers, Guidance Counselor ||
 * [[image:unlikely.jpg width="89" height="136" align="center"]] || __The Unlikely Disciple__ by Kevin Roose

If you want to know what life is like at a Christian college, this is a must read! An atheist from Brown University goes undercover at a Christian college. Why? He wanted to see what the hype was about. Is there a difference between a secular college and a college where God is everywhere? There are many lol moments and if you ever wondered what Daniel felt like when he was in the lion's den...try this read (except it's the opposite). Enjoy!

Ms. L. deCastroL, English Language Arts Teacher and Department Chair ||
 * [[image:Traped.jpg width="102" height="160" align="center"]] || __Trapped__ by Michael Northrop

"Trapped" is like a contemporary "Breakfast Club" where the kids are stuck at school because of a snow storm - not in Saturday detention because of bad behavior. The characters in this book are very different (the jock, the flirt, the goth, etc.) but realize over time that their concerns and issues are very similar. This may be a fun book for students to read - esp over the summer as it will make you want to keep reading and get out a blanket!

Ms. Cristina Christy, Foreign Language Teacher ||
 * [[image:Before-I-Fall.jpg width="93" height="137" align="center"]] || __Before I Fall__ by Lauren Oliver

"What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own live?' The heroine of the book, a very popular high school student, has the chance to look at her last day of her life and discover the real value of TIME...

Mrs. Natrin. English Language Arts Teacher ||
 * [[image:The-Alchemist.jpg width="97" height="151" align="center"]] || __The Alchemist__ by Paulo Coelho

This is a simple tale about a dreamer, Santiago, who starts on a journey to find worldly goods and ends up finding the treasures within himself. "To realize one's destiny is a person's obligation"---from 'The Alchemist'

Ms. Gail Kelso, Chorus Teacher || [|CHHS LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER HOME PAGE]