Woods Runner

This is a realistic tale about the American frontier during the American Revolution. What is truly unique about this book is the alternating non-fiction sections that deliver true historical facts on pertinent topics and the fictional chapters.  For example prior to Chapter 2 we read a non-fiction section on Communication methods during 1776.  A section on Frontier Life gives facts prior to Chapter 3.  The way Gary Paulsen combines these two genres is both enriching and illuminating to the main story.

Samuel lives on the edge of the wilderness on the frontier in Pennsylvania.  He knows how to hunt and survive in the raw untamed forest.  Suddenly the war comes to his area.  In a savage attack by the British regulars and Iroquois Indians, Samuel's parents are taken prisoner.  Samuel tracks them, trying to think of a way to save them.  He meets allies and patriots along the way.   Gary shows us a flesh-and-blood reality of a boy's struggle in a war that changed people in many ways.  This is one of the best historical fiction books I have read.  See the links below:
Lesson Plans:
Scholastic Links:
Book Wizard (for teachers): http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/viewWorkDetail.do?workId=1312035&

Review of the book:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3754338


Literate Lives: a blog with teachers and librarians comments about the book

http://literatelives.blogspot.com/2010/01/gary-paulsens-newest-woods-runner.html

On the Wings of Heroes

Richard Peck has another wonderful humorous story about a family during World War II when war made life uncertain.  This is a great read for boys with oddballs, rascals and some misadventures that keep you wondering what could possibly happen next.  Davy's brother Bill flies B-17s and he is Davy's hero.  Another hero is Davy's Dad who is a fun loving and sacrificial.  It is a time that causes Davy to grow up quickly and a tribute to a family's love on the homefront.


Links:
On the Wings of Heroes Literature Unit - activities, vocabulary, quizzes, and more


Review:
Young readers book reviews -- *On the Wings of Heroes* by Richard Peck - Curled Up With A Good Kid's Book

The Roar

Ellie is desperate as she flies the Pod Fighter fast and low towards the north.  She just escaped from a space station.  Her captor Mal Gorman is furious.  Her family thinks she is dead.  Mika her brother lives in London behind a wall to be kept safe from the animal plague...or so he has been led to believe.  He knows something is not right.  He is determined to find his sister.  Mika enters a contest that recruits mutant kids to play violent virtual reality games.  He does so the take the chance to search for his twin sister.  This book will have many surprises and keep you guessing all the way to the surprising end.  This is a good read!

Review:
Goodreads | The Roar by Emma Clayton - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists