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Teacher
Department |
Title
Author |
Recommendation |
 |
Mrs. Anicic
World Languages |
Those who Save Us
Jenna Blum |
The story of mother and daughter set over 50 years in both
wartime Germany and 1997 Minnesota. The daughter investigates the past and
unearths the heartbreaking truth of her mother's life. The book explores
what we do to survive and the legacy of shame. |
 |
Mr. Barnshaw
Social Studies
|
American Slavery, American Freedom
Edmund S. Morgan |
Well and elegantly written. Puts the origins of race
relations in America into a historical perspective. It helps me understand
today's America better. |
 |
Mrs. Bogacki
Mathematics |
Twilight (series),
Eclipse,
New Moon
& Breaking Dawn
Stephenie Meyer |
Fun; Suspense; Action; Love; Friendship; Acceptance of
others different than you. |
 |
Ms. Bolam
English |
Harry
Potter Series
J. K. Rowling |
I love reading, but as a picky bookworm, I was skeptical
for years about reading the legendary Harry Potter series. Fantasy is not
my thing. or so I thought, even though each of my friends had tried to
"convert" me. This collection has turned out to be my most
beloved of all time. The series gets more challenging as it progresses,
but even the first few books left me utterly stunned. I'm even more open
to "different" types of books now. As a changed woman, I'd
recommend this series to anyone! |
 |
Mr. Bollendorf
Administrator |
Kokoda
Peter Fitzsimmons |
Gave me a deeper understanding of the conflict
in the south pacific during WWII, how close the Japanese came to invading
Australia, and was reminded of how strong the human spirit can be during
time of great struggle. The stories of sacrifice and courage that run
throughout the book serve as a reminder to give thanks to the generation who
made those sacrifices so that we could continue to enjoy our way of life
today. |
 |
Mrs. Brodzinski
Special Education |
The Pact
Sampson Davis |
This is the true story of three young men from the inner
city who make a plan to become doctors…and succeed! It is a very
inspirational story that highlights their struggles to make a difference. |
 |
Mr. Bucca
Mathematics |
The Forgotten Man
Amity Shlaes |
I enjoyed this book because it gave me a more
balanced look
at the Great Depression and the steps that were taken to get us out of it. A
much different view then what I was taught in US History. |
 |
Mr. Callaway
Social Studies |
The 33 Year Old Rookie
Chris Coste |
I found it to be an inspirational story of someone who,
with amazing determination, over came the odds to achieve a lifelong goal
long after it no longer seemed realistic. The author is Phillies catcher
Chris Coste. |
 |
Mrs. Carcel
Science |
Blood Memory
Greg Isles |
Great writing style; quirky characters; good beach read. |
 |
Mrs. Carpinelli
Science |
Earth- The Biography
Dr. Ian Steward |
A fabulous dynamic look at this amazing planet from it's
formation 4.6 billion years ago through the present. |
 |
Mrs. Carpinelli
Science |
The Plot Against America
Philip Roth |
It's a scary "alternate reality" where the USA
sides with Germany during WWII that show what happens when suspicion and
racism take over. |
 |
Mrs. Dargusch
Athletic Trainer |
John Adams
David McCullough |
If you liked the movie, you'll love the book!
It's not a history book, but reads like a novel. It gets inside the minds
and characters of amazing people that created a new form of government. Only
in his thirties, John Adams faced peril, hardship, and danger for his belief
that all people should be free. This is a MUST READ. |
 |
Mr. Dempsey
Mathematics |
Lone Survivor
Marcus Luttrell & Patrick Robinson |
This is a compelling true story about a U.S.
Navy Seal and his journey through training and an eventual mission in
Afghanistan. Hoo Rah Marcus! |
 |
Ms. Fassel
Health & Physical Education |
Second Glance
Jodi Picoult
|
Ghost story, interesting, surprise ending with
a twist. |
 |
Mr. Flemming
Physical Education |
True Evil
Greg Isles |
Murder mystery about a rogue FBI agent
attempting to avenge her sisters murder by a lawyer and pathologist. The
twist is solving a crime when one cannot be determined. Intelligent and
exciting thriller. |
 |
Mr. Flemming
Physical Education |
The Whole Truth
David Baldacci |
Government thriller about powerful men, scheming and world
control. One of the best books I have read in awhile. |
 |
Mr. Gregor
Social Studies Supervisor |
The Four Hour Work Week
Tim Ferriss |
Life-changing techniques to work less and
enjoy life more. |
 |
Mr. Gregor
Social Studies Supervisor |
Write It When I'm Gone: Remarkable
Off-the-Record Conversations with Gerald R. Ford
Thomas DeFrank |
Insights into exactly how much Ford knew about
Watergate. |
 |
Mrs. Haines
English |
Sold
Patricia McCormick |
I love the way it was constructed and written like poetry.
Although disturbing, the subject matter (human trafficking) makes you
realize how lucky we are in America. It's eye opening for our teens to
understand the struggles others face just existing. Our girls are growing up
in a society where they can do anything they want. Their gender doesn't hold
then back. |
 |
Mrs. Hall
Science |
Rollback
Robert J Sawyer |
A Hugo and Nebula Awards winner for best novel. A radio
transmission from Aliens is received. Since it will take 38 years to receive
a reply, Sarah Halifax, who cracked the code on the first message, may not
live to help with the second. Maybe a rollback, a new medical procedure, can
restore her youth. |
 |
Mrs. Handlon
Social Studies |
Look Me In The Eye
John Elder Robinson |
Gives a great look at "Aspergers" & autism
disorders. Very realistic. John Elder is the brother of the author who wrote
"Running with Scissors". |
 |
Ms. Jackson
Performing Arts |
The Color of Water
James McBride |
Really great book. Tells the story of a racially mixed man
and how he was raised by his White Jewish mother. Very touching, brought me
to tears several times. I couldn't put the book down, and I was sad when it
was over. |
 |
Mr. Jorgensen
English |
The Terror
Dan Simmons |
This book is a great combination of the
adventure and horror genre's based loosely on historical fact. It concerns
two 19th century British ships of exploration seeking to find the Northwest
Passage. Their efforts are foiled horribly as they must travel through the
frozen wastelands of the Artic territory and become hopelessly trapped in
ice. This thriller becomes even more exciting because the men are stalked by
a terrifying creature when they dare to leave their ships to forage for
food. Do they survive. Read this amazingly entertaining epic novel and find
out for yourselves. This is definitely one of my top favorites. |
 |
Ms. Kaplan
Family & Consumer Science |
The Last Lecture
Randy Pausch, Ph. D. |
I never would have heard of Randy, but because
he had pancreatic cancer and was featured in the media, I got his book and
saw the lecture on the internet. I loved his philosophy probably because I
agree with many of his criteria for living. What a special, special
incredible human being. |
 |
Ms. Kelley
Special Education |
The Lovely Bones
Alice Sebold |
I read THE LOVELY BONES and I couldn't put it
down. It's the story of a girl's (Susie's) murder, related to the reader as
she views life from heaven. One thing I liked was the fact that the murder
was not graphic and although there was suspense, what kept me reading were
the little stories and revelations. The simplicity of the stories; the
everyday ordinariness of Susie's life made the whole story more personal
because it could be my life . It could be my neighbor's life. I would love
to do this book with my students. It is an easy read that makes you think.
It stayed in my mind for weeks after I read it. |
|
|
Mr. Kirkwood
Social Studies |
The Last Lecture
Randy Pausch, Ph. D. |
How ironic that lessons on living could be so
effectively given by someone who is dying! |
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Mr. Kiser
Social Studies |
Into the Wild
Christopher McCandless |
Entertaining/Unexpected |
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Mrs. Marguglio
Guidance |
Metro Girl
Janet Evanovich |
It made me laugh out loud while reading! |
 |
Ms. Marzano
Secretary |
A Christmas Memory, One Christmas & Thanksgiving
Visitor
Truman Capote |
I saw "Capote" the movie, and it encouraged me
to read some of Truman Capote's books. My only exposure to Capote was his
famous In Cold Blood, so this little book of short stories took me
quite by surprise. The stories are based on Capote's experiences while
growing up in Alabama & are ordinary in topic, but his use of language is
quite extraordinary. His unique descriptions & masterful use of words make
for a beautiful & inspiring read. |
 |
Mrs. Naval
Science |
Breaking Dawn
Stephenie Meyer |
4th in the series - It's just fun! Continues
the story of Edward and Bella and the rest of the Forks residents as they
have a showdown with the Voltari. |
 |
Mrs. Nelson
Guidance |
Prisoner of Tehran
Marina Nemat |
I love books that illustrate the inner strength
and courage of women under difficult situations. It helps me examine my own
life and motivates me to continue to demonstrate my values in actions as
well as words. |
 |
Mr. Parker
English |
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Barbara Kingsolver |
The author of, among others, THE POISONWOOD
BIBLE, recounts her family's attempt to eat virtually nothing that is not
grown on or near their farm in Virginia. Eathing local food is quickly
becoming an important environmental and economic issue,and this book serves
as a good introduction to "locavorism". |
 |
Mr. Rosenello
Social Studies |
The Loved One
Evelyn Waugh |
A terrific satire of Californians in the 50s. |
 |
Mrs. Savill
Special Education |
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Garth Stein |
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN is narrated by
the family dog. It may sound like a light weight, but it's not. The main
character is working at becoming a race car driver, not my favorite topic,
but the author uses the analogies that the character uses racing to keep him
focused on some of the issues he faces in his life. This book was
recommended by a friend, I probably would not have picked it on my own, but
I got so involved in it that I finished it in one day! |
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Mrs. Savill
Special Education |
Big Russ & Me
Tim Russert |
I have always been a fan of Tim Russert. I
really enjoyed his story of growing up in South Buffalo, NY. His family
story is both funny and heartwarming. |
 |
Mrs. Skow
English |
Whitethorn Woods
Maeve Binchey |
Another delightful read from this popular Irish
author. United only by the setting, a picturesque Irish Village threatened
with dissection by a modern highway, the novel takes the reader into the
hearts and minds of the many characters as they share their life stories. |
 |
Mrs. Smith
Secretary |
By Myself and Then Some
Lauren Bacall |
It was a tremendous autobiography of Lauren Bacall's life.
I'm a big Bogart fan and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was very
fascinating and quick reading. |
 |
Mrs. Smith
Special Education |
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
David Wroblewski |
|
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Mrs. Smith
Visual Arts |
Water for Elephants
(on Playaway)
Sara Gruen |
Such a unique story about a man who, during the Depression
era, loses everything, jumps a circus train, and experiences a totally new
life in the circus. It is emotional, adventurous, suspenseful, and
heart-warming. The story is told in flashbacks by the same man in his dying
years, living in an assisted living home. |
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Mr. Taraska
Social Studies |
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
Dee Alexander Brown |
The history, specifically Native Americans. |
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Mr. Taraska
Social Studies |
Czars: Russia's Rulers for Over One
Thousand Years
James Duffy & Vincent Ricci |
The history, specifically Russian rulers. |
 |
Mrs. Thomas
English |
Year of Wonders
Geraldine Brooks |
Based on a true story, this historical novel
tells how a village in Derbyshire, England dealt with the plague of 1666.
The story is related through the eyes of the heroine, 18 year old Anna
Frirth. Although the details of the plague are absorbing, it's really Anna's
story that emerges to grip the reader. Brooks' research is impeccable, and
her writing is intelligent. I highly recommend this book. Don't be put off
by the topic. Even though reading about the plague might be a bummer,
reading about how people are changed by disaster and misfortune is
uplifting. |
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Mr. Van Antwerp
Music |
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls |
|
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Mr. Van Antwerp
Music |
Odd Thomas
Dean Koontz |
|
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Mr. Wolozyn
AFROTC |
House of War
James Carroll |
This book is the story (Historically and
Politically) of the Pentagon. |