2009 Staff Picks

2009 Staff Picks

Looking for a Good Book?

This page contains a list of titles recommended by WTHS staff members. Click on the title of the book to see if a copy is available then visit the IMC to check it out.

2008 Picks 2007 Staff Picks 2006 Staff Picks 2005 Staff Picks

Teacher Department	Title Author	Recommendation
Mrs. Katy Anic World Language	Loving Frank Nancy Horan	Biography of Frank Lloyd Wright's affair with a married woman. Was written from the woman's point of view. Excellent depiction of life in the early 1900's.
Mrs.Anton Health and Phys. Ed	The Race R.N. Paterson	I love books by Patterson because they are well written, and have some twists and turns, especially at the end. This was interesting to me because it gave me some insight into how political campaigns may be run. It also focuses on how a person's personal life, relationships, etc. is used; twisted, spun to present unfair images by the opposition.
Mrs. Anton Health & Phys. Ed	Fearless Fourteen Fabulous Fifteen Janet Evanovich	The Evanovich books, and I've read them all, are always quick and easy reads. The best part is that they make me literally laugh out loud.
Mr. Barnshaw Social Studies	Great Expectations Charles Dickens	One of dickens best - rich characters, a lot of humor and a wonderful twisting plot about the dangers of greed and ambition. Watch what you ask for - you might get it!
Mrs. Berardi Health and Phys Ed.	Homer and Langley E. L. Doctorow	this novel is based on the reclusive Collyer borthers who were 5th Avenue "hoarders" before there was such a word. Though the eyes of Homer, who happens to be blind, a century's worth of turmoil spills through their house in the form of prostitutes, mobsters as well as hippies. both brothers were actually found dead in their house along with 130 tons of rubbish which they had amassed over the years. it's actually an easy read with moments where you chuckle out loud!
Mr. Bollendorf Principal	The Lost City of Z David Grann	Great true adventure story about a time that here were still many unknown and undiscovered places and civilizations on our planet. A story of unparalleled courage and thirst to discover the undiscoverable.
*Ms. Burkhart* Health & Phys Ed	Fearless Fourteen Janet Evanovich	Easy read for the summer. Very comical. Stephanie Plum is a bond enforcement agent that gets herself in sticky situations. One of the best parts of the book is the character of grandma Mazor, hysterical! If you are looking for an easy read, mystery and humor, this book is a can't miss!!
Ms. Burkhard Health & Phys Ed	*Beautiful Boy* David Sheff	This is a true story about a father's journey through his son's addiction.
Mrs. Brodzinski Special Education	The Bookseller of Kabul Asne Seierstad	This is a very interesting , very current book about life in Afghanistan, filled with personal stories that highlight how difficult life is for women in this country.
Mrs. Carchidi Social Studies	Firefly Lane Kristin Hannah	2 main characters (BFF's) grew up during the 70's and 80's. The descriptions of middle school, high school, college and first jobs were GREAT! The clothes and music along with MTV - Terrific!
Mrs. Carpinelli Science	Nefertiti Michelle Moran	This book looks at the disastrous reign of Akenaten who outlawed the gods of Egypt in favor of a monotheistic religion and his queen, who became Pharaoh after him only to be vilified and assassinated by the very priests she brought to power. Well-researched by an Egyptologist. It is an exciting and yet very human story of power, greed, and religious zealotry.
Mrs. Clark World Languages	*Loving Frank* Nancy Horan	I think Frank Lloyd Wright was an incredible architect….this book revealed how he was..
Mrs. Cloud Secretary	*Prayers for Sale* Sandra Dallas	A simple story about an unlikely friendship during the depression. Uplifting..
Mr. Dempsey Math	The Ragamuffin Gospel Brennan Manning	This book changed the way I understand the depth of God's love and grace.
Mr. DiGennaro Guidance	*Ballad of the Whiskey Robber* Julian Rubinstein	It's been a few years since I read this book, but the wild story has stayed with me. It is a combination of charm, disbelief, zaininess, and sadness. A good read!
Ms. Fassel Health and Phys. Ed	Simple Steps Lisa Lelas	It allows you to get organized and gives you a reminder and awareness of how you can gain control of every area in your life
Mr. Fleming Health and Phys Ed	The Devil's Punchbowl Greg Iles	Iles is a masterful writer who engages the reader and keeps them captivated until the end.
Mr. Gable Technology	The Camel Club Wish You Well David Baldacci	David Baldacci spins some of the best political intrigue of any writer. The Camel Club is about an unlikely team of amateur investigators who uncover a murder that leads to a major conspiracy. The first of a four-book series, each one complete in itself. Wish You Well is entirely different, but not without intrigue. It’s a human interest story about 2 orphaned children who go to live with their grandmother after their father is killed in a car accident and their mother is incapacitated. A real slice of life in late 1940s Appalachia.
Mrs. Haines English	Salem Falls Jodi Picoult	I liked how she tried to bring "crying out" into modern times. Now the witch hunt is for a "child molester." OF COURSE, the main accuser has to bully the weaker girl and has her own agenda. *like all her books, Picoult could get to the point sooner.
Mrs. Hall Science	The Graveyard Book Neil Gaiman	The Hugo Award winning novel of a young boy raised by the inhabitants of a graveyard. Life's lessons learned through the experiences of the dead..
Mrs. Harland Secretary	Queen of Babble Queen of Babble in the Big City, Queen of Babble Gets Hitched Meg Cabot	Funny quick reads. Perfect for in the pool or on the beach time..
Ms Hill Librarian	The Middle Place Kelly Corrigan	This is the poignant and funny story of Kelly Corrigan as she describes the dilemma of the overlapping responsibilities of being an adult and a child at the same time in an Irish American family
Mrs. Heinbaugh Math	Water for Elephants Sara Gruen	This book kept me entertained and has an interesting ending
Mr. Hughes English	Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies Seth Grahame-Smith	When one endeavors to mix the classic social banter of the Jane Austen work Pride and Prejudice with a little zombie mayhem, they truly create a work of art to be treasured for all eternity. Whether you are interested in the supporting cast of brain-eating zombies or if you are still a big ban of Mr. Darcy, this wonderful book will tickle you fancy while simultaneously raising your awareness of the marauding bands of zombies and the threat they pose to the civilized world. Read it if you dare!
Mrs. Kaplan Family & Consumer Science	Finger Lickin' Fifteen Janet Evanovich	This is the 15th book in a series. Ms. Evanovich still has not lost her touch - and it is still alive a nd refreshing.
Mr. Kirkwood Social Studies	Homeland John Jakes	John Jakes is one of the masters of American historical fiction. If you enjoyed any of his fabulous eight-part series know as the "Kent Family Chronicles", you will like this rather long tome just as much, as he hooks you on to his central character and gives the reader a real feel for 19th -20th turn of the century America..
Mr. Lawler English	The Hour I First Believed Wally Lamb	Inspired by the Columbine incident and by his experience as a high school English teacher, Wally Lamb takes readers on a personal and societal journey in which he examines the way we attempt to cope with personal and national tragedies through generations. This is a book-lover's epic novel covering 150 years of a family's challenges, failures, and triumphs.
Mrs. Lopresti English	The Year of Wonder Gertrude Brooks	This book is historical fiction. It focuses on a group of separatists/reformers during the1600's that moved to a town outside of London. The plague takes out more than half of the village, so this book does an incredible job of showing human flaws and compassion. Highly recommended!
Mrs. Marzano Secretary	The Mystery of the Blue Train Agatha Christi	When I want a good read, I reach for a classic--Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Her detailed and clearly defined characters are always a suspicious group—each a piece of the puzzle. The mystery builds layer by layer, and then, when the rich Mrs. Kettering is murdered on the train, it is the hero, Hercule Poirot, the quirky Belgian detective, who steps in and orchestrates the interaction among the characters. Whodunit? Is it the philandering husband, his conniving girlfriend, her lover, an enemy of her millionaire father, or the grey-eyed ladies' companion? Hercule Poirot will solve all. Poirot is a bit of an eccentric--from his waxed mustache and black and white spats to those famous “little gray cells!” What a guy!
Mrs. Monaco Social Studies	Bathsheba's Breast: Women, Cancer, and History James Stuart Olson	I found this book after watching the HBO John Adams series (his daughter died from breast dancer). It is absolutely fascinating to read about these historical female figures who suffered and died from breast cancer, as well as the history of how breast cancer was diagnosed and treated.
Mr. Muscelli Lone Survivor	Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell	In this book, ex-Navy seal Marcus Luttrell recounts a tragic mission in Afghanistan. Out of the four Navy seals who partake in the mission, Luttrell is the only one to return. I cannot think of another book which so vividly portrays the heroism of America's armed forces. Luttrell passionately analyzes topics such as "rules of engagement" and provides the reader with a detailed description of afghan culture and customs. I understand some readers will not agree with everything Luttrell discusses. Despite this, I am positive this book will make every American proud of the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
Mr. Napolsky Science	Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Restaurant at the end of the Universe Douglas Adams	Too funny for words!!
Ms. Pancari English	Sag Harbor Colson Whitehead	A hilarious and touching coming of age story. No child of the 80s should miss it.
Mr. Parker English	Lords of Finance Ahamed Liaquat	An equally informative and entertaining story about geopolitics and international finance. You come away with a sense of the sweep of history as well as the force of personalities involved. Sadly, it also shows how prescient the ideas of JM Keynes were and how they were ignored in their own time - with tragic consequences.
Mrs. Partridge Library Assistant	The Shack William P. Young	Not a religious book, per se, but it will make you think about your relationship with God. You will come to know the Blessed Trinity in a different and very exciting way
Ms. Sanchirico English	*The Lovely Bones* Alice Sebold	I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie and knew immediately that I wanted to read it. This book grabs your attention from the very first line, largely due to the fact that a deceased child is telling the story of her murder.
Mrs. Saville Special Education	Last Lion, The Rise and Fall of Ted Kennedy Ted Kennedy	This book provided a definitive look at senator Kennedy's life. It begins with the diagnosis of his brain tumor, travels through his early life detailing the highs and lows of his life.
Ms. Schuler Science	Up Country Nelson DeMille	You can learn a lot about the Vietnam war through this work of "fiction".
Ms. Schuler Science	Undaunted Courage Stephen Ambrose	This book interpreted the Lewis and Clark mission -"The Corps of Discovery"- The story tells of an incredible journey through the unknown.
Mrs. Serano Math	My Life in France Julia Child	.I was very interested in reading this book after watching "Julie & Julia". I fell in love with Paris in the 1950's. A great read - great for French students!
Mrs. Shaw Technology	Transfer of Power Vince Flynn	Fantastic Book - best political suspense book I have ever read. With all the details, you think Flynn is writing from experience. You almost forget that it is fiction. Can't wait to read the sequels.
Mrs. Skow English	Off Seasons Anne Rivers Siddons	This book, written by one of my favorite writers, is her best yet. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Lilly McCall, it explores the complexity of relationships and will make you wonder how well you can really know someone. The surprise ending begs to be discussed with a friend or a book club.
Mr. Taraska Social Studies	All Quiet on the Western Front Erich Maria Remarque	No book better summarizes the insanity of war and the resulting helplessness.
Mrs. Wells English	The 19th Wife David Ebershoff	This book was really interesting. The way the author intertwines the story of Brigham Young and a modern day polygamist group together makes for a great read.
Mr. Weiner TDBAC	*The Fountainhead* Ayn Rand	This book says so much about passion, talent, greed, success, etc.
Mr. Weiner TDBAC	Nicholas and Alexandria Robert Massie	This book is an historical account of the last days of Russian Czarisms.
Mr. Weiner TDBAC	Exodus Leon Uris	This book explains the trials and tribulations of Jews creating a homeland in Israel after WWII.
Mr. Wright Science	People of the Book Geraldine Brooks	There is something bigger than our inability to get along that enabled the human race to sometimes achieve a thing of beauty

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