New Books for a New Year!

Several years ago, my son came home with a supplemental novel for his English class. He was hesitant to talk about the book at first, and then he finally revealed to me he was reading a book about a girl who was raped. Not having read the book, I asked to borrow it, curious about how such a difficult topic was being presented in a novel. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. Afterwards, I told my son every man and teenage boy in America needs to read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

It has been awhile since a book affected me as profoundly as that one did. However, one of our new books takes the approach in a different manner and packs just as powerful a punch: All the Rage by Courtney Summers.

Imagine being a girl whose family is already the subject of negative gossip. Then, when assaulted by the sheriff's "golden boy", no one believes you. Do you fade into the background? Make a stand? Do something to stand out in the crowd? Now imagine you go missing on the same night as the town's most beloved teenage girl. The only difference is you're found. She is still missing. This book covers small town relationships without cliche as it addresses several dark subjects. Very well written and highly recommended!

Another book I highly recommend is Endangered by Lamar Giles. This book takes a look at cyber stalking and cyber bullying from a whole new angle: that of the vigilante trying to stand up for those who have been victimized. When the vigilante's secret identity is threatened with exposure, the question becomes how far to go to hide behind a screen name. When the situation turns deadly, the lines between justice and truth are blurred.

Finally, another book about competition, bullying, and ambition: Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton. Since I never did a lot of dance classes or competitions, I was unsure about reading a book centered on teenagers boarding at an elite ballet school. Don't let the ballet keep you from this book. Intrigue, injuries, bullying, assaults...all in the name of "healthy" competition. This book takes the term "cut-throat competition" to an entire new level as the boys and girls attempt to be one of the few stars of the stage.

I'm Ba-ack!

This has definitely been an event-filled summer, and now it's back to school for all of us! Today is a Digital Learning Training, a great chance to get my mind wrapped around technology and ways to help staff and students in the new year.

The makerspace plans are in the works, with a new possibility being explored. Watch this space and the website for the fundraising for our 3-D Printer! That will be a great addition to CHHS.