Monday, December 21, 2009

Accelerated Reader Update December 21





5th Grade
  1. Marcel Munger 191.2
  2. Kristine Mason 190.2 pts
  3. Abraham Davidson 183.1 pts
  4. Jacob Hart 149.3
  5. collin Leiber 120.4
6th Grade
  1. Valerie Emerick 271.1 pts
  2. Marty Eagle 270.1 pts
  3. Ryan Beyer 120.6 pts
  4. Madison Radtke 111.7 pts
  5. Markus Munger 102.2 pts
7th Grade
  1. Olivia Kelley 339.2 pts
  2. Joey Volpe 314.4 pts
  3. Morgan Clauss 307.1 pts
  4. Anna Maria Fuller 248.6 pts
  5. Steven Donahue 198.6 pts
8th Grade
  1. Sarah Eagle 488.7 pts
  2. Victoria Doppelberger 301.6 pts
  3. Gabrielle Schwarts 284.8 pts
  4. Racel Semeyn 214.2 pts
  5. Chase Martin 202.1 pts

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Accelerated Reader- Update December 2, 2009



5th Grade

  1. Marcel Munger 165
  2. Kristine Mason 153.6pts
  3. Abraham Davidson 132 pts
  4. Bryce Collins 112.1 pts
  5. Caitlyn Dillon 110.2 pts
6th Grade
  1. Valerie Emerick 249.7 pts
  2. Marty Eagle 206.8 pts
  3. Ryan Beyer 103.5 pts
  4. Markus Munger 95.9 pts
  5. Steven Angel 88.9 pts
7th Grade
  1. Olivia Kelley 303 pts
  2. Morgan Clauss 301.7 pts
  3. Joe Volpe 300.4 pts
  4. Anna Maria Fuller 295.4 pts
  5. Patrick Ford 157.8 pts
8th Grade
  1. Sarah Eagle 488.7 pts
  2. Gabrielle Schwartz 284.8 pts
  3. Rachel Semeyn 209.2 pts
  4. Victoria Doppelberger 203.4 pts
  5. Keenan Ylen 181.7 pts

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Book Review: Becoming Naomi Leon



Title: Becoming Naomi Leon
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

A girl and her brother are living with their grandmother in a trailer. They have no idea where their father is and the mother just intruded into their life after she left them with their grandma one year ago.

What did you like about this book?

I like how Naomi never gives up hope that she won't find her father.

What didn't you like about this book?

I didn't like how the author doesn't describe the settings very well.

Would you recommend this book to others?

Yes, I would recommend this book to others because it is a very heart-warming book.

Read, reviewed and written by Alyssa N. 7th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!

AR INFORMATION:
Author: Ryan, Pam Muñoz

Interest Level: Middle Grades
Book Level: 5.4
AR Pts: 6.0

Summary: When Naomi's absent mother resurfaces to claim her, Naomi runs away to Mexico with her great-grandmother and younger brother in search of her father.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Book Review: The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod- 8th Grade Bites


Title: Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod- Book 1)
Author: Heather Brewer
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

Vladimir is a vampire in 8th grade. His parents are dead and he is left with his Aunt Nelly. Mr. Craig, Vlad's English teacher is killed. Otis shows up and subs for Mr. Craig. No one knowing he is actually bad. In the end more than one thing is revealed about Otis.

What did you like about this book?

Wow! I liked this book because it was very descriptive of things and I got a fell for the people and places. I personally enjoy vampire novels and I feel this one had many twists and turns and many mysteries to be solved. The ending was completely unexpected , I didn't see it coming.

What didn't you like about this book?

I loved the whole thing from beginning to end, cover to cover.

Would you recommend this book to others?

Yes, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys vampire stories. This book is fun to read with many twists and turns. The ending I did not see coming but it was even better than I thought it would be. There were many places where I was like, 'wow'!

Read, reviewed and written by Summer G. 8th Grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!


AR INFORMATION:
Author: Brewer, Heather
Interest Level: Middle Grades
Book Level: 5.4
AR Pts: 7.0

Summary: For thirteen years, Vlad has kept secret that he is half-vampire, but when his missing teacher is replaced by a sinister substitute, he learns that there is more to being a vampire, and to his parents' deaths, than he could have guessed.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Book Review: Glenn Beck's Common Sense



Title: Glenn Beck's Common Sense
Author: Glenn Beck
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Non-Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

This book tells about how far away that this country has come from our founding principles and how politicians have zapped away our freedoms.

What did you like about this book?

I liked that the author used real statistics and figures to show what has happened.

What didn't you like about this book?
The book was perfect.

Would you recommend this book to others?

I would definitely recommend this book to others because it was easy to understand and it opened my eyes to what has really happened to this country besides the economic crash.

Read, reviewed and written by Kevin C. 8th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Book Review: Double Identity


Title: Double Identity
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

Bethany is a girl who has a double identity but doesn't know that she does. Around her 13th birthday her parents start acting funny. Her parents drop her off at the house where an aunt that she didn't know she had lives. Little by little she starts to figure out who she really is.

What did you like about this book?

This book is a mystery book that kept me reading. It was the perfect mix of mystery and drama.

What didn't you like about this book?

It got confusing toward the middle.

Would you recommend this book to others?

Yes, it is a really good book that I think most people would like.

Read, reviewed and written by Kelsey Z. 7th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!


AR INFORMATION:
Author: Haddix, Margaret Peterson

Interest Level: Middle Grades
Book Level: 5.0
AR Pts: 8.0

Summary: Bethany's parents have always been overprotective, but when they suddenly drop out of sight, leaving her with an aunt she never knew existed, Bethany uncovers shocking secrets that make her question everything she thought she knew about herself.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Book Review: Princess Academy


Title: The Princess Academy
Author: Shannon Hale
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

A fourteen-year-old Miri lives on Mt. Eskel with her father and sister. She is small. One day when the traders came, the girls on Mt. Eskel were told they had to attend a princess academy because the prince seeks a Mt. Eskel girl as his bride. So the girls go the academy where they are treated unfairly. At the end of the year one girl will become Academy Princess and have a special dress and be the first to meet the prince. So Miri stays inside and studies. She also figures out the secret of quarry speech. So will Miri become academy princess, will the prince choose her? Read this book and find out how Miri cleverly uses her quarry speech and makes unexpected friends.

What did you like about this book?

I liked that it wasn't really girly like I thought. I loved how independent Miri is and how she sticks up for herself despite her size.

What didn't you like about this book?

I didn't NOT like anything in this book. It is one of my favorite books.

Would you recommend this book to others?

Yes, I would recommend this book to others because it shows the power of friendship and believing in yourself.

Read, reviewed and written by Rachael B. 8th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!


AR INFORMATION:
Author: Hale, Shannon
Interest Level: Middle Grades
Book Level: 6.0
AR Pts: 10.0

Summary: While attending a strict academy for potential princesses with the other girls from her mountain village, fourteen-year-old Miri discovers unexpected talents and connections to her homeland.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Book Review: Eclipse





Title: Eclipse
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

Bella and Edward are getting even more serious in their relationship and they get engaged. But an enemy is building a vampire army to destroy Bella. Now they have to fight against the clock to defeat them.

What did you like about this book?
I love that Stephenie Meyer writes such suspense filled books.

What didn't you like about this book?

Not a thing.

Would you recommend this book to others?

I would recommend this book to preteens and young adults.

Read, reviewed and written by Anna-Maria F. 7th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!

AR INFORMATION:
Author: Meyer, Stephenie
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Book Level: 4.5
AR Pts: 22.0

Summary: Bella is torn between her friendship with Jacob, a werewolf, and her relationship with Edward, a vampire. When Seattle is ravaged by a string of killings, Jacob and Edward put aside their standing feud to protect Bella. Book #3

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Accelerated Reader Update November 1st-6th



5th Grade
  1. Bryce Collins 90.9 pts
  2. Marcel Munger 90 pts
  3. Kristine Mason 69.4 pts
  4. Kennedy Beauchamp 68.2 pts
  5. Collin Lieber 63.7 pts
6th Grade
  1. Valerie Emerick 180.3 pts
  2. Marty Eagle 162.2. pts
  3. Markus Munger 85.1 pts
  4. Veronica Palecki 63.5 pts
  5. Tyler Dillon 57.0 pts
7th Grade
  1. Olivia Kelley 251. 0 pts
  2. Morgan Clauss 224.2 pts
  3. Joseph Volpe 223.2 pts
  4. Miranda Shell 137.7 pts
  5. Anna Maria Fuller 134.4. pts
8th Grade
  1. Sarah Eagle 327.6 pts
  2. Gabrielle Schwartz 192.3 pts
  3. Keenan Ylen 161.1. pts
  4. Victoria Doppelberger 157.0 pts
  5. Rachel Semeyn 147.7 pts

Friday, October 30, 2009

Book Review: Soldier X




Title: Soldier X
Author: Don Wulffson
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

A young German soldier is sent to the front to fight Russian. Little did he know he would be trapped behind enemy lines and be forced to conceal a dead Russian soldier's identity.

What did you like about this book?

I like that Don wrote this book so drastic and exciting.

What didn't you like about this book?

That it kept you hanging!

Would you recommend this book to others?

I would recommend this book to people who like books about wars and about people who fough in these wars.

Read, reviewed and written by Anna-Maria F. 7th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!


AR INFORMATION:
Author: Wulffson, Don L.

Interest Level: Upper Grades
Book Level: 5.7
AR Pts: 7.0

Summary: In 1943, sixteen-year-old Erik experiences the horrors of war when he is drafted into the German army and sent to fight on the Russian front.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Book Review: Heartland: A Holiday Memory



Title: Heartland: A Holiday Memory
Author: Lauren Brooke
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

Amy and Lou remember the last Christmas their mom was alive.

What did you like about this book?

It's really nice how much they are dedicated to horses and Heartland.

What didn't you like about this book?

How Lou didn't spend Christmas with them.

Would you recommend this book to others?

Yes I would. If you like horses, you will learn a lot about them.

Read, reviewed and written by Maria V. 7th Grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!

AR INFORMATION:
Author: Brooke, Lauren
Interest Level: Middle Grades
Book Level: 5.7
AR Pts: 7.0

Summary: Amy remembers her last Christmas with her mother. Filled with a sense of nostalgia and inspiration, this book shows Amy's life before the start of the series. Special Edition #1

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Accelerated Reader Update October 26th-30th




5th Grade
  1. Marcel Munger 89.5 pts
  2. Bryce Collins 78.9 pts
  3. Collin Lieber 63.3 pts
  4. kennedy Beauchamp 62.9 pts

6th Grade
  1. Valerie Emerick 180.3 points
  2. Marty Eagle 159.3 points
  3. Markus Munger 74.3 pts
  4. Veronica Palecki 61.1 pts
  5. Tyler Dillon 57.0 pts

7th Grade
  1. Oliva Kelley 251 pts
  2. Morgan Clauss 206.2 pts
  3. Joey Volpe 195.1 pts
  4. Miranda Shell 137.7 points
  5. Patrick Ford 115.4 pts
8th Grade
  1. Sarah Eagle 283.4 pts
  2. Gabrielle Schwartz 169.3 pts
  3. Victoria Doppelberger 157 pts
  4. Keenan Ylen 145.1 pts
  5. Rachel Semeyn 141.7 pts

Book Review: Meanest Doll in the World



Title: The Meanest Doll in the World
Author: Ann M. Martin
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

Two dolls, Annabelle and Tiffiny get stuck in their owners backpack and are taken to school, but at the school they decide to wander around. But they get stuck at school. When they finally get back to the backpack they think is hers they actually get in the wrong one. They have to get rid of a menace that follows them.

What did you like about this book?

I like that Ann M. Martin adds so much detail in the story.

What didn't you like about this book?

There were some confusing parts.

Would you recommend this book to others?

I would recommend this book to others because it is so adventurous and fun.

Read, reviewed and written by Anna-Maria F. 7th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!

AR INFORMATION:
Author: Martin, Ann M.

Interest Level: Middle Grades
Book Level: 4.6
AR Pts: 5.0

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Book Review: Cut



Title: Cut
Author: Patricia McCormick
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

My Thoughts:

I read a very good book called Cut. It is a book for kids who there they're the only ones cutting themselves. This is easy to read. The book is great for anyone. This book is hard to resist. This book will tell you to get help. You will like to hear what happens.

Read, reviewed, and written by Elida A. 8th Grade

** Due to content this book is a parental permission slip book only

AR INFORMATION:
Author: McCormick, Patricia
Interest Level: Upper Grades
Book Level: 4.6
AR Pts: 5.0

Summary: While confined to a mental hospital, fifteen-year-old Callie slowly comes to understand some of the reasons behind her self-mutilation, and gradually starts to get better.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Book Review: Marked



Title: Marked
Author: P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction


My Thoughts:

I just read an interesting book called Marked. Marked is a very good book. This book is for young adults. The book is about Vampires. It is a thriller. You will not want to put the book down.

Read, reviewed, and written by Elida A. 8th grade

** While this book is not available at the CLMS library, other books with vampires can be found for check out. Please ask Mrs. Taylor.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Book Review: Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto



Title: Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative manifesto
Author: Mark R. Levin
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Non-Fiction

My Thoughts:
In his book Liberty and Tyranny, Mark Levin tells about what the statist has done to this country. From taking over healthcare to staging outrageous attacks on the free market system. He also explains how this country has gone so far outside the constitution boundaries that a lot of the government's cannot be justified as constitutional!
What I liked about this book is the amount of research that Mark Levin put into each paragraph. It's like you learn something new each sentence!
The only thing that I didn't like about this book is that to me it seemed a little hard to read, but to older readers it will probably make more sense.
I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially those who don't really know what side they are on, (Republican or Democrat), but everybody needs to read this book.

Read, reviewed, and written by Kevin C. 8th grade

If you are interested in reading about liberty, the Constitution and the founding Fathers of the United States, you can check out these books from CLMS library:

  • Patrick Henry: Liberty or Death
  • Ropes of Revolution: Tale of the Boston Tea Party
  • The Bill of Rights
  • The U.S. Constitution

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Book Review: The Runaway Dolls




Title: The Runaway Dolls
Author: Ann M. Martin
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

Three girl dolls Annabelle, Tiffiny, and baby Tilly, run away because they didn't want to leave Tilly in a box for two weeks. They have to find their way home without being seen by humans.

What did you like about this book?

What I liked about this book is that these dolls are adventurous and risky, and learn with teamwork from dolls in a store, that they can find out answers.

What didn't you like about this book?

I didn't like that it ended.

Would you recommend this book to others?

I would recommend this book to others because it's fun, adventurous, and exciting.

Read, reviewed and written by Anna-Maria F. 7th Grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!

AR Information:
Author: Martin, Ann M.

Interest Level: Middle Grades T
Book Level: 4.4
AR Pts: 6.0

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Book Review: The Squire's Tales




Title: The Squire's Tales- Total of 8 books in all
Author: Gerald Morris
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

In this series of books, there is the Round Table and King Arthur. There are many pages, romance, and tragedies. it takes you back to the Round Table. Each character in the series has his/her personality. There is some shocks, some laughs. This series has it all.

What did you like about this book?

I liked this series because I fall right into the book. It captured me. All of the characters has his or her own ingredient to life. There was a lot of quests and even shocks. It was a guessing game in the making. I loved every sentence.

What didn't you like about this book?

Some parts dragged. Like, they changed the whole story around sometimes. I hated how there was two different worlds. I did not like how the action went. There was some names I could not even try to pronounce.


Would you recommend this book to others?

Yes, because it was very good. It had all types of genres. It led me back to King Arthur's time. Nobody should miss out on the great series. it will captivate you to the last sentence.

Read, reviewed, and written by Sarah E. 8th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!

Accelerated Reader Update October 19th



5th Grade
  1. Bryce Collins 62.8 points
  2. Kristine Mason 60.4 points
  3. Kennedy Beauchamp 54.9 points
  4. Marcel Munger 53.7 points
  5. Jacob Hart 42.7 points


6th Grade
  1. Valerie Emerick 180.3 points
  2. Marty Eagle 144.8 points
  3. Veronica Palecki 61.1 points
  4. Markus Munger 58.3 points
  5. Baily Van Camp 50.6 points

7th Grade
  1. Oliva Kelley190.9 points
  2. Morgan Clauss 184.2 points
  3. Joey Volpe 169.8 points
  4. Miranda Shell 137.7 points
  5. Kaylee Ruthruff 102.7 points
8th Grade
  1. Sarah Eagle 247.7 points
  2. Victoria Doppelberger 157.0 points
  3. Gabrielle Schwartz 148.1 points
  4. Rachel Semeyn 141.7 points
  5. Chase Martin 112.7 points

Monday, October 5, 2009

Top Accelerated Readers October 5







5th Grade
  1. Bryce Collins 45.2 points
  2. Calli Townsend 31.1 points
  3. Caityln Dillion 25.1 points
  4. Kennedy Beauchamp 24.3 points
  5. Collin Lieber 24.0 points


6th Grade
  1. Marty Eagle101.4 points
  2. Valerie Emerick 87.4 points
  3. Veronica Palecki 51.0 points
  4. Bailey Van Camp 37.6 points
  5. Nick yelinek 36.7 points

7th Grade
  1. Oliva Kelley146.9 points
  2. Morgan Clauss 121.2 points
  3. Joey Volpe 109.1 points
  4. Miranda Shell 103.5 points
  5. kaylee Ruthruff 102.7 points
8th Grade
  1. Sarah Eagle 185.9 points
  2. Victoria Doppelberger 157.0 points
  3. Gabrielle Schwartz 123.1 points
  4. Rachel Semeyn 120.3 points
  5. Tyler Loeding 99.9 points

Friday, October 2, 2009

Book Review: Tales From the Hood


Book Review


Title: Tales From the Hood
Author: Michael Buckley
Fiction or Nonfiction: Fiction

My thoughts:

In the book, Tales From the Hood, the whole story is about the Little Red Riding Hood story. The Big Bad Wolf is put on trial for his life. The Grimm Sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, have to find out the truth before the crazy judge sentences him to death. The girls have to try to get the real story while they deal with finding Goldilocks to wake up their parents who are curse with a sleeping spell from a witch. They also have to deal with Puck, the annoying ever after. Sabrina has to deal with growing up without a mom too! The truth that the girls find out will shock you! Some things I loved about the book is how it is written. I love the idea of having a book of a fairytale with a twist. There is such great description on how everything and everyone looks. People ask what I don't like about the book. It is hard to say. I really liked everything. If I had to pick it would be......I don't know!!! I would recommend this book to anybody who likes mysteries or fairy tales and maybe even people who like a little bit of bloody details. There is a little but not a lot of blood. So, overall I loved the book and I think you should read it too!!

Read, reviewed and written by Mindy K., 8th grade


This book is available for check-out at the Middle School Media Center

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Book Review: Underwater





Title: Underwater
Author: Debbie Levy
Fiction or Non-Fiction: Fiction

Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!!

This boy got in a lot of fights, everyone told him to float above the water but he just wanted to swim away. He loves water. He gets fish and an aquarium and then he gets his first job and works at a fish store. He loves to to swim and is on a swim team. At the end they celebrate the victories on the team.

What did you like about this book?

It had great detail. It made you feel like you were the character. Since the beginning was so confusing it made you want to read more. At the end of each chapter it made you keep reading. The chapters ended with a sentence that captured your eyes and told you to read more. This is a great book that I would recommend to anyone!
What didn't you like about this book?

It was a confusing beginning that you had to read more to figure out!
Would you recommend this book to others?

Yes, because of the great description, and it had a lesson on how to calm down.

Read, reviewed and written by Megan G. 8th grade

**If this book sounds like something you would like to read, please ask Mrs. Taylor about this the next time you visit the library!!!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Mortal Instruments Series

Book Review


Title of book: Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass


Author: Cassandra Clare
Fiction or non-fiction: YA Fiction



Summarize the plot but don't give away the ending!
This girl enters the realm of magical creatures. She meets demons and a strange race of people who call themselves Shadow Hunters. She find out that she has a terrifying past. She is torn between love, friends, and family.




What did you like most about this book?
I liked how the characters were created. They all had their own personalities. There was a lot of suspense. I liked how the story took dramatic changes. It was very entertaining and left me surprised, even after the last page.

What didn't you like about this book?
I did not like how some characters were created. She could added a bit more detail. It could get boring at some points. I could see where she was going, but still could have had a bit of action there.

Would you recommend this book to others? Why or Why Not?
Yes, because this was a great series. I was held by the book the whole way. There was a lot of suspense. There was a lot of action. It was a book of all genres.


Read, reviewed and written by Sarah E.


** If this series sounds interesting to you come to the library because we have many fantasy series on the shelves!! Here is just a small selection.

The Lord of The Rings









Harry Potter









Sisters Grimm








The Last Apprentice









Ranger's Apprentice

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Ape Escape 3- Play Station 2 Review


When I played the first Ape Escape for the Playstation 1, I was hooked. I couldn't stop playing it or thinking about it. So Ape Escape 3 was definitely for me.

Ape Escape 3 is based off of it's other games - catch a gang of hyperactive monkeys with gadgets from the future. The concept appears to be simple, yet yields a fun exciting gaming experience.

The game starts with cut scenes explaining that a white monkey with an IQ over a regular monkey teams up with a 70's disco man to chop the world in half. The monkeys get this great idea- why not make some movies? So the levels are based on spoofs of cinematic hits, including "Monday the 13th" and "The Adventures of Apeyana Jones." These level structures provide comical plots and somewhat goofy dressed monkey.

I was impressed by the artificial intelligence. your net can get stolen by an alert monkey and YOU can get captured. The apes now feature weapons, from UZI's to samurai swords. And special character abilities apply to their costumes (i.e.-Darth VAder monkey can use the force.)

Although the game is entertaining, flaws are plentiful. The controls are completely different from other PS2 games, and is hard to get used to. And don't forget to turn off the music, for it sounds like Blue's Clues morphed with Dance Mix USA- not suitable for a game like this.

Anyway, the game is unique. But all I can tell you is that Ape Escape 3, no questions asked, is as fun as a barrel of monkeys.

Rating: 8.75 out of 10

Reviewed and written by Alex H.


** If you enjoyed this review and would like to read a book about a boy who is a gamer check out this one at the CLMS Library!!!

Author: Durant, Alan
Interest Level: Middle Grades
Book Level: 3.5
AR Pts: 1.0

Summary: JP loves to play video games, but when he finds one he has never seen before in the window of a junk store, he is not prepared for how real some games can be.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Accelerated Reader Update September 23





5th Grade

  1. Bryce Collins 21.0 points
  2. Collin Lieber 12.0 points
  3. Autumn Smereka 7.1 points
  4. Kennedy Beauchamp 4.9 points
  5. Mason Hoyt 3.9 points


6th Grade
  1. Marty Eagle 65.3 points
  2. Kellyn Clink 34.0 points
  3. Hailey Totten 23.9 points
  4. Veronica Palecki 20 points
  5. Maria Doppelberger 16.6 points

7th Grade
  1. Oliva Kelley 92.9 points
  2. Kaylee Ruthruff 65.0 points
  3. Miranda Shell 63.9 points
  4. Joey Volpe 57.1 points
  5. Morgan Clauss 56 point
8th Grade
  1. Victoria Doppelberger 93 points
  2. Sarah Eagle 88.9 points
  3. Rachel Semeyn 85.3 points
  4. Haley Hoyt 26.0 points
  5. Summer Gleason 23.8 points

Monday, September 21, 2009

Wii Sports Resort



Wii Sports Resort is not just a sequel- it's a whole new gaming experience.

You insert the disc into the Wii, update the software, and then it loses you with a 3 minute lecture. "Connecting the Wii Motion Plus, etc" kind of bores you, but leaves time to put on shorts or get a snack.
The game starts with a skydive down to a tropical island in the middle of the equator, which players will remember from Wii Fit Jogging. While you are skydiving it gives you a feel of the new motion plus feature. Then, you form up and the title screen comes up.
The sports you can play are a mish-mash of different things you would do on vacation. Wakeboarding, Ping pong, and whacking the snot out of a person in swordplay are just a start.
The Airsports surprised me, because you wouldn't fly a plane on vacation, eh? Players drive a plane around the virtual island as they spot beautiful sights, shoot flares, and pop balloons. The motion control exceeds other flying games, and flying into a big rock can be satisfying as it provides a comical destruction.
And of course, Nintendo can't let go of the past, as Bowling and Golf are back with all new controls. Bowlers have freehand control to perform curve balls. Also, there's a "hole" new golf course.
All this said, there are plenty of flaws. The canoe game isn't really entertaining enough to play. And you must NOT forget that the Wii Motion Plus constantly needs to be recalibrated! Also, it gets kind of hard to pause the game.
Overall, it's a fun game. If you like fun, violence, and cheap cartoon cutscenes this is the game for you. See you on the island....Yes....The Island....

Reviewed and written by Alex H.


If you would like to know more about designing video games, check out this book from the CLMS library:

Author: Lund, Bill
Interest Level: Middle Grades
Book Level: 4.8
AR Pts: 0.5

Summary: Discusses the development of video games as well as the skills and education required for a career as a game designer.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Box Tops for Education


You Can make a Difference for Our School with Box Tops!


  • Clip box top coupons from favorite products and send them to our school.
  • Shop at your favorite online stores through the Box Tops Marketplace (btfe.com/marketplace), and up to 8% of your qualifying purchase will automatically be donated to our school with no additional cost to you!
  • Purchase books through the Box Tops Reading Room at Barnes & Noble.

We've recently launched our 2009-2010 Box Tops for Education fundraising campaign. This year we've set a goal of earning $500.00 through Box tops to support our Accelerated Reader Program.

For 12 years, Box Tops for Education has helped America's schools raise over $250 million to buy things they need. The Box Tops for Education program offers three easy ways to make a difference for our school through everyday activities: buying groceries, shopping online and purchasing books. School budgets are tighter than ever, and the Middle School is asking for the support of families and community members such as you.

Sign up to support our school at the Box Tops website (www.btfe.com). You'll get updates on our school's Box Tops earnings, money-saving coupons, family pleasing recipes, chances to win Bonus Box Tops for our school and the latest Box Top news!

What your child needs to do and what they can win from CLMS:

Each trimester the top three students who bring in the most box tops will receive a gift card to McDonalds. Please put them in a Ziploc bag with the students name and grade on it. There is a drop off box in the office or they can turn them into any teacher.

Thank you for your support in the past year and we are looking forward to a great year!!!


*** When you go to the Box Tops for Education website you will want to click on the LOGIN button and follow the directions from there!!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Happy Friday


Starting on Monday, September 14th the students will be able to start taking tests using the Accelerated Reader system. All computers throughout the school have access to this program. Remember, students can NOT take tests at home, but you can go to AR Book Finder and look up the tests by author, title, or ISBN number.

Library News:

We have already started checking out books. New books are coming in and being processed immediately so that students can get their hands on them. New this week is an interesting series entitled: Outlaws and Lawmen of the Wild West.




This series includes the following titles:
Wyatt Earp
Jesse James
Wild Bill Hickok
Billy the Kid
Bella Starr
Butch Cassidy


Ask your child if they visited the library today!!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Day 2 of school



The Middle School has been a very busy place and the library has had it's fair share of the activity. Over the past two days we have checked out textbooks to students and have started regular library classes so that your student can get their hands on a reading book. Take some time tonight and ask your son or daughter about their day and if they've visited the Media Center!!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Welcome to our Blog for the Middle School!

Hello Cros-Lex Middle School Parents, students, and Staff.

I've created this blog to keep you informed of the new books that we will be adding to our library during the school year. I will also post reviews written by students. Due to privacy issues only first names will be used and no photos. Students can post reviews to earn Pioneer Points from the library. I will also post updates on the Accelerated Reader program. This information will be gathered from Mrs. Kogler who is the AR Coordinator for our building. Please feel free to leave comments, suggestions, ideas on our posts. We look forward to another great year of reading!!


Sincerely,

Mrs. Ferda - Media Teacher and Mrs. Taylor-Library Lady