Losing Brave by Bailee Madison & Stefne Miller

     This is a must read mystery! It is a hard to put down book! The story of identical twin sisters. One missing and one trying to remember what had happened that had led to her sister disappearing. Where was here twin? Was there any chance she might still be found...alive? With every passing day, the hope began to dwindle, until there was none.  

     The authors do a great job of weaving this story, however there are some inconsistencies. For example, if everyone in town is concerned that there might be a killer on the loose, one who is taking girls who look like the main character, why would her parents allow here to spend so much time in her camper? Also, why don't the police investigate the things that Poe, the main character, follows up on? They should be way ahead of a teenage girl in solving the case. Especially with the gossip in town, one would think they would have made a list of possible suspects, with motive, which would have included the actual guilty person. 

     Overall a great read with an ending you will probably not be anticipating.

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

This is an incredible story told in such a powerful way. You must read it!

This is a well written, well researched, book about four people's experiences during WWII. The story is told from each character's viewpoint with alternating chapters. (Not always my favorite format, but easy enough to follow.)  Most of the story is about each character's struggle to survive while interacting with other humans who are in the same struggle.

It is one of those stories that had me wondering what was happening to my friends in the story, each time I had to put the book down. I kept hoping that each of them would survive.

One highlight of the story is when so many people attempt to board the ship, The Wilhelm Gustloff. This ship was sent by the Germans to get people out of the region because the Germans were about to lose the war. The ship was built to carry 1,000 people. All furnishings and everything that could be removed was taken out. They even drained the water from the pool in an effort to be able to carry more people.  They took 10,000 passengers, 5,000 of them children, boarded the ship in hopes of freedom and survival. Some people were so disappointed to have missed this ship. They had to wait for the next ship, that might not come. 

The author, who herself is the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, did extensive research. She talked with members of her Lithuanian family and survivors.  She actually went to some of the main locations to better understand what it was like at that time.  She discovered that many victims put a paper with their story into a glass bottle and threw it into the water in hopes that someone would one day learn their story and share it with others. Ruta granted this requests.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

     With Thanksgiving just a week behind us, I am ever thankful for the many blessings in my life. One thing I'm most grateful for is the privilege of working with so many wonderful students, here at Ozark High School. It has been fun getting to know you all. It is exciting to read your posts every time one of you writes about a book you've just finished.  
     Though it is more and more difficult for many of you to find the time to read, the rewards are worth it.  Keep reading and posting. We only have three weeks until Christmas vacation and you'll have lots of time to read some of those books you've got on your list to read!

Welcome to the 2018-19 School Year

Come join our reading club! It's easy to do. Just see Mrs. Christensen or Mrs. Muns and we will get you all set up!

We look forward to sharing some great books this year! The OHS Library Media Center once again has an exciting year planned.

You can choose any book to share in our blog. If you want to focus on the Gateway nominees, we still post the quizzes, response logs, and blog posts. We will have a reading club reward at the end of the year for those who fulfill the requirements listed in this blog.  It's a fun way to connect with other story lovers!

Share your thoughts today about what you read this summer! We'd love to hear what you recommend!

Time to Vote for Your Favorite Gateway of the Year!

That's right! It is once again time to vote for your favorite Gateway nominee of the year. Go to the "Voting" tab of this blog and cast your vote. Remember, you must have read at least three of the titles to qualify to vote. Of the books you read, vote for the one you liked best! It's that simple! 

Ruthless by Carolyn Lee Adams

Thriller is the word that comes to mind when I think about this book. Ruth Carver was going about her life as usual when she is suddenly kidnapped at the mercy of a serial killer. She is a level headed tough girl, but he has experience and a goal to make her his next victim. She must survive the elements in an unknown place with only herself to rely on. Will she be his next victim, or will she escape to see her next birthday?  

Official Book Trailer

Author Interview

Author's Website

Goodreads Review

Publishers Weekly Review

Cold Weather is Coming...Snuggle Up with a Great Book!

Here's one I recommend!  This story offers it all!  Mystery, adventure, intrigue, family secrets, love, betrayal, competition, and acceptance. Avery VanDemere is a 17 year old girl from a wealthy family.  Her strict grandmother has raised her. She is waiting to turn 18 so she can go out on her own and get out from under her grandmother's control. But it isn't that simple. Can it be that running from her family might be the thing that brings them back together? Don't miss the adventure as they travel the world solving riddles to win the right to run the company business and gain the family wealth!

• Inherit Midnight Official Trailer
• Author's Website
• Goodreads Review
• Teenreads Review