What's One Book New Jersey? It's a program designed to encourage everyone in NJ to read the same book!
Up for vote are:
The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part-Time Indianby Sherman Alexie
Fourteen-year-old Junior wants more from life than to epitomize the stereotype of a Native American on the Spokane Indian Reservation, so he tells his family that he wants to enroll at a school off the rez. The story follows Junior as he attempts to make his way through daily life as an outsider at his new school, and his struggles to play his role as a member of the rez. With touching authenticity, this story absolutely, truly relates to teens from all walks of life. Sherman Alexie writes books for teens and adults, and his personal experiences growing up provided the inspiration for this story.
All Of The Aboveby Shelley Pearsall
Mr. Collins' inner city seventh grade math class couldn't care less about math . . . until he challenges them to break the record for creating the world's largest tetrahedron! Soon, students James Harris III, Rhondell, Sharice, and Marcel are meeting every day after school despite their differences in order to meet their goal. Will they make it? The alternating voices in this novel portray the diversity of race, religion, and status that make up many of the classrooms in high schools across the country.
The Schwa Was Hereby Neal Shusterman
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be invisible? Antsy is one of the few people who can see Calvin Schwa. Could it be possible that money can be made off of the Schwa's ability to disappear and reappear virtually unnoticed? The course of events that take place are hilarious, but along the way the Schwa and Antsy develop a very serious friendship with each other, Old Man Crawley, and his blind granddaughter Lexie, all of whom must try to help keep the Schwa from disappearing forever. The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and mature readers alike, and the prolific Shusterman's titles cover a wide range of interest for all ages. This story and its companion, Antsy Does Time, are set in New York City.
Montmorency : Thief, Liar... Gentleman?by Eleanor Updale
A young thief is gravely injured in Nineteenth Century England. During recovery, he learns the secrets of London's new sewer system, and uses its tunnels for a series of daring robberies. Can he go straight and reinvent himself as a wealthy member of society? A rousing adventure full of blood and muck, a dark look at class and poverty, and a thoughtful study of self-awareness, this historical novel has a lot to offer to a variety of reading interests!
Voting will take place through Sunday, November 15, 2009.
