Dan's picks #10 Insignia

In a dystopian world wars are fought not with humans but with drones against drones in space. These drones are controlled remotely by the most talented and intuitive individuals of each country. The plot line follows Thomas Raines, a child genius of sorts who dominates in video games but comes from a broken and uneven childhood. He supports him and his father by hustling people with video games. It is through this activity that he is recruited for a mysterious and elite program run by the government. At the Pentagonal Spire they are trained with the hopes of becoming a sought after combatant in these intergalactic wars. He adjusts to his new life as a trainee, but soon finds out that his adventure will be much dynamic than he could have ever hoped for.

As a review for all three books in this series and for this book in particular I have to say these books are really quality. I have read quite a few books this year and insignia is definitely my favorite in the Sci-Fi category. It really hits all the nails on the head for me; the seamless and exciting integration of technology, the great portrayal of relatable protagonist, and a eerily realistic dystopian future filled with corporations and greed. Honestly when I read this book I read it for 3 hours straight without putting it down. Out of the series the 1st and 3rd were my favorite but the 2nd is still a solid read. If you enjoy books like "Ender's Game" or "The Maze Runner" or "Ready Player One", then I definitely would recommend investing some time in this book. 

Common Sense--You are Missed

It, unfortunately, appears that common sense isn’t so common anymore in certain novels.

As a realist--and somewhat of a pessimist--I have realized that certain decisions made by YA heroines are eyebrow-raising at best. These books are quite good when first reading them; however, retrospection (where heart-pounding anticipation is replaced with logic) ruined some (at first glance) smart heroines.

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Like honestly, when a guy attempted (premeditated) murder on her childhood best friend--the “sibling I never had” type--the logical explanation is to not hate him forever, but to risk her life by playing espionage for his safety and freedom. She can think of no better solution: she will not avenge her permanently-psychologically-scarred friend/sibling and will instead love him with all her heart. Would she commit treason for him? She did, got caught, was punished, and doesn’t regret it. And oh boy, how dare her best friend want to cut off all communications with her after [the friend] found out that she was fraternizing with [the friend’s] killer.

For a so-called smart strategist, she doesn’t seem all that smart. Or that guy is really hot…

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Another example is a princess who was arranged to marry an enemy kingdom’s prince to form an alliance for the much needed benefits for her kingdom. However, she is not down with the idea of marrying someone who could possibly be an old man or a guy who blindly follows his daddy’s orders. So, she decides to run away the day before her marriage ceremony. For (another) smart heroine, she doesn’t know how to compare numbers--hell, computers can do that better than she can (and they only understand 0s and 1s). Let’s compare: thousands of people’s happiness or personal happiness? Let’s screw over the kingdom and run off to some nondescript village!

If her inability to do preschool math wasn’t bad enough, at this nondescript village where she is supposed to keep a low profile and work hard to survive, she decides to play that game. You know the game where the character struggles to choose between Hot-Guy #1 and Hot-(But-In-A-Different-Way)-Guy #2 whilst making both hot guys fall head over heels for her. She was amazing at that game: would’ve earned a gold medal if it was featured in the Olympics. At least The Olympics is entertaining. She ultimately forgets her previous plans and her priorities.

Would marrying an old man or a sissy for the benefit of one’s country be really that bad?

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It’s not like both these heroines are complete dummies in their respective books; they actually do some really smart and praiseworthy things. It just so happens that some of their decisions are not so smart; theoretically, the good and bad decisions cancel each other out, making both of them “average” instead of “smart”.

Clearly, Hormones + Boy(s) = Temporary(?) Idiocy.

Witchlings Findings: Gamer Girl

One of the very few books that mixes reality with games, Mari Moncusi creates a mixed new book called the Gamer Girl. Beginning with city slicker Maddy and divorced parents, an easy-going younger sister, and moving to the suburbs with her unicorn loving grandmother, Maddy believes her life couldn't get any worse.
The best thing that had happened to her was her father buying the new game Fields of Fantasy for her birthday party that the book dedicates to as the continuation of a love plot, that her new school lacks. But when she learns that her Prince Charming, Sir Leo is from the same high school, she tries to find him.
The entire story was shallow and lacking in many ways, as Maddy believes she is the most pitiful person in the world, but isn't portrayed with an aloof and a try-to-fit-in manner at school. But the moment she enters Fields of Fantasy, she becomes a beautiful, medieval elf mage with a knight to protect her, with no concerns. The difference between Maddy's reality, and her online gaming time as Allora is too different to be relatable and believable. A common theme in suburb schools are bullies and cliques and rulers of the school. Which is quite ironic, because this doesn't really happen, especially when reading it as a student attending a school in the suburbs. The game Fields of Fantasy, while made a big deal, has a tiny role to fulfill; to continue a love story that has a million-in-one chance of actually happening in reality. Which is is basically the entire plot.

Yvonne Prinz coming Oct. 29th!

Come to the Library during tutorial on Oct. 29th for a special event with author Yvonne Prinz, presented by Book Nook. Her new book, If You're Lucky, came out yesterday. Read more about it below (from Amazon) and sign up to meet the writer when she visits.

“Who decides what’s real?”

Is Georgia's mind playing tricks on her, or is the entire town walking into the arms of a killer who has everyone but her fooled?

When seventeen-year-old Georgia's brother drowns while surfing halfway around the world in Australia, she refuses to believe Lucky's death was just bad luck. Lucky was smart. He wouldn't have surfed in waters more dangerous than he could handle. Then a stranger named Fin arrives in False Bay, claiming to have been Lucky's best friend. Soon Fin is working for Lucky's father, charming Lucky's mother, dating his girlfriend. Georgia begins to wonder: did Fin murder Lucky in order to take over his whole life?   

Determined to clear the fog from her mind in order to uncover the truth about Lucky's death, Georgia secretly stops taking the medication that keeps away the voices in her head. Georgia is certain she's getting closer and closer to the truth about Fin, but as she does, her mental state becomes more and more precarious, and no one seems to trust what she's saying.

As the chilling narrative unfolds, the reader must decide whether Georgia's descent into madness is causing her to see things that don't exist–or to see a deadly truth that no one else can.

For more info, click here or stop by the library. Contact hhs_lib@fuhsd.org to get on the guest list.

Tools to support your research

If your classes are embarking on research papers this fall, Homestead subscribes to two web-based tools to support the research process (identifying and using sources, organization and synthesizing information, and correctly citing sources).

One, which many students have already used. is Noodle Tools. NoodleTools uses virtual notecards on a virtual desktop to help organize research. Each individual notecard has a Main Idea (the title of the card) and sections to quote, paraphrase and make original connections to the source. Each card can be linked to a source in the bibliography, to keep student research organized and allow quotes and ideas to be appropriately cited in the final paper. Notecards can also be tagged and categorized, stacked and sorted on the virtual desktop, and searched and printed. Projects can be shared with teachers, who can view student progress and give feedback.

NoodleTools also has a citation creator, which walks you through the information needed to correct cite a source, and then creates the properly-formatted citation. To use the full subscription version, students should log on using their FUHSD accounts here.

New this year to Homestead is EasyBib. EasyBib has a free citation generator, which is well known to many students. Its subscription service offers much of the same functionality as NoodleTools, with a slightly different interface and usability. Students and staff should log in using their Google accounts here.

Both are integrated with Google Apps for Education, which means you can create, access and share Google Docs from within the app, and use your FUHSD login to access. Visit the library for more help in using these tools!

Last book swap of the year!

May 20th is the final book swap/lunchtime librarian visit of the school year. Bring a book to swap for something new for summer reading, or just stop by to show your Sunnyvale library card and get into the Jamba Juice drawing.

Dan's picks # 8 "the berlin boxing club"

Centered in WW2 Germany, Karl Stern, a young jew is constantly harassed by nazis and his classmate bullies. When his father makes a famous boxer a deal for some paintings in his gallery, Karl get the chance to be mentored by a world famous boxer. The story follows his rise in Karl's personal boxing career, the progress of his romantic interests and the struggles of his family. 
I personally connect with this story because of the fact that Karl is a young jewish kid like myself, however the story is very well written and not confusing at all. The reader will learn about treatment of the jewish people during WW2, as well as the personal connection to Karl and his family. I felt like I was there training with him, inspired a stronger person. Overall, great book.

Dan's picks # 7 firefight

A sequel to the phenomonal Ssteelheart, this book elaborates on the journey of the protagonist after the defeat of his greatest enemy. With the help of the elusive rebels that helped him to defeat Steelheart, he continues to pursue his lifelong passion of hunting epics. With the threat of new and powerful epics our hero continues his battle physically and internally, fighting with the morality of his actions.

Great writing as usual from this author. Some of the scenes feel a bit played out, however the plot line remains strong, and the introduction of new characters is seamless. Good inclusion of the softer, emotional stuff as well.

the maze runner

     I heard about the Maze Runner when i was at school, and from what i heard sounds like a pretty good movie. I had gone to my friends house to watch it, having the volume really loud made me feel like i'm in the theaters. So basically the movie is about a teenage boy named Thomas wakes up in an elevator in the middle of a giant labyrinth like the other youths before him. Thomas becomes part of the group and demonstrates a unique perspective to his group that there's a way out of the maze. They will work together to solve the mystery of the maze.

New arrivals

New arrivals to the Homestead Library this week: The Cinder series, by Marissa Meyer; Firefight (sequel to Steelheart); World War Z (to replace the vanishing copy); Tomboy, a graphic novel memoir by Liz Prince, and much more. They're going fast!

Monthly Book Swap and Sunnyvale Librarian visit coming March 25th!

Please bring your Sunnyvale library card and a book to swap. Here's all the details:

March Madness Round 1 Voting

Voting will be open until Thursday, March 12.

Library March Madness!

What was last year's top book at the Homestead Library? You decide!
These 16 titles were the most-borrowed books from February of last year to February of this year. Here's how to participate:

1. Come to the library and get a blank bracket.
2. Make your predictions and turn in your bracket by Monday, March 9th.
3. Go to the library website and vote for your choices. Voting for the first round will open after school on Monday, 3/9. 
4. Check back as the competition continues. You'll be able to vote four times to help determine the champion!

The seeds are:

1. Divergent, by Veronica Roth
2. Allegiant, by Veronica Roth
3. Blood of Olympus, by Rock Riordan
4. Attack on Titan, by Hajime Isayama
5. Drama, by Raina Telgemeier
6. Insurgent, by Veronica Roth
7. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, by Robin Sloane
8. Full Metal Alchemist, by Hiromu Arakawa
9. Crank, by Ellen Hopkins
10. Prodigy, by Marie Lu
11. Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins
12. What If? serious scientific answers to absurd hypothetical questions, by Randall Munroe
13. Delirium, by Lauren Oliver
14. If I Stay, by Gayle Forman
15. Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld
16. Matched, by Ally Condie
    

Dan's picks #6 ready player one

A mysterious and massively wealthy creator of an online world called OASIS dies, his whole fortune willed to whomever can find the Easter egg he has hidden masterfully in his virtual universe that he created, to the tune of $250 billion and control of his massive company. In a country wrecked by economic despair and turmoil this incites a generation of egg hunters "gunters" that devote their lives to studying and searching for this illusive prize. We follow wade, a young boy with not much going for him except that he devoted 5 years of his teenage life to finding the egg. when, he finds the first clue that could lead him to the egg, he becomes catapulted into a ruthless and over-the top world.

The integration of the theme of real vs. not real sucks you in because for many people who learn, play, search in OASIS, virtual reality is their reality. This book has a great deal of action and is one of the more fast paced adventure books I have read. One of my favorite books so far.

Hey Guys,
The Library just got a new collection of books from the Throne of Glass series. It is a series created by Sarah J. Mass and is a must read for anyone who enjoys fantasy. The book itself is a little bit like The Mortal Instrument series; though very little similarities, but is more alike to Kristin Cashore's Graceling (which is also another must read). Even though they are quite similar, that doesn't mean that you should compare them page by page. Throne of Glass is a masterpiece by itself that makes even me (if you know me you know how much I hate novels. I prefer manga) to read it from the first page of the book to the last. The author ends the book at the right places and leaves you to imagine as to what will happen to the main character; Celaena Sardothien, and to the people she encountered along the way.  The Throne of Glass series consists of 3 books right now, but more are to be published in the upcoming years. Sarah J. Mass has also created a prequel to this series called The Assassin's Blade; which consist of stories leading up to Celaena Sardothien's adventure. 

Lunchtime Book Swap, Wed. Feb 25th

Clean out your bookshelves during the winter break and give your old books a new home. Bring a book you've already enjoyed to swap during lunchtime on Wednesday, February 25th. The Sunnyvale Lunchtime Librarian will be on hand to sign you up for a library card as well. Check at the library circ desk with any questions.

Dan's posts #5 "steelheart"

In a world where superheroes do exist, from random and insignificantly powerful, to superheroes

AKA "epics" whose powers rival superman. The thrilling twist is those that manifested powers have become evil. In a city once called chicago there is an "epic" who rules with an awesome power and extreme mercilessness. Our main character barely escaped the massacre which killed his dad, now he seeks revenge. In order to kill "steelheart" he must  find those who also oppose the rule of the epics. 

I really really enjoyed this book, the "super heroes use their powers to be villians" twist makes the book extremely fast paced and exciting. The main character is displayed in the very genuine way that and interesting way rather than cheesy. Above all I like the plot, just when you think you've figured it out, you haven't. If this book sounds to gung-ho actiony for you there is also a large inclusion of mystery and adventure. I DEFINITELY recommend this book.

Jennifer Niven's visit featured in The Epitaph!

Author Jennifer Niven's visit to Homestead in January is featured in this month's Epitaph. Reporter Carla Gonzalez also reviews "All The Bright Places." 

Pick up a copy of The Epitaph at the library, or check out earlier issues online. 

The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault In Our Stars was such a good movie, i didn't expect it to end that way. It brought me to tears, and it such a great movie that's why i would recommend for people to watch this movie. So basically it's about Hazel Grace Lancaster, as she battles for cancer. Not only is she trying to live the normal life of a 16 year-old girl, but she also struggles with what it will be like for her parents after she dies. Hazel attends a church support group of cancer survivors, she meets a boy there named Augustus Waters. She requires him to read her favorite book An Imperial Affliction. Hazel relates to the character of her favorite book, Anna, because Anna has a rare blood cancer. Augustus uses his last wish foundation to fly him and Hazel to Amsterdam, where the author lives, to talk to him in person. All things catch my attention to see the movie, and i hope you like it.                              

Dan's picks # 4 "The testing"

Set in a barren, dystopian future, the best and brightest graduates of each of the colonies go through a series of tests to see whether they are fit enough to go to the university and help the government rebuild the war stricken country. The testing is dangerous and complex and not at all voluntary.

This book gives off a familiar feeling of something out of the hunger games trilogy, and this makes a lot of sense considering both stories have a harsh dystopian government picking young citizens to serve in a cutthroat game. Both stories even have a strong leading female as the protagonists. The point where the similarities became too much was when two of the main characters fighting to survive become love interests. Regardless, this book kept me engaged throughout her whole adventure and the story is beautifully written. If you like " The hunger games" definitely read this masterpiece.

Frozen

    When i first saw the trailer on tv of Frozen i thought it would be a boring cartoon movie. My friends would talk about it at school saying that it was one of the best cartoon movies they seen, i thought they were joking. But out of curiosity i just wanted to see a bit of it to see how could it was. This movie is basically about Anna, the sister of queen Elsa, set of a dangerous and mysterious journey to bring back Elsa, who has run of because of causing a endless winter upon her home town. Anna must get through challenges and meet new friends, such as Olaf, an adorable talking snowman that Elsa created when she was little. And face her charming boyfriend to save the kingdom from not only Hans, but from forever winter. I really enjoyed this movie especially because of Olaf, im sure you would enjoy it to. I recommend you to watch Frozen i promise you wont regret it.

Dan's picks #3 " WINGER"

This book showcases an exceptionally smart and athletic teenager, and his adventures at his private boarding school.  The twist in our protagonist's journey, is that he is roomed with one of the biggest jerks on his rugby team. A side story also plays out with our character pursuing the girl he has always liked.

This story plays out somewhat predictable with our character getting in his share of trouble and crazy adventures, however the main reason I particularly like this book beside the impeccable writing style is the seamless and important inclusion of serious topics like bullying, self identity and even suicide. The author brings a gravity to the crazy shenanigans and makes this book worth picking up.

Evaluating information sources

As you research, either for an academic purpose OR for your own knowledge need, you need to make sure you are using sources that will provide accurate, useful information. The CRAAP test is a quick, easy way to decide if the source you've found, especially online, is worth your time. Here's a short interactive presentation to introduce you to or remind you of the process.