Sixteen-year-old Valerie, whose boyfriend Nick committed a school shooting at the end of their junior year, struggles to cope with integrating herself back into high school life, unsure herself whether she was a hero or a villain.

The Hate List reminded me of classic Gail Giles. It is a compulsive read. It explores who and why do we hate so much. It is thought-provoking and a definite must read!

Half Brother by Ken Oppel

Check out the book review below by Mrs. Walker, English I teacher. She is an avid reader and always willing to encourage reading by sharing titles of good YA books. If you have read Ken Oppel's book, leave a comment and let us know how you liked it.

Last school year, I read the Airborn trilogy of books from this author. I love the way Oppel presents and develops his characters. This novel is of a very different subject matter from the Airborn novels. Here, the main character Ben has a life changing experience. His parents, who are both scientists, bring home a baby chimpanzee they name Zan to raise as a human child. The author depicts moral and scientific dilemmas faced by both Ben and his parents. I had a hard time putting this book down because I just couldn’t wait to find out what happens to Zan.

Tayshas 2011 Reading List Announced!! Titles available in the library for checkout

If you are looking for hot off the press titles that are fantastic reads, you need to stop by the FHS Library to take a look at the 2011 Tayshas High School Reading List titles. This year there are over 50 books on the list and definitely something for everyone, whether you like mystery/suspense, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, historical or humor. Just look for the display books with the blue cards and the bright red Tayshas 'T'.

The library now has use of iTouches. Ask for one of these to view Tayshas booktrailers by FHS Library Aides. You won't want to miss these.

Check the Teenspeak Blog in the next couple of days for the Tayshas booktrailer. It should be posted by mid-week and will feature most of the titles on the list.

Accomplice by Eireann Corrigan

High school juniors and best friends Finn and Chloe hatch a daring plot to fake Chloe's disappearance from their rural New Jersey town in order to have something compelling to put on their college applications, but unforeseen events complicate matters.

Teens will be drawn to the premise of this book. Would two teens actually do this?

Are you preparing?

One of the building blocks for advanced literacy is to read and understand a wide range of nonfiction and technical texts. According to the book College and Career Ready by David T. Conley, students in college read more materials in a wider range of formats. In preparation for college or the workforce, it will benefit you to be a well rounded reader. You can best accomplish this by reading works that you normally don't. Nonfiction books can be a good place to start. Ask Ms. Bivins for recommendations of nonfiction titles that are being required by college freshman or look at her earlier post on Teen Speak labeled 'nonfiction'. Some of these titles are in the FHS Library.

Below are some other suggested nonfiction titles from the School Library Journal's List of Best Books for 2010. The titles listed are currently available in the FHS Library.

They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Time You Let Me In: 25 Poets Under 25 by Naomi Shihab

Sources: http://www.amazon.com/; http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/; http://www.collegecareerready.com/

Ties to Tatoos by Sherri Elliott

For the first time in our nation's history, you have the potential of working among others who are from four distinctively different generations. These include Traditionalists, Boomers, Xers, and Millennials. Some of you are among the Millennials. Ties to Tatoos takes a look at what current and future work environments will be like. It provides tips on how to best perform among co-workers who have different ideas, expectations, and values then you do. As a young person new to the work environment, this book will help you to see where managers are coming from when it comes to recruiting, training, motivating and retaining workers.

Even though Ties to Tatoos talks about managing workers from all of these different generations, it has other valuable tips for communicating and working with individuals in group settings.

Resource: http://www.tiestotatoos.com/

They're popping up everywhere!

Have you heard of QR codes? If you don't know what they are, continue reading. QR stands for Quick Response. The codes are 2-dimensional barcodes and are used to encode data. If your cellphone has a QR code reader such as Optiscan for the iPhone, you can scan it and it takes you to the URL such as the one shown to the left. It is the QR code for the mobile Wikipedia homepage. Essentially a QR code is scanned using a downloadable app such as Optiscan and it directs your browser to things like URLs. You can also make a phone call, text or send an email. Start to check the back of books, music, etc. You will also find QR codes for viewing booktrailers or movie clips. Once QR codes are actually put into the text of a book or ereader, you will be able to link to maps, video clips or even annotations. Think of it, the possibilities are endless!

This got me to thinking about how you could use these for learning and/or classroom projects. How about embedding one in your next Prezi, Powerpoint or web project that could link fellow classmates to a web link on a topic, to a photo, graphic or podcast?

Use the comments section below this posting to let others know about how you are using QR codes or could use QR codes for learning and/or classroom projects.

Source: ReadWriteWeb, Technosavvy and Wikipedia

Lit Tweet: Fever Crumb by Phillip Reeve

Foundling Fever Crumb has been raised as an engineer although females in the future London, England, are not believed capable of rational thought, but at age fourteen she leaves her sheltered world and begins to learn startling truths about her past while facing danger in the present. Sci-fi readers will enjoy this new book by Phillip Reeve. Stop down to the FHS Library and grab a copy!

Award winning author Sonya Sones coming to Frisco High School!

What My Mother Doesn't Know is just one of the many award winning books written by author Sonya Sones.

What My Mother Doesn't Know is a fantastic book written by Sonya Sones, who is the author scheduled to present writing workshops at FHS on the afternoon of Friday, October 22nd. If you have been hearing about these books and the writing workshops, you won't want to miss this opportunity to attend one of these workshops. See the FHS Library or your English teacher for details. Ms. Sones will also be available to autograph her books the day of her visit.
Check out Ms. Sones' website for more details on other titles she has authored. http://www.sonyasones.com/ OR
see her at Frisco Reads.

What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know is written in Robin's voice and is the sequel to What My Mother Doesn't Know. Let me give you just a little preview of What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know. For the first time in his life, Robin has found a girlfriend. You would think this is a good thing, but it only seems to complicates matters. As it turns out, other girls seem to be popping up everywhere he turns. What is a guy to do? Read What My Mother Doesn't Know. Just maybe you will get some tips on how to find the girl or guy of your dreams.

The Omnivore's Dilemma: the secrets behind what you eat by Michael Pollan

This book was a fascinating read, especially for someone like myself who is interested in the environment and ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint. The author traveled the U.S. visiting different types of production facilities that raise and provide beef, chicken, eggs and milk products to consumers. He followed the line of production from farm to store, visiting what he referred to as industrial farms, organic industrial farms and organic farms (visiting the farm of well known organic farmer Joel Salatin). I learned things in this book such as the carbon footprint left on the planet by the waste of animals. It is pretty high. I learned that even chickens that are being raised in an organic setting must be housed in a chicken barn for the first two weeks while being raised for slaughter. After the first two weeks, they have access to open field pens, but are so used to being in the barn, they rarely go outside. So we may be eating meat products labeled as organic, but are they really?

For anyone considering a vegan lifestyle or just giving up meat, this book may give you some insight before making your decision.

Note: the author gave up meat after researching and writing the book, but later decided to eat meat coming only from local organic farms or organic food clubs.

Research Tip: Use the Research Guide

The next time you are on the FHS Library website, scroll down on the right under the heading Library Resources and take a look at the FISD HS Research Guide. This is your roadmap to bringing you through the entire research process or even just one component of it. It includes instruction and tips on how to develop a specific research question, narrowing your topic, getting background information on your topic, taking workable notes, organizing your information and how to create a works cited page. Link to it here: HS Research Guide

I promise you it will be a great resource. Not only here at FHS, but it will provide you a better foundation when you to off to college and need to tackle a major research paper.

You may also find out that your English teacher will use it in class during an upcoming research project. This way you will be one step ahead of the class!

You by Charles Benoit

You is the story 0f 15-year old Kyle Chase and the devastating choices he makes. Bright, but unmotivated, Kyle is sucked into the sinister world of Zach, a wealthy, manipulative classmate who can see right through Kyle's vulnerability. Kyle's internal thoughts are so vivid and real, showing distrust, rage, betrayal and empathy. As the story unfolds, the reader will easily see how Zach defends, charms and then seeks to destroy Kyle.
Never have I read a story that is so powerful and gripping. I felt like everybody could see it coming, but Kyle. It truly helped me to see into the world of some teens and the ultimate effect they can have on others. Highly recommended!

Why it pays to have a college education

According to a recent report aired on ABC News, it pays to have a college education.
Their statistics show that:
1) College graduates earn almost 30% more then high school graduates.
2) For every two guys who graduate college, three women do. They are calling this a "reverse gender gap". This mostly applies to women under the age of 30.
3) Single women under the age of thirty currently make more then men.

The more educated you are, the more chance you have at success. This is a great incentive to work hard during high school and not wait until your junior or senior year to make your future plans. If you are not sure where to get started, see your counselor or the librarian. Either can point you to some great resources to start planning.

http://www.abcnews.com/

50th anniversary celebration of To Kill a Mockingbird

2010 is the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Pulizer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee. Ms. Lee recently quoted in a letter to Oprah Winfrey said, "Now, 75 years later in an abundant society where people have laptops, cellphones, iPods and minds like empty rooms, I still plod along with books."

To read all about the celebration of this award winning book, logon on to To Kill a Mockingbird-50 year. Read all about events being held throughout the U.S.

Sources: http://www.dallasmorningnews.com/;

http://tokillamockingbird50year.com/

Can you turn a Smartphone into an E-Reader?

The answer is yes! You don't really have to have a separate piece of hardware to read e-books from most of the major online bookstores. Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble (just to mention a few) have e-reader software that works on phones and computers. Even though the above mentioned e-readers have an easier-to-read grayish screen, major e-book apps have a setting that allows you to change the background on your smartphone. Most of the common choice of colors on the apps include sepia, white or black. The apps also offer the ability to change the size of the screen text as well.
If you have come across any other great e-reader apps online, please leave a comment and share the name.

Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/
graphics: http://www.clipart.com/

The focus of the Teen Speak Blog is to provide content geared toward teens. Where they are at and where they are going. If you see a slant toward college and career readiness, this is intentional. You won't be at Frisco High School forever so depending on what grade you are in, you should be thinking about your future or you are already planning for it. If you don't know where to start, start with the library. Check with Ms. Bivins about online sources of information. There is a wealth out there and she can help you to sort through it and find the information you want. If you don't know it, the library has a great college and career section. Ask to see it.

On a final note, check the September issue of U.S. News & World Report. The entire issue is focused on the college bound and rankings for the best college. It is loaded with information. Check it out at: http://www.usnews.com/

Let's Talk Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Finally we are introduced to District 13, the underground postapocalyptic society that has become the headquarters for the rebel movement in fighting to regain control of Panem. Katniss initially resists her role as the voice of the rebel forces, but realizes she has been the chosen one to bring down the Capital government once and for all. After seeing first hand the brutal violence brought on by Capital forces, she knows she must fulfill her role, protect her family and eventually may have to choose between her two great loves.

As in Hunger Games and Catching Fire, author Suzanne Collins has brought us another edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you turning pages to the final conclusion of the Hunger Games Trilogy!

What Should College Freshmen Be Reading?

Many colleges now assign reading to all incoming freshman. Below are five nonfiction titles that are popular among colleges this fall.

Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario
A 17-year-old boy risks his life traveling from his native Honduras to the U.S. in search of his mother, who left when he was 5.

The Soloist by Steve Lopez
A memoir turned movie (starring Robert Downy, Jr. and Jamie Foxx-now out on DVD) about a journalist who befriends a homeless violinist and tries to help him find success onstage.

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
A New Orleans resident who stays behind after Hurricane Katrina is arrested and accused of belonging to Al-Qaeda.

This I Believe by Jay Allison and Dan Ediman, eds.
Editors Allison and Gedman collected essays from the National Public Radio series This I Believe
about people's guiding values.

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Polan
A critical look at the American food chain from cornfield to factory farm to drive-thru window.
Very timely with the current egg recall from Iowas farms that led to salmonella outbreaks.

Source: http://www.parade.com/

Mockingjay has arrived @ the FHS Library

If you have been following the countdown or marking on the calendar the days until Mockingjay arrives in libraries and bookstores, you no longer have to wait. Mockingjay is the highly anticipated last book in the Hunger Games Trilogy by author Suzanne Collins. Run, don't walk to the FHS Library. We have multiple copies, but they will go fast!

Check out the official website at www.scholastic.com/thehungergames

Lionsgate Entertainment has obtained the worldwide distribution rights for a film adaptation of The Hunger Games. Continue searching online for more information as it becomes available.

Lit Tweet - Once Was Lost by Sarah Zarr

In this third novel by widely acclaimed author Sarah Zarr, she examines the coexistence of affliction and hope. Samara (Sam) Taylor must take a hard look at her thoughts about God, her family and herself when family dynamics and a community crisis cause her life to unravel. Sensitive storytelling at its best. A must read!

Welcome to the FHS Library's Teen Speak Blog

I hope you all had a great summer of reading, fun and whatever else you like to do with your free time. I especially welcome all incoming freshman. The Frisco High School Library is a great place to be. I hope you will stop in, kick back and enjoy reading, socializing or just using our online resources.
What is Teen Speak? Teen Speak is a blog just for you. A place to read about books including ebooks and ereaders, web 2.0, teen trends and teen culture. A place for teens by teens. You are welcomed and encouraged to be a contributor to Teen Speak. Just post your interest here or see Mrs. Bivins, FHS Librarian.
Welcome to FHS!