Teen Speak

Good Advice

2012-01-19T14:51:00.001-08:00

Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore

2012-01-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

If you are in for a great book that has true Texas flavor, then Texas Gothic is just for you. This book has it all. Mystery, adventure, romance and a true Texas legend.

Seventeen-year-old Amy Goodnight has long been the one who makes her family of witches seem somewhat normal to others, but while spending a summer with her sister caring for their aunt's farm in the Hill Country, Amy becomes the center of weirdness when she becomes tied to a powerful ghost. Follow Amy as she, her eccentric sister and a group of archeology students from UT-Austin as they dig through human remains to solve a mystery that may be tied to a long time Texas legend.

Blink and Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones

2012-01-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Blink hoping to steal some breakfast, is forced to go on the run after stumbling upon the fake kidnapping of a CEO and recovering the man's cellphone. While in his travels to find out more about what he witnessed, he meets up with Caution, a girl trying to ditch her drug-dealing boyfriend, who identifies Blink as a mark until he tugs at her heart strings.

This is a great read about two teens who are on the run, trying to survive and find their place in the world. Emotional and intense.

Blink and Caution is on the 2012 Tayshas High School Reading List.

Illegal by Bettina Restrepo

2011-12-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

Nora, a fifteen-year-old Mexican girl, faces the challenges of being an illegal immigrant in Texas when she and her mother cross the border in search of Nora's father.

Ending up in inter-city Houston, Nora and her mother struggle to survive while living under the radar of immigration services. Follow Nora on her journey as she tries to find her father, earn money to survive and tries to figure out her way among the diversity of people in her neighborhood.

A realistic look immigration and the struggles of families to stay together.

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

2011-12-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

While sitting in the airport with her parents, sixteen-year-old Gemma strikes up a conversation with Ty, a gorgeous young stranger. Before she knows it, she is drugged by Ty and dragged off to the Australian outback where she is held captive. Soon Gemma realizes this desert is so desolate and remote that any escape attempts are futile. In time she believe that Ty is not as despicable as she first believed. But, is she just tired of fighting and willing to give up or will this nightmare eventually come to an end. One thing she knows is that she is losing hope as each day passes.

The Queen of Water by Laura Resau and Maria Virginia Farinango

2011-11-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

Seven-year-old Virgina, is an indigenas living near the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. Taken from her home to be a servant to a mestizo family, her parents are to be paid for her services to the family. She leaves thinking she will be back for visits with her family, but soon finds out she won't be going anywhere.

Virginia quickly learns she will be the family's indentured servant and is told her parents don't want her. Throughout this time, Virginia stops wearing indigneous clothing and learns to speak Spanish. Soon her customs, her family and her home seem to fade from her memory. Will she dare to believe she could some day have a life outside of the mestizo family she serves?

The story, co-written by Maria Virginia Farinango is a fictionalized accounts of Farinango's childhood and adolescence. Moving and memorable, this is a look into a culture many of us can't relate to, but helps us to see beyond what we know. Highly recommended.

The Girl is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines

2011-11-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

It is 1942 and fifteen-year-old Iris has just lost her mother to suicide. As she struggles to fit into a public school on the lower east side of NYC, after attending a private school, Iris grieves for the loss of her mother, the life of privilege she knew, and secretly helps her father with his detective business since he, having lost a leg at Pearl Harbor, struggles to make ends meet.

Customize your phone with the right apps

2011-10-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

Did you know that over 40% of us have smartphones and the number keeps growing, and growing fast. But like most things, human nature is to follow the crowd and that seems to be the same with apps. Instead of tailoring our phone to fit us like a glove, many of us seem to take the one-size-fits-all approach. To tailor your phone for your needs, you might want to take a look at some of the apps below. They can be great tools for school use.

Check out Simplenote for notetaking. It is available for the iPhone and iPad and free if you want to tolerate a few ads. A personal favorite of mine is Evernote. If you want something that does more then taking notes, you might want to look at SoundNote, $5 and available for the iPad. It also records audio while you type. One app definitely worth looking at is Easybib. Citing work was never easier. Minimal writing, mimimal typing.

If you give any of the above a try, let me know how you like them or if you have a great apps that you thinking students could use in class, let me know and I will post it.

Lost in Time by Melissa de la Cruz

2011-10-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

The 6th installment of the Blue Bloods series is out and Melissa de la Cruz will be at Barnes and Noble Stonebriar tonight, October 13 to read and sign copies of Lost in Time. Check out a book trailer for Lost in Time @ http://www.melissa-delacruz.com/. It is fantastic! Blue Bloods fans won't want to miss Lost in Time.

Meeting author Matt de la Pena

2011-10-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

This week, a number of FHS students had the opportunity to be involved in presentations given by visiting author Matt de la Pena. Among Matt's published books are Ball Don't Lie, Mexican White Boy and We Were Here.

During presentations, Matt talked about how his childhood shaped his future as an author and how if one dream doesn't work out, that other dreams and plans can. Even though his desire to play basketball beyond college didn't work as planned, it led him to writing poetry, short stories and eventually writing four books with another to be published in the future. The FHS varsity basket ball team all read and discussed Ball Don't Lie, so meeting him and being able to ask him about this book was especially meaningful. Players even got a picture taken with Matt. They presented him with a signed FHS basketball shirt to remember his visit at FHS.

Matt de la Pena's books are available in the library, so stop down and check one out. Guaranteed you will like it and want to read more.

Some top sites to use for file conversion

2011-09-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Most new computers can convert some file types, although there are still some that need help. Especially if you are going cross platform from mac to PC. Below is a list that includes a variety of different file conversion types.

Comet Docs - Very user-friendly.

Zamzar - One of the easiest conversion sites available. One of my personal favorites.

Vixy - Great for converting or downloading videos onto a computer or even a mobile device.

YouConvertIt - Used for converting multiple files.

OCR Terminal - Converts scanned images into usable data such as text, rtf, or doc.

If you give any of these a try, let me know how it works for you. Or if you know of a good conversion site, let me know.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

2011-08-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Is it OK to hate a dead kid? Even if once he was the love of my life? My best friend? Is it OK to hate him for being dead?

I spent my whole life secretly in love with my best friend, Charlie Kahn. Over the years he betrayed me and kept alot of secrets. I still love him even after he ruined everything.

This is how Vera Dietz feels about Charlie Kahn. After Charlie dies under dark circumstances, Vera who knows more about Charlie then anybody else, struggles with whether she should provide information that could clear Charlie's name. But why does Charlie's name have to be cleared? Why would the police want this information? For Vera, this is could be the biggest decision of her life.

This is an unforgettable novel. Smartly written, funny, edgy and always surprising.

Highly recommended.

BYOD and the library

2011-08-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome back for the 2011-2012 school year. Hopefully you had a fantastic summer and are as excited about this school year as I am. Once again, there will be lots of exciting things happening in the library. Included among these is bring your own device, an author presentation and book signing.

Visiting author Matt de la Pena will be in the FHS Library on the morning of October 5th. Look for more posts to this blog with details about this books and his visit. Matt is a wildly popular young adult author who writes books about teens faced with tough decisions and tough life circumstances. His debut novel, Ball Don't Lie was made into a major motion picture. Check out more about de la Pena at http://www.mattdelapena.com/.

One of the goals of the FHS Library is to embrace, teach and promote a 21st century digital learning environment. To support this commitment, students will be able to use their own devices (laptops, smart phones, eReaders, iPads, etc) for learning while in the library. For specific details, see the BYOD guidelines on the FISD homepage, ask the librarian or look for signage throughout the library.

Ms. Bivins (library-media specialist) is available to assist you in learning to use and navigate Google Apps for students. Ask for help on Google Docs, Google Sites, Gmail and Google Calendar.

Welcome back! I hope you have a great school year.

Dressing for the job

2011-05-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

It seems generational differences in attitudes related to proper office attire sometimes causes concern for employers in the workplace. As you go into another summer or possibly into a fulltime job as an FHS graduate, you might want to heed the following advice from Monster.com and Career Services at UT-Arlington.
Luckily for you, the button down, oxford cloth shirt and khaki pants have gone the way of the dinosaur. Many organizations have relaxed their dress code for business casual attire to include capri length pants and leather sandals, but if you think the rubber flip flop and cut off jeans are still considered appropriate, you are in for a surprise. If you want to put yourself in the most positive light and get ahead of fellow classmates who are also seeking employment, you want to use good taste with your clothing choices.
Now let's get to what is considered professional attire in the workforce. According to the Career Services Department at the University of Texas-Arlington, it means a skirt or pants and a nicely pressed shirt, minimal jewelry and (believe it or not) closed-toed shoes for women. For men think about pressed slacks and shirt and dress shoes with black socks.
Once you have been offered employment and proved yourself responsible and professional, only then think about relaxing your dress as you take cues from your colleagues in the workplace as well as your employer.
Good luck in your job hunt! I hope you find a job doing something you totally love.

Hunger Games Movie

2011-05-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

It should be all Hunger Games, all the time. Even though the movie is reportedly not to be released until sometime in 2012, news about the filming of the Hunger Games movie is flying all over the internet. Especially check out the sites below for everything Hunger Games and stop into the library to see the new issue of Entertainment Weekly, it has all the details about the casting and filming of the movie.

http://www.ew.com/ew/package/0,,20419951,00.html

http://hungergamesmovie.org/

http://www.myhungergames.com/tag/hunger-games-movie

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

2011-05-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Melissa Marr has written a fantastic new cross over book for adults and teens as well titled Graveminder. It has all the elements of a great mystery. A small town, a curse, and a buried secret. But the twist in this one is that it is all in the grave and it doesn't want to stay there.
It captivated my right from the start, drew me in and is the type of book you just won't put down. Highly recommended.

Due out May 17.
Check out more at: http://www.melissa-marr.com/

Online profiles vs. resumes

2011-04-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

With the new age of social media, it seems like a change may be on the horizon. Will online profiles take the place of resumes? In mentioning online profiles, I am thinking about networking sites such as Facebook or Linkedin (used mostly by the business community).

With summer, approaching many of you are thinking about applying for a summer job or even a full time job if you are graduating and moving on to the next chapter in your life. In a recent survey done by Office Team, a staff service that questioned approximately 500 human resource managers, 63% of respondents said that it is not likely that the resume' will be replaced. They did suggest there could be a real benefit to having an online profile, but emphasized that you should be careful about what you put on your Facebook page. If you are communicating on Facebook with mostly friends, you may want to start thinking about changing your posts to be more professional. You may also want to untag yourself in certain photos and set privacy setting to control who can see certain parts of your profile. Other suggestions included listing beneficial qualities related to your achievements as well as as posting appropriate hobbies and interests.

Source: Creators Syndicate; Office Team Staffing

Xtranormal: The place to make movies

2011-04-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

I happen to be watching a student in the library working on a class project. He had done research on a common disease and was looking for a new, inventive way to present his research. When I asked about what he was doing, he showed me the movie he had made on Xtranormal.com. It was really quite cool. Then he went on to tell me that with a mic he attached to his home computer, he was able to narrate the movie using his own voice. Being the researcher that I am. I went right out and researched Xtranormal. What I found is that it can be a great tool for student projects. Below is what Xtranormal says about themselves.

Xtranormal says they have a mission. They want to bring movie making to the people. We all watch movies, right; Xtranormal believe everyone can make movies. Movie-making, short and long, online and on-screen, private and public, will probably be the most important communications process of the 21st century.
Their revolutionary approach to movie-making builds on one of the most universally held skills—typing. You type something; we turn it into a movie. On the web and on the desktop.

Check it out. It is free for the starter version. If you want extra bells and whistles, there may be a fee.

College Access & Opportunity Guide

2011-04-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

The College Access & Opportunity Guide put out by CSO College Center is a fantastic new guide we just added to our library collection. It features a section related to planning for college as well as high school timelines with a checklist for things to do during each year of high school. It also includes advice from college students and other experts as well as a section on why you should find a mentor and how to go about finding one. The best find in the book would be links to a wealth of information about how to apply for college scholarships and other grants.

The last part of the book has profiles of colleges and universities from all fifty states. Most of the UT campuses throughout Texas are listed. Look below are sites that are affiliated with this publication. These would be a great place to start, or stop in at the FHS Library to check out the print edition of this guide. If you are looking for other resources on college planning, don't forget to look in the college and career collection in the library.

http://www.csocollegecenter.org/

http://www.knowhow2go.org/

Virals by Kathy Reichs

2011-03-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Tory Brennan and her friends are exposed to a canine parvovirus when they rescue a dog from a medical testing facility and soon realize they have heightened senses, which they use to solve a cold case murder.

A fantastic mystery read!

Writing a Paper? Try These Research Tips

2011-02-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

Maybe you have already been hit with or soon will be hit with a major research project. Below is the FHS Research Wiki. It is just a beginning and more content will be added later. But right now it has tips on how to be an effective researcher and includes survey information that I conducted with some local college professors and former high, now college students. I hope it includes some tips and information that will guide you in researching and completing your next research project. Just click on the link below:

Research--High School and Beyond

If you need further assistance, always remember I am available as a resource. Just stop by the library.

Original Recipe Revealed?

2011-02-17T07:19:00.000-08:00

Many news outlets from ABC News to CNN to others are reporting that the National Public Radio show "This American Life" has come across the original recipe for Coke. If you link to the text above, you can read the article, read the recipe and even vote whether you think it is the original formula. Coke of course denies that it is their original recipe. Stating that it is probably a knock off. I guess only Coke knows for sure. Although, NPR did say that really any food chemist has the ability to deconstruct the formula if they really want to make the attempt. Coca-Cola Company archivist Phil Mooney says the NPR stated recipe lacks the "bite and burn" of the real thing.

But, here is the point of this post. By reading the article on "This American Life", it is evident that the show did their research. How would they have come across this recipe if they didn't keep digging? Something led them to want to get to the bottom of this. To see if maybe they really did stumble upon the original recipe. That's what research is. It is having the persistence and desire to want to get the answer, solve the problem, find the evidence to support or dispute whatever question you are answering. Don't just scratch the surface and think that you have answered the question. If you dig deeper what you find is the real interesting, important and unique finds. In this case, NPR not only discovered a mystery that others have been trying to uncover for years. It also brought exposure and attention to their radio show and website. The big news guys picked up their story. Is it the original recipe, who knows? Just get in on the fun by voting on their site and following the tally.

Sources:

http://www.coke.com/

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/

Beatles or Stone? Which are better?

2011-02-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Recently I came across a great online tool called aMap which I think students can make good use of. aMap stands for argument map. It is based on informal logic, When you think about it, essentially we are use logic to argue and debate in everyday life. aMap started as a research project between a research organization and an economics foundation and has grown ever since.

To check it out and see how you can use it in a class or with a group, just go to the aMap website and link to 'Start an Argument'. Once there, you will need to set up a free account, but after that you are off and running. To 'start an argument', add the overarching question you're arguing about, and then state your position. A simple example is below:
Overarching question: Beatles or Stones?

Your position: The Beatles are way better than the Stones.

Once you have done this, post it to aMap and watch for the debate to begin.

Think about the times you need to come up with a thesis statement, decide which side of the issue you are on and then find evidence to support your argument. This seems like a great tool for starting an argument and then looking at the position others take on the topic. Try it out and let me know how it works for you. Did you find it a worthwhile tool?

Keeping Faith by Jodi Piccoult

2011-01-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

Review by Catherine Walker, 9th grade English Teacher @ FHS.

The story and characters really draw you in to their lives, loves, and troubles. The story revolves around a little girl named Faith. Her parents separate and divorce. Faith then begins to develop what many people think of as an imaginary friend. But this is not a regular kind of imaginary friend – this friend is God. It must be rather nice to have friends in high places, don’t you think? The book keeps you going until the very last page.

Shooting Star by Fredrick McKissack, Jr.

2011-01-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

If only, that is all Jomo Rodgers hears from his coach and fellow teammates during his first year of varsity football. They say his talent on the field is easy to spot, and local papers and college recruiters are taking notice. But reality is, recruiters have his best friend on speed dial and he is treated like a king at football-crazy Cranmer Academy. Deciding he wants to be the real deal, he decides to step things up and pronto!

Taking his coach's lecture about commitment to heart, Jomo dives into a new workout regimen that will make him strong and faster. But will it be enough and in time? Will juicing be the difference between being good and being great? It seems like an easy choice, but one that is about to make his life a whole lot harder.

This is a fascinating look from the viewpoint of a student athlete.

2010-12-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-30T13:44:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-09-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

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/

2010-09-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-08-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

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!