Walter Reed Middle School Reading List

Medieval Themed Literature Reading List

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What's New in the Library

Fiction - We are constantly shopping book stores and other sources for new fiction. We have recently added over 50 new titles including Tale of Despereaux, The First Part Last, Eragon, Loamhedge, and Witch Hunt. We also have started a graphic novel section which we add to on a regular basis. Come in and browse. You will find the fiction section a warm and comfortable place to cozy up to a good book!

Technology - The catalog in now online! You can search a topic, check a title and access the more than 5,000 web sites that are cataloged on our database from anyplace on earth from our web site Click on the "Online Catalog" button and click the "Enter the Catalog" link and search away!
We now have a portable wireless laptop lab. It includes 15 laptops that allow students to sit anywhere in the library, go online and print - all without wires!

Tale of Desperaux
by Kate Di Camillo

Mr. Bobrosky's Favorites

If you would like to view Mr. Bobrosky's reviews from past years, click here

MR. BOBROSKY'S REVIEWS 2002

MR. BOBROSKY'S REVIEWS 2003

Below is the current list of what Mr. Bobrosky has read in 2004, with his review and rating.

5 = An absolute must read --- 4 = Very good, highly recommended --- 3 = Enjoyable --- 2 = Passable --- 1 = Don't bother

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson (3.5) Printz Award Winner
The topic of teen pregnancy is covered from the point of view of the father, in this case, sixteen year old Bobby. A realistic and touching view of how fatherhood changes Bobby's life in expected and unexpected ways. What I liked is that Bobby is middle class with a solid and supportive family, rather than the stereotypical underprivlidged or troubled youth that typifies this genre.

Brian's Hunt by Gary Paulsen (2)
This book is overidden with details about surviving in the wilderness. I felt that the author was putting forth his justification for hunting rather than writing a good story. I did not enjoy this book. The story, another sequel to Hatchet, has Brian returning to the wilderness. We learn how Brian is an expert at survival and the hunt, He finds a dog, determines it belongs to his Cree friends, goes to visit them and finds their campground empty. Brian then embarks on a "hunt" to unravel the mystery.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (5) Newbery Award Winner
A beautifully told tale of a young mouse who commits the mortal sin of having contact with the human world. Even more condemning is that he has fallen madly in love with a human, Princess Pea. The mouse council finds him guilty and sends him to the dungeon to be eaten by rats. This is just the beginning of a tale that is so beautifully written. Every word is perfectly chosen. This is one to enjoy, savor, and read aloud over and over again!

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson (4.5)
Cole Matthews has been in serious trouble his whole life. Now, after brutally beating a boy to the point that he causes severe brain damage, he must pay the price. He is given a choice to either face the criminal justice system, or face Circle Justice; a Native American tradition that gives the victum and the offender an opportunity to heal. His sentence is to spend one year on a desolate Alaskan island. Cole thinks that his sentence is light, and can easily be escaped. His anger and attitude have not changed...until he meets "Spirtit Bear". I read this book relunctanly, perhaps it was the title that turned me off. The surprise was how much I enjoyed it. Read it for the adventure, but also read it for the insights into human nature.

The Glass Café by Gary Paulsen (4)
Tony is a gifted artist. His mother,Al, is an ideal parent. She is loving, supportive, yet firm in her relationship with Tony. The only catch is that she is a dancer at an adult club. Tony is given the chance to draw some ot the other girls that work with his mother. When his art teacher sees the pictures, she deems them so outstanding, she enters them into an art contest. A complaint is filed because the pictures are because the pictures are judged as pornographic. Social Services come to take Tony from his mother...which is where the real story starts. The book is fresh, fun, and takes a serious look at the social service system.

ChaseR: a novel in emails by Michael J. Rosen (3)
Chase Riley's parents have decided to leave urban Columbus and move to a rural farm. Disconnected from his friends, he communicates with them by email. The story is told through his emails, which tell of a world shockingly different than the one he came from. The inscects, the mice, the deer, and the hunting season all present a different reality for Chase. A reality he is learning to live with, until an accident happens.... The story was interesting but not compelling. The novelty of the email format was not enough to hold my interest. Just an o.k. read.

Flavor of the Week by Tucker Shaw (3)
Cyril is a high school senior, an outstanding chef, overweight, and madly in love with Rose. Rose sees Cyril as a good friend. Cyril's best friend Nick meets and falls for Rose. Nick asks Cyril to prepare a romantic meal for Rose. Here the Cyrano-like charade begins as Rose falls head over heels for Nick, believing he is a sensitive guy that can cook and be romantic. The most interesting part of the book are the recipes at the end of each chapter. I have to try the Kitchen-Sink cookies, and the roasted vegetable sandwich.

Inside Out by Terry Trueman (5)
Zach is meeting his mother in the diner as usual. Two sixteen-year-olds decide to rob the diner, and hold its patrons as hostage. What they don't know is that Zach is a suicidal schizophrenic. He has little understanding of what is happening and is constantly haunted by strange voices in his head. Through Zach we find out why these boys are robbing the diner, and the help they seek. A powerful story, told through Zach's eyes.

Granny Torelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech (4)
Rosie and Granny are in the kitchen making soup. You can feel the warmth and smell the smells. But Granny senses something is wrong with Rosie. Granny is able to get Rosie to reveal that she has had a falling out with her best-frient-for-life, Bailey. There are many lessons here about friendship and loyalty all told in Granny's kitchen.

Green Angel by Alice Hoffman (4)
Green is a quiet 16 year-old who witnesses the destruction of her family, when they are killed in a 9/11 like tragedy. She changes, becoming dark as the despair, grief, and lonliness sets in. She expresses herself through the tatoos she carves into her skin and the thorned clothes she wears. While depressed by the anarchy and emptiness around her, she eventually sees hope and renewal. This book has been extremely popular with students, both boys and girls.

The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown (4.5)
I felt this best-seller might be of interest to our more mature readers. A murder-mystery-thriller involving the Priory Sion, and ancient secret society, and Opus Dei, a fundamental Catholic order. One of those can't put it down thrillers. While sex is implied, there are no direct scenes, and the language is relatively mild. If a reader can handle the length, and is interested in the subject matter, why not?

What Would Joey Do? by Jack Gantos (5)
Sadly, this is the last book of the Joey Pigza trilogy. Joey is a good-hearted young man who has his ADHD (hyperactiviy) under control. In this book you meet Olivia, a blind girl that Joey is being home-schooled with. Olivia is mean and has it in for Joey. Joey must also deal with the wacky, selfish, and screwed up parents. The only person who centers his life is granny. If you have read the other Joey Pigza books, this is a must read. If you haven't read any of the Joey books, what are you waiting for?

Tru Confessions by Janet Tashjian (3.5)
How could a devoted sister find a cure for her mentally handicapped little brother by shooting a video? That is what 12 year old Tru (short for Trudy) attempts to do when she finds out a local cable station is accepting entries for ideas for a possible T.V. show. Tru decides to follow her developmentaly handicapped brother with a video camera to record his daily life. Tru learns about her brother, his handicap, and complexities of life in this light hearted look at a serious subject. I know many students will enjoy the humor and the journal format of this book. For me, the story was a bit simplistic, but the humor will have appeal for many students.

Emako Blue by Brenda Woods (4)
Emako is a beautiful, bright and talented high school senior that is brutally murdered by gangs in central L.A. Her story is told in the five different voices of friends attending her funeral. A poignant story that forces us to look at the effects that senseless murder has upon our youth. The voices range from painful sorrow to cold indifference.

Shakespeare Bats Cleanup by Ron Koertge (4)
Most of the novels (at least the ones I've read) that use the free verse format are written in a female voice. This book is a rare one, not only because it is written in a male voice, but because it also explores different forms of poetry. An English teacher could use this novel as a spring board for a poetry unit. Kevin Boland is a star high school baseball player. He has been diagnosed with Mono, and must remain in bed for several weeks. His father, a professional writer, gives him a book that teaches the form and structure of poetry. Kevin decides to keep a journal to pass time, and does so experimenting with different forms of poetry. His writing becomes sensitive and introspective where topics range from baseball to girls to his sorrow over the death of his mother. A good quick read.

I, Jack by Jack the dog (as told to Patricia Finney)(4)
At first, I questioned the premise - a book written in the voice of a dog? Ultimately, I found the book funny and "believable". The author has captured what might be a canine's voice. Even cat lovers will find this book fun as Jack's "funny-looking dog" friends add their comments throughout the book in footnotes. The story is about Jack's "pack", comprised of apedogs, and the love of his life, Petra, the dog next door. Jack is often confused by the apedogs' behavior, but is always loyal. He soon discovers that he will be the master of his own pack and meets the challenge of his responsibilites.

Tree Girl by Ben Mikaelsen (4)
Gabriela, a native Mayan living in Guatemala, loves to climb trees. She is intelligent, talented and has a bright future. Gabriela's story turns violent and heart wrenching when her family, village and country are torn apart by upheaval and violence. Her ability to climb trees saves her life, but also creates conflict for her. This is a true story as told by the real Gabriela to the author. The author does not attempt to sanitize the story, which might make the story difficult for some. I found her story incredibly sad, but an affirmation of the human spirit.

One of Those Hideous Book Where the Mother Dies by Sonia Sones (5)
Many of you are familiar with Ms. Sones' free verse writing style. This story, while written in the same style, is a departure from Stop Pretending or What My Mother Doesn't Know. A story that reads like a screenplay, the reader quickly becomes involved in the story's two sides: Hollywood fairy tale and overcoming greif. Ruby's mother has passed away, forcing her to move from Boston to L.A. to live in the mansion of her famous actor/father. She is angry and resentful. She misses all that she has left behind - family, friends and first loves. She is painfully greiving the loss of her mother. Her greif blinds her to all that her new life affords - living out the Hollywood fantasy. While the story is resolved neatly, there are some twists that many of you will predict early on. Most will read this in one sitting - it's that good!

The Reed Café is what we call our new club for those students interested in books and reading. The club meets once a month in the library. Members are given the privilege to leave class 15 minutes early so that they may enjoy lunch in the library (a rare privilege) and a special program.

This school year Read Cafe is off to a flying start. Two important milesones occured. For the first time, students provided the book talks. Ms. Massion provided the book talk volunteers with a brochure on book talking that provided them with ideas andguidelines for a good book talk. While the presenters were nervous, they did an outstanding job in "hooking" their audience to read their books.

When Mr. Bobrosky asked the club if they would like to sponsor a booth in the carnival sponsored by the leadership classes, he was surprised by the overwhelming response. Approximately 15 club members volunteered. The sutdents met for two weeks during homeroom to discuss their ideas. They decided upon a game that asked questions based on 10 widely read books or authors. They developed the questions, then constructed the game. If a participant answered a question correctly, they won a book mark. Three book marks could be traded in for a book. The game was wildly successful, raising $30 for the Read Cafe!

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This page was last updated on March 24, 2004

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