Computer Lab

Today in Computer Lab we looked at career choices. First we answered a series of questions related to our monthy life style. That was used to determine the annual salary we would need to fund our ideal way of living. We then tried to find a career choice with that salary or a larger one. I am not quite sure what job I want as an adult, but I chose chemist, and was able to keep my ideal lifestyle. Then we anwered 180 questions on a different website. When we were done, we saw career choices fitted to our likes and dislikes. There were other websites as well, some of which dealt with hospital jobs, and others with the show business. Over all, this week's lab helped me decide on a businessman, lawyer, chemist/chemistry teacher, or astrologist.

Science Lab

Today in Science Lab we measured how much pollution bears could withstand before going extinct. For each combination of bears and pollutants, we measured five generations. To measure, we put plastic bears in a bucket. The red bears were healthy bears, and the blue bears were pollutants. If we drew two healthy bears, they survived, and had a baby bear added into the next generation. If we drew a bear and a pollutant, the bear died, and the pollutant went back into the bucket. If we drew two pollutants, the amount of pollution in the enviroment increased and the next generation had one more pollutant. Each generation we drew pairs until the bucket was empty. First, with ten bears and two pollutants, the number of bears increased. Then, with ten bears and three pollutants, and ten bears and four pollutants, the number stayed the same. Finally, with ten bears and five pollutants, the bear population miraculously started going up! Our science teacher, Mrs. Martinez, said that that was very unusual, and most times the bears went extinct in the final round.

UCLA

I think it is cool that UCLA has its own radio.

The food is really good looking, and I can't believe how many books there are.

Our trip sounds really exciting and I can't wait to see all of this (and more) in person!

Science Lab

Today I am going to blog about Room 14's experience in the Manchester Science Lab. We read a excerpt from an article about how much we use plastic, and how it is affecting us. We also found out about a recent test on the affect of plastic. A group of people with the same blood type was divided in half, and fed three meals for a week. The only difference was that Group A received soup from a can, and Group B received  homemade soup. At the end of the week, Group A had 1000% more plastic in their blood. That thousand percent was only from the plastic lining inside the container, because everything else in the groups was the same. We also looked at a cartoon of a typical kitchen. We had one minute to circle everything containing plastic inside it. In the end, the only things not containing plastic was the doorknob and the glass windows, both of which were 99.99999999999999999% packaged and/or shipped in plastic. The big deal about plastic is that it's bad for us. The estimate of children born autistic is now 1 of of 35. In America!!! (If you don't  know what autism is follow this link: Autism: A Scientific Explanation. In other words, autistic people react negatively to most simulation of the senses (especially sound or touch). Autistic people do not like physical contact with other humans and react dramatically. Many are attentive to details and can be set of easily. For more information, decrypt the article yourself) The last thing we did was list everything we came into contact with, from waking up to falling asleep, that had plastic on an average day. We had five minutes. I only got to the beginning of the school day. I listed 35 items which didn't even cover everything. It would have taken me forever just to list everything in my room! Even though it has many drawbacks, plastic is good in some cases, such as hospitals and rubber tires where it has made many advances possible. I will now name 6,000,000,000 unique substances that all contain plastic in what will take the average person less that ten seconds to read, unless they are deliberately trying to prove me wrong: Everyone in the world. Done. Sort of freaks you out, doesn't it?

WARNING: THIS IS AN EXTREMELY BIASED POST. I HAVE NEITHER THE TIME, PATIENCE OR KNOWLEDGE TO LIST MORE BENEFITS OF PLASTIC.

Science Lab

Today I have decided to blog about Science Lab instead of Computer Lab; I hope this is OK. In Science Lab, we had to wash motor oil off of a turkey feather without destroying it. My group chose pet shampoo, corn starch, and baby powder. Pet shampoo worked perfect, acing the smell, feel, and sight test. Cornstarch passed the sight test, but the feather still smelt and felt like oil. Baby powder crusted on the feather, and, in removing it, one of my partners separated the tiny furs hooked together on the feather, which would have killed a real bird. In all, pet shampoo works to clean a bird, but cornstarch and baby powder do not.

Computer Lab

Today, in Computer Lab, we played academic games about 3-D and 2-D shapes. These can come in handy in many different situations. First, architects, who design houses and other buildlings, use shapes in their plans of how to build whatever they want to build. Second, if someone ever needed to fold shapes out of paper for an outside of the box project, as Room 14 often does, nets are easy to draw and fold, if they knew what they were doing. Finally, people who use 3-D printers, or are enrolled in a drafting class, need to know about geometrical shapes to succeed. There are many uses for shape knowledge in life, but that isn't even close to the amount we use math in our daily lives.

Computer Lab

Today in Computer Lab we did different activities about handling data. The first game was a medival setting which taught data processing. The second was a Pokemon type activity where the object was to find the mean, median, mode, and range of Bamzook stats. The third was also Bamzook themed, but dealt with probability. If we finished that we could go to non-themed activites dealing in the same subject.

Science Lab

Today in Science Lab, we had multiple station to travel to, which all dealt with different sources of energy. First, we assigned different parts of the text to ourselves and scanned for information. Then we filled in a chart with sections such as What, Where, Uses, Hazards, and Other Facts. The eight resources were solar energy, wind energy, coal, petroleum, natural gas, geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy, and nuclear energy. Some resources are cheap, but pollute the environment or are dangerous while others are expensive to use, but environmentally friendly.

Computer Lab

Today in Computer Lab, we explored multiple websites designed to help with autodidactism, the process of teaching one's self, which has been increasing greatly lately. Before that, we learned about Salman Khan, who started out making his famous videos for his cousins, and filming in his closet, until he received multimillion dollar donations from Bill Gates, Google, and other sources. Then we went to other autodidactism sites, some of which, such as Wondertropolis, answer random questions, while others, like the Math Dude, concentrate on one subject. New innovations make autodidactism easier, and it's also a good way to study for a test. Unlike previous times, the world has many ways to educate yourself on things you're curious about. Use them!

My Animoto Video

Here is my first animoto video, sorry for not posting it sooner, but it was on my share site.
If you're looking for the Chinatown Video, it's below this one.

Our Trip to Chinatown

This is Demetrius (6), Tristan (9), Nathan, and JJ's (31) video.
It's seven minutes, so comment on this last.

Warriors: A Dangerous Path

A Dangerous Path

Erin Hunter

352

             “I thought I was standing in the forest, and I could hear something large crashing through the trees, but I couldn’t see what it was. And I heard voices calling- harsh voices, in a language that wasn’t cat. But I could understand what they said.” “What did they say?” “It was really strange. They were calling ‘Pack, pack’ and ‘Kill, kill.’” After moons of Fireheart, the main character of A Dangerous Path, by Erin Hunter, trying to expose Tigerclaw as the murder he is, Tigerclaw did it himself, after his plan to murder Bluestar with a band of rouges failed. But it seems that after being banished from ThunderClan, Tigerclaw has found refuge and leadership in ShadowClan and has become Tigerstar. Will Fireheart’s resourcefulness and bravery allow him to stop Tigerstar’s plan to destroy ThunderClan with the mysterious “pack”?

Warriors: Forest of Secrets

Forest of Secrets

Erin Hunter

336

          “They’re coming! I could smell them; then I saw them!” “Smell who? Who’s coming?” “ShadowClan and WindClan! They’re coming to invade our camp…” “Stop them! They want Brokentail!” Fireheart, the main character of Forest of Secrets, by Erin Hunter, is attempting to expose the truth about the warrior Redtail’s death, but his journey is taking him through other Clans’ territory, and if he is discovered, suspicion could start a battle. Fireheart’s clan, ThunderClan, is sheltering, Brokentail, the evil, now blind, former leader of ShadowClan, but other cats want ThunderClan to throw him out, and refusing could start a full out war. Will Fireheart’s cleverness and courageousness allow him to succeed with hostility everywhere and a murderer left undiscovered?

Warriors: Fire and Ice

Fire and Ice

Erin Hunter

317

             “Tigerclaw killed Redtail in the battle with RiverClan.” “A warrior would never kill another of his Clan! Even you should know that- you’ve lived with us long enough…” “Ravenpaw must be mistaken. Did he actually see Tigerclaw kill Redtail?” He said he did…” “I only know that Ravenpaw truly believes Tigerclaw was responsible for Redtail’s death.” Fireheart, the main character of Fire and Ice, by Erin Hunter, has now become a warrior after leaving his former kittypet life and joining ThunderClan, but the threat from the power-hungry warrior Tigerclaw still exists. Tigerclaw had killed his clanmate Redtail, and Fireheart must find proof to give the leader, Bluestar, and retrieve WindClan from wherever they went once Brokenstar drove them out. Will Fireheart’s loyalty and bravery lead him to success with battle on the horizon and danger lurking closer?

Warriors: Into the Wild

Into the Wild

Erin Hunter

288

           “Some of us are warriors. Some are too young or too old or too busy caring for kits to hunt.” “And you all live and share prey together?” “Perhaps you should find out these things for yourself. Would you like to join ThunderClan?” Rusty, the main character of Into the Wild, by Erin Hunter, has been having strange dreams for weeks, in which he is stalking a mouse in the forest next to his owners’ house. Rusty finally gets up the nerve to venture into the place of his dreams, and is confronted by the wild cats that reside there, and his venture ends with Rusty being invited into ThunderClan as Firepaw. Will Firepaw’s courage and determination help him withstand the automatic prejudice towards kittypets, and solve a mystery about a noble warrior’s death?

Warriors Special Edition: Skyclan's Destiny

Skyclan's Destiny

Erin Hunter

529

              “This is the leaf-bare of my Clan. Green-leaf will come, but it will bring even greater storms than these. SkyClan will need deeper roots if it is to survive.” Many seasons ago, Firestar was summoned by SkyClan’s ancestors to rebuild the Clan, and undo the ancient wrong accomplished by his ancestors; and with the help of Sandstorm, Skywatcher, and other cats native to the area, he succeeded, driving out the army of rats and appointing Leafstar, the main character of Skyclan’s Destiny, by Erin Hunter, leader. Now SkyClan is on their own, and there are many problems, such as prejudice against the half kittypet daylight-warriors, and newcomers set on changing the Clan’s ways. Will Leafstar’s perseverance and her loyalty to her Clan help Leafstar solve all of SkyClan’s problems while remaining in control of her own life?

Warriors Special Edition: Bluestar's Prophecy

Bluestar's Prophecy

Erin Hunter

544

            “You are fire, Bluepaw, but the strongest flame can be quenched by water.” When Bluekit, the main character of Bluestar’s Prophecy, by Erin Hunter, is born, she automatically wants to become Clan leader, but unfortunately for Bluekit, the blood-thirsty Thistlekit is also set on leadership, and it seems only Bluekit can see how he will bring ruin to the Clan. Bluekit is told she must be destiny for grief in life, after her mother, sister, and uncle dying, and her half-Clan kits hidden secretly in RiverClan. Will Bluekit’s courage and determination help overcome her grief and advance from Bluekit to Bluepaw to Bluefur to Bluestar, exposing Thistlekit along the way?

Warriors Special Edition: Firestar's Quest

Firestar's Quest

Erin Hunter

528

            “Left? We didn’t leave. The other Clans drove us out of the forest because they said there was no room for us anymore.” All is calm in the forest: the Clans of wild cats have been at peace since the battle with Scourge and BloodClan, and food and water are plentiful. However, Firestar, the main character of Firestar’s Quest, by Erin Hunter, has been haunted in his dreams by a gray and white cat, and when he finally gets the chance to speak with the cat, he discovers an age-old secret: SkyClan, the fifth Clan, unknown to ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan, and ShadowClan, was driven out by the other ancient Clans when their territory was destroyed by the Twolegs. Will Firestar’s bravery and determination be enough to follow in SkyClan’s ancient footsteps and rebuild the fifth Clan?

Science Fair

Science Fair

Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

394

            “He’s going to fry all the electronics in Washington D.C., and probably for hundreds of miles around. You understand what that means?” “No. And I don’t care.” “It means the government goes down, and it doesn’t come back up.” Toby Harbringer, the main character of Science Fair, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, is a student at Hubble Middle School, which is sadly a school full of the spoiled, rich Manor Estate kids, and targeted by foreign terrorists determined to destroy the U.S. electronic data banks with an electromagnetic pulse. Spoiled as they are, the Manor Estate kids have a supplier that gives them star science projects, for a price, that are to be used in the school science fair, but what they don’t know is that their supplier is a terrorist using the classified technology, accessed by their rich parents, to cripple they government for an excessively long period of time. With the science fair approaching, two Star Wars crazy collectors set on stealing his dad’s rare collection, and the end of the world around the corner, Toby will need all of his extraordinary bravery and ingenuity.

Savvy

Savvy

Ingrid Law

342

            “We Beaumonts are just like other people, Will. We get born, and sometime later we die. And in between, we’re happy and sad, we feel love and we feel fear, we eat and we sleep and we hurt like everyone else.” “And?” “And… nothing. We’ve just got know-how of a different flavor than most.” Mississippi “Mibs” Beaumomt is turning thirteen, and her whole family is preparing for disaster. The Beaumonts are a special family, with magical talents called Savvies that develop when they turn thirteen, but Mibs’s Papa was in a car accident right before her thirteenth birthday, and is in the hospital, injured. Will Mibs determination and bravery allow her to use her unique talent to save her Papa?

Redwall

Redwall

Brian Jacques

351

            “Who says that I am dead knows nought at all. I- am that is, two mice within Redwall. The Warrior sleeps ‘twixt Hall and Cavern Hole. I- Am that is, take on my mighty role. Look for my sword in moonlight streaming forth, at night, when day’s first hour reflects the North. From o’er the threshold, seek and you will see; I- am that is, my sword will wield for me.” All Matthias, the main character of Redwall, by Brian Jacques, wants is to be a warrior just like Martin the Warrior Mouse, and he may soon get his chance, for the formidable rat Cluny the Scourge is coming to Redwall. Matthias and his friend Methuselah have found a set of clues leading to where Martin and his battle sword are buried, but every day Cluny’s attack on Redwall intensifies. Will Matthias’s courage and nobility help him find Martin’s sword before it is too late?

The Looking Glass Wars: Arch Enemy

The Looking Glass Wars: Arch Enemy

Frank Beddor

384

         “What do I always say?” “Don’t be stupid?” “Should I kill you now?” “Do I have to murder everyone myself” “No idiots! When in doubt, go for the head. That’s what I always say.” King Arch has successfully developed a weapon that will nullify the imagination of everything in a certain region, and in Wonderland, that is a big deal. For gifted citizens, especially the Hearts, things imagined come to life, and the Hearts use their imaginations to govern Wonderland correctly. It has been proven that the effect will gradually fade, but the more powerful the imagination, the longer it would take for the lack of imagination to cease. While Queen Alyss is without imagination, Arch is planning to evaporate the Pool of Tears, the only passageway to Earth besides the Heart Crystal, and set off WILMA above the Heart Crystal again, which could destroy imagination forever. Frank Beddor brings the Looking Glass Wars to an end with an unexpected finale and many revelations.



The Looking Glass Wars: Seeing Red

Seeing Redd

Frank Beddor

400

            “You might not have heard, but I have developed a weapon capable of destroying all of Borderland, Wonderland, Morgavia, and Unterland, and who knows what else. I call it WILMA, which stands for Weapon of Inconceivable Loss and Massive Annihilation.” After being overthrown by her niece, Queen Alyss Heart of Wonderland, the malicious Redd Heart jumped into the Heart Crystal with her nine-lived assassin, the Cat. Objects passed into the Heart Crystal were normally reborn on Earth through imaginative people’s creations, but humans had never been inside the Heart Crystal before, and no one knows if she could even survive. King Arch of Borderland has revived the evil queen’s troops of Glass Eyes, so everyone is convinced that Alyss’s aunt is back; and, meanwhile, no one knows where Hatter Madigan, Alyss’s former bodyguard, is or what Arch is planning. Frank Beddor has created an amazing spin on the classic Wonderland that is a truly wonderful read.

Leepike Ridge

Leepike Ridge

N. D. Wilson

224

           “Early Saturday morning two men anonymously reported seeing the body of a boy dragged beneath a small cliff at the foot of Leepike Ridge by one of the many streams in the area. Later that day Elizabeth Hammond reported her eleven-year-old son Thomas Hammond, as missing.” Thomas “Tom” Hammond, the main character of Leepike Ridge, by N. D. Wilson, has lived above Leepike Ridge for as long as he can remember, but now, thanks to a piece of packing foam and his mom’s annoying boyfriend, he might end up having to live underneath it. To top it off, while Tom is gone ruthless treasure hunters have come to his house and tied up his mother. Will Tom’s perseverance and ingenuity allow him and his new friend Reg, whom he found underneath Leepike Ridge, to make it back in time and save Mrs. Hammond?

The Inheritance Cycle: Inheritance

Inheritance

Christopher Paolini

860

             “I take it you did not meet with success?” “No.” “I was afraid this would be the case. There is only one explanation- that in order to enter the Vault of Souls we must speak our true names…” “The question you must answer is this: do you trust Solembum? For to proceed is to risk more than our lives; it is to risk our freedom.” Eragon Shadeslayer, the main character of Inheritance, by Christopher Paolini, his dragon Saphira, and the Varden are about to reach Urubaen in their attempt to overthrow the dark king Galbatorix. Following what the werecat Solembum told him, Eragon decides to travel to the Rock of Kuthian at Doru Araeba and speak his name to open the Vault of Souls. Will Eragon’s courage and strength be enough to slay Galbatorix, who has the strength of countless dragons at his disposal?

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins

388

              “My name is Katniss Everdeen. I am seventeen years old. My home is District twelve. I was in the Hunger Games. I escaped. The Capitol hates me. Peeta was taken prisoner. He is thought to be dead. Most likely he is dead. It is probably best if he is dead.” Katniss Everdeen has escaped the Hunger Games, and she and most of the tributes are in District Thirteen preparing to fight against the Capitol. As if that isn’t enough, Peeta has been captured by the Capitol and brain-washed to believe that Katniss, along with the rest of the rebellion, is evil. Will Katniss’s resourcefulness and courage be enough to stop the Capitol?

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Catching Fire

Suzanne Collins

391

             “On the twenty-fifth anniversary, every district was made to hold an election and vote on the tributes that would represent it…” “On the fiftieth anniversary, every district was required to send twice as many tributes…” “And now we honor our third Quarter Quell. On the seventy-fifth anniversary, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors.” Katniss Everdeen is the one of the only two people to survive the same Hunger Game: a survival of the fittest competition between two tributes from each district, and a place where only one tribute usually survives, meant to remind all twelve districts that the Capitol is in charge. Katniss and Peeta’s refusal to follow the rules are leading to uprisings in many districts, and they soon find out that, because of the third Quarter Quell, one previously victorious male and female from each district will be sent into the arena instead of new tributes. Will Katniss’s bravery and determination allow her to survive the arena twice?

The Hobbit

The Hobbit

J. R. R. Tolkien

287

            “Hobbits are little people, smaller than dwarfs. They love peace and quiet and good tilled earth. They dislike machines, but they are handy with tools. They are nimble but don’t like to hurry. They have sharp ears and eyes. They are inclined to be fat. They wear bright colors but seldom wear shoes. They like to laugh and eat (six meals a day) and drink. They like parties and they like to give and receive presents. They inhabit a land they call the Shire, a place between the River Brandywine and the Far Downs.” Bilbo Baggins, the main character of The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien, is a hobbit himself, and the combination of two ancient hobbit lines: the Baggins; a proper well-mannered family, and the Tooks; an adventurous, wild family with manners not nearly as perfect as the Baggins. One day, the wizard Gandalf brought thirteen dwarfs to Bilbo’s hobbit hole, and enlisted Bilbo as the burglar on their quest to slay the dragon Smaug. Will Bilbo’s newfound courage and ingenuity be enough to best a dragon?

The Grimm Legacy

The Grimm Legacy

Polly Shulman

325

             “Stories weren’t the only thing the Brothers Grimm collected. They also assembled a remarkable group of objects.” Elizabeth Rew, the main character of The Grimm Legacy, is at a new school with no friends, so when her history teacher, Mr. Mauskopf, offers her a job at the New York Circulating Material Repository, she takes the chance to make some new friends and money. After working at the repository for a while, she is introduced to the Grimm Collection, a room of magical items from the tales told by the Brothers Grimm, but when magical items are disappearing and being replaced by fakes, Elizabeth and the other pages must find who is stealing from the Grimm Collection before it is too late. Will Elizabeth’s bravery and creativeness be enough to recollect the Grimm Collection?

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague

Grip of the Shadow Plague

Brandon Mull

473

             “Seth looked up and saw a group of dark fairies streaking towards them. They were unlike any Seth had ever seen. Their wings did not glisten in sunlight. Their raiment did not sparkle. In spite of the clear sky and the hot sun, each of the dozen fairies was clouded in shadow. Faintly, a thin, dark contrail followed each one. Instead of light, these fairies radiated darkness.” In the magical creature preserve Fablehaven, a plague is spreading everywhere that turns creatures of light to creatures of darkness, and when humans are infected, they turn into shades that only Seth Sorenson, the grandson of the preserve’s caretaker, and the main character of Grip of the Shadow Plague, by Brandon Mull, can see. With Kendra on another preserve searching for a magical artifact, Seth has to find a way to reverse the plague and determine if the human-shades are trustworthy. Is Seth’s courage and resourcefulness enough to do the job?

Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Santuary

Secrets of the Dragon Santuary

Brandon Mull

526

             “The key to the gate at Wyrmroost is the first horn of a unicorn. I know of only one such horn, and I presented it to the centaurs of Fablehaven. They guard it as their most prized talisman…” “Sounds like the best way to keep the Translocator hidden might be to leave it alone.” “You’re probably right. Patton created some serious obstacles…” “We would be unwise to count on the Sphinx failing, especially if he’s gaining mastery over the Oculus. Somehow, somewhere he’ll find a horn…” “I see no other option than to try to beat the Sphinx to the key at Wyrmroost.” Kendra and Seth Sorenson, the main characters of Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, by Brandon Mull, are at the dragon sanctuary Wyrmroost, and trying to find a key to the artifact with power over space, the Translocator. Together, the five artifacts have the power to open the demon prison Zzyzx, and the Knights of Dawn must protect the artifacts from the Sphinx, or the demons would be released on the world. Will Kendra’s bravery and kind-heartedness be enough to escape Wyrmroost alive?

Children of the Lamp: The Eye of The Forest

The Eye of The Forest

P.B. Kerr

423

            “In order to revive Dybbuk’s djinn powers and because McCreeby thinks it’s going to give him the power to make gold, he and Dybukk are planning to carry out some daft Incan ritual unaware that in so doing they will set off a nuclear explosion?” John and Philippa Gaunt, the main characters of The Eye of the Forest, by P. B. Kerr, are journeying through the Amazon with their Uncle Nimrod, his butler Groanin, Zadie Eloko, Mr. Vodyannoy, Muddy, and Sicky, their guide. They are all djinn, except Mr. Groanin, Muddy, and Sicky and are trying to stop Mr. McCreeby and Dybbuk from reaching the Eye of the Forest and destroying the world. Will John’s bravery and resourcefulness be enough to stop mass atomic destruction?

Erec Rex: The Three Furies

The Three Furies

Kaza Kingsley

564

                “Give yourself to the three Furies…Is this a joke? That’s your quest? To basically kill yourself? Donate your soul so the Furies can escape and destroy the world?” Erec Rex is a king-to-be, and is completing twelve tasks on his way to kingship, but his kingship might never come, because his fifth and sixth quests involve fictional things, such as King Augeas and the three Furies, whom he is supposed to sacrifice his soul to. Bethany has also been captured by Baskania, who believes that the secret to the Final Magic is hidden in her brain. Will Erec’s moral strength and courage be enough to save Bethany and complete quests Five and Six?

Erec Rex: The Search for the Truth

 

The Search for the Truth

Kaza Kingsely

427

           “Listen, how many people have tried to do this, to take the Twrch Trwyth from Olwen Cullwich and seal the five Awen? They’ve all died. Many sorcerers, far more powerful than you, have lost their lives in this pursuit. And they spent years preparing first. Decades.” Erec Rex, the main character of The Search for Truth, by Kaza Kingsley, is on his way to being king of Alypium, but first he has to complete twelve tasks. His fourth task is to find the Awen of Beauty, Sight, Creation, Knowledge, and Harmony, and then unite them with the Twrch Trwyth, which would change their power from causing Ugliness, Blindness, Destruction, Stupidity, and Anger; and then increase the now positive effects. Will Erec’s goodwill and bravery be enough to accomplish something that no one has ever survived?

Erec Rex: The Monsters of Otherness

The Monsters of Otherness

Kaza Kingsley

329

               “The mobs of people from Alypium are coming to hurt us, Erec. That’s what we call them here. They are the true monsters of Otherness.” When King Piter’s scepter recognized Erec Rex as the true king of Alypium, he started on his path to kingship, first having to complete twelve quests assigned by the Fates that will help the world and help him become a better king. Unfortunately, Erec’s archenemy, Baskania, has told the public that his three cloned triplets are the rightful kings, and now Erec will have to compete with them during his quests, including protecting the innocent Hydras and Valkyries from the Alypian mobs. Will Erec’s bravery and inventiveness be enough to counter the lies woven by Baskania?

Erec Rex: The Dragon's Eye

The Dragon's Eye

Kaza Kingsley

344

            “It’s like a secret passage underground. I told you weird things go on here. Two big men were with her. It looked like she was being taken somewhere. Like she couldn’t get away from them.” Erec Rex and Bethany Evirly are in one of the three underground kingdoms unknown to aboveground humans, searching for Erec’s adopted mother June. King Piter is ill and unable to choose successors for himself, King Pluto, and Queen Posey, so contests are being held to determine the three new leaders. Will Erec’s courageousness and resourcefulness be enough to save his mother and win the contests?

Dark Life

Dark Life

Kat Falls

297

            “I peered into the deep-sea canyon, hoping to spot a toppled skyscraper. Maybe even the Statue of Liberty. But there was no sign of the old East Coast, just a sheer drop into darkness.” Eventually, global warming caused the icecaps to melt, so large parts of costal land was submerged by the ocean, and the citizens of Earth now have to rely on underwater farms and settlements for nearly all of their food. Ty lives in one of those settlements, but when the Commonwealth stops all shipments due to a band of outlaws, the future doesn’t look good for underwater farms. Can Ty use his bravery and observance to capture the Seablite Gang?

The Mousehunter: The Curse of Mousebeard

The Curse of Mousebeard

Alex Milway

351

               “Lovelock is growing more powerful by the day. His dominance in both the mousing and political communities is overwhelming. I fear that soon not even I might have the ability to stop him. I fear the one thing I don’t have is time.” Long ago, the two former friends, Isiah Lovelock and Captain Mousebeard, were cursed by an old woman’s mice; one could not bear to be on land, and the other, water. Now Captain Mousebeard and his new friends, including Emiline, the main character of The Curse of Mousebeard, by Alex Milway, must journey to the mythical land of Norgammon; the place where types of mice the world has never seen call home. Will Emiline’s courage and agility allow her group to leave Norgammon alive?

The Bridge to Neverland

The Bridge to Neverland

Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

438

              “It wants our shadows! We have to turn out the lights! Now!” When Aidan and Sarah Cooper, the main characters of The Bridge to Neverland, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, find a paper with strange symbols along with a few comprehensible words on it, they don’t know that their whole world is about to change. Sarah realizes that the paper relates to a four book series about the origins of Peter Pan and a shadowy creature named Ombra. Will Sarah’s bravery and resourcefulness be enough to escape from something that can’t die?

The Diamond of Darkhold: The Fourth Book of Ember

The Diamond of Darkhold

Jeanne DuPrau

285

            “I know it’s risky. We might not find anything. But I want to go back to Ember, Lina. And I want you to come with me.” After meeting a roamer with the remnants of a book addressed to the people of Ember, Doon convinces Lina, the main character of The Diamond of Darkhold, by Jeanne DuPrau, to return for Ember looking for something to help the Emberites in the new world. When they arrive, they discover that the city is now being lived in by the Troggs and Doon is captured and made their slave. Will Lina’s bravery and creativeness be enough to save Doon and find whatever pro-Disaster technology the Builders left?

The Prophet of Yonwood: The Third Book of Ember

The Prophet of Yonwood

Jeanne DuPrau

289

               “No sinners. No singing. No dogs. No words.” Those commands come from the “prophet” of Yonwood who, one day, was in her backyard when she had a sudden vision of the future. People tried to interpret what she said, and forced the other members of the town to listen to her, including tourists like Nickie Randolph, the main character of The Prophet of Yonwood, by Jeanne DuPrau. Will Nickie’s bravery and creativeness be enough to disprove the “prophet,” keep living in her grandfather’s old house, and keep a homeless girl and dog hidden upstairs?

The People of Sparks: The Second Book of Ember

 The People of Sparks

Jeanne DuPrau

338

         "Go back to your cave!” That exclamation is one of many insults transferred from the people of Sparks to the citizens of Ember in The People of Sparks, by Jeanne DuPrau. After traveling out of the dying city of Ember, Ember’s citizens find themselves on the face of the Earth for the first time, and soon reach a city called Sparks. The three mayors of Sparks decide that the Emberites will be allowed to stay in the Pioneer Hotel, on the edge of the city, but to repay the food and shelter, they will work for Sparks. Will Doon’s bravery and inventiveness be enough to cool rising hatred between the citizens of Ember and the people of Sparks?

The City of Ember: The First Book of Ember

The City of Ember

Jeanne DuPrau

270

         Imagine an underground city with a stock of supplies slowly running out. Then imagine that no one in the city knows that they are underground, and that most don’t think about leaving. Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, the main characters of The City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau, are in that city, and must decipher exit instructions chewed and nearly digested by Lina’s sister Poppy, while attempting to escape from the greedy mayor. Blackouts in Ember are becoming more frequent, and the generator is close to falling into pieces. Will Lina’s bravery and creativeness be enough to save her city?

Notice

I have lost track of the order in which I read many of the books. They will be in ABC order by series. For example, The Artemis Fowl Series will be second, but the seven books within that series will be in chronological order, not ABC. Some series, I remember reading them out of order, and so they will be posted that way. This new order of publishing started with Aesop's Fables and will end when I tell you so.

Artemis Fowl: The Alantis Complex

Artemis Fowl: The Alantis Complex

Eoin Colfer

357

            “So if you’re not Artemis, who are you?” “My name is Orion; I am so pleased to meet you at last…” “I was submerged by Artemis’s personality…” “Your weapon gave me the jolt needed to escape.” Artemis Fowl, the main character of Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex, by Eoin Colfer, has contracted a fairy disease which has two stages: one similar to OCD, and the second to multiple personality disorder. Unfortunately, Turnball Root, the late commander Julius Root’s brother, has escaped from jail, and Artemis is needed to apprehend him. Will Artemis’s ingenuity and creativeness be enough to fight obsession and an extreme case of multiple personality disorder?

Artemis Fowl:The Time Paradox

Artemis Fowl:The Time Paradox

Eoin Colfer

391

              “Two survived. The last two?” “No, the last two were trapped in a wormhole and consumed by quantum zombies.” “Quantum zombies. You’re not serious.” Artemis Fowl, the main character of Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, by Eoin Colfer, has to travel back in time with elfin captain Holly Short, find the cure for a disease that could destroy humans and fairies alike, while saving a species of lemur that happens to have the cure in its brain fluid. Despite memories of the past, the journey is not without complications, such as the insane pixie Opal Koboi, ten year old Artemis, and other memories that turn out to be faulty. Artemis is a resourceful genius, but can he face two other genii at once?

Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony

Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony

Eoin Colfer

385

                “Beaming down from outer space, is he?” “Oh no, not space, time.” The conversation between Artemis Fowl, the main character of Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony, by Eoin Colfer, and his bodyguard is momentarily interrupted by a demon being transported through a time tunnel. Millennia ago, when the fairy people lost the war against the humans and were forced to hide underground, the demons decided to transport their island into Limbo rather than surrender. Now the time spell is unraveling, and demons are being taken from the island and appearing all over the world. Artemis is extraordinarily intelligent and unusually creative, but can he rescue a demon from a twelve year old child genius as smart as him, or smarter?

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception

Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception

Eoin Colfer

342

          “No, not dead, merely painful stunned.” Public Enemy Number One, Opal Koboi, has escaped from the clinic holding her; replaced herself with a clone; is eliminating anyone who lead to her capture before; including Artemis Fowl, the main character of Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception, by Eoin Colfer; and is plotting the destruction of the fairy races. The only person who can stop her is Artemis Fowl, and he has been mind-wiped by the LEP and doesn’t remember anything about fairies or Opal Koboi. Artemis is very intelligent and cunning, but can he defeat Opal without his memory?

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code

Eoin Colfer

309

          “Gold isn’t all important Arty, and neither is power…” Artemis Fowl Senior has recently escaped from the grasp of the Russian Mafia, and has come home with ideas of nobility and honor, but for Artemis Fowl Junior; the main character of Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code, by Eoin Colfer; that is borderline horrific. Artemis soon compromises with himself and decides that after a deal with the infamous businessman Jon Spiro, he will join his father on the straight and narrow. Artemis has built a supercomputer out of advanced fairy technology, and when he attempts his deal, it goes wrong, and his bodyguard Butler is shot. Jon Spiro is an intelligent, paranoid man, but can he beat Artemis?

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident

Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident

Eoin Colfer

277

                 “There’s so much irony here, I could write a poem: The kidnapper looking for help with a kidnapping.” Artemis Fowl; is the main character of Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident, by Eoin Colfer; the only human to ever successfully capture a fairy and survive; has recently discovered that his father has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafia; and needs the fairy people’s assistance to rescue him. Artemis Fowl’s father has been missing in the Arctic for nearly two years, after his an illegal business venture went bad, and Artemis has been attempting to find his father and prove to everyone else that he is alive. That in itself is no small task, but the LEP, Lower Elements Police, has discovered that the goblins have been trading with the humans for batteries, and using them to power ancient, but destructive Softnose Lasers. Artemis is extremely cunning and resourceful, but has he finally met his match?

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl

Eoin Colfer

279

            “Stay back human. You don’t know what you’re dealing with.” That threat is transferred between Captain Holly Short of the Lower Elements Police and the child genius Artemis Fowl, the main character of Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer. To replace the money from one of his father’s illegal business contractions, Artemis utilizes the Internet, and soon finds a man who will take him to a fairy; in exchange for 20,000 American dollars. By first poisoning the already drunk fairy, and then restoring her magic, Artemis walks away with detailed pictures of the Fairy Bible, or the Book; and uses the knowledge within to kidnap the elfin officer Captain Short. Artemis is a cunning and malicious being, and thus manages to exchange Captain Short for one ton of authentic gold. Although Artemis isn’t a very compassionate person at first, he begins to develop a heart in later sequels.

Aesop's Fables: First Classics Edition

Aesop's Fable's: First Classics Edition

Abridged by Rochelle Larkin

238

              “Vengeance may be worse than the deed that provoked it.” That is one of many morals from the numerous Aesop’s Fables, which are stories that often have a moral, or a lesson of value. The original fables were written by a man named Aesop, who was often invited to tell his stories to kings and other nobles as entertainment. One such fable in Aesop’s Fables: First Classics Edition, by Rochelle Larkin, involved a farmer, his wife, and a goose that laid golden eggs, but after becoming steadily richer every day, the farmer and his wife became greedy and impatient, and cut the goose open to receive all of the gold at once; killing the goose and ending the supply of gold. The moral of that particular fable is: “Much wants more and loses all.”

The Throne of Fire

 The Throne of Fire

Rick Riordan

452

              Imagine that there are only five days left to save the world, one of those days is someone’s birthday, and when that person spends their birthday in London, they discover that their grandparents have been possessed by the equally ugly Egyptian god of baboons and goddess of vultures. That dilemma is faced by Sadie Kane, one of the two main characters of The Throne of Fire, by Rick Riordan. Sadie and her brother Carter have to find the three forms of Ra and unite them in time to challenge Apophis, the serpent of chaos, who, if released would destroy the world. Sadie shows positive and negative character traits throughout the novel, two of which are bravery and impulsiveness. The Throne of Fire is an exemplary book, and any fan of fantasy, or Rick Riordan should read it and the first book of the series.

Heroes of the Holocaust

Heroes of the Holocaust

Allan Zullo and Mata Bovsun

183

"You have to do it. You must escape today. It's your best chance." Ferenc "Feri" Schatz is an escapee from a Jewish labor camp, during an atrocious period of anti-Semitism orchestrated by Adolf Hitler; otherwise known as the Holocaust. After a chance meeting with his brother-in-law Bela, Feri begins to risk his life, filling out fake documents for Jews on the run from Nazis and fascists. Feri demonstrates the character traits of  bravery and benevolence throughout the Holocaust, valiantly doing whatever he could to help Jews in need. Unlike millions of other Jews, Feri survived the Holocaust, and eventually founded the Council on Foreign Policy, in Lake Placid, New York.

The Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid

516

Rick Riordan

“Pari, niswa nafeer…” “What he said, it means: Go forth, king…” After Carter and Sadie Kane’s father disappears in a golden coffin inside the British Museum, they’re hardly prepared for Sadie’s cat, Muffin, to turn into the cat goddess Bast. Bast then tells them that they are hosts for the Egyptian immortals Horus and Isis, and also mentions that Carter will have to battle Set for kingship of mortal and immortal Egypt on December 28th. Carter shows the character traits bravery and selflessness through the duration of the book, even when his live is in mortal danger. The elderly Chief Lector, Iskandar, passes away in this book, but if it were a movie, I think Tim Allen should put his beard back on, and play Iskandar while he’s alive.