What Should I Read? Book Talks and More

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Series by Michelle Paver What was life like for people when we lived in small communities made of clans? Before we knew about science or why things in the natural world happened? Torak lived 6,000 years ago in northern Europe. Spirits and magic make life different and dangerous. His father is killed by a demon possessed monstrosity of a bear. Why did his father keep him separate from all the clans? Torak is unusual because he can speak with wolves. He befriends a wolf cub, whose family was also killed, and together they form their own pack. Eventually Torak is adopted by another clan, but his differences make it hard for the crow clan to accept him. Each of the first four books in the series that I read were exciting and, interesting, and a different kind of fantasy. I really enjoy this series!Torak went on a quest in each and was assisted by his crow clan friend who has power and secrets of her own, and Wolf. 1. Wolf Brother 2. Spiri...

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Tim Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney Junior wants a better future.  He doesn't want to give up on life, the way it sometimes seems that his family and community have.  One of his teachers, who seems like a real creep, tells him he needs to get off the reservation and go to a school in the next town. Junior decides to do that, but it is difficult to get there due to his family's situation, and it alienates him from his community and his best friend.  His friend is the meanest kid at the rez school and also the best basketball player.  They were supposed to play together and Junior is pretty nervous that now they will be rivals.  He is surprised and also a little put off by the friendliness and generosity of the students at his new school.  He is not sure if they are genuine or condescending to him because he is Native American; the only other Indian on campus is the school mascot. T...