April Confessions

I can't believe April is coming to a close! What an incredible month this has been for me. I want to thank all my followers and blogger friends for making this another enjoyable month. I learn more and more everyday from all my book blogger friends out there in the blogosphere. Thank you for making this worthwhile and more importantly, FUN! :)


Books I Read During the Month of April: 


1.  13 Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman
2.  Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
3.  Freaksville by Kitty Keswick
4.  Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone
5.  Luxe by Anne Godbersen
6.  Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
7.  Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
8.  The Maze Runner by James Dashner
9.  The Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett



My April Top Five:

1.  Favorite Book: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

2.  Biggest Let Down: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

3.  Biggest Surprise: Luxe by Anna Godbersen

4.  Favorite Post:  UK Education: My Questions Answered-- Guest Post by The Bookette

5.  Favorite Part of April:  My trip to Ireland.  Check out my pictures!

I'm looking forward to May and you know what May means? My most favorite holiday, Memorial Day, is almost upon us.  I can't wait to be at the beach reading a book by the ocean!

Review of The Butterfly

The Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett

Pages: 240

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: August 10, 2010

ARC Obtained Through LibraryThing Early Reviewers

My Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Goodreads says, "Growing up during the 1980s in the safe complacency of the Australian suburbs, Plum Coyle should be happy. But on the cusp of her fourteenth birthday - and on the fringe of her peer group - she lives in terror of the disapproval of her cruel and fickle girlfriends, and most of all, she hates her awkward, changing body with a passion.So when Plum's glamorous next-door neighbor Maureen, a young wife and mother, befriends Plum, Plum responds with worshipful fervour. Plum feels herself reinvented. With Maureen, she becomes the girl she's always wanted to be. But Maureen has an ulterior motive for taking Plum under her wing."

Plum Coyle is your typical adolescent girl growing up the 1980's in Australia.  She goes through life trying to impress her friends, trying to gain attention, and essentially trying to be someone she isn't.  This book is an accurate portrayal of what some young females must go through in order to feel accepted and fit in; however, Plum takes it a step further and tries too hard.  Sonya Hartnett's depiction of adolescent life in The Butterfly is so awkward it hurts.

Plum, vying for attention from her cliquey group of girlfriends, makes some bad decisions.  On top of that, she feels inferior when around them and is easily swayed.  Hartnett does a nice job of illustrating how in some peer groups it's very "you're in" one minute and "you're out" the next.  She is desperately trying to fit in, but it's like witnessing someone trying to push a circle into a square peg.  Hartnett even tries to impress her older neighbor, Maureen, but their relationship ends up being an unhealthy one.  Plum is desperate for a mentor.  I was hoping she would find a group friend, but sadly, that never happened.   

I gave this novel 2.5 out of 4 stars, because I felt that it wasn't really YA. Just like Plum, it's stuck somewhere in between.  Yes, Plum is a fourteen year old girl, but some of the themes were much older.  For example, this book isn't always focusing on Plum and her experiences.  Parts of the novel focus on her brothers and the neighbor, Maureen, and lets just say it was rather edgy.  For example, there's an affair/adultery depicted and detailed marijuana use.  When the novel does focus on Plum, often times she is so eccentric and odd that I imagine many teens finding her to be annoyingly weird.  She spends a lot of time focusing on puberty and body image to the point where it becomes unhealthy.  I really didn't like that message especially since there was no closure around that issue.  

On the other hand, Hartnett's writing style is simply beautiful.  I haven't read an author so lyrical and poetic (with the exception of Maggie Stiefvater) in a long time.  Her voice is extremely unique and descriptive.  Hartnett can take a simple activity, such as walking down the street, and weave an extraordinary image in the reader's mind.  This, I feel, may be lost and unappreciated on the average teen.  In fact, this book felt very literary; it's almost like something that you might come across in a modern literature high school or college course.  The theme was important and many young adults may not even take note of it.   Hartnett suggests that we all go through a metamorphosis, just like a butterfly, and while some can undergo this change quite successfully, for others, it can be a challenging, messy process. Life and its situations, especially while you are an adolescent, aren't always easy or pleasant and this book certainly depicts that.  Ultimately, life can be, as we like to refer to it at work, a gelatinous mess.

All in all, this book left me sort of lukewarm.  I found many admirable qualities and important themes, but if I passed it on to a fourteen year old (as the ARC says fourteen and up) I think they might be bored to tears by the detailed descriptions as well as Plum's idiosyncrasies.  Perhaps this book should be marketed to older high school students or as contemporary adult fiction?  I think that age bracket would appreciate Hartnett's mystical writing style and controversial situations a bit more than your average younger teen.  

*Pre-order the book here:  The Buttefly

Waiting on Wednesday: Wicked Girls

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.  

Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials

 by Stephanie Hemphill

Pub. Date: July 1, 2010

Goodreads says, "Wicked Girls is a fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials based on the real historical characters, told from the perspective of three young women living in Salem in 1692—Mercy Lewis, Margaret Walcott, and Ann Putnam Jr.  When Ann’s father suggests that a spate of illnesses within the village is the result of witchcraft, Ann sees an opportunity and starts manifesting the symptoms of affliction. Ann looks up to Mercy, the beautiful servant in her parents' house. She shows Mercy the power that a young girl is capable of in a time when women were completely powerless. Mercy, who suffered abuse at the hands of past masters, seizes her only chance at safety. And Ann’s cousin Margaret, anxious to win the attention of a boy in her sights, follows suit. As the accusations mount against men and women in the community, the girls start to see the deadly ramifications of their actions. Should they finally tell the truth? Or is it too late to save this small New England town?"

* I am a sucker for YA historical fiction and I've always been captivated by The Salem Witch Trials.  This sounds like an edge of your seat type read, which is perfect for those late summer nights!  What do you guys think of Wicked Girls and what are you waiting for?

Teaser Tuesday #14

A weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and the author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

The Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett

" She is starting to think there might be something supernatural about her.  She can guess what people are about to say, and when the telephone will ring; once, she heard her name spoken loudly behind her, though nobody was standing there." (page 2)

Review of The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Pages: 374

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Pub. Date: October 6, 2009

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark. The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable. And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind."

You know the moment you are reading a book and you are hooked? You NEED to know what is going on....you are desperate.  Your heart starts pounding, you can't breathe easily, you are gasping for air, anxiety takes hold of you, and you are on the edge of your seat?  Please tell me that I am not the only one....although that does sound mildly reminsicent of my asthma attack last year at kickboxing class...but I digress.  This crazy edge of my seat, NEED TO KNOW NOW experience was how I felt about this book. I was enthralled. I lost an entire day and night to this incredible book.  James Dashner's The Maze Runner was truly addicting and an unforgettable read.

Thomas can't remember where he came from, his parents, or his life before the Glade.  He finds himself in this bizarre world surrounded by walls and a maze.  There are other boys in his situation (think Lord of the Flies) and they have learned to make this place "home."  What is even more disturbing is the fact that there are crazy animal-monsters called Grievers that surround the Glade's walls and come out at night with basically one mission: To destroy humans.  I'm going to be honest. The Grievers are the stuff of my own personal nightmares. Seriously. I have an irrational fear of needles and I also don't enjoy slugs. at. all.  The description of these Grievers included both needles and slugs; needless to say, I vomited in my mouth a little just reading/imagining these volatile creatures.  

Anyway, Thomas is learning the ropes and becomes friends Chuck and Minho, who both happen to be my favorite characters.  Chuck is just simply endearing.  Thomas really wants to be a runner and work with Minho, but he isn't sure why he is drawn to the job.  There are various jobs and the way the Glade functioned I thought was pretty interesting. These boys even have their own slang/vernacular (klunk-love it!)  as well as laws, which keeps the "order."  Everything seems hunky dory- or as normal as possible if you live in a maze- until one day this all changes.  A girl, the first girl ever, arrives to the Glade delivering an ominous message.  Without giving too much away, the tension increases and their world turns upside down, even more than it already is!  Simply stated......Thomas must find a way to survive.   

I can't remember the last time that I questioned a book so much as I did while reading this novel. I had SO many questions that I wanted answered, but brilliantly, Dashner was holding out on me, which only increased my suspense.  I'm going to get a little nerdy and teacher-eque, but bear with me. I also loved the fact that this book required me to use many comprehension strategies. I would LOVE to discuss this book with my literacy classes, because it really required me to infer, question, synthesize, predict, etc.  It was truly a smart read and a puzzle that I was dying to put together. My poor husband, Mike, had to deal with my one million questions.  Mike, surprisingly, read this book before me, which usually never happens.  He saw the cover, read the synopsis and was hooked.  So, it was pretty cool to be able to discuss and question him as I was reading, because Maze Runner is truly a book to be disected and discussed.  

This story had me guessing the ENTIRE time, which I think is rare when it comes to young adult novels. Ususally you can figure out the plot at some point, but I was always shocked.  Even right up to the end had me guessing.  I'm not kidding- even on the last page I was wondering a few things.  It was a roller coaster ride that never once let me catch my breath.  After my raving review, which I shared with my students, a boy immediately snagged my copy of this book.  I think my students will love it!

Many people are comparing this book to Hunger Games and yes, both are dystopias, but both are extremely different.  For starters, there really isn't a love triangle in Maze Runner and there's a barely there love interest, which I found to be refreshing. I needed a break from the drama-laden love triangles.  Just like Hunger Games, this book focuses on survival of the fittest, but the Maze Runner has a whole different premise.  I must admit, this book had me questioning way more than Hunger Games did.  Don't get me wrong, I still love me some Katniss, but this book definitely gave Hunger Games a run for its money.

With all that said, I hope you pick up a copy of The Maze Runner.  I highly recommend it for fans of science fiction and fans of fast-paced, action packed novels.  I am eagerly anticipating The Scorch Trials, which is the sequel. It comes out October 12th and please excuse me while I go pre-order it now!  :)

 Buy The Maze Runner Here

Read The First Chapter Here 

Pre-Order The Scorch Trials Here  

Watch The Book Trailer:

 

Lost in Austen

It's no surprise that I love young adult literature, but I also really adore all things Jane Austen and I must share this Austen tidbit. Last summer, I came across a mini-series that was shown in the UK in 2008.  It's called Lost in Austen and it's about a modern girl, Amanda Price, that is transported into Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  Amanda Price is an Austen fan and her adventures with the Bennets and the characters we have grown to love are simply hilarious.   I LOVED this mini-series and recently watched it again.

I thought I would post about it, because I am not sure many people are familiar with this mini-series....especially my American friends.  Oh, I truly enjoyed it and if you are a Jane Austen fan, you need to Netflix this one immediately.  What is even more exciting is that there is talk of turning this mini-series into a movie!  I believe it is due out in 2011.  Have you seen this mini-series? What do you think?

Check Out the Trailer:

In My Mailbox #13

My birthday was last month and one of the gifts I received was a B&N gift card, which means many of the books you see below were purchased with this gift card....my favorite kind of shopping!  Yay! I had way too much fun at B&N picking up many of the books I've been meaning to read. This meme is hosted by The Story Siren. 


The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

I've had my eye on this one for awhile!  Thank GOD for my B&N gift card.
Goodreads says, "In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?"

Last Night In Montreal by Emily St. John Mandel

I won this through a contest since I am involved with the a fundraiser called Reading For A Cure.  Check out my link for more information.
Goodreads says, "Lilia Albert has been leaving people behind for her entire life. She spends her childhood and adolescence traveling constantly and changing identities. In adulthood, she finds it impossible to stop. Haunted by an inability to remember her early childhood, she moves restlessly from city to city, abandoning lovers along with way, possibly still followed by a private detective who has pursued her for years. Then her latest lover follows her from New York to Montreal, determined to learn her secrets and make sure she s safe. Last Night in Montreal is a story of love, amnesia, compulsive travel, the depths and the limits of family bonds, and the nature of obsession. In this extraordinary debut, Emily St. John Mandel casts a powerful spell that captures the reader in a gritty, youthful world charged with an atmosphere of mystery, promise and foreboding where small revelations continuously change our understanding of the truth and lead to desperate consequences. Mandel s characters will resonate with you long after the final page is turned."


Rumors by Anna Godbersen

I just read Luxe this month and loved the mindless fun it provided. I am looking forward to this one!
Goodreads says, "After bidding good-bye to New York's brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, rumors continue to fly about her untimely demise.  All eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her mischievous sister, Diana, now the family's only hope for redemption; New York's most notorious cad, Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; the seductive Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind—including Henry; even Elizabeth's scheming former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency.  As old friends become rivals, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites find their futures threatened by whispers from the past. In this delicious sequel to The Luxe, nothing is more dangerous than a scandal . . . or more precious than a secret."


Envy by Anna Godbersen

I'm hooked on this series, so I picked up the third book.  Once again, another lovely cover!
Goodreads says, "Jealous whispers. Old rivalries. New betrayals. Two months after Elizabeth Holland's dramatic homecoming, Manhattan eagerly awaits her return to the pinnacle of society. When Elizabeth refuses to rejoin her sister Diana's side, however, those watching New York's favorite family begin to suspect that all is not as it seems behind the stately doors of No. 17 Gramercy Park South. Farther uptown, Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker are the city's most celebrated couple. But despite the glittering diamond ring on Penelope's finger, the newlyweds share little more than scorn for each other. And while the newspapers call Penelope's social-climbing best friend, Carolina Broad, an heiress, her fortune—and her fame—are anything but secure, especially now that one of society's darlings is slipping tales to the eager press.  In this next thrilling installment of Anna Godbersen's bestselling Luxe series, Manhattan's most envied residents appear to have everything they desire: Wealth. Beauty. Happiness. But sometimes the most practiced smiles hide the most scandalous secrets. . . ."


Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff

I won this book through a contest; I'm pretty excited to read this one....even if it isn't YA! :) Plus, I adore this cover. It looks the perfect summer read.  
Goodreads says, "Lily was married for just days before her husband was sent abroad to fight in WWII. Now, he and the other soldiers are returning, and the small town of Toccoa, Georgia plans a big celebration. But a handsome and kind Italian immigrant, responsible for the elaborate fireworks display the town commissioned captures Lily's heart and soul. Torn between duty to society and her husband, and a poor, passionate man who might be her only true love--Lily must choose between a love she never knew and a commitment she'd already made.  Poignant and elegant, Fireworks Over Toccoa is a mosaic of all the emotions that only love can make possible."


Captivate by Carrie Jones
I really enjoyed Need, but I heard this one isn't as good. We shall see! 
Goodreads says, "Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.  A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his."


City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

I haven't read the second book in this series yet, but it is sitting towards the top of my TBR pile. I loved the first book so I hope the next two books in the series are just as good. Plus, next month Cassandra Clare is coming to the B&N in my neighborhood, which is about 5 minutes from my house. I am pretty pumped for that!
Goodreads says, "To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost? Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments."


If you've read any of these books, please tell me what you think!   I look forward to checking out what everyone else got this week. Happy Reading!

Review of Sisters Red

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pub. Date: June 7, 2010

ARC Received through SLJ's Webinar

My Rating:

Goodreads says, "Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead. Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for."

Scarlett and Rosie March appear to live an average life in a cottage in the woods....... except that they hunt and kill werewolves or Fenris.  You might ask why they dedicate their lives to this?  Well, their grandmother was savagely killed by a Fenris when they were children and Scarlett lost an eye protecting her younger sister, Rosie, from the evil creature.  Both sisters  dedicate their very lives trying to take down these monsters so no girls will suffer from the Fenris' brutality again.  However, deep down, Rosie wants more for her life than just hunting and killing, but she feels obligated to help her sister, Scarlett, with this monumental task.  Not many others know about the Fenris and the sisters feel it's their duty to protect people.  Rosie has many other interests, but Scarlett, on the other hand, only ever has one thing in mind, and that's killing all the Fenris.  Jackson Pearce's novel, Sisters Red, is a fun re-telling of a fairy tale, but towards the middle, it fell flat.

Pearce develops the characters really well; I especially like Rosie.  I understand her need and desire to be more than just a hunter; however, I can empathize with her situation.  She feels guilty about wanting more and doesn't want to let her sister down....after all, Scarlett did risk her life for Rosie and lost an eye in the process.  Scarlett, alternatively, I really couldn't relate to.  She is obsessed with hunting and can't think of anything else.  I'm not kidding.  It got to the point where I was saying to myself, "Yes, we get it, Scarlett. You want to go hunting."  Really these frustrated moments didn't start for me until the middle of the novel. Also, I felt like a lot of the fight scenes/hunting scenes were kind of repetitive. So, in other words, the character of Scarlett really frustrated me.  I admire her sense of duty, but she was a bit too OCD concerning hunting for my taste.  On the other hand, I really applaud Pearce for creating characters that are independent and don't need to be constantly "rescued" by men.  If you have read my reviews before, you know I can't stand that--a.k.a.  Bella Swan! 

One character that I thoroughly enjoyed was Silas, the best friend/family friend of Scarlett and Rosie. He's also a woodman/hunter and his character was a delight.  Rosie starts to develop feelings for Silas and their relationship was very innocent.  In fact, it was very PG and I could easily recommend this book to my younger students without hesitating.  There's nothing scandalous here.  When it came to Silas, I could easily predict parts of the novel and the main conflict; however, it didn't bother me too much.  

You know that book that everyone loves, but you just don't feel passionately about it? Unfortunately, that's how I feel about this book.  Don't get me wrong, it's not that I disliked it, I felt "so-so" for a lack of a better word.  (By the way, I think this same situation happened to me when I reviewed Beautiful Creatures.)  I must admit, I was going to give this book 2.5 stars out of 4 until I read the ending. I enjoyed the ending; it was thoughtful and it took me by surprise. 

Fans of Sister Red will be happy to know that there is a companion book coming out in 2011 called Sweetly, which is based on Hansel and Gretel.  Lets just say, I dig the idea of a house made out of candy and cake (although my thighs do not), but the idea of a child-devouring witch freaks me out.  Is the witch in it?  The third companion book entitled Fathomless is already in the works.  It's a modernization of The Little Mermaid.  Now that one does intrigue me. Either way, I am sure there will be many fans of this novel, but I am going to keep it real with my readers..... I'm just not sure if I will be picking up the companion books.    (Booing and hissing may now commence.) 

Pre-order the book here:

*Check out Jackson Pearce's blog!  

Book Blogger Hop #5

Happy Friday, everyone! I met a lot of new bloggers participating in the Book Blogger Hop last week. I have some more time this week and I am excited to check out new blogs today. Be sure to go to Crazy For Books to learn more about this awesome opportunity. Check out her post on it and come join the fun!

Guest Post: Education in the UK

Guest Post: The Bookette 

The Bookette Answers All of My Questions Concerning Education in the UK

I am beyond excited for this post!  Becky from The Bookette (if you haven't checked out her fabulous blog already, you need to!) has agreed to be interviewed concerning all my questions about education in the UK.  As you know, I am a teacher and I find this to be extremely fascinating.  If you ever wanted to know what schools are like for young adults in the UK, be sure to read her responses to my questions.  I think I may share them with my students since most of our prior knowledge concerning UK education is taken from Harry Potter!  In return, I answered some of Becky's pressing questions about schooling in the US.  Be sure to check out her blog for my responses.  The idea of guest posting is Becky's brilliant idea and I'm so appreciative that she included me.  Without further ado, here's the guest post/interview:

Me: How are your schools organized? Elementary? Secondary?

Becky's response: As a general rule, English schools are organised into Primary and Seconday Schools. (I will keep these answers to England because I think things are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).  Primary Schools are sometimes separated into two parts: Infant and Junior.  The Infant school takes children into the Nursery at 3 years old. Then the next year is called Reception.   Traditional teaching starts in Year 1 when pupils are 5. So Infant schools teach Nursery, Reception and Years 1 to 2.  Then the Junior School teaches Years 3 up to Years 6. Children leaving Primary school will be aged 10 - 11.

Our Secondary schools take pupils at age 11 and this is our new Year 7. They go from being top of the school in the Primary to the bottom of the school in Secondary. They are the babies all over again. 

There are very few Middle Schools left in the UK. My school is in some ways one of them but because it is a Private school, it has its own unique system. 

Me:  How much do your schools cost?

Becky's response: State schools are free and every child in the UK is entitled to a free education. Some parents opt to put their children into the private system for many different reasons. Private school places are fiercely competitive and there is a huge demand. School fees for a private school start at around £9000 per year but they can go up to around £27000 which is roughly what Eton charges. Eton is the most pretigious private boys' school in England. This is where our Princes William and Harry studied. If you're interested in Eton, you can view there website here

Me: What's a typical class size and how many students in a building?  (At least where you live....)

Becky's response: Class sizes are fairly large in state schools. They may be anything from about 25 right up to 33. (I taught a class of 33 in my training days and it was NOT a fun experience. It was tough.) In Private schools the class sizes are much smaller. At my school the maximum is 22 and the smallest is 17.  Some private schools have even smaller groups. I think that must be heaven for the teachers and librarians.

School sizes again vary. State Secondary schools take from around 800 - 1200 students. Some even take up to 1500. They are certainly not the norm though.

Primary Schools are much much smaller. I would say a third of the size of the Secondary schools.

Me: Do you have state testing?

Becky's response: We have these things called SATs. They are the bane of every teacher and headteachers' life. The success of our schools is often measured against the performance of children in SATs. The government introduced them to ensure an equality of education across the country, to raise levels of achievement in Science, Maths and English.  Children used to sit this testing in Years 2, 6 and 9. The Year 9 SATs are being phased out to the great relief of many teachers.

Me: What's this National Curriculum I've heard about?

Becky's response:  The National Curriculum is a standard to which all pupils are taught. It lists key objectives and areas that students must be competent in during any one point in their education. On the one hand, it ensures that all pupils are covering the same amount of learning and experiencing an equality of education. On the other hand, teachers find it too target-driven. Their teaching is restricted to what is on the syllabus. Many people in education argue that the Curriculum stifles the creativity of both teachers and pupils. Others say it is the only way to ensure that all pupils receive a good standard of education.

Me: I assume you don't have GPAs. So, what do you guys have?

Becky's Response: So in Primary Schools, students get their SAT exam marks which show what level that are learning at. These go from Level 1 - Level 8. At the end of Primary school, all pupils in theory should be a Level 3, 4 or 5. If students get Level 5, this is good news indeed.

In Senior school students sit GCSEs for all the subjects that they study. GCSEs are qualifications which are recognised by employers and further education colleges. Usually their marks are made up of coursework and exams. The highest mark you can get is an A*. The lowest is a G. The government regards C or above as good. When I was in school, we took 9 GCSEs. Now students can take up to 15 GCSES I believe, which to me sounds crazy. Colleges require 5 Cs or above to get onto A Level courses.

Me: Do you have religious education? We don't unless you go after school or to a private religious school....very curious about this one.

Becky's response: Religious edcuation is part of the National Curriculum. It is usually studied up to Year 9 (when pupils are 14). It covers a whole wealth of religions and they learn the traditions and ceremonies of each one. If parents do not want their children to study RE, then they can ask for their child to be opted out of those lessons. Some of our schools are religious schools or what we describe as "faith" schools. Even they have religious education, I believe. My mum works in a Church of England school and they celebrate festivals from a host of religions, Sikh, Muslim, Judiasm. Part of our Curriculum teaches citizenship and this is about celebrating diversity as much as anything else.

Me: At what age do the students start learning a foreign language?

Becky's Response: This varies depending on the type of school. In Private schools like mine pupils begin learning French in Year 3. But even in Years 1 and 2 they explore many different languages. In state schools students are not required to learn a language until they are in Year 7. Although, there is a new Curriculum being implemented which means they will start learning French in Primary schools. I'm not quite sure which year they will be taught that in though. It used to be a requirement that students studied a foreign language for their GCSEs but now it is no longer statutory. They can choose.

Me: What's this specialist school I've read about?

Becky's Response: Specialist schools are those which have an extra emphasis on one or more subjects. They may have better facilities in this chosen area and they get extra government money for it. The specialism can be: Performing Arts, Sports, Design and Techonlogy, Maths, Science. I'm sure there must be many more too. These schools although they sound "special" are actually quite common now in England.

We also have new schools called "Academies". These are a key policy of our current government. Failing schools which do not meet the required standard get taken over by an Academy. The exisiting building often gets a complete refurb or it gets kncoked down and they start again. The Academy schools are decked out with all the latest equipment and facilities. The students get smaller class sizes up to about 25 and they are meant to produce better results. So far the evidence of their success is mixed. Oh, and the Academy schools are part-funded by private money from companies. I have worked in one and even I don't exactly understand how it all works.

Me: Do you have a lot of boarding schools like Hogwarts?  I'm sorry; I couldn't resist. Do you wear uniforms?

Becky's Response: We do have boarding schools in the UK. They are mostly private schools. There is the occasional state boarding school which will often take children whose parents in the Armed forces. Are they like Hogwarts? I can't say I know the answer. I have never worked at a boarding school. I have visited one which was Dulwich college. A very prestigious and high achieving school. I guess it looked very Hogwarty from the outside but sadly I didn't see any students studied leviation or chanting "Wingardium Leviosa" :-)

Yes, uniforms are quite the norm here in Secondary Schools and at nearly every Private school. In Primary Schools it is not always the case but evn then quite often. Students hate them with a passion!

Me: What's this sixth form? What does that mean?

Becky's Response: Some of our Secondary schools take pupils until they are aged 18. We call the part of the school that takes pupils from 16 - 18 the "Sixth form". Here students study for A Levels. These are what they need to get into a UK university. Many students do not stay on for Sixth Form but instead go to a Further Education College to take their A Levels. Colleges are a much more relaxed learning environment and give more freedom to the students. Thus, students need to be excellent independent learners to achieve their potential at college. They do not get the nagging from the teachers to motivate them!

Me: What extra curricular activities are popular?

Becky's Response: This depends very much on what is offered at the school. Sports are popular. At my current school the pupils sign up for football (or as you know it soccer), cricket, rugby and netball. There are many other cultural options open to them at Private schools. We offer Army Cadets, Calligraphy Club, Ballet, Drama, Music, Choir, Book Group, Chess Club, General Knowledge Club (run by the headmaster). There are so many more. At my last school they had a huge basketball emphasis, as well as Street Dance, a Student Magazine and even an Archeology Club. There is something for everyone.

Me: Do you have a "Homecoming-ish" activity at your schools?

Becky's Response: There is no such thing as Homecoming in the UK. There is no big sports event and the leavers do not come back for a celebration. Instead, just before the final exams in Year 11 students have their school prom. It is not a big affair like in the US and it is organised by the teaching staff rather than the students. They have to pay to go. It is definitely an important rite of passage but it isn't so commercial here, I think. Everything is done on a budget. It is often at a local venue rather than in the school hall or gym.

My Thoughts:  WOW! You would think as a teacher, I would be exposed to different countries and their educational systems, but sadly, I am not. This is truly interesting to me.  I think the idea of "Academies" sounds worthwhile.  What if we did that and actually refurbished failing schools and offered them new books, new technology, etc?  I think this is a revolutionary idea.  I want to learn more about this.  I also find the religious education to be compelling. I like that they cover all types of religions.  Sometimes I feel like my students are so sheltered and we lack diversity.  Sometimes I feel like everything has to be so politically correct in the US.  Also, I thank Becky for finally answering my question concerning "sixth form." I have heard the phrase "sixth form" for awhile now, but never understood it.  So, readers....what do you think of UK schooling? It sounds pretty awesome to me, but I'd love to hear what you think!  Lastly, thanks again to Becky at The Bookette for coming up with this idea and for putting up with my interrogation. :)  You're the best!  This is just yet another reason I love blogging and meeting fellow bloggers. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Spells

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.  "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.  

Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Pub. Date: May 4, 2010

Goodreads says, "Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.  When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?"

*I really enjoyed Wings and have been looking forward to this book for awhile.  I have read a few reviews already and a lot of people said that Spells is better than Wings.   That is pretty exciting, because it's rare for a sequel to be better than the original!  

Review of Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Pages: 357

Genre:  YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: January 1, 2008

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart."

When the synopsis says it's a urban twist on the star-crossed lover story, it's not kidding. Perfect Chemistry, by Simone Elkeles, is the cousin of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, except it's the fun, adventurous cousin that loves to break all the rules.  Yes, it's true that Perfect Chemistry is a modern take on the timeless star-crossed lover tale; however, it offers so much more than that.  

Alex Fuentes, the quintessential bad boy, is a senior who grew up on the "wrong side of the tracks."  He's a gang member and is involved with some seedy people.  Deep down, he's a good guy trying to protect and care for his family since he's the "man of the house."  Alex has a lot of potential, but is throwing it all away and succumbing to the fact that he will never go to college, because of his station in life.  

On the other hand, Brittany Ellis is the seemingly perfect blonde captain of the cheerleading squad.  Everyone thinks she has it all.  She lives in a mansion, drives a BMW, and wears designer clothing.  However, this is the image she projects to the world, but her home life is a disaster.  Her mom is a complete nut job and hovers over Brittany..a.k.a. "helicopter parent."   She lashes out at Brittany over every little thing and this causes Brittany some major anxiety.  Her dad is a workaholic who travels a lot and is never home.  He's an absent parent who makes a lot of money, but simply isn't doesn't parent.  Brittany's sister, Shelley, suffers from a serious disability and the family pretty much keeps her sister's issues a secret...including Brittany.  All of this pseudo-perfection and facades eventually takes its toll on Brittany.  

The characters truly spoke to me.  I know that there are a lot of high school students that share many of Alex's responsibilities to his family.  The people connecting with Alex may not be in a gang, but I'm sure deal with some of his home life issues on a daily basis.  In addition, Brittany reminded me of a lot of people I went to school with as well as some students I teach.  It's exhausting to pretend to be a perfect all day at school and convey a false image.  I know so many people, like Brittany, that are constantly seeking approval from others and trying to constantly impress others.  You can only do that for so long without having some sort of "come to Jesus moment" or a breakdown/identify crisis.  Unfortunately, many students I have taught also had extremely demanding and unsupportive parents and/or an absentee parent due to work demands, just like Brittany's life.  The connections I could make with these two characters were incredible.  In my opinion, Elkeles paints an extremely realistic picture.

Because I could make a multitude of connections so perfectly to these characters, I found myself getting emotionally attached and involved.  This then caused me to think about the characters while I wasn't reading and rush home from work to finish the book. To me, these are all signs of a brilliant novel.  To add to that, Alex and Brittany's relationship was steamy and Elkeles portrayal of sexual tension between two people that don't necessarily "like" each other was point perfect.  I mean I could feel the tension through the book-- it was that well written.  I found myself, right off the bat, rooting for Alex even though he is involved with a gang, because there is so much more to him.  After Brittany peels back Alex's many layers, she also recognizes his potential and the connection that they make is the stuff of dreams.   

I love that this novel focuses on stereotypes. We all have them and unfortunately prejudge people either subconsciously or consciously.   This book explores the "what if" factor.  What if you let go of your pre-conceived notions and keep an open mind?  What if people try to get past their prejudices and give others a chance? This book illustrates what you might find by letting go of your stereotypes; I loved this message!

Finally, the ending is swoon-worthy; I am still sighing/daydreaming as I think about it.  If you are to ponder over the greatest pairings in literature, the following names might come to mind: Romeo and Juliet, Paris and Helen of Troy, Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, Lancelot and Guinevere, Tristan and Isolde, Katniss and Gale (I couldn't resist; I'm sorry!), and Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.  Well, I suggest we add Brittany and Alex  to this monumental list as a modern great pairing.  Essentially, what I am trying to say is that their love is epic.  I can't wait to read the second and third book in this trilogy.  Lastly, I must say thank you to Becky at The Bookette for recommending this book to me.  Her review is what inspired me to read this book-- thank you!!

Buy The Book Here:

*Does this book sound like something you'd like? Read an excerpt of Perfect Chemistry here.

*This book is a part of a trilogy and the second book in the series came out this past week.  You can buy Rules of Attraction here:

*Check out the book trailer for Rules of Attraction:

 

*Does this sound like something that interests you? If so, read three excerpts from Rules of Attraction here.