What’s the next great read?  According to Amazon.com, the breakthrough novel in young adult literature this year is….

Spookygirl by Jill Baguchinsky

Dutton Juvenile (August 16, 2012)

What’s so great about it?  Well, it blends supernatural powers with a thrilling story, presents interesting and complicated characters, and is an all around fun read!

Summary:  From Amazon.com “ Violet Addison can chat with the dead, but what really frightens her is starting her sophomore year at a new school. Still reeling from the loss of her mother,  Violet is about find herself in the company of ghosts . . . both playful and  deadly evil. Standing at the threshold to an unseen world with newfound friends at her side, only Violet can uncover the truth behind her mother’s death and  save the family business–paranormal investigation.”

Not sure if it’s for you?  See what others are saying about it!  Here are a number of reviews! Try this free e-book excerpt!  (If you do not have a kindle, remember that you can download the software for free on your PC or Mac on the Amazon website).

Is August 2012 too long to wait?  In the meantime, enjoy these great supernatural reads!

It Begins (The Unseen, Part 1)

by Richie Tankersley Cusick

Dreadful Sorry (Time Travel Mysteries)

by Kathryn Reiss

The Oldest House Mystery

 by Linda Cargill

Beautiful Dead Book 1: Jonas

by Eden Maguire

Dead Is the New Black

by Marlene Perez

Library and Librarian Myths and Legends : the Truth behind the Stacks Librarians have often been surrounded by mysteries, myths and legends.  What is the truth about Librarians?  Are they all-knowing godlike beings?  Do books magically appear on shelves?  Is the MLS a real degree?  What about buns?  These gems of corrective, collective wisdom are courtesy of the PubLib Lists … Read More

via Best of Publib – Public Library Discussion and Publib Listserve Analysis

• Ship Breaker, Paolo Bacigalupi (Little, Brown)
• White Cat, Holly Black (McElderry)
• Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Press; Scholastic UK)
• Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, Barry Deutsch (Amulet)
• The Boy from Ilysies, Pearl North (Tor Teen)
• I Shall Wear Midnight, Terry Pratchett (Gollancz; Harper)
• A Conspiracy of Kings, Megan Whalen Turner (Greenwillow)
• Behemoth, Scott Westerfeld (Simon Pulse; Simon & Schuster UK)

Have you read any of these?  Do you have a favorite?  Shipbreaker won the Printz; will it win this award too?  I personally love teh Tiffany Aching series by Prachett so I’m excited about I Shall Wear Midnight being nominated!

If you found this site through Wobble, welcome!!!!  Feel free to follow (see links on the side), and leave a message to let me know you stopped by!  I’ll return in kind! 

Now get to exploring!!! =)

It is Follow Friday over on Parajunkee.com so head on over and find a great book blog!

And if you’ve come from there, welcome! Leave me a comment and I’ll follow back!  Happy reading!

And if you came over from WOW, Welcome!!!  Leave a message and I’ll follow back! =)

Did you link to us via Wobble?  Welcome!  Drop us a line and we will follow back!

Here are the basics straight from her site:

“Here are the guidelines:
- International Welcome
- Just click the button above to enter in the form
- If you don’t want an eReader, you can win a 100$ Amazon GC.
- Must be a follower
- To Enter Just Click the Giveaway Time Button

Also…if I make it up to 1000 followers I will heart you all forever and I will add 4 additional 15$ Amazon Gift Card Winners.”

Be sure to spread the word to all of your book-lovin’ friends and while you are visiting her site, check out Monica’s Etsy shop featuring awesome journals!

Do you know someone affected by colon and related cancers?  According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer accounts for the second highest mortality rate each year.  We talk about breast cancer;  we have fundraisers and celebrations, websites and blogs.  Celebrities come out and share their story to help others struggling with their prognosis.  But what about the (pardon the pun) other end of the discussion?  When Katie Couric underwent a colonoscopy live on television following the tragic death of her husband to the disease, the entire ordeal was treated with derision.  If we can remind each other to do self breast exams, proudly wear “Save the Tatas” shirts, and clothe ourselves in pink to honor, remember, and inform, why are we so reluctant to talk about colon cancer? 

I challenge each and every one of you to get involved.  Do it for your children.  Do it for your parents, friends, and family.  Do it for yourself.  Talk to your doctor about your risk for colon cancer.  Set aside modesty and take care of your colon health by being open and informed.  Remind your family and friends to assess their risk, schedule a colonoscopy, and join the fight!  The odds are you will be affected by colon cancer in your lifetime.  Be prepared.

There are a million ways you can get involved. 

First, spread the word!  Use humor, be cheeky (ahem), and place your health before your modesty.  We remind each other to take care of the T, why not the A? 

Second, donate!  The Colon Cancer Alliance does great work to finance research including efforts to develop a vaccine.  With their help, it is possible that my nieces and nephews will never have to worry that they will suffer as their grandfather has.  Donate on the CCA’s website .  Make your donation count even more by checking with your employer to see if they will match your contribution.  Some teams link your donation to raffles for great prizes.  (hint:  we do!)

Third:  Join the team!   Undy5000 2K walks are happening all over the country.  If there is not one in your area, work with the CCA to set one up.  We have committed to staying involved until there is a cure.  Since I no longer live in the DFW area where this particular race is taking place, I am a member of a virtual team that is concentrating their fundraising work online. 

Come see what it is all about! Check out my family’s team on Facebook at Undy5000-Chisum Crew.  For every $5 you donate via our team, you receive one entry into our monthly and grand prize raffles.  We have over 30 sponsored prizes to give away, including an iPad and a TRIA home laser system.  All nonwinning tickets roll over to the next drawing so you have an increased chance of winning.  If you would like to enter, go to our Facebook page, link to our team page via CCA, or contact us via email.  Online you can use a credit card, but checks and cash can be handled so long as a brief form is completed. 

In brief: 

Our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Undy5000-Chisum-Crew/120295304655845

Our team page on CCA: http://support.ccalliance.org/goto/ChisumsCrew

Our email: ChisumCrew@live.com