The Well, by Mildred D. Taylor

The Well, by Mildred D. Taylor
Scholastic, Inc
ISBN: 0-439-05652-7
92 p.
The Well, is a small book with a powerful story. Set in the most frightening period for African Americans post Reconstruction (roughly, 1865-1878). It continues with the Logan family introduced in the previous books: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Let The Circle Be Unbroken that experience the hardship of living in the south with grace and dignity. This story, although set in the past has modern implications like how to handle an adversary and the limitations of violence and retaliation.

Ma Rachel, the family’s matriarch has a heart-breaking story from her childhood that colors her perception of people even in her dementia. The Logan family lives with the immediate past of slavery as well as the promise of the future in their sons. Regardless of problems the Logans stick together and in the words of Maya Angelou, they “press on.”

This book is great for readers who find large chapter books intimidating but like good stories.

Recommendation: Worth the read

Welcome Back Gavin Eagles!

New School Year, New Good Books to Read!

First, I want to welcome back the now new seventh and eighth graders. You were a pleasure for me to work with last year as sixth and seventh graders. I hope to do a an even better job for you this year. Many new and exciting books are due to be published before December. I hope to get as many of them as I can onto the shelves and into your hands.

Now, I want to warmly welcome the sixth graders to The Gavin Library. I hope that you will manage to get some time to spend in the library doing homework, reading or searching for that really good book. Be sure to ask me if we own a copy of your favorite book. If we don't I will do my best to get it for you.

Finally, I want to remind you that Wikipedia is not a first level source for research.It is fine as a secondary source. It is still subjective. Our library has access to excellent fact based databases that can provide high quality research support for you. We also have an excellent Reference section in our library that is always there for your use.

Here's to a wonderful, fun, and productive year for us all!

Good Summer Reading

For young adults and young minded adults I recommend The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Also, great light reading for young people middle school and up... The Percy Jackson series (5 books) a swift moving series of books based on Greek Mythology laced with action, adventure and humor written by Rick Riordan.

I was very unhappy to learn that the Nicholas Flammel series that began with the Alchemyst is really a six book series. After reading the successive books The Magician and The Sorceress I can't see Michael Scott pulling off the series well. Frankly, I am tired of the story and peeved that it has not ended yet.

Finally, for adults consider reading the Stephanie Plum Mysteries. The latest book is out. It is the 15th in the series entitled Finger Lickin' Fifteen, by Janet Evanovich.