Holiday Break Reading Challenge

Holiday Break Reading Challenge for 2011-2012

2011-11-29T09:55:00.001-06:00

As mentioned before, this year the Holiday Break Reading Challenge will be hosted at Edifying and Edgy. So, from now on I'll be using this blog to post my entries/examples for the different activities. I'll post them here and then link to them in the official post on E&E to use for examples.

2011-09-01T13:35:00.002-05:00

Hello Holiday Break Reading Challenge Followers. I just wanted to let everyone know that this year my friend Julie and I will host this Event together over at Edifying and Edgy. It will work pretty much the same way as in the past. It just has a new home now. Start making plans now. It starts on December 16th, 2011 and ends on January 1st, 2012.

Mark Your Calendar - Next Year's Holiday Break Reading Challenge Is Scheduled

2011-01-03T00:00:00.001-06:00

December 16, 2011 - January 1, 2012

If you enjoyed this Holiday Break Reading Challenge be sure to spread the word and make not of the dates so you can join us again next year.

Activity #17 Winner

2011-01-02T23:59:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Courtney H from Another Time Suck. She is the winner of the Activity #17 Challenge. Courtney-please email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Random Review Post Winner

2011-01-02T23:58:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Annette. She is the winner of the Random Book Review post. Here is her review. Annette-email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Post Your Reviews

2011-01-02T09:00:00.001-06:00

Today is the last day to link your reviews on the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Reviews page. Remember, I'll be choosing a random review at the end of the day. LINK LINK LINK.

Activity #17 Collage of Books Read In 2010

2011-01-02T00:00:00.003-06:00

Okay everyone, let's see who managed to complete this task. Just in case you missed the post from Tuesday giving you advance notice, here is what you need to do today.

Create a collage using all the book covers from the books you read in 2010. I know, I know!!!! I'm crazy!!! You can do this any way you want. You can print out the book covers and cut and paste them on a poster board and take a picture of it. Or, you can do it all on the computer. OR, if you have all the books in your home you can just lay them out on the floor in a collage and take a picture of that. Whatever works for you. Get crackin' and get creative!

Here is my collage:

Use Mr. Linky below to link your beautiful collage post so we can see what you created.

Activity #16 Winner

2011-01-01T23:59:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Kristen from Bookworming in the 21st Century. She is the winner of the 2011 Goals Activity. Kristen - email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #16 Goals for 2011

2011-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy January 1st, 2011!!!

Today is the day to start fresh. Let's make some goals (resolutions) for our reading/blogging lives and post them on our blogs in order to let the world know what we plan to do. We need some accountability. I know I do. So, tell us what you are going to try to accomplish in 2011 and come back and link using Mr. Linky.

Here are my plans:

1. Read more. Here is what I've read the last couple of years:

2008 - 113

2009 - 115

2010 - 107

I'm really want to read more than this. I'd like to read at least 150 books in 2011. I don't think anything more than that is realistic, but I'll take it if I just so happen to go over 150.

2. I want to write my reviews in a timely manner. I need to write the review as soon as I finish a book. What has been happening is as soon as I finish a book I pick up my next one and just keep reading and never take a break to write the review for the one I just finished. It becomes a vicious cycle. My goal is to have a review for EVERY book I read (young adult) on my blog.

Your turn.

Activity #15 Winner

2010-12-31T23:59:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Scott Rader from Scott Rader, Library Dictator. He is the winner of the Create-A-Cover Activity. Scott - email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #15 Create-a-Cover

2010-12-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

I've done this one before and LOVE it!!!!

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or clickhttp://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4 – Use Picnik, or something similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5 - Link your Book Cover using Mr. Linky.

In terms of the activity for the Reading Challenge, I’m asking the participants to create the cover and write a short synopsis to go along with it.

Here is my example:

"Judy Boom" has "owned" the skating rink for a couple of years. As the youngest girl on her roller derby team, she has earned the respect of her teammates and other players from the league. Every spare moment she has is devoted to training or competing causing her to get a reputation at school for being rough, tough, and scary.

When Michael Williams comes to school in the middle of the semester, Judy finally sees someone she'd like to get to know, but will her reputation send him running away before she can even talk to him?

Will "Judy Boom" find a way to balance the roller derby and her life outside the rink?

Activity #14 Winner

2010-12-30T23:59:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Diana at Books By Their Story. She is the winner of the Top Ten List Activity. Diana - email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #14 Top 10 of 2010

2010-12-30T00:00:00.001-06:00

I've been posting my Top 10 of 2010 since December 22nd, revealing one book at a time until December 31st when I post my #1 book of the year. Now it is your turn. I want you to look back at all of the books you've read this year and pick your favorite ten. Create a post with Top 10 of 2010 somewhere in the title and come back and link it here using Mr. Linky. Here is my list (minus my #1 title since it won't be revealed until tomorrow).

#10 PRISM by Faye and Alexa Kellerman

#9 DEMON'S COVENANT by Sarah Rees Brennan

#8 RISE OF RENEGADE X by Chelsea Campbell

#7 DASH & LILY'S BOOK OF DARES by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

#6 ROT & RUIN by Jonathan Maberry

#5 MONSTERS OF MEN by Patrick Ness

#4 HOW I LIVE NOW by Meg Rosoff

#3 FIRE by Kristen Cashore

#2 THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger

#1 ??????? Check my blog on December 31st to find out. (http://www.karinsbooknook.com)

Activity #13 Winner

2010-12-29T23:59:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Alexa at Pages of Forbidden Love. She is the winner of Activity #13. Alexa, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #13 Book Character Best Friends

2010-12-29T00:00:00.002-06:00

You may think I'm crazy, but oh well.....I probably am. Sometimes when I read a book I love a character so much that I think, "You know, if he/she were a real person I could really be friends with him/her." Some authors just have a knack for writing lovable characters. So, think about some of the characters you have gotten to know over your years of reading. Who would be your best friend (or at least a friend of some kind) if he/she were real? Here are some of mine:

Shane Collins from THE MORGANVILLE VAMPIRE Series could totally be my boyfriend.
Jace Wayland from THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS Trilogy could also be my boyfriend.
I think I could get along with Scarlet and Rosie March from SISTERS RED.
I loved Nastasya from IMMORTAL BELOVED. Her sense of humor would really mesh with mine.

Activity #12 Winner

2010-12-28T23:59:00.005-06:00

Congratulations to Jessi from The Elliott Review. She is the winner of the Status Update activity. Jessi - email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Advance Notice for the Final Challenge

2010-12-28T10:10:00.000-06:00

Okay everyone - the last activity is going to be a biggie!!!! Since it is going to take a little while to put together, I thought I'd give everyone a heads up. Here is what I'll be asking you to do on the last day of the Holiday Break Reading Challenge (January 2, 2011).

Create a collage using all the book covers from the books you read in 2010. I know, I know!!!! I'm crazy!!! You can do this any way you want. You can print out the book covers and cut and paste them on a poster board and take a picture of it. Or, you can do it all on the computer. OR, if you have all the books in your home you can just lay them out on the floor in a collage and take a picture of that. Whatever works for you. Get crackin' and get creative!

Activity #12 Status Updates

2010-12-28T00:00:00.001-06:00

Today should be easy. All I want is for you to tell us what you have accomplished so far during the Holiday Break Reading Challenge. How many books have you read? How many reviews have you written? Have you caught up on other blogging duties? You don't have to create a separate post for this activity. Simply leave your status in the COMMENT SECTION of this post. That way everyone will be able to read what you've been up to.

Here is my status update:

Books I've read during the break so far:

DROUGHT (ARC) by Pam Bachorz
PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ by A.S. King
THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger
BITTER END (ARC) by Jennifer Brown

Reviews I've written so far:
THE DUFF
IMMORTAL BELOVED

What I still plan to do:

Finish the book I'm reading now - HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER by Lish McBride
Write reviews for:
DROUGHT
PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ
BITTER END
SWEETLY
DELIRIUM
and several more (but really, I doubt I'll get to them).

Activity #11 Winner

2010-12-27T23:59:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Kate a.k.a. Midnight Book Girl. She is the winner of the Book Title Sentence activity. Kate, please email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #11 Book Title Sentence

2010-12-27T00:00:00.011-06:00

Today's activity requires you to create a sentence out of the books you have on your shelves. The main words for the sentence must come from the book titles, but you can add a small word or two in order to help it make sense if you need to. Just put your added words in [brackets]. You can use as many book titles as you want, but use at least 3. Here is my example:

The thin executioner blindsided you [with] reckless tricks.
Link your post using Mr. Linky.

Activity #10 Winner

2010-12-26T23:59:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Karen from Gig Harbor High School. She is the winner of the latest activity. Karen-email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your mailing address and prize choice.

Activity #10 Books As Gifts

2010-12-26T00:00:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was Christmas - the day when most people exchange a few gifts. Being book lovers like we are it stands to reason that we either received books or gave books for Christmas. In this activity I want you to tell us what books (or book related materials) you received or gave this holiday season. If they were books you gave to others - tell us who they were for. Be sure to link your post below using Mr. Linky. Here is my example:

I purchased two books for my mother.
THE CONFESSION by John Grisham (audio book)

TWILIGHT EYES by Dean Koontz

Unfortunately, I didn't receive any books as gifts. I guess everyone figured I have enough to keep me occupied for now. :)

Activity #9 Winner

2010-12-25T23:59:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Nikki from Wicked Awesome Books. She is the winner of the Christmas Day Activity. Nikki, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #8 Winner

2010-12-25T19:03:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Darci. She is the winner of the Christmas Related Book Activity. Darci, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #9 Easy Christmas Activity

2010-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Since today is Christmas and everyone will probably be busy, I'm making Today's activity easy. Here is what you have to do:

1. Since today is the 25th, turn to page 25 in the book you are reading right now.
2. Count down the page to line 25 and tell us what the sentence says. If there is a partial sentence or word in that line you can leave it out. If you don't have 25 lines on your page just choose the 7th line (2+5=7).
3. Be sure to post a picture of your book along with your sentence and link it below using Mr. Linky.

Here is my example:

"Just started like two weeks ago. He's trying to get on the basketball team." From BITTER END by Jennifer Brown.

Activity #8 - Books Involving Christmas

2010-12-24T00:00:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve. For today's activity I want everyone to think about books that have Christmas as an important part of the story. Post the cover and the synopsis so we can see what it is about. My favorite right now is a book that I just finished listening to:

DASH AND LILY'S BOOK OF DARES by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

Use Mr. Linky to link your post to the blog.

Activity #7 Winner

2010-12-23T23:59:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Mrs. DeRaps from Mrs. DeRaps Reads. She is the winner of the Busting Bookshelves activity. Mrs. DeRaps - please email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #7 - Busting Bookshelves

2010-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

This is a chance for you to show off your books. Some of you may have a wonderful system in place for storing your books, but others (like me) may just cram them wherever you can. Let us see. Take a picture of your "bookshelves" and post them on your blog along with a little explanation about your system.

Link your post using Mr. Linky below in order to be eligible for today's prize.

Here is an example of how I handle my mounds and mounds of books. I have absolutely NO SYSTEM at all. What is the most frustrating is when I know I own a book, but can't find it. Or, go and buy and book only to find one already on my shelves when I go to look a couple of days later. UGH!! Anyway, I can't wait to see everyones' pictures.

Activity #6 Winner

2010-12-22T23:59:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Pixie at Page Turners blog. She is the winner of the latest activity. Pixie, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice and mailing address.

Activity #6 - Waiting on Wednesday

2010-12-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a blog feature that has been around for a long time. All you have to do for today's Activity is to tell us about a book that you are dying to be released. There are so many good things coming out in 2011 and I know it will be hard to pick, but you are going to have to try.

I can't wait for:

CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS by Cassandra Clare. I fell in love with these characters from the moment I read CITY OF BONES several years ago. I can't wait to fall into their world again.

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

So, link your Waiting on Wednesday posts in order to be eligible for today's prize.

Book Riddles ANSWERS

2010-12-21T23:59:00.000-06:00

Activity #5 Winner

2010-12-21T23:58:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Annette from The More You Read, The More You Will Know! She guessed all of the "riddles" correctly! Annette, please email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice. I'll get it in the mail as soon as possible. As of now, every prize has been mailed out.

Reminder to Post Your Reviews

2010-12-21T20:20:00.000-06:00

Be sure to click the page link at the top for the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Reviews page. Be sure to link to your direct review on your blog. Remember, on the last day of the challenge I'll be choosing one review randomly to receive a prize.

Activity #5 - Book Riddles

2010-12-21T00:00:00.001-06:00

Please don't judge me too harshly when you see these "riddles." They really aren't riddles I guess, but for our purposes, that is what we are going to call them. What you have to do is this - figure out the title of the book by the synonyms I used for them.

Fill out the Google form in order to be eligible for the prize.

I'll post the answers after the winner is announced.

1. DWEEBY ROYALTY
2. CIRCUS ATTRACTION PERFORMANCE
3. EVIL BEAUTY
4. BORING LAD
5. PARANORMAL ENTITY CITY
6. ANCIENT SAFFRON
7. MIRROR BATTLES
8. LABYRINTH JOGGER
9. THE MURDER'S RELATIVE
10. OVERWEIGHT BLOODSUCKER

Good luck everyone!

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Activity #4 Winner

2010-12-20T23:59:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Beverly from Booklady's Booknotes. She is the winner of this Activity. Beverly, send me your mailing address and your prize choice and I'll get it in the mail as soon as possible. Email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com.

Activity #4 - Find a New Blog

2010-12-20T00:00:00.002-06:00

There are so many book blogs on the Internet that it is impossible to see every one of them. Take some time today to explore the blogs that highlight books in your preferred genre. Create a post with a picture of the blog through a screen shot if possible and the web link of course. Then come back and link to your post using Mr. Linky.

Here is an example:
My Pile of Books is new to me. It is run by Aubrey. (Then go on to tell a little bit about what you like about the blog)

Activity #3 Winner

2010-12-19T23:59:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Julie from My Only Vice. She is the winner of the Guess the Covers Activity. Julie - send me an email with your mailing address and your prize choice at karinlibrarian@gmail.com

Activity #3 - Guess the Covers

2010-12-19T00:00:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite activities because I love creating the collage for it. All you have to do is figure out the names of the book covers I have represented in the picture below:

Activity #2 Winner

2010-12-18T23:59:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Alexa from Pages of Forbidden Love. She is the winner of Activity #2. Alexa, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your mailing address and your prize choice.

Activity #2 - Your Current Book in Pictures

2010-12-18T00:00:00.006-06:00

1 - List the title and author of the book you are currently reading.

2 - Use any photo hosting site (Google Images, Flickr, Photobucket, FlickrCC, etc.) to find photos related to your book. "The image(s) you post need to have something to do with the book you're currently reading. You can post a painting or photograph that makes you think of the story or the characters, choose a few pictures that highlight some of the book's most important elements, or do a little of both. The only thing you can't do is just post the cover art and leave it at that, though you're welcome to include a cover image alongside your other selections." (Stella Matutina)

3 - Put a short description with each picture explaining what it means to the book.

Here is my example:

I'm reading DROUGHT by Pam Bachorz.

It is about a girl named Ruby who lives as a slave with her mother and the other followers of Otto. She is approximately 200-years-old as are the others in her group. The water they drink gives them extended life.

They are enslaved by Darwin West, an evil, greedy man who is in love with Ruby's mother and furious she doesn't feel the same. He has enslaved the Congregants since the early-nineteenth century and are forced to live as they did back then even though he himself enjoys modern day conveniences.

An example of a Congregant's House

Darwin West has access to modern conviences like TVs

Darwin West and his cruel Overseers force the Congregants to go into the woods and gather water everyday. The problem is they are in a drought like no one has ever seen. They haven't seen rain in YEARS. The Congregants are forced to scrape dew off of leaves in order to get the water they need. Darwin's quotas are unrealistic and whoever doesn't gather their share is beaten with chains in front of the group.

Ruby's mother takes everyone's beatings for them since she knows Ruby's secret. It is Ruby that gives the water the power of extending life. Only the Elders of the group know the secret. A drop or two of her blood mixed into the water is all it takes. It is Ruby that heals her mother's broken body every night by mixing some of her blood in the water they wash over her mother's skin.

Ruby is desperate to leave - to fight back against Darwin and the Overseers, but it isn't the way she has been taught. When she meets a new Overseers named Ford escape becomes even more tempting. She could leave with him so easily and finally be in the modern world, but can she leave the ones she loves behind and doom them all to death at the same time?

Now it's your turn. What are you reading? SHOW us.

Activity #1 Winner

2010-12-17T23:59:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Kathy from Ms. Martin Teaches Media. She is the winner of our first activity. Kathy, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your mailing address and your prize choice.

Your turn may be next. Be sure to complete Activity #2.

Activity #1 - Goals

2010-12-17T00:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge. Activity #1 is going to be easy for you. Simply think of some of the things you want to accomplish during this Holiday Break and let us know. Set some goals - it will make it easier for you to get things done.

Create the post on your blog and come back here and link to it using Mr. Linky. (Remember, link to the specific post. Not just your blog.)

Here is what I need to accomplish this break:
1) CATCH UP on my reviews. I am so far behind it isn't even funny anymore.
2) Read more. I've reached 100 books, but that isn't even what I read last year.
3) Mail out prizes for this challenge in a timely manner.

2011 Holiday Break Reading Challenge Sign Up

2010-12-16T13:11:00.000-06:00

Let the fun begin!!!! Tomorrow (Friday, December 17th) is the beginning of the 2011 Holiday Break Reading Challenge. A time for books to be read, goals to be set, prizes to be won, okay okay....I might be getting carried away, but really. It's FUN!!!!

If you want to join in the fun, take a minute and sign up using the Mr. Linky below:

Mark Your Calendar - Next Year's Holiday Break Reading Challenge Is Scheduled

2010-01-04T10:35:00.001-06:00

Friday, December 17th, 2010 - Sunday, January 2nd, 2011

is the next Holiday Break Reading Challenge

More reading, more reviews, more activities, and more winners!

Activity #17 Winner

2010-01-04T00:05:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Kim at LJHS Library. Her name was chosen for the Activity #17 Winner.

For the bonus prize for posting reviews to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Review page the winner is....

Kristin at Bookworming in the 21st Century.
Here is the link to her review.

Since Kristin has already won a prize, I chose another winner too.

Caitlin at Vision Quest Fail.
Here is the link to her review.

So, I need Kim, Kristin, and Caitlin to send me there book choices from the Prize List along with their mailing addresses to:

karinlibrarian@gmail.com

Congratulations everyone and thanks for participating!

Karin

Be sure to keep in touch. You can find me at:
Karin's Book Nook
and
The Book Jacket

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #17

2010-01-03T00:10:00.002-06:00

Today is the final day of the Holiday Break Reading Challenge. I had so much fun and I hope everyone else did too. For those of you who won prizes, everything should be put in the mail on Monday, January 4th. The books will be mailed Media Mail so it should take about a week to get to you.

For our final Activity here is what I want to do. I would like you to post your final results, how many books did you read and how many reviews did you write?

So, in the comment section of this post please answer like this:

Karin

http://karinlibrarian.wordpress.com

I read 7 books during the challenge:

THE GOOD NEIGHBORS: KITH by Holly Black
BONESHAKER by Cherie Preist
WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead
LOCKDOWN by Walter Dean Myers
RAGE by Julie Anne Peters
THE RETURNERS by Gemma Malley
THE LINE by Teri Hall

I wrote 0 reviews.

Then, be sure to attach your reviews to the REVIEW PAGE of the blog. HERE IS THE LINK

**As for the prizes for this Activity I'll choose one of the commenters randomly like usual, but to encourage the addition of your book reviews to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Review list, I'll choose another random Book Review post for another prize.**

Activity #16 Winner

2010-01-03T00:05:00.002-06:00

Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer the survey questions. Here are some of the results:

1. Which online book community(ies) do you have a profile for?
Goodreads 82.4%
LibraryThing 41.2%
Shelfari 47.1%
aNobii 5.9%
BookJetty 0%
None 5.9%

Other:
WeRead
Litopia
Living Social Books on Facebook
Visual Bookshelf

2. Which online book community(ies) do you REGULARLY keep up-to-date?
Goodreads 76.5%
LibraryThing 11.8%
Shelfari 5.9%
aNobii 5.9%
BookJetty 0%
None 11.8%

Other:
Litopia
Living Social Books on Facebook
Visual Bookshelf

3. Which book swapping communities do you participate in?
Bookmooch 23.5%
Paperback Swap 11.8%
None 70.6%

And Now For Our Winner

Congratulations to Sarah from GreenBeanTeenQueen

Sarah - email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your book choice from the Prize List and your mailing address. You might want to send me a 1st and 2nd choice since I'm still waiting for the two Activity #15 Winner choices.

Activity #15 Winner

2010-01-02T12:05:00.000-06:00

We have another double winner!
Congratulations to Nikki at A Haunt of Ancient Peace and
Heather at Lost in the View.

Nikki and Heather - be sure to email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your book choice from the Prize List and your mailing address.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #16

2010-01-02T00:10:00.007-06:00

Online Book Communities

This issue has been bugging me for a while. Goodreads, LibraryThing, Shelfari - UGH! Check out my blog post from July 2009. I regularly update Goodreads because I think it is much easier to use than the other two communities. Shelfari is too image based and sometimes takes too long to load on the computer and LibaryThing isn't as user-friendly. But, LibraryThing has much better blog widgets, but they don't work on my Wordpress blog anyway. My goal in July was to keep all three communities up-to-date, but I was a total failure.

What I want to find out is how many of you have profiles on these online book communities?

Your task for this Activity is to take the survey from the link on this post. A winner will be chosen from the ones who fill out the survey.

Click here to take survey

Activity #14 Winner

2010-01-01T00:15:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Leslie at Probably Reading.

Leslie - email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your mailing address and choice of prize from the Prize List.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #15

2010-01-01T00:10:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful New Year's Eve. The start of the new year brings the opportunity for reflection about what we've done during the past year and the goals for what we want to accomplish in the coming year. Take today to answer the following questions on your blog. If, for some reason, some of the questions to apply to you, just answer what you can.

REFLECTIONS
1. What was your favorite aspect of your blog in 2009?

2. Was there a particular featured/weekly post you participated in that you enjoyed and plan to continue in 2010?

3. Is there anything you don't like about your blog that you want to fix? (design, posts, followers, blog host, etc.)

4. Is there a blog you visit that you admire and aspire to emulate?

GOALS (You fill in the blanks)
1.

2.

3.

Use Mr. Linky to connect your post to this one.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #14

2009-12-31T00:10:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year's Eve

Today is the last day to read anything for your 2009 Reading Logs. I know I've been trying to finish the books I'm working on so I don't have to carry them over to 2010.

Today's challenge is to think about all the books you've read that came out in 2009. You have two choices. You can either post your Top 9 of 2009 or choose 1 favorite book of 2009.

1 - Post your Top 9 of 2009 OR your 1 favorite book of 2009.

2 - Link your post here using Mr. Linky.

I've been posting my Top 9 of 2009 1 book a day since December 23rd. My #1 pick posted today. But, so you don't have to go back look through all those posts, here is the entire list all in one place. Of course, mine are all young adult titles.

1. SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater (August 1, 2009)

2. FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH by Carrie Ryan (March 10, 2009)

3. HATE LIST by Jennifer Brown (September 1, 2009)

4. WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson (March 19, 2009)

5. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (December 1, 2009)

6. COFFEEHOUSE ANGEL by Suzanne Selfors (August 21, 2009)

7. THE ASK AND THE ANSWER by Patrick Ness (September 8, 2009)

8. DULL BOY by Sarah Cross (May 14, 2009)

9. CANDOR by Pam Bachorz (September 22, 2009)

Activity #13 Winner

2009-12-31T00:05:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Scott from Hays Public Library Young Adult Department.
Scott - be sure to email me at karinlibrarian.wordpress.com with your mailing address and your book choice from the Prize List.

To everyone waiting for prizes - books are going to be in the mail in a couple of days.

Book Ideas From Activity #13

2009-12-30T22:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks everyone. I thought I'd share the book titles I received from all of you today.

Contemporary Fiction/Realistic Fiction

On the Jellicoe Road
Riot
Rules
Speak
A Map of the Known World
Monkey Island
So B. It
Thirteen Reasons Why
The Pact
An Abundance of Katherines
Someone Like You
The First Part Last
Pictures of Hollis Woods/Missing May/Borrowed Children
And Then Everything Unraveled
Something, Maybe
All Sarah Dessen´s books
Going Too Far
Rules
Finding Grace
impulse
Ballads of Suburbia
If I Stay
The Mother Daughter Book Club
My Sister's Keeper
Willow

Humorous Fiction

Mascot to the Rescue
The Espressologist
Something, Maybe
Going Bovine
An Abundance of Katherines
Equal Rites
No More Dead Dogs
Stargirl
Sick Puppy
Fly By Night
Bad Kitty
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Watsons Go To Birmingham
Absolutely Positively Not
Born to Rock
Ghostgirl
Georgia Nicolson Books
The True Meaning of Smekday
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
How to Steal a Car
Sloppy Firsts
Good Omens
Dream Factory

Thanks everyone. I hope you are having fun. We only have a few days left.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #13

2009-12-30T00:10:00.003-06:00

I need some help.

When I took a look at my 2009 Reading Log, I realized how little Realistic / Contemporary Fiction I actually read. I'm drawn mostly to Fantasy. Another area I find difficult is Humorous Fiction. My students at school always want funny books and I find it hard to recommend them since I haven't come across very many laugh-out-loud stories.

So, I'm going to ask for your help and in return give a prize to a randomly chosen person. All you have to do is fill out the form below and give me a book suggestion. You can give me a Contemporary / Realistic Fiction title or a Humorous Fiction title, but, please, if you can, give me one of each.

I'll choose one of you wonderful Holiday Break Reading Challenge Participants randomly for a prize.

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Activity #12 Winner

2009-12-30T00:05:00.001-06:00

We have 2 winners again today! Congratulations to Pixie at PageTurners and Lucy at Delightful Reviews.

Pixie and Lucy - be sure to email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your address and choice from the Prize List.

Everyone have fun today!

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #12

2009-12-29T00:10:00.001-06:00

Animals Animals Animals

We've had to deal with the after-effects of a blizzard for several days now. It has really made me think about my poor little dog. Ellie is 14-years-old and has always been an outside dog, but with this cold and snowy weather I've wanted so badly to bring her in the house.

I mean, look at that pretty, little face. But, in the end, I didn't bring her in, thinking it might do more damage than good. How would she handle the cold after she got used to the temperature of the house? Plus, the poor thing, wouldn't know how to behave in the house. She'd probably FREAK OUT.

All this rambling leads me to our Activity. Think back on all the books you've read dealing with animals. What are your favorites. You can choose one or more than one. It doesn't matter to me. BUT, please make these REAL animals. No werewolves or other fantastical creatures.

1. On your blog, list the book cover(s) with author information.

2. Use Mr. Linky to link back to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge blog.

My choices are:

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS by Wilson Rawls

THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX by Kate DiCamillo (this is okay because mice are real)

Now, it is your turn.

Activity #11 Winner

2009-12-29T00:05:00.001-06:00

Well, it was bound to happen again. The Random Number Generator chose someone that has already won! So, what does that mean? It means we get to pick a second winner for this Activity's Prize.

Congratulations to Karen at Gig Harbor High School and Erica at The Book Cellar.

Karen and Erica - be sure to email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your prize choice from the Prize List.

Book Count Update

2009-12-28T23:44:00.000-06:00

Today was the beginning of the last week of the Holiday Break Reading Challenge. I had a pretty slow start, but I've finally hit my stride. Today I finished my third book and started my fourth. So, I thought I'd take this opportunity to let you know what I've read so far and give you a chance to do the same in the comments.

Book #1 - BONESHAKER by Cherie Priest

In the early days of the Civil War, rumors of gold in the frozen Klondike brought hordes of newcomers to the Pacific Northwest. Anxious to compete, Russian prospectors commissioned inventor Leviticus Blue to create a great machine that could mine through Alaska’s ice. Thus was Dr. Blue’s Incredible Bone-Shaking Drill Engine born.

But on its first test run the Boneshaker went terribly awry, destroying several blocks of downtown Seattle and unearthing a subterranean vein of blight gas that turned anyone who breathed it into the living dead.

Now it is sixteen years later, and a wall has been built to enclose the devastated and toxic city. Just beyond it lives Blue’s widow, Briar Wilkes. Life is hard with a ruined reputation and a teenaged boy to support, but she and Ezekiel are managing. Until Ezekiel undertakes a secret crusade to rewrite history.

His quest will take him under the wall and into a city teeming with ravenous undead, air pirates, criminal overlords, and heavily armed refugees. And only Briar can bring him out alive.

Book #2 - WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

Book #3 - LOCKDOWN by Walter Dean Myers

Lockdown explores an unlikely friendship between fourteen-year-old Progress inmate Reese and a man he meets through his work program at a local senior citizens’ home. When Mr. Hooft is finally able to open up about his harrowing past, he gives Reese a way to reenvision his own future. Imbued with the realism and authenticity that have marked Myers’s prolific writing career, this story questions how complicated it can be to separate right from wrong while struggling for survival.

Book #4 - RAGE by Julie Anne Peters (JUST STARTED TODAY)

Johanna is steadfast, patient, reliable; the go-to girl, the one everyone can count on. But always being there for others can’t give Johanna everything she needs—it can’t give her Reeve Hartt.

Reeve is fierce, beautiful, wounded, elusive; a flame that draws Johanna’s fluttering moth. Johanna is determined to get her, against all advice, and to help her, against all reason. But love isn’t always reasonable, right?

In the precarious place where attraction and need collide, a teenager experiences the dark side of a first love, and struggles to find her way into a new light.

What about you guys? Leave a comment with your update.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #11

2009-12-28T00:10:00.002-06:00

2010 Challenges

There are several bloggers hosting Challenges this year. I have already signed up for several and look forward to participating in them.

This Activity is designed to help you explore some of the many challenges available to you.

1. Visit these blogs to read about some 2010 Challenges.

J. Kaye's Book Blog

Look in the left side bar at YA Challenge, Library Challenge, 100+ Challenge, and 3 author specific challenges.

Royal Reviews

Look at the lower right sidebar for 1st in a Series Challenge, The 2nd Challenge, Audio Book Challenge, E-Book Challenge, Fantasy Challenge, Finish That Series Challenge, Historical Fiction Challenge, Romance Challenge, Winter Reading Challenge, and Wish I'd Read That Challenge.

Book Chick City

Look at the lower right sidebar for Thriller and Suspense Reading Challenge, The Anita Blake Challenge, Speculative Fiction Challenge, and Typically British Reading Challenge.

MizB's Reading Challenges

Hosts Original TBR Challenge, TBR Lite, RYOB Challenge, Raved-Reads Challenge, Read 'n Review Challenge, and Vampire Challenge.

A Novel Challenge (informational blog about challenges)

The Twiga Blog

Look at the right sidebar for Chick Lit Challenge, Medical Mysteries Challenge, Biblical Fiction Challenge, and Christian Non-Fiction Challenge.

Some Various Challenges:

GLBT

Flashback Challenge (rereading)

Graphic Novel Challenge

What's in a Name? 3 Challenge

A to Z Challenge

TBR (To Be Read)

Chunkster Challenge

I'm sure I've missed some. So, if you know of others just leave the link to them in the comments section of this post.

2. Create a post on your blog about Challenges, either in general or specific to the ones you plan to join for 2010.

3. Use Mr. Linky to link your post back to this one.

Here are the challenges I'm participating in so far.

Visit The Story Siren for more information about the challenge.
1. I KISSED A ZOMBIE AND I LIKED IT by Adam Selzer
2. THE SECRET YEAR by Jennifer Hubbard
3. THE LINE by Teri Hall
4. BIRTHMARKED by Caragh M. O’Brien
5. THE BODY FINDER by Kimberly Derting
6. GUARDIAN OF THE DEAD by Karen Healey
7. THE NAUGHTY LIST by Suzanne Young
8. PARANORMALCY by Kiersten White
9. NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer
10. MISTWOOD by Leah Cypess
11. SHADOW HILLS by Anastasia Hopcus
12. ALL UNQUIET THINGS by Anna Jarzab

I don't know what I'll be listening to yet.

I don't know what I'll be reading on my Nook yet.

I’m going to be a Bookworm and reread:
1. FREAK SHOW by James St. James
2. UGLIES by Scott Westerfeld
3. JESSICA’S GUIDE TO DATING ON THE DARK SIDE by Beth Fantaskey

What about you guys?

Activity #10 Winner

2009-12-28T00:05:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Mrs. DeRaps at DeRaps Online Class.

Mrs. DeRaps, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your address and the book you want from the Prize List.

Have fun with today's challenge everyone!

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #10

2009-12-27T00:10:00.002-06:00

Give A Shout Out

There are so many blogs on the Internet that it would be impossible to keep up with all of them. So, your challenge is to:

1 - Go to Google or one of your favorite search engines and find search for blogs that cater to your tastes. Try to find at least 3 blogs to share.

2 - Keep track of their title, web address, and a short summary of what you like about it.

3 - Post something on your blog about these blogs with the title I'd Like To Give A Shout Out To...

3 - Come back here and use Mr. Linky so we can visit your site and visit some of the blogs you've found.

You can visit my link to see an example post.

Activity #9 Winner

2009-12-27T00:05:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Kathy from Inside of a Dog

Kathy is the winner of the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #9.

Kathy - email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your address and your book choice from the Prize List.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #9

2009-12-26T00:10:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day. I was surfing the Internet the other day and came across Unshelved, an online web comic about libraries. I did a search of the archives for Christmas related content and came across this little gem.

If you'll notice, Christopher Moore is mentioned as the author of this comic. I've two books by Christopher Moore, BLOODSUCKING FIENDS and YOU SUCK.

So, trusty Holiday Break Reading Challenge participants - here is your challenge. You have two choices. You need to create a post on your blog about one of two things.
1 - You can feature Christopher Moore talking about books you've already read or ones you'd like to read
OR
2 - You can go a totally different direction and create a post about books about ZOMBIES - either ones you've already read or ones you want to read.

I know, I know...this isn't really sticking to the Christmas spirit, but... oh well, maybe you'll win a prize.

EDIT: I had no idea THE STUPIDEST ANGEL was a real book. I need to research better.

Be sure to link your post to this one using Mr. Linky.

Activity #8 Winner

2009-12-26T00:05:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Jill at The O.W.L.

She is the winner of Activity #8.

Jill, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your address and the prize you want from the Prize List.

I can't wait to see the results of today's Activity!

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #8 - Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T00:10:00.000-06:00

Today is an easy one.
Nothing to collect or compile.
You simply need to follow a link and take a quiz about Christmas Literature and post your results in the comments of this post.
So,
1 - Go here http://tinyurl.com/y8n6d4j
2 - Take the quiz.
3 - Submit your answers.
4 - Copy and paste your results in the comments section of this post.
5 - Leave your email address in the post.
Good luck. I hope your results are better than mine.
Here are my results:

God bless us, every one

You scored 6 out of a possible 15
Bah humbug! Your knowledge of Christmas literature is Scrooge-like in its sparsity.

Activity #7 Winner

2009-12-25T00:05:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Mandy from MandyCanRead.

Mandy, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your choice from the Prize List. The prize list was updated yesterday so there are even more books to choose from now.

Today's challenge isn't too bad guys! It should take very long. Good Luck!

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #7

2009-12-24T00:10:00.008-06:00

Best and Worst Book-to-Movie Adaptations

This Activity is completely and totally based on your opinion.

1 - You need to choose the BEST Book-to-Movie Adaptation you've seen and the WORST Book-to-Movie Adaptation you've seen.

2 - Post the pictures of the book cover next to the movie poster for each pair.

3 - Use Mr. Linky to link your post to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Blog.

Here is my example:

Karin's BEST Book-to-Movie Adaptation

Karin's WORST Book-to-Movie Adaptation

Activity #6 Winner

2009-12-24T00:05:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Karen from Gig Harbor High School Library.

She is the next participant that gets to choose a book from the Prize List.

Thanks to everyone who posted and good luck on today's activity.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #6

2009-12-23T00:10:00.002-06:00

What's in a Name?

I've seen this challenge around for a couple of years and always wanted to participate. I think it is so clever. So, even though we won't read all of these books during our short Holiday Challenge, we can still put together the list.

Here is what you need to do:

1 - Find a book title that fits in all of the following categories. If you read primarily young adult literature, then focus on young adult titles. If not, focus on adult. It doesn't matter.

2 - Be sure to list the author next to each title, just in case some of us want to read more about them.

3 - To be eligible for the prize you need to leave a comment on THIS POST with all of your book titles and authors.

4 - Leave your email address in your comment.

Here are the categories you need to find (you can't use the ones in the examples):

1. A book with a "profession" in its title. Examples might include: The Book Thief, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Historian

2. A book with a "time of day" in its title. Examples might include: Twilight,Four Past Midnight, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

3. A book with a "relative" in its title. Examples might include: Eight Cousins, My Father's Dragon, The Daughter of Time

4. A book with a "body part" in its title. Examples might include: The Bluest Eye, Bag of Bones, The Heart of Darkness

5. A book with a "building" in its title. Examples might include: Uncle Tom's Cabin, Little House on the Prairie, The Looming Tower

6. A book with a "medical condition" in its title. Examples might include:Insomnia, Coma, The Plague

7. A book with a "color" in its title. Examples might include: The Amber Spyglass, The Red Pony, Blue Blood

8. A book with an "animal" in its title. Examples might include: The Hound of the Baskervilles, To Kill a Mockingbird, Julie of the Wolves

9. A book with a "first name" in its title. Examples might include: Jane Eyre, the Harry Potter books, Anne of Green Gables

10. A book with a "place" in its title. Examples might include: From Russia with Love, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Out of Africa

11. A book with a "weather event" in its title. Examples might include: The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Red Storm Rising, Tornado Alley

12. A book with a "plant" in its title. Examples might include: Where the Red Fern Grows, The Name of the Rose, Flowers for Algernon

Have Fun!

Activity #5 Winner

2009-12-23T00:05:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Nikki

from A Haunt of Ancient Peace.

She is the winner of Activity #5.

Nikki, please email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com to tell me what prize you want from the Prize List. Be sure to include your mailing address in the email so I can get your package out to you as soon as possible.

Good Luck today, everyone!

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #5

2009-12-22T00:10:00.000-06:00

I'm going to go easy on you guys today. Here is all you need to do:

1 - Pick up the book you are currently reading.

2 - Since it is December 22nd, turn to page 22 in your book.

3 - Count down to the 22nd line on the page. (If there is a partial word on the line you can leave it off.)

4 - Post a picture of your book cover along with the 22nd line from the 22nd page on your blog.

5 - Use Mr. Linky to link your post to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge blog.

Here is my example:

Page 22, Line 22

"...escaping the combs she'd used to hold it all aloft."

Activity #4 Winner

2009-12-22T00:05:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Mariana from Smart Girls Read.

She is the winner of the Holiday Break Reading Challenge #4.

Click HERE to see her entry.

Mariana, email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com with your choice from the Prize List. Anything not marked out is up for grabs.

Activity #3 Winner(s)

2009-12-21T00:27:00.003-06:00

Well, it was bound to happen since we were using random number generator. We've had our first duplicate winner! Julie's name was the first one the Random.org picked. So, here is what I decided to do today and whenever this happens again. I'll give the prize to the first number chosen and then choose a second winner too. I think we'll have plenty of prizes. So, for Activity #3, here are our winners.

Julie at My Only Vice

and

Kristin at Bookworming in the 21st Century

So, girls - here is what you do. Look at the Prize List (link on the right sidebar) and choose something still available. I've been striking out the prizes as people have claimed them. Since there are two of you, give me a 1st and 2nd choice.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #4

2009-12-21T00:00:00.001-06:00

Today's challenge is taken from Stella Matutina's blog. Here is what you need to do:

1 - List the title and author of the book you are currently reading.

2 - Use any photo hosting site (Google Images, Flickr, Photobucket, FlickrCC, etc.) to find photos related to your book. "The image(s) you post need to have something to do with the book you're currently reading. You can post a painting or photograph that makes you think of the story or the characters, choose a few pictures that highlight some of the book's most important elements, or do a little of both. The only thing you can't do is just post the cover art and leave it at that, though you're welcome to include a cover image alongside your other selections." (Stella Matutina)

3 - Put a short description with each picture explaining what it means to the book.

Here is my example:

I'm reading THE BONESHAKER by Cherie Priest

It is a steampunk novel set in Seattle around the time of the Civil War.

After a terrible accident during the test run of an invention of a drilling machine that could uncover the gold under the Alaskan ice, a large part of Seattle was destroyed.

It didn't take long for the people of Seattle to realize, in addition to the destruction of the city, a terrible toxic gas was being released from the tunnels created by the drilling machine. The gas, called The Blight, created zombies.

Sixteen years later, Briar Wilkes, the widow of the inventor of the terrible machine, lives a life of hard work in a factory, attempting to raise her teenage son while living down the reputation her husband left behind, as well as her father. Zeke, Briar's son, is desperate to change the way people see his grandfather and goes into the dangerous part of the Seattle, forcing Briar to go in after him.

There are flying machines in the story, but I haven't got to that part yet. I'm anxious to see what happens.

Now it is your turn. Use Mr. Linky to link to your own photo explanation of the book you are reading.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #2 Answers

2009-12-20T21:14:00.001-06:00

Activity #2 Winner

2009-12-20T19:57:00.000-06:00

Let's give a big round of applause to Dani from YA All The Way. She is the winner of the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #2. She was 1 of 8 people with all correct answers for the 10 covers in the collage. I used Google Picasa, by the way, to create the collage. Dani's first choice from the Prize List is the autographed copy of LINGER. So, that is what she gets since it hasn't been taken yet. Congrats Dani!!!

There are still plenty of prizes left. I'll post Activity #4 tomorrow, along with the winner of Activity #3. Is everyone having fun? If so, leave a comment and say so.

Holiday Break Reading Activity #3

2009-12-20T02:00:00.000-06:00

It's time to get your creative juices flowing. I've seen this challenge on several blogs during various read-a-thons. Here is a link to the one Bart's Bookshelf hosted.

Here is what I'm asking you to do:

1 - Choose 3 or 4 books from your bookshelf that, when put together, form a sentence.

2 - Take a picture of your books / sentence.

3 - Post you sentence and your picture on your blog.

4 - Use Mr. Linky to link to your post to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #3 post.

Don't spend too much time on this...BUT, make sure the sentence makes sense. Here is my example.

Winner will be announced on Monday, December 21, 2009.

Holiday Break Reading Activity #2

2009-12-19T15:51:00.000-06:00

Okay everyone! Here is the challenge. To enter, you MUST fill out the Google Form below. This way, no one will see your response and use your answers. WINNER will be announced on Sunday.

Winner of Activity #1

2009-12-19T15:15:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to JULIE at My Only Vice. Her number was randomly chosen using a random number. Random.org wouldn't load for me so I used a different one at Psychic Science.

So, what does JULIE need to do? She needs to go to the Prize List link on the right of the website and look at the available prizes. Then, she needs to email me at karinlibrarian@gmail.com and tell me what she wants along with her mailing address. Congrats JULIE!

For those that didn't win, don't fret. I'm putting up Activity #2 in just a few minutes.

Today Is The Day - Holiday Break Reading Challenge Officially Starts

2009-12-18T19:42:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone is getting excited and organized. Today, I got a Borders gift card from a student and after work I went straight to the book store. I picked up BONESHAKER by Cherie Priest.

As soon as I finish my current book, INSIDE OUT by Maria V. Snyder, I'll start BONESHAKER. It isn't YA, but I've been told it has some crossover appeal. AND, zombies!

What are you guys starting with for the Reading Challenge. Fill out Mr. Linky and follow these instructions:

Karin (Boneshaker by Cherie Priest)

[web link to the Amazon page for the book you are reading]

Congratulations To Our Winner

2009-12-17T18:33:00.000-06:00

The Reading Addict wins the autographed copy of CANDOR.

Be sure to stop by and tell her congratulations and remember, this is just the first of many prizes to come. Saturday will be the next announcement and in order to win, you need to enter Activity #1.

Reading Addict, be sure to email me your address so I can get your prize in the mail. karinlibrarian@gmail.com

Holiday Break Reading Activity #1

2009-12-16T20:29:00.000-06:00

We're getting close to the beginning of Holiday Break and I, for one, can't wait. Since we officially kick off on Friday and that is going to be a CRAZY, BUSY day for me, I decided to post our first Prize Winning Activity a day early.

I've seen this on a few other blogs, most recently on The Story Siren's.

Here are the directions: (Be sure to create your entry, post it on your blog, and come back and use Mr. Linky to link DIRECTLY to your Create a Cover Holiday Break Reading Challenge post.) Write a SHORT synopsis of what your book could be about based on your cover.

On Saturday, December 19th I will choose our first winner from the list of people signed up through Mr. Linky. Remember, your link needs to be DIRECTLY to the Create a Cover post.

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or clickhttp://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4 – Use Picnik or similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5 – Post it to your site.

Check my Mr. Linky link to see my example.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge - What's This All About?

2009-12-06T20:58:00.000-06:00

Thank you for stopping by the Holiday Break Reading Challenge blog. As a public school librarian, I look forward to my yearly holiday break - for multiple reasons. Of course, I love spending extra time with family and sleeping in late every morning, but I also enjoy the increased amount of time I can spend reading.

The librarian in me always wants to encourage reading for pleasure and the holiday break provides the perfect opportunity. For that reason, I decided to create the Holiday Break Reading Challenge. Having participated in both, Read-A-Thons and Challenges, you might see something of a blending of the two concepts. Keep reading for detailed information.

1) Anyone can participate. I'm focusing on teachers and students, but if you want to cram a little extra reading in during the holiday season, please join us.

2) The Reading Challenge is designed to be self-paced. I will ask for you to set a goal for the number of books you want to read, but if you don't reach the goal - no big deal. This is for fun.

3) You don't have to provide a list of books you plan to read in advance. You can, but it isn't required. My mood determines what I read so I usually don't stick to a list. If I can't do it, I don't want to force others to do it.

4) The Holiday Break Reading Challenge corresponds with my time off from school. So, it starts on Friday, December 18, 2009 and ends on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 at Midnight.

5) I'll have a section set up on the blog for reviews. Please link your reviews of the books you complete during the challenge.

6) Everyday there a new "Challenge" will be posted. These "Challenges" are designed to help you get to know other bloggers, talk about what you are reading, and share information about books. A new Mr. Linky (if I can figure it out) will be used in each post to record everyone's responses.

7) HERE IS THE BIG ONE! At least one prize will be given out everyday during the Reading Challenge. This might be a book, a bookmark, or other swag. No specifics lined up yet.

8) Be sure to follow the Reading Challenge on Twitter. New challenges and prize information will be announced there, too.

9. Grab the button to put on your blog.

So, it's time to decide if you want to participate. A Mr. Linky widget will be added to this post soon. I'll send out a Twitter message to notify people they can sign up. Also, spread the word. Tell your friends. Let's get a large group together to share holiday reading with this season.

Holiday Break Reviews

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Let's compile all of the reviews we write about the books we read during the challenge. Please use the Mr. Linky below to link directly to the post about the review.

Prize List (Updated Dec. 29th)

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The prizes up for grabs during the Holiday Break Reading Challenge are listed below. More will be added as they are acquired.

~~WICKED LOVEY by Melissa Marr AUTOGRAPHED (PB)~~

BETRAYED by P.C. and Kristin Cast AUTOGRAPHED (PB)

CHOSEN by P.C. and Kristin Cast AUTOGRAPHED (PB)

~~HUNTED by P.C. and Kristin Cast AUTOGRAPHED (HB)~~

~~CHRONICLES OF VLADIMIR TOD PRIZE PACK by Heather Brewer includes:~~

EIGHTH GRADE BITES (PB)
NINTH GRADE SLAYS (PB)

~~TENTH GRADE BLEEDS (HB)~~

~~SOMETHING TO BLOG ABOUT by Shana Norris AUTOGRAPHED (HB)~~

~~THE MORGUE AND ME by John C. Ford~~

~~WITCH & WIZARD by James Patterson (ARC)~~

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND by Allegra Goodman (PB)

MERLIN'S DRAGON: DOOMRAGA'S REVENGE by T.A. Barron AUTOGRAPHED

~~LINGER by Maggie Stiefvater AUTOGRAPHED (PB)~~

~~PAPER TOWNS by John Green (PB)~~

~~IMPOSSIBLE by Nancy Werlin (PB)~~

~~AFTER by Amy Efaw (HB)~~

~~GIFTED: OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND by Marilyn Kaye (PB)~~

~~HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins (PB)~~

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS by Jeff Kinney (PB)

THE HUNT FOR THE SEVENTH HOUR by Christine Morton Shaw (PB)

Superstar Reader Bookmarks (pack of 32)

VAMPIRE PLAGUE PACK:
LONDON, 1850-Book 1
PARIS, 1850-Book 2
MEXICO, 1850-Book 3

~~ANOTHER FAUST by Daniel and Dina Nayeri (ARC)~~

THE CUPCAKE QUEEN by Heather Hepler (PB)

~~THE POSSIBILITY OF FIREFLIES by Dominique Paul (HB)~~

~~NEVER SLOW DANCE WITH A ZOMBIE by E. Van Lowe (PB)~~

~~LIVING DEAD GIRL by Elizabeth Scott (PB)~~

WHEN THE WHISTLE BLOWS by Fran Cannon Slayton (ARC)

DRAGONFLY POOL by Eva Ibbotson (PB)

~~LET IT SNOW by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle (PB)~~

~~ELEMENTAL SPIRITS PACK:~~
~~WATER by Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson~~
~~FIRE by Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson~~

~~ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Sarah Dessen (HB)~~

~~PEACE, LOVE, AND BABY DUCKS by Lauren Myracle (HB) AUTOGRAPHED~~

Winners

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WINNERS' CIRCLE

25 Participants before Dec. 18th - Reading Addict

Activity #1 - Julie - Vlad Tod Prize Pack

Activity #2 - Dani - Autographed Copy of LINGER

Activity #3 - Two Winners

Julie at My Only Vice - The Morgue and Me

and

Kristin at Bookworming in the 21st Century - Wicked Lovely

Activity #4 - Mariana at Smart Girls Read - Paper Towns

Activity #5 - Nikki at A Haunt of Ancient Peace - After

Activity #6 - Karen at Gig Harbor High School Library - WITCH & WIZARD

Activity #7 - Mandy at MandyCanRead - NEVER SLOW DANCE WITH A ZOMBIE

Activity #8 - Jill at O.W.L. - LIVING DEAD GIRL

Activity #9 - Kathy at Inside of a Dog - SOMETHING TO BLOG ABOUT

Activity #10 - Mrs. DeRaps - DeRaps Online Class - LET IT SNOW

Activity #11 - Erica at The Book Cellar - ANOTHER FAUST and Karen at Gig Harbor High School - ELEMENTAL PACK

Activity #12 - Pixie at PageTurners - THE HUNGER GAMES and Lucy at Delightful Reviews - THE POSSIBILITY OF FIREFLIES

Activity #13 - Scott at Hays Public Library Young Adult Department - HUNTED by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Activity #14 - Leslie at Probably Reading - PEACE, LOVE, AND BABY DUCKS

Activity #15 - Nikki at A Haunt of Ancient Peace - LIVING DEAD GIRL and Heather at Lost in the View - IMPOSSIBLE

Activity #16 - Sarah at GreenBeanTeenQueen

Activity #17 - Kim at LJHS Library - Along for the Ride

BONUS DRAWING FOR POSTING REVIEWS:

Kristin at Bookworming in the 21st Century - GIFTED: OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND
and
Caitlin at Vision Quest Fail