Friday, October 28, 2011

Red Ribbon Week

Vista Academy Celebrates:
Red Ribbon Week
Make smart choices
Don't let others negatively influence you... ever!
Stand up for what's right, and be proud!
Don't compromise your character for anyone or anything.
Do the right thing when EVERYONE is watching~ and when no one is watching. 
Don't talk about what's right- DO what's right.
Be the Difference ~ and Make a Difference. 


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Cinda Chima Author Visit


Cinda Williams Chima
Author and Book Goddess!
Today's visit with author Cinda Williams Chima was outstanding!  We learned a lot about what inspires her, the writing process, publishing, and even a little about her personal life. Look for more pictures on the News and Fun Pics pages, and stay tuned for the video segment that includes her special Bulldog News interview with Hannah.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Chima-Nix-Williams Event

Wednesday, October 26th
6-8PM
Come meet these wonderful authors and add their books to your collection.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Simone Elkeles Event


I wanted to give a BIG Bulldog Thank You to New York Times best selling author Simone Elkeles for coming to our school and book signing event.  We enjoyed our time with you- and kids around the campus are already digging into your books! Watch for the video interview to be posted on our News link. 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Net Galley Review: Tris and Izzie

Title: Tris and Izzie
Publisher: Egmont USA
Pub Date: 10-11-11
ISBN: 9781606841730
Author: Mette Ivie Harrison
Category: FICTION-JUVENILE

http://tweentribune.com/content/tris-and-izzie

“Good work, Izzie,” she said. “Amazing work, actually. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who survived an attack by a slurg.” She kissed me and rubbed her cool hands over my hot forehead. “Except you dad.”
            That was all I remembered for three days.  Pg. 82

If you’re a real witch, you don’t need to visit www.lovepotionsandmore.com to find a love philtre.  Unfortunately Isolde, or “Izzie,” is just a normal girl that wants to help out her best friend who is down on her luck.  Never in her wildest dreams could she of imagined that her measly attempt at magic would unleash a secret that would change her life forever. Izzie learns that she IS magical, and as a result, she connects with Tristan, the newest student at her high school.  He sees her magic, and he knows her past. Soon Izzie realizes that she must put aside the life she has been living to face her destiny.  With Tristan at her side, Isolde reaches inside herself to find and control the magic that has been dormant since the death of her father.

Together, Tristan and Izzie walk into the dragon’s lair to confront the evil being that took the lives of their loved ones. Can Izzie learn to use the powerful magic inside of her in time to save her life and Tristan’s?  Or will they die like their fathers before them in the dragon’s fire?

Triz and Izzie is a quick read that tweens will enjoy. The plot is somewhat predictable, making this a good [but not great] read.  I liked the idea of the undiscovered magic within Izzie, but plot points were revealed early, resulting in little suspense between the characters. 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Simone Elkeles Signing

Put it on your calendars... this Thursday~ Simone will be signing books at the Oceanside Barnes and Noble from 6-8 PM. See you there!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Bulldog News Tee & Sweatshirt Design


Here are the designs for our News Tee and sweatshirts!  Thank you Paul Bordas for helping us! Kids- if you're writing checks, please make them payable to : Paul Bordas

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Net Galley Review: Crave

Title:  Crave: The Clann
Publisher:  Harlequin
Imprint:  HarlequinTEEN
Pub date: 10/25/2011
ISBN: 9780373210350
Author:  Melissa Darnell
Category: FICTION-JUVENILE


         “You were born freak.  That’s more than enough reason to make every member of the Clann hate you for the rest of our lives.  Now get .Out. Of. Our. Way!” pg. 21

Getting married in the fourth grade is an exciting adventure- especially for Savannah Colbert and her best friend, Tristan Coleman.  Unfortunately, the honeymoon is cut short when Savannah’s friends, including Tristan, abruptly cease all contact with her.  Now in high school, Savannah still hurts from the incident, and to make things worse, she continues to harbor a secret and forbidden crush on Tristan.  Savannah begins to experience extreme pain when Tristan is near her, and following her 16th birthday, she becomes extremely ill. Savannah learns that she is a Clann member, just like Tristan, and that her sickness is caused by magic clashing in her body.

Tristan knows he is forbidden to speak to Savannah, and is carefully watched by the Clann. When Savannah comes back from being sick, Tristan feels an attraction so strong he cannot resist her. Ironically, every male in Savannah’s high school falls for her, and her “gaze daze” eyes hypnotize every boy in sight. Unaware of her Clann status, Tristan and Savannah start to see one another, but the secrets they uncover about their love, their families, and the Clann could shatter their chance at a relationship forever. 

O.M. Freakin’ G.”… I LOVED this book! It has all the right ingredients for a best seller: strong characters, forbidden love, addicting plotline…and hysterical one-liners.  The relationship between Tristan and Savannah is electrifying, like “red velvet cake, chocolate meringue pie.. and apple pie a la mode combined”. Tweens…teens…and YA fans everywhere are in for a treat with Crave. Melissa Darnell~ you hit a grand slam!

I give this book my highest rating: A+

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Author Signings in October

Simone Elkeles ~ October 13th from 6-8
Cinda Williams Chima~ October 26th from 6-8
Oceanside Barnes & Noble
2615 Vista Way, Oceanside CA
Come meet two of the HOTTEST YA authors in the teen book scene!