KWN Video Shoot

The KWN Video Shoot at the Oceanside Pier was a success! Watch for the completed competition video by February 2nd, 2012.

Net Galley Review: Halflings

Title: Halflings

Publisher: Zondervan

Pubdate: Feb. 01, 2012

ISBN: 9780310728184

Author: Heather Burch

         “Wow.” She studied the spot and wiggled the finger; no burning, no stinging, just fresh, pink skin.  “What was that?”

         “Another perk.” He laughed. “Misleading though. I can’t do anything when it’s life threatening.”

         “Amazing.” She examined the digit. Angel kisses. He’d just dusted her skin with angel kisses. How many girls on the planet could say that?  “Do you think this is where the term ‘Kiss it and make it better’ comes from?”

         He smiled. “Maybe.”

         She cocked a brow. “My other hand hurts…” pg 139

         Seventeen-year-old Nikki didn’t believe in angels, that is until three devastatingly handsome men suddenly appear when her life is threatened by demonic beings.  Nikki soon learns that Mace, Raven, and Vine are Haflings, part heavenly being and part human, who have sworn to protect and guard the human race.  As they work together to unravel a puzzling mystery, Nikki starts to fall for Mace, which is strictly forbidden. Mace understands that there are severe penalties if he lets himself fall in love, but the strong attraction he feels tempts him to give in, despite the eternal consequences. 

         As the mystery unfolds, Nikki learns that her parents are involved with a wealthy businessman who is controlling their every move. With newfound knowledge that proves she is the target in an evil scientific plan, Nikki is forced to choose between her old way of life and the new, uncertain life with the Haflings. One choice will put her life at great risk, and the other will change her life forever.  

         Haflings is a fantastic and fresh read that captivates you until the very last page. The relationship between Nikki and Mace is electric, and the chemistry between them is enhanced because of their forbidden love.  YA readers everywhere will love this book; it’s a winner!

Net Galley Review: New Girl

Title: New Girl

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: Harlequin Teen

PUB date: Jan 31, 1012

ISBN: 9780373210428

Author: Paige Harbison

         As soon as we touched, it felt like an electrical current ran through me. I remembered the touch of the boy on the stairs the night before and wondered if this was him.  I glanced sideways, not wanting to make it obvious that I was looking at him…pg 42

         Being the New Girl at school can be difficult, especially when the school rules includes school uniforms, no interdorm visitations between boys and girls, no social networking sites, and no cell phones.  “It was like prison, without visitors.” Pg 17   Unfortunately, being the new girl is the least of Callie’s worries.  Upon arrival at the prestigious Manderly Academy, Callie realizes that her spot became available due to the mysterious disappearance of Becca Normandy, an extremely popular student at the Academy. She’s immediately compared to Becca, especially by her new roommate, Dana. Callie places the final nail in her social coffin when she gravitates towards Max Holloway, who just happens to be Becca’s ex-boyfriend. 

         The New Girl covers many of the social situations teens experience including the pressure to fit in and belong. Once thing I found interesting was the alternating point of view, from the infamous Becca Normandy to the new girl Callie. Plot points are slowly revealed as Becca tells her story, and when the two stories intertwine, the mystery is finally solved … or is it?

         This book will definitely appeal to teens because it has all the right ingredients for a YA bestseller: realistic teen drama, forbidden love, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages.  Due to mature content, I recommend this book for teens and adult readers. 

Back to Reality

Are You Ready to Rumble? 

Fill your backpacks with fresh supplies...make sure you have an independent reading book ready to go... and be ready to ROCK the ELA Benchmark #2 this week. Remember- YOU control your destiny- and YOU are responsible for delivering your personal best every day, no exceptions. I can't wait to see you!

Happy New Year! 

Winter Break Reading

Sooo....your only homework over the break was to READ READ READ! Hopefully you did just that, and are ready to share some great books with me when we return on January 9th. I will bring the books that I have read to share with you! Look for my latest book reviews to be posted in the next few days.

Blanket Drive : Success!

 Great job Bulldogs! Between the 7th grade students and the Bulldog Newsers, you donated 90 blankets for the kids in Mexico! I am SO proud of you! The blankets have been delivered and will go to Mexico on Sunday, Dec. 18th.

We've got Spirit...

Tie & Mustache Day was a HUGE Success!

Great job ASB team- and for all those who participated in the pep assembly and dance!  It was a great day at the Vista Academy.

Julie Wolfe Interview

Wednesday, December 14th: Julie Wolfe ~ Survivor Redemption

Survivor contestant and jury member Julie Wolfe will be here! Ask for your chance to get a ticket for this HOT lunchtime event. This event is by invitation only.

Julie's Bio:

Name (Age): Julie Wolfe (50)
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Oceanside, Calif.
Occupation: Firefighter
Personal Claim to Fame: Winning the World Championship Outrigger Canoe Race in 1996 and 1998. The race is 41 miles long from the Island of Molokai to Oahu.
Inspiration in Life: All of the U.S. Soldiers that are away from their families defending our country and our freedom.
Hobbies: Outrigger canoe paddling, stand-up paddling and motherhood.
Pet Peeves: Laziness and bullies.
3 Words to Describe You: Hard-headed, outspoken and spoiled.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Ashley from Survivor China. She was a strong outspoken woman whose mouth got her voted off the first episode.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To win a million dollars and make a better life for my daughters. I want to be a role model for my girls to show them they can achieve their goals and dreams.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My experience as a firefighter has made me mentally and physically strong.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm very likeable. I think I can outwit the other contestants to vote off people other than me.

More »

Blankets for Kids

Bring a Blanket...Warm a Child!

The Bulldog News team, along with VAVPA 7th graders, are collecting blankets for needy children in Mexico ~ I challenge each one of you to bring at least one for the cause.  I will collect blankets until December 18th- then I will deliver them to the people in charge of the collection. They need around 400 blankets...so let's do our share to help these kids!

Zentangle Art is coming...

Get your Sharpies ready... more examples to come...!

Net Galley Review: Stolen Away

Title: Stolen Away

Author: Alyxandria Harvey

Publisher:  Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Pub Date: 1-17-12

ISBN: 9780802721891

“What the hell was that thing?” he finally gasped.

“Kelpie,” I answered.

“So, you get a Fae prince, El gets a hawk, and I get a psychotic water horse who tries to kill me? How is that fair?’ He coughed again.  “You guys haven’t even read Lord of the Rings,” he said again, disgusted.  Pg 263

Seventeen–year-old Eloise Hart knows nothing about the world of Faery until she is kidnapped and held captive by the King of Faery, Lord Strahan. With the help of her friends Jo and Devin, Eloise fights back and learns the truth about her family connection with the Fey. An unexpected twist arrives when a mysterious and handsome young man named Lucas appears to protect and serve Eloise. She learns to trust him, but as the danger increases, so does her newfound love for her courageous Fae knight.

Stolen Away is filled with hysterical one-liners mixed with Faery charm- creating the perfect combination for a best seller. If you liked Holly Black’s Tithe, you will fall in love with Stolen Away.

Campus Kindness

It may not be yours... and you might not want to do it... but picking up trash on our campus makes it a better place for you and for me.  Please remember to put trash where it belongs- in the trash can. Don't pass up trash on the ground~ pick it up. Your simple act of campus kindness will go a long way! Keep our campus clean Bulldogs!

Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Looking for a good read?

Colleen Houck has written an amazing series that I HIGHLY recommend.  Tiger's Curse, Tiger's Quest, and Tiger's Voyage offer suspense, emotion, well-developed characters, excellent figurative language, and of course...romance! Get to your nearest bookstore and pick up this fantastic series!  My review will follow in just a few days!!!

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. 

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.