MrsK Books: Samantha Sanderson at the Movies

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Samantha Sanderson at the Movies

ISBN: 9780310742456

Book Look Synopsis:

The first book in an exciting new series about a girl with dreams to become an investigative journalist, each book promises to touch on a crime straight from the headlines, while also tackling tough issues faced by middle-schoolers everywhere.

A new addition to the Faithgirlz! trusted brand of books introduces readers to Sam Sanderson, an independent, resourceful, tech-savvy cheerleader and aspiring journalist, and Sam's best friend Makayla. They're ordinary 7th graders who enjoy shopping, texting, and going to the mall-along with sniffing out the next big mysteries to report in the school paper.

In this first book of the series, Sam gets the lead on a developing and controversial story when an explosive device is discovered in a local movie theater-controversial because this movie theater has recently come under attack by a renowned, outspoken atheist, for allowing a local church to show Christian movies at the theater. Sam's family has always been strong in their walk with the Lord, and Sam knows what she believes, but for the first time her faith is really put to the test, especially when she compromises her ethics as a journalist when she reports on the case her father is overseeing for the police.

MrsK's Review:

"There was just something right about popcorn so covered in butter that you had to lick your fingers."

Perfect "hook" for me. What is going to a movie without the comforting joy of a tub of buttered popcorn? If you attend church and/or youth groups, it is not a new concept for theater's to close for a special viewing of a faith-based movie. What was surprising was the fact that "others" would be so opposed to the idea that there would be a possibility of violence. Unfortunately, this is a reality for our teens, as well as the reality for Sam's night out before school begins.

Sam is a "scoop" artist. With a father as an investigative detective and the added opportunity for Sam to be the lead "reporter" for the school's blog... well you know that Sam will get herself in and out of some "murderous" situations. Many of which is putting pressure on her father and unnerving some students who would like to see her blog "crash and burn." Sam knows that this blog could get her into the running for being the editor next year, so she convinces her father to let her blog the facts. The challenge for Sam will be stating the truth and not prejudging what she perceives as the truth.

As Sam uncovers the truth, she is faced with an inner truth:
"...that the fear of the Lord that's talked about in Scripture is a reverent fear and awe, not a scared-of-the-boogeyman type of fear."
"Reporter's shouldn't editorialize or sensationalize... just report the facts." Can Sam report just the facts and leave out the investigative truths that are coming together like pieces in a puzzle? As a field reporter, her mother warns her to be very careful "...Even most journalists don't truly have a grasp on freedom of speech."

Sam's reporting steps on toes, creates many headaches for the school's principal, causes her father to make some decisions that he doesn't want to make... and in the end, helps Sam to weigh "how" to report without hurting those she is talking about.

This storyline is quite the surprise. I was thrilled with the delivery of the plot. The characters are dedicated Christians who are finding their path while attending middle school (definitely a hard enough walk in and of its own). This is such a refreshing read, it can be so difficult to find literature that will satisfy the quest for middle school readers. So many of today's options are not books which resonate with Christian teens. This is a book that will provide a bridge for many of our students.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

Enjoyable reading for everyone... Will be adding to our Library shelves!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program.

I was not required to write a positive review.

The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> :

“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)