The Fact Checker's Bible

by Sarah Harrison Smith

The Fact Checker's Bible is a quick read that will really make you think twice about what is in print as well as what is being reported in today's media.

The New York Times is considered to be one of the most accurate newspapers in the world because of its large number of fact checkers. Fact checkers check names, their spelling, where they were and exactly what was said at at gatherings or meetings. The book expresses that the Internet is only as accurate as the people who put the information on it. Smith suggests [using] Lexis Nexis and Factiva as databases [to check information] for accuracy. Numerous checkers are required to get information quickly and accurately. Papers written in England are considered the most loosely written media and are scrutinized and challenged in courts most often.

Regarding writing novels, checkers are used to establish authenticity. For example, if a certain flower or fresh fruit is written into a scene, the checker finds out if the season allows for such an assertion, as the text loses credibility if the reader knows that it is not possible; consequently, compromising the integrity of the story. The book expands at length about the importance of a checker establishing a trusting relationship with a writer, even if she is an expert in her field.

Regarding primary sources, checkers know bias can be woven into any story and a good checker may go so far as to interview people who worked catering the event and even want to know who was talking to whom and what exactly was overheard.

Working within strict time constraints coupled with establishing and developing reliable contacts can do everything for a checker's reputation i.e., career.

I highly recommend The Fact Checker's Bible.

By Carol Yantis

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

by James Patterson

Max's full name is Maximum Ride. She picked it out herself. There are people from The School who are looking for her and her family. Scientists want to continue the work they've done on their specimens, even if that means dissecting their brains. Wouldn't you want to hide from this situation if you were Max?

Unfortunately, even after being in hiding for years, the Erasers have found them and have kidnapped the youngest child in the family. They've taken her back to The School to continue the horrible experiments on her.

Armed with only her wings, Max must pull everyone together to save Angel.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Abraham Lincoln, who is known as one of our country's greatest President's, was also the first President to die by an assassin's bullet. But that is only part of the story. John Wilkes Booth was at the time he shot Lincoln one of America's most recognizable actors, and the leader of a wide conspiracy to bring down America's government after the Civil War ended. Booth's co-conspiritors also planned to kill the Vice-President and the Secretary of State.

Read about Booth's escape from Washington D.C. after he assassinated Lincoln, and the people who helped him as he hid from law enforcement. There is as much suspense, and as many twists and turns as any modern CSI show, but this story is all true!

The Lottery

The entire town gathers for the event every year. The Lottery. It's always been at the same time every year and it's always been done in the same way. You don't question whether the lottery is fair. You don't question whether or not it's right to have a lottery... until it's you that is the winner.

I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

To the outside world, The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a typical all girls boarding school for genius girls. But the school is actually a training ground for female spies. Instead of English, Math, and Science, these girls attend classes called "Covert Operations" and studies chemical warfare and breaking CIA codes. Cammie Morgan is a second generation student spy, and her mother is the Principal (and an ex-spy herself).

During her sophomore year, Cammie meets a cute guy while walking through town one day. Then she decides to KEEP seeing this cutie named Josh, which is strictly against Gallagher Academy rules. Sure, Cammie is a whiz at spy stuff, but can she have a normal relationship with a boy her own age who also thinks Cammie, her friends and her school are perfectly normal? Little does he know......

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

Steven Alper has a lot of the same hassles as most middle school kids. Too much homework, not enough time to do what he really loves (play the drums), clueless parents, a crush on a girl who doesn’t notice him, and another girl who’s only a friend but won’t leave him alone. Throw in an annoying yet extremely cute 5 year old brother, and you have Steven’s hectic life.

It all gets turned upside down when Steven’s brother gets a serious illness. Suddenly his family’s life revolves around out-of-town medical treatments and mounting expenses. Can Steven keep up with demands of schoolwork, band and friends and be there for his brother and parents? And who can Steven count on when his world has been turned upside down?

Unwind

Do you ever wish you had never been born? Do you wonder if your parents wish you had never been born. Connor's parents had to wait until he turned 13 to decide if they would have him unwound or not.

Because of the Second Civil War, a new law banning abortions, but legalizing having your children unwound, was passed. From the time you turn 13 to your 18th birthday, your parents can have you sent to be unwound. Your body parts can be used for medical purposes or maybe your parents decide to keep you around. What if they couldn't afford to feed everyone in your family? What if you kept getting in trouble?

Connor may always be in trouble, but he believes he as a right to live. He believes he can escape and live on the run for two years until he turns 18. The alternative is unthinkable.