I am the Messenger

I recently read I Am the Messenger by Marcus Zusak. It is a story about a young man named Ed Kennedy who is drifting through life without much direction, outside of driving his taxi and playing cards and drinking with his friends. Ed's life is changed dramatically when he stops a bank robbery and starts receiving mystery missions that are delivered on playing cards. The missions are vague, but direct him to help random strangers. Though he has no idea who is sending him the cards, Ed completes each mission and through his work, he finds that his life is being changed as well. This story highlights how our lives are all interconnected and that we can really make a difference with small gestures.

Looking for a good book to read?

There are several great resources if you are looking for book recommendations.

• ALA's Current Notable Children's Book List http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/childrensnotable/notablechibooks/index.cfm
• Houston Area Independent Schools Library Network Reading Lists (broken down by grade)
  http://www.haisln.org/recommendedreadinglists.html
• Town School for Boys Reading Lists (broken down by grade) http://www.townschool.com/library/summer_reading.php
• The Armstrong Family's recommendations
  http://www.goodreads.com/swainreads