Summer Reads

The Summer Reads series includes books recommended by students, staff and faculty from Avonworth Middle and High Schools. This week we feature Born to Rock, recommended by Mr. Katkich, 7th grade Learning Support teacher, and The Traitor's Wife.

Born to Rock by Gordon Korman

Leo's life is pretty well planned-out. He is the president of the Young Republicans Club and is Harvard-bound. He knows who he is and where he is heading. Until, that is, he loses his Harvard scholarship and finds out that his dad is the illustrious Marion X. McMurphy, better known as King Maggot and the lead singer of hardcore Punk Rock band Purge. Leo turns his life upside down to become a roadie for Purge during their reunion tour. This funny read follows Leo (and his new-found father) as he learns about himself and how his family influences (or doesn't influence) his identity.

Thanks to Mr. Katkich for the recommendation!

The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki

Revolutionary America is a fascinating time. It was a time not only of political upheaval but also a time that people living in the colonies could choose a national identity. The Traitor's Wife focuses on the life of Peggy Shippen, a beautiful (but spoiled) young girl who loved new dresses and fancy parties - all things that the British army are much more able to provide than the American revolutionaries. Peggy dreams of marrying British Major John Andre, but when he leaves her for his next post, she instead marries then-General Benedict Arnold thinking that he can provide her with the lifestyle she dreams of. When her dreams of big houses and the latest fashions fail to come true. Peggy convinces her husband that her former flame can help them get the finances they need and revenge against Arnold's hero-turned-nemesis George Washington. 

Pataki tells the story from the perspective of Peggy's (fictional) maid Clara Bell, so readers see Peggy from the perspective of someone who is close enough to her to see the fine details of her life, but has enough distance to paint her as a somewhat shallow and machinating young woman