My avid reader (son) wants to share another book review. Enjoy:

Elisha Cooper spent a year at a Chicago high school chronicling the lives of eight students – six seniors and two juniors. And then he wrote ridiculous/hilarious/terrible/cool: A Year in an American High School about these students’ big games, bad dates, and applications to college – basically, about their lives.

Our children have become inundated with movies such as High School Musical and shows such as My Super Sweet Sixteen, which portray a picture of high school that even we adults with our foggy memories recognize as distorted. Now, they can read about what they can really expect in high school.

His review:
My favorite part about the book was that one of the seniors, David, tried very hard to get into the school of his dreams (Harvard). I was inspired by David not giving up on reaching his goal.

I found it fascinating that another Maya’s teacher was fidgeting in class. She would fidget more than the students. I never thought a teacher would be fidgety in class, after all, they are the teacher.

Zef was my favorite character/person in the book because he had a love for music. He only slept a few hours a night (which I don’t admire). He knows he is different and is proud of it.

I would recommend this book to older kids (teens) and adults. I don’t think it’s good for kids younger than me (10) because it does contain foul language. Ultimately, since this is a non- fiction book and real kids who actually said those real words – it is not censored. I admire that and think it’s cool how real the book is. I was shocked to know kids use the foul language though, as I do not and do not plan to!

I really enjoyed the stories. It was interesting and I’d read it again.

SO, there you have it. If you love to read – pick up your copy at B&N or Amazon or where ever you shop! =)

The characters in the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa video game go a journey to save the African Savannah. It’s a fun safari adventure and includes all of the fun original characters (Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, Melvin the Giraffe and others). A lesson during game play, gotta love that!

The game: The characters are trying to get supplies to fix their plane that has crashed in mid flight. You help them rebuild and continue on their trip. You interact with other animals and tackling obstacles and enemies. Each animal has a unique skill to solve puzzles and complete levels. The game features real scenarios from the movie. With this DS game you’ll test your animal abilities across diverse environments in mini-games, training levels, and 12 distinct levels. Use the touch screen to switch characters in the middle of levels or to play two platform exclusive, 3D mini-games. You can also take on a friend in a wireless co-op mini-game. They show clips of the movie on the top screen, too.

Visit the official site for screen shots, videos, demo, and maybe even a cheat code (if you use them).

My daughter, who loved this game, learned about awareness of her environment. My son wanted to play – but he was grounded (D’oh)… so I sadly can’t share his review. It’s perfect for young players, I think. Perfect for 5-6 year olds, for sure, as it’s easy to learn. Older ones may enjoy it but it won’t be as challenging to them, at first. The first few levels are really easy… they do get a more difficult as the game plays, as with most every game. My hubby enjoyed it, tho. =) LOL

*Give-A-Way*

… and to share the love of Madagascar, I have some dog tag necklaces to give away!!! Two winners will receive a pack of four Madagascar 2 dog-tag necklaces (value of 4.99 each). To win one – just leave a comment telling me which character you like best: Gloria, Alex, Marty or Melman. =) I will pick two winners on Thursday, Dec 11th.

Winners will need to provide me with a mailing address. As soon as I get the info, they will be mailed to you, by me! =)

I recently (before becoming sick) had an opportunity to review chocolate via Mom Central. As most know, I don’t like chocolate but live with chocolate lovers. Therefore, I quickly accepted. My husband was thrilled when I told him he’d be getting a box of the five (5) new Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Chocolate bars to eat and review.

Shortly after opening the package – the first bar was opened… before I could even snap a photo to share.

He said this was by far the best chocolate he’s had and would rate them a 10 out of 10, easy.

The bars were: Solid, Hazelnut, Almond, Crisp and Duet. His number one favorite was the almond. He said he can’t really explain why it’s so much better – other than it’s creamier and has a different/better taste than other chocolate. He’d definitely recommends it if you plan to go out and buy some for yourself (or as a gift for the upcoming holidays). He said if you wanted to send him a holiday gift, he’d accept Ghirardelli chocolate! Ha. I’ll definitely stick some in his stocking!

If you’d like to try some – I was told you can find them at your local Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Borders, and Linens N Things. Soon, they will be in Target, Blockbuster, and Cost Plus stores.

SO, there you go – chocolate lovers. Anyone else think Ghirardelli chocolate rocks?

As for me… I’m doing better. Still recovering but am so much better than I was. Two full weeks of feeling crappy was not fun. I’m looking forward to being 100% well, again. I am off pain meds. Only taking an antibiotic, now. Whew! Thanks for the many well wishes and such. I wish I had the time to visit every.single person who’s commented… =(

Toodles for now.