This is our first episode in a new series called Story Novella. In this series we will be interviewing a different BHS faculty or staff member each week to share a unique story from their lives. Stories are the backbone of our podcast. We think the tradition of oral story telling is one of the most important and unique forms of literature in our culture. It is our hope to share this importance with you! In this episode we interviewed Mrs. Jamie Carden. She will be sharing her experience working with members of the armed forces before she became a teacher.

Join Helen this week as she reads the first chapter of the middle level book, Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper. The novel explores the life and world of 11 year old Melanie who has severe cerebral palsy. Although she cannot walk or talk, Melanie is very intelligent with a photographic memory. She is often dismissed by her classmates who do not take the time to know her due to her inability to communicate with them. However, Melanie refuses to be defined by her disability. If you like what year, check it out on SORA/Libby or at your local library.

Join Alicia and Julie as they discuss their thoughts on The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. This novel is the first book in the Folk of the Air series. If you like what you hear, stop by and check it out from the library or find it on SORA!

Listen to our latest First Chapter Friday episode read by Mrs. Kyzer! In this episode she reads the first chapter of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson. If you've recently read Dance of Thieves, then you'll love this first book in the Remnant Chronicles! It is an older YA fantasy novel, but definitely a good one! Come by the library and check it out, if you like what you hear!

Join Julie today as she reads the first chapter of The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert. This novel is a young adult fantasy story set in a fantasy world called the Hinterland. The main character, Alice, is the grand daughter of a fantasy writer. Her grandmother lives on a suspicious estate called The Hazel Wood where she wrote stores about the Hinterland. Upon her grandmother's death, Alice's mother disappears. She was kidnapped by a figure from the Hinterland. To retrieve her mother, she must ally herself with one of her grandmother's Hinterland super fans. As with most classical fairy tales, things are not what they seem! If you like what you hear, stop by the library to check out the book. You can also find it on the SORA app!

Join Alicia and Natalie in this episode as they take a critical look into the popular romcom, Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter. This episode does contain spoilers so listen at your own risk! Stop by the library or access it on SORA, if you want to read it for yourself.

Have you been wondering what all the hype is about the The Cruel Prince? Well, wait no longer! Have a listen to the prologue read by Alicia and get caught up in one of the best YA fantasy series about the Fae! If you like what you hear, come by the BHS library or check it out on SORA!

In this episode Helen reads the first chapter of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. This novel is a murder mystery that follows main character Pippa Fitz-Amobi as she tries to solve a five year old cold murder case that occurred in her small town. Pippa chooses the murder case as a topic for a school project, but she soon learns that someone in town wants the secrets to stay buried with the dead.

Taken from Goodreads synopsis at goodreads.com.