Fights, Friends and Fine Looking Brothers
Drama High: the Fight by L. Divine
Jayd thinks her life is pretty ordinary but drama always seems to follow her. She’s a Compton sistah that’s seen her share of drive-bys, lying dogs, and disappointment. Jayd’s latest drama involves her ex-boyfriend, KJ. KJ dumped her because she didn’t want to put out and plenty of other girls are willing to sleep with him. His current girlfriend won’t leave Jayd alone because she thinks Jayd is trying to get back together with him. Although Jayd isn’t interested in that fool anymore, she can’t get Trecee to believe her. So now she’s got to figure out how to keep from fighting Trecee because she definitely doesn’t want to get suspended from school. She’s too smart for that, after all she’s the only African American enrolled in the honors classes at the high school. But if she has to fight, Trecee will be sorry; the last girl Jayd fought ended up in the hospital. But who needs all that drama? Besides she’s ready to move on to Jeremy who knows how to treat a girl right.
Interested in what other people have to say about the book? Read the review from RawSistaz. Or check out Divine's website for the Drama High series and enter to win an iPod. Post a comment if you've read this or another urban book that you think other teens might be interested in.
the pre-Civil War Bleeding Kansas era, so volunteers with the LeCompton Reenactors. The Reenactors are dedicated historians that educate the public about early Kansas statehood. Cassie portrays Mrs. Thomas Barber, whose husband was the first man killed during Bleeding Kansas. Cassie has done extensive research on her character because, “Everyone takes pride in their character and the public expects you to know what you’re talking about and to be accurate with what you wear.” Cassie also volunteers at Aldersgate Village with her therapy dog, sings in the school choir and participates in Key Club. Cassie has always loved history because she said “If you don’t know where you came from, you don’t know where you’re going.” 
residents at Brewster Place Retirement Center. The Topeka High jazz band played Glenn Miller tunes under the direction of Steve Holloman. The residents were excited about the dance and even the resident dogs, Gizmo and Sissy joined in. When the band played Gizmo howled. Abby Samuelson, Topeka High senior and jazz band member, said she enjoys playing at the retirement centers because “they know all the songs and appreciate it more.” 
are a good place to start the creation process. Ed Balda, art department chair at Washburn Rural said, “Art is from the heart and gifts should be from the heart.” Jewelry is a hot gift item this season especially the beaded jewelry. However, other items work well as gifts. Zach Vytlacil, a senior at Jefferson West High School, makes sure his family’s cars are properly maintained for the winter. He also suggests giving a gift card to the local gas station. Another idea might be using computer skills to make the family Christmas cards. Allan Neal, a chemistry teacher at Washburn Rural, sums up the gift of giving, “You work hard on something. To give that away to someone shows trust.” 
the violence and gore, Mel Gibson directs movies with great talent & skill. However, the New York Daily News condemns it as “a movie dedicated to bloodlust.” Apocalypto tells the story of the Mayan empire facing its decline. In order to save the kingdom, the rulers believe they need more temples and human sacrifices. On a different note, the #2 movie, “Holiday”, is a comedy romance starring Cameron Diaz & Kate Winslet. “Happy Feet” dropped to #3 and “Casino Royal” to #4. 
Miss Preteen Queen. Before she became Miss Kansas, Taylor had never been in a pageant. After extensive reading, Taylor learned there are four categories that are judged: formal wear, personal introduction, interview and community service. Taylor’s favorite was the personal introduction category. The opening dance was no problem for Taylor since she has been a member of the Dance Factory and the Metropolitan Ballet Company in Topeka. 
winner of the Young Hero Award, given by the Topeka Capital-Journal and its 60 miles of Adventure partners. She has volunteered at St. Francis Health Center and The Capper Foundation Easter Seals. Evan said, “I’ve learned that it doesn’t take much to make someone happy. It’s the simple things that people can do for one another that make a difference.”