Monday, August 13, 2012

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
by Tom Angleberger
Amulet Books, 2010

GENRE: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Humor, Romance, Tie-In Novel

HONORS: 2011 E.B. White Read Aloud Award Winner

REVIEW:  In the sixth grade, communicating with your classmates through an origami finger puppet isn’t exactly “cool,” but that’s exactly what Dwight does with his Origami Yoda, handing out Yoda-like advice and wisdom to anyone who asks for help. When the advice and predictions turn out to be true, Tommy can’t figure out how Yoda can be so smart while Dwight is such a socially awkward dope. Tommy starts compiling a series of case files in order to decide.

OPINION: Almost 40 years after its release, Star Wars continues to be insanely popular with adults, teens and kids, so with “Yoda” in the title the book has an established appeal. I enjoyed that the book touched on a variety of different genres including humor, realistic fiction and a touch of pre-teen romance, all conveyed from the unique angle of case files.

IDEAS: The obvious tie-in to this book would be to have an origami program where tweens and teens can fold a variety of things including Origami Yoda himself. The instructions for folding yoda are included in the back of the book.

The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

The Crossroads
by Chris Grabenstein
Random House, 2008

GENRE: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Ghost Story, Paranormal, Crime

HONORS: Winner 2010 Anthony and Agatha Award

REVIEW:  Zack Jennings, his father George and his new step-mom Judy have just moved back to the small Connecticut town where George originally grew up. Their old Victorian home sits on a large lot near a major crossroads where fifty years ago, a tragic accident occurred involving a crazed man who purposely caused the deaths of forty innocent people, and then his own when he crashed into a large oak tree on the edge of the Jennings’ new property. All is looking up for this new young family, until lightning strikes the tree during a storm and releases the evil spirit of the crazed man who’s mission was not completed, and Zack just may be next on his list.

OPINION: Most of the horror I’d read for this assignment was not true horror, but had elements of horror mixed with other genres such as fantasy or humor. This book was more along the lines of true horror as a realistic ghost story mixed with the thrill of mystery and crime. For a sizeable book, it was a quick read of short manageable chapters that keep the reader on the edge of their seat and eager to read on.

IDEAS: This would be another good addition to a Halloween display. It could also serve as the basis of a lesson or program on ghost stories where students/TAG members could write a ghost story of their own, or share their favorite story.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston, illustrated by Victor Rivas

Zorgamazoo
by Robert Paul Weston, illustrated by Victor Rivas
Razorbill, 2008

GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure, Poetry, Science Fiction, Horror

HONORS: Children's Choice Book Award 2009, Booklist Top Ten Debut 2008, Silver Birch Prize: Winner 2010, E. B. White Honour 2009, Children's Literature Assembly Notable Book 2009, California Young Reader Medal: Nominee 2011, Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award: Nominee 2011

REVIEW: Katrina Katrell can’t wait till she’s grown, to finally be free of vile Mrs. Kabrone. A guardian cruel, who’d never sweet talk and oft threatened to take her to the lobotomy doc. So far away Katrina does flee, it’s in her best interest, I’m sure you’d agree. “Morty” is the nickname for Mortimer Yorgle, a rumpled but pleasant and welcoming Zorgle. To his chagrin, Morty was placed in a raffle of sorts, the prize is adventure, not relaxing resorts. So Morty embarks on his questing debut, to find the missing Zorgles of Zorgamazoo. Katrina and Morty began unattached, but soon their paths cross and a plan is hatched. Katrina and Morty, together they knew, they must find the Zorgles of Zorgamazoo!

OPINION: Nearly every kid has a soft spot for Dr. Seuss, and if he wrote a novel I’m pretty sure it would turn out a lot like Zorgamazoo. The poetic style of rhyming couplets are infectious and will have you thinking in rhyme for hours after you set the book down. Aside from the unique writing style, it also pairs Neil Gaiman-esque black and white illustration with a great story – which seems like it might be difficult to do completely in rhyme.

IDEAS: Zorgamazoo could inspire another type of poetry lesson/program. Tween/Teens could be asked to write a short story completely in rhyme, in the style of Zorgamazoo.

Babymouse: Queen of the World! by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm


Babymouse: Queen of the World!
by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm
Random House, 2005
 
GENRE: Graphic Novel, Humor, Fantasy

HONORS: 2006 Gryphon Award Winner, 2006 ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2006 New York Book Show Award

REVIEW:  Babymouse is a “sassy young mouse” who laments the monotony of everyday and dreams of glamour, excitement and adventure and being the Queen of the World! But she isn’t Queen of the World, or even Queen of the School… That title belongs to Felicia Furrypaws who just happens to be having a sleepover and Babymouse is dying to get invited. 

OPINION: Printed in pink, black and white, this is quite possibly the cutest graphic novel I’ve encountered. Cuteness aside, Babymouse is a very likeable character with a big imagination and inquisitive nature. It seemed like a fantasy version of The Dork Diaries, but in a really good way.

IDEAS: Babymouse would be a great introduction to graphic novels for young girls for inclusion in a graphic novel display. It could also be included in a display along with books like Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Little Big Planet 2 for Playstation 3

Little Big Planet 2
for Playstation 3
by Media Molecule, 2011

GENRE: Video Game, Puzzle, Platformer

HONORS: 2011 Winner BAFTA Video Game Awards in the Family and Best Innovation categories

REVIEW:  Little Big Planet 2 features the same main character from the original title, the loveable animated knitted stuffed toy, Sackboy. The game offers a number of different play styles including the basic platformer levels (similar to the familiar Mario Bros. play style), but also players can also find racing, puzzle games, multiplayer shooters, and role-playing games. The game also offers players a great deal of customizable content including the game interface and display and the creation of non-played characters with customizable artificial intelligence.

OPINION: I greatly enjoyed the first Little Big Planet and was eager to try out the sequel. It did not disappoint! It has something for everyone with the variety of play style options and custom features. I was not able to experience the how the game works on multiplayer, but there are multiplayer options.

IDEAS: This item would likely work best simply as a circulated video game, but depending on how well the multiplayer functions, it could be a fine addition to a video game event.

Friday, August 10, 2012

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

War Horse
by Michael Morpurgo
Scholastic, 1982

GENRE: Historical Fiction, Drama, War

HONORSRunner-up for the 1982 Whitbread Book Award

REVIEW:  Joey is a red bay horse with perfect white socks and a white cross adorning his forehead, purchased as a foal out of spite by an English farmer. Joey and the farmer’s son, Albert, form a special bond so naturally he is devastated the day that his father sells Joey in order to pay the mortgage. The first World War is just beginning, and Joey is now in property of the army to be a war horse. Joey experiences the trenches where he is surrounded by death and disease, but never forgets his beloved and only true master, Albert.

OPINION: I was surprised to discover that this book was originally published back in 1982 and that I’m only just now hearing about it for the first time. It masterfully illustrates the horrors of war from the point of view of a horse.

IDEAS: The obvious lesson idea would be to incorporate this book with a history lesson on World War I. It would also fit well in a history and historical fiction display, or World War display.

Degrassi: The Next Generation – New Beginnings (television show) by CTV

Degrassi: The Next Generation - New Beginnings
Television Show
by CTV, 2011-2012

GENRE: Teen Drama

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  Degrassi is a Canadian High School, and the backdrop for the long running teen drama series starting in the 1980’s with Degrassi Junior High, through today with Degrassi: The Next Generation. About to start it’s twelfth season, CTV has taken to giving each season a name with Season Eleven being titled “New Beginnings.” Degrassi has always served to tackle real issues that kids face today including body image, peer pressure, sexuality, and drug use using likeable characters to whom kids can relate.

OPINION: I grew up watching Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High and was excited to see it reboot with Degrassi: The Next Generation when I was in college. I lost touch with the show a few years back and was excited to see that it was still airing when I was looking for material for assignment 5. None of the main characters I used to know are still on the show, but it continues to be true to life show that deals with real and difficult problems that teens and families of today face.

IDEAS: Create lessons around the issues and themes in various Degrassi episodes such as teen pregnancy, drug use, peer pressure, body image, etc.

H2O: Just Add Water (television show) by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions

H2O: Just Add Water
Television Show
by Jonathan M. Shiff Productions
Network Ten, 2006-2010

GENRE: Fantasy

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  Three sixteen-year-old girls wind up stranded on an island. When one of the girls slips and slides into a remote pool under the island’s volcano, the other two follow, and the three find themselves standing in the pool just as the full moon passes over. The next day, the girls discover that as soon as they touch water, they transform into mermaids with special powers! Every episode brings new and exciting mermaid adventures.

OPINION: It reminded me of a modern day Australian teen version of the 80’s movie Splash, which I remember really liking. This show on the other hand felt kind of cheesy, but it works since kids like my 9 year old niece are hooked! It offers wholesome and fantastical fun, since what little girl doesn’t have mermaid princess fantasies at some point?

IDEAS: Have teens/tweens write a paragraph or draw a picture about what special power they’d like were they to get caught in a magical location under the full moon.

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (documentary concert film) by Paramount Pictures

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
Documentary Concert Film
Paramount Pictures, 2011

GENRE: Documentary, Concert Film

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  Never Say Never is a documentary film featuring teen pop sensation Justin Bieber. The film details Bieber’s journey from a young Canadian boy with a love for singing and performing, to an international superstar who manages to sell out the iconic venue Madison Square Garden.

OPINION: I’m not sure how accurately his story was portrayed, but I certainly liked Justin Bieber a lot more after watching the documentary, which is an improvement since the footage and interviews I had seen of him previously led me to believe he was an arrogant and pompous young superstar. The film features a great deal of home video, footage of Bieber at home in his home environment and concert footage and would appeal to any kid with a case of Bieber Fever.

IDEAS: Bieber got his start by making videos on youtube. The TAG or class could work together to create a short film or video.

The Avengers (film) by Walt Disney Pictures

The Avengers
Film
by Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, 2012

GENRE: Action, Adventure, Superhero

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  The misguided god, Loki is offered an extraterrestrial army if he can retrieve the powerful energy source known as the Tesseract. An unlikely group of people with superhero powers including Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America join forces along with the espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D. in order to save both the Earth and Asgard from Loki and his army, and the Tesseracts immense power.

OPINION: An excellent superhero action movie that will appeal to men and women of all ages. I saw it in 3-D, but I don’t think it added much to the overall enjoyment of the movie. It would also be a great treat for fans of the work of Joss Whedon. I can’t wait for the sequel!

IDEAS: The Avengers include superhero reincarnations of the Norse gods Thor and Loki. The Avengers serve as a great introduction to a lesson on mythology and can segue into the reading of mythic fiction.


The Muppets (film) by Walt Disney Pictures

The Muppets
Film
Walt Disney Pictures, 2011

GENRE: Musical Comedy

HONORS: Various film festival and small awards, Academy Award for best original song

REVIEW:  Walter, a muppet, and his human brother Gary live in Smalltown, USA and have always been big fans of The Muppet Show. When Gary plans a trip to Los Angeles for his ten year anniversary with his girlfriend Mary, naturally he invites Walter along so that they can tour the Muppet Studios. Gary and Walter find out that the Muppet studios will be destroyed unless the Muppets can raise 10 million dollars. The two set out to reunite the Muppets and save the studio, but at the cost of Gary’s relationship with Mary. Gary, Walter and the Muppets join forces to save the studios and true love.

OPINION: The Muppets are an American Classic and this reboot will appeal to seasoned Muppet fans, as well as the younger generation that may not be as familiar.

IDEAS: Watch the movie and then use it as inspiration to put on a Muppets-style variety show featuring your students or TAG members.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (film) by 20th Century Fox

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Film
by 20th Century Fox, 2010

GENRE: Comedy, Humor, Juvenile Satire

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  Going from the top of the chain of 5th grade at elementary school to the bottom of the pile in 6th grade in middle school can be daunting, and this is the challenge 11-year-old Greg Heffley is facing. Greg make every effort to be cool and fit in, including trying to change his seemingly uncool and often embarrassing best friend Rowley. Much to his surprise, his efforts backfire and Rowley’s popularity starts rising, leaving Greg behind alone and uncool. Can he make things right?

OPINION: I read the book a few years ago and was excited to finally see the movie adaptation.  I recall greatly disliking Greg’s character in the book, since he seemed kind of mean and selfish, and while the movie covered much of the same scenarios, Greg was much more likeable.

IDEAS: I love the concept of the “Book to Film Club” and this book and movie would be a great introduction to this kind of concept. It gets participants excited about reading, and then encourages them analyze what they’ve read when they compare the book to the movie.

How to Train Your Dragon (animated film) by Dreamworks

How to Train Your Dragon
Animated Film
by Dreamworks, 2010

GENRE: Animated Film, Fantasy, Movie, DVD

HONORS: Various Film Festival and small award recognition

REVIEW:  Hiccup is the awkward and gawky son of a great Viking and the chieftain of their village, Stoick the Vast, and Hiccup wants nothing more than to make his father proud. Nothing would please his father more than for Hiccup to slay a dragon and become a brave Viking, so one night when a dragon is terrorizing the village, Hiccup sets out to catch it with a catapult he built. What more, he thinks it may be a rare Night Fury – a dragon none have seen. Hiccup did manage to hit the dragon, is overcome with remorse when he finds the dragon injured and unable to fly. Hiccup helps the dragon, and learns lessons greater than how to be a great warrior.

OPINION: The movie is based on a series of books by Cressida Cowell which I have never read, but even still I absolutely loved this movie. Toothless is adorable and the message the movie aims to teach is a valuable one.

IDEAS: Tweens and Teens love free snacks, so what better than to have a movie event playing How to Train Your Dragon with popcorn and candy.

Sports Illustrated Kids (Magazine) by Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated Kids
by Sports Illustrated
CNN Network, 1989-present

GENRE: Sports, Periodical: monthly magazine for kids

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  In 1989 Michael Jordan adorning the cover, Sports Illustrated launched its youth version of their popular sports themed magazine. Compared to its adult counterpart, S.I. Kids still includes sports coverage and player interviews, but has a heavier emphasis on humor with the addition of sports themed comics and athletic photos with humorous captions and a mascot named Buzz Beamer.

OPINION: S.I. Kids is a great magazine for young sports fans. As with the original Sports Illustrated, S.I. Kids seems to be mostly targeted at boys, which is nice since it seems that most magazines are for a female audience.

IDEAS: Use the photo caption idea used in the magazine and develop a program to provide photos that tweens can caption. 

American Girl Magazine by American Girl Company

American Girl Magazine
by American Girl Company
Pleasant, 1993-present

GENRE: Periodical: Bi-monthly magazine for tween girls

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: American Girl Magazine comes to us from the American Girl company that brings the American Girl dolls and book series. The intended audience for the magazine is tween girls between the ages of 8 and 14 and features a variety of articles, recipes, advice columns, fiction, arts and crafts, and activity ideas that would appeal to this age group.

OPINION: In my experience with the magazine industry throughout my life, it seems that most are targeted at women across all ages: Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Sassy, YM, etc, and though I take them with a grain of salt, they have always been a guilty pleasure. Periodicals are good because they are constantly changing with the trends and always up to date, and American Girl seems like a good introduction to magazines for women.

IDEAS: Use some of the ideas, recipes, art and craft ideas as programming. For lesson ideas, use articles from the magazine to craft a lesson or assignment.

Dance Central 2 (Video Game) for Xbox with Kinect

Dance Central 2
for Xbox with Kinect
Harmonix, 2011

GENRE: Dance, Exercise, Video Game

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  Dance Central 2 is the sequel to the Xbox Kinect game Dance Central. The game allows players to use their bodies as the controller, since the Kinect can detect and even record the movements players make. In this game, players mimic the dance moves being shown on the screen by the animated avatars and get points for how well they are executed. Players can break down and practice dance moves, and play with or against other players. This sequel features a workout mode that tracks the approximate calories the player is burning, and allows players to set up playlists of their favorite songs/dances to serve as a workout. Players can also play a story mode to eventually join an in game Dance Crew.

OPINION: Dance Central is another, and in my opinion more fun and effective video game that gets players off the couch and moving. The dances are fun and challenging both in physical effort and to perform them accurately. I am guaranteed to be sweating and out of breath after a good 30 minutes of playing this game.

IDEAS: So You Think You Can Dance is a popular reality television show, and would make for a great program theme using Dance Central 2. Attendees can battle for high scores on certain songs and crown the library’s best tween dancer.

Wii Sports Resort (Video Game) for Nintendo

Wii Sports Resort
for Nintendo Wii
Nintendo EAD, 2009

GENRE: Sports, Video Game, Exercise

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  Wii Sports Resort is the sequel to the popular Wii Sports that was sold as an in-box companion to the Wii upon its debut in 2006. Wii Sports Resort features new and different sporting events, including archery, wakeboarding, golf and table tennis, and requires the addition of the Wii Motion Plus add-on to the original Wiimote to provide greater accuracy and recognition of movement.

OPINION: I love videogames that can get kids (and adults) off the couch in order to play them, and Wii Sports Resort is a great active game. Actual workout programs have been designed around this game since it can serve as exercise that doesn’t feel or seem like exercise. The game can be played by up to 4 players at a time and can teach cooperation, teamwork as well as friendly competition.

IDEAS: Video game events are popular among the tween age group and space and equipment provided, this would be the perfect game for such an event.

Up All Night (Music CD) by One Direction

Up All Night
by One Direction
Columbia, 2012

GENRE: Pop, Pop Rock

HONORS: U.S. Platinum Record

REVIEW: One Direction came into the spotlight by placing third on the British reality show and music competition The X Factor. The group was then signed to Simon Cowell’s personal record label, and the newest generation of boy band was formed. Up All Night was released in the US in March 2012 and has been a teen and tween sensation with hit songs like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “One Thing.”

OPINION: I could not stand the song “What Makes You Beautiful” the first time I heard it, but after seeing how popular this new boy band was among the teens and tweens I meet, I decided to take a further look at this group. I still find them a little silly, but appreciate their appeal and knowing the extent of their popularity.

IDEAS: One Direction songs would make another fun addition to the “Lip Synching” program idea mentioned with the Selena Gomez album.

The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond (Music CD) by Various Artists

The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond
by Various Artists
Republic, 2012

GENRE: Various Music Genres

HONORS: U.S. Gold Record

REVIEW:  Songs from District 12 and Beyond is sold as the “official companion to The Hunger Games movie.” Instead of the film’s original score, it features music from various artists like Taylor Swift, The Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Maroon 5 and Kid Cudi that was used in the film in some way. The songs are meant to reflect the various emotions felt throughout the story.

OPINION: As a pillar in popular culture right now, many tweens are very interested in The Hunger Games. For tweens who have parents that think the book/movie are too mature for them, the soundtrack is a way for them to experience the movie/book without the mature content, or for those who have read the book or seen the movie to connect with it on a more personal level.

IDEAS: As it is considered the official companion to the movie, the music would also be a good companion for a Hunger Games themed program or event.

When the Sun Goes Down (Music CD) by Selena Gomez and the Scene

When the Sun Goes Down
by Selena Gomez and the Scene
Hollywood Records, 2011

GENRE: Pop Music, Electropop

HONORS: U.S. Gold Record

REVIEW: Selena Gomez broke out as a child celebrity as the star of the Disney Channel Show The Wizards of Waverly Place, and soon expanded her career into the music scene with Selena Gomez and the Scene. When the Sun Goes Down is the band’s third album, and the most popular to date featuring the hit song “Love You Like a Love Song.”

OPINION: I must admit that I have often gotten “Love You Like a Love Song” infectiously stuck in my head and I kept hitting “re-pe-pe-pe-pe-peat.” The album is fun and fresh, uplifting and heartwarming. There is a lot of sexually explicit music with foul language being played on public airwaves these days, and this album is the opposite as pure and simple, innocent and catchy bubblegum pop.

IDEAS: Selena Gomez songs would be fun for a library “Lip Syncing” performance or contest, either for the tweens/teens OR to let the them watch their favorite library staff be silly on stage.

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

A Tale Dark and Grimm
by Adam Gidwitz
Dutton, 2010

GENRE: Fairy Tale Retelling, Fantasy, Horror, Fractured Fairy Tale

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: The trend over the last centuries was to soften the originally dark and gruesome fairy tales written by the Brothers Grimm. Adam Gidtwitz decided to take these stories back to their roots and then some by writing eight graphic and bloody new tales starring Hansel and Gretel, starting with the story of their parents and birth. Through their journeys, Hansel and Gretel encounter witches and warlocks, and even the devil himself.

OPINION: I listened to this book as an audible audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t imagine I would have enjoyed it as much simply reading the book. I loved how the reader continually warns the listener that things are about to get much more graphic with many false “the ends” to allow the faint of heart bow out before things get too bloody. I’m sure these are written into the book as well, but they seemed more effective being read aloud.

IDEAS: This would work well in a Fairy Tale Fantasy or Horror display. It would also make a fun lesson/program as a creative writing assignment to re-imagine other familiar tales.

Zombiekins by Kevin Bolger, illustrated by Aaron Blecha

Zombiekins
by Kevin Bolger, illustrated by Aaron Blecha
Greenwillow, 2010

GENRE: Horror, Humor

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: Fourth grader Stanley Nudelman stumbles onto a yard sale at Dementedyville’s eccentric Old Lady Imavitch’s house and finds a sort of creepy but cute treasure: a sort of half teddy/half bunny stuffy called Zombiekins. Eager to show off his new toy, Stanley brings Zombiekins to school and winds up unleashing a zombie outbreak! Can he save his school and the world?

OPINION: The zombie apocalypse is a common topic of movie, television and books, but usually from a serious or scary point of view. With fun illustrations and a silly writing style, Zombiekins provides entertaining and humorous take on the subject and teaches us that zombies don’t really want brains, they want taffy!

IDEAS: Zombiekins would be a great addition to a Halloween or Zombie display or programming such as a “zombies vs. vampires” event.

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer
by John Grisham
Hachette, 2010

GENRE: Mystery, Crime, Thriller

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: As the 13-year-old son of two lawyers, Theo Boone knows a lot about the law, not to mention he’s on a first name basis with many of the policemen, judges, clerks and bailiffs at the county courthouse. Theo dreams of being a great trial lawyer and already acts as somewhat of a legal consultant for many students at his middle school. His consulting takes a serious turn when a friend confides in him valuable evidence for a big murder trial in progress and Theo must figure out how justice can be rightfully served.

OPINION: This book offers a great introduction to the U.S. legal system from the relatable point of view of a middle school student. I found the book to be gripping, educational and entertaining.

IDEAS: As I mentioned, this book could serve as a great introduction to the U.S. legal and justice system. This book could serve as the inspiration for a lesson/program featuring a mock trial to give tweens and teens the chance to participate in legal procedure.

The Sisters Grimm: Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley

The Sisters Grimm: Fairy Tale Detectives
by Michael Buckley
Harry N. Abrams, 2007

GENRE: Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retellings, Mystery

HONORSOppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2006, Kirkus: The best Children's Books of 2005

REVIEW: After moving from foster home to foster home, orphaned sisters Daphne and Sabrina are sent to live with their grandmother – a woman they had been told was dead. Granny Relda takes the girls to her home in Ferryport Landing where she reveals to the girls that they are actually descendents of the original Brothers Grimm who were not only storytellers, but detectives of cases involving magical phenomenon involving the Everafters, a magical race that inhabits Ferryport Landing. Soon enough, Granny Relda goes missing and the girls find themselves solving their first case involving giants, Prince Charming and an Englishman.

OPINION: I was recommended this series by a number of tweens, and enjoyed the retellings and fracturing of fairytales and how they had been explained for use in a modern setting. It mixes the extraordinary content of familiar tales with our ordinary familiar world.

IDEAS: Fairytale retellings are a growing and popular subgenre. This would make for a great inclusion in a fairy tale retellings/fractured fairy tale display, or as the inspiration for a short story contest for tweens involving a reimagining of familiar fairy tales.

Odd and the Frost Giants (audiobook) by Neil Gaiman

Odd and the Frost Giants
by Neil Gaiman, read by Neil Gaiman
HarperFestival, 2009

GENRE: Fantasy, Mythic Fiction

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: Odd is a strange and clever young boy living in a village where it seems winter may never end making everyone miserable. To escape the grumpy villagers, Odd flees to the forest where he encounters and befriends the unlikely trio of a fox, eagle and bear who he soon discovers are not mere animals, but the Norse gods Odin, Loki and Thor who had been transformed into animals and banished to Earth by the Frost Giants. Odd agrees to help the gods regain control of Asgard and put an end to the eternal winter, but the journey will definitely not be an easy one.

OPINION: This is the book that made me really very aware of mythic fiction. I didn’t think much of Greek Myth retellings, but the use of Norse Mythology intrigued me and made me want to further investigate this phenomenon of mythic fiction. I listened to this as an audiobook, which was read by the author himself. I always enjoy hearing books read by the author they way they intended them to be heard.

IDEAS: Include these in a mythic fiction display. Relate the story and its use of Norse gods like Thor and Loki to other popular uses of these gods, such as the Avengers. Use the book in conjunction with a lesson on world mythology.

Epic Adventure: Epic Climbs by John Cleare

Epic Adventure: Epic Climbs
by John Cleare
Kingfisher, 2010

GENRE: Non-Fiction, Sports

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: Great Climbs offers a look into climbing the world’s tallest mountains, including  Everest, K2 and the Matterhorn. It is rich with pictures and maps of the mountains so that readers can visualize the paths to the top and where they would stop along the way, as well as detailed descriptions and pictures of the gear required to reach the top.

OPINION: After reading about climbing Everest in Roland Smith’s novel Peak, I was excited to stumble upon this book while browsing the non-fiction section. I was excited to be able to see what “crampons” actually were, and see the route and placement of the camps that were actually described in the book.

IDEAS: This could be used as a companion for Peak, or in a display highlighting various sports or outdoor adventures.

Boy’s Guide to Becoming a Teen by American Medical Association

Boys Guide to Becoming a Teen
by American Medical Association
Wiley, 2006

GENRE: Non-Fiction

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: The pre-teen and early teen years are difficult ones for both sexes, for different and unique reasons. The Boy’s Guide to Becoming a Teen provide facts, information and insight into what to expect during this time and serves as a great resource for both kids and parents.

OPINION: This book is a great book about growing up for boys to learn about their own bodies, or for girls to learn about what boys are going through around this time of life. Becoming a teen can be complicated, and this book breaks things down and explains all the details of this time of life from your body, to feelings and relationships.

IDEAS: This book should also be included in a back to school display or on a book mark or pathfinder of resources for kids and parents of tweens and teens.

Middle School: How to Deal by Sara Borden, Sarah Miller, Alex Stikeleather, Maria Valladares, and Miriam Yelton, illustrated by Yuki Hatori

Middle School: How to Deal
by Sara Borden, Sarah Miller, Alex Stikeleather, Maria Valladares, and Miriam Yelton, illustrated by Yuki Hatori
Chronicle, 2005

GENRE: Non-Fiction

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: Five middle school schools collaborated to create this book to share with their peers. The book provides insight, facts, tips and tricks for coping with, surviving and conquering middle school.

OPINION: I like that this book is written by middle school girls FOR middle school girls. I feel like girls will be more likely to relate to a book written by their peers and will help them understand the trials and tribulations of middle school.

IDEAS: This would make a great “Back to School” display along with some other nonfiction and contemporary realistic fiction to qualm nerves before the first day of class.

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones
by Rick Riordan
Scholastic, 2008

GENRE: Mystery, Adventure

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: After a last minute change before her death, at the reading of her will Grace Cahill gives her family two options: walk away with a million dollars, or take the first of 39 clues that will lead to something of great power. Amy and Dan were orphans who lived in the care of their Aunt Beatrice, but were very close with Grace and considered themselves her favorites. Grace had always told Amy that she would go on great adventures and accomplish great things. Could this be the adventure Grace had in mind?

OPINION: I had heard much criticism that this series is just a big marketing scheme, and while I can see where they are coming from, I still found the book and story highly entertaining and am eager to finish the rest of the series.

IDEAS: This book is just asking for some sort of 39 Clues event/program that involves a scavenger hunt for the tween and teen attendees. The book would also fit well in a mystery/adventure display.

If You Believe in Mermaids… Don’t Tell by A.A. Philips

If You Believe in Mermaids... Don't Tell
by A.A. Phillips
Dog Ear Publishing, 2007

GENRE: LGBT, Contemporary Realistic Fiction

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: It’s the summer after seventh grade for 13-year-old Todd Winslow and his dad can’t wait to sign him up for sports camp so Todd can spend the summer shooting hoops or playing football. But Todd isn’t like the other boys and sports are the last things he’s interested in, unless you count diving – which his dad most certainly does not. To appease his dad, Todd goes to a nature summer camp and over the summer he and his family learn a lot about love, identity, self expression and acceptance.

OPINION: I wanted to include a book with LGBT themes without being overly graphic or sexual that could be appropriate for and appeal to tweens and this was pretty much the perfect book. The book makes no reference to Todd’s sexual preference, but only his interests (which include mermaids, princesses and fancy dresses) and his deep desire to be loved and accepted by his parents for who he is and not for who they think he should be.

IDEAS: This would be great for a lesson or display on tolerance or acceptance of others.

Technically, it’s Not My Fault: Concrete Poems by John Grandits

Technically, It's Not My Fault: Concrete Poems
by John Grandits
Houghton Mifflin, 2004

GENRE: Poetry

HONORS: ALA Notable Book for Children, ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Book Links Lasting Connection, Book Sense Top Ten Poetry List, CCBC Choice, NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts, VOYA Poetry Pick, Young Hoosier (IN) Book Award Nominee

REVIEW: 11-year-old Robert uses his unique poetic style to both illustrate and explain the ups and downs of middle school. The poems are not only words, but are often written in a way that takes an actual shape that add significantly to Robert’s poems. With titles like “My Sister is Crazy,” “The Autobiography of Murray the Fart,” and “It’s Not Fair,” Robert’s poems are sure to intrigue and entertain.

OPINION: Poetry is a tough genre to get to appeal to tweens and teens, but books like this make poetry fun and interesting. This book can show them that poetry doesn’t have to be dull, or emotional, or whatever claims are being made, but that it can be fun and interesting.

IDEAS: I would definitely like to do a lesson and/or program on poetry and use this book as an example of one of the many ways poetry can be crafted as both a visual and literary art. It would also work really well in a poetry display for tweens.

Oh No! (Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World) by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Dan

Oh No! (Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World)
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Dan Santat
Hyperion, 2010

GENRE: Picture Book, Science Fiction, Juvie Satire

HONORS: Silver Medal Society of Illustrators Original Art: Fine Art of Children’s Book Illustration, 2011 Golden Duck Award

REVIEW: With the goal of first prize in the school science fair, a young girl builds a fully functional robot, complete with a superclaw, laser eye and the power to control dogs’ minds. But when her invention escapes and starts wreaking havoc on the world, realizes she left out a few abilities like hearing and reading and must figure out how to defeat her robot before the world is destroyed completely!

OPINION: This was a uniquely original story with gorgeous illustrations that could serve as an introduction to manga. I really enjoyed this picture book and can see it appealing to many age groups.

IDEAS: This would be another book to include in the Picture Books with a wide appeal display with Children Make Terrible Pets. This book might also be good to recommend to a manga or anime club, or use as an introduction to these genres.

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown

Children Make Terrible Pets
by Peter Brown
Little, Brown, 2010

GENRE: Picture Books, Humor

HONORS: 2012 Carnegie Medal Winner

REVIEW: Lucy, a young bear, finds a boy in the woods and begs her mother “Can I keep him??” Her mother warns that children make terrible pets, but allows Lucy to keep him as long as she accepts all responsibility for him. Join Lucy on her day of fun with her new pet Squeaker, and decide for yourself what kind of pets children make.

OPINION: The illustrations are absolutely adorable, and what initially drew me to this book. They appear to be a combination of paper piecing and hand drawn, but overall completely adorable and captivating and perfectly accompany this quirky take on the “first pet” scenario.

IDEAS: This would be a great book to include in a display of picture books that appeal to a wide age range.

The Talking Eggs by Robert San Souci, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

The Talking Eggs
by Robert San Souci, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Penguin, 1989

GENRE: Folklore, African American Culture

HONORS: 1990 Caldecott Honor Book, 1990 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book, ALA Notable Book, Booklist Children's Editors' Choice, Parents' Choice Award, American Bookseller Pick of the Lists

REVIEW: This is a Cinderella-esque fairy tale utilizing African American culture and set in the American South. Blanche lives with her sister Rose and widowed mother on a farm. Rose and her mother drive Blanche away into the forest where she encounters a sweet old lady who offers her a place to stay for the night. She treats the woman kindly and winds up with riches she could not believe, but her jealous family members have other plans.

OPINION: I have not read much folklore from other countries or cultures, which most of my experience being with fairy tales and fables. Using somewhat fantastical methods, the tale sends a positive message of treating people with love and respect and you will be rewarded.

IDEAS: This honored book would be great for a display to encourage kids and tweens to explore folklore, or to be used in conjunction with Black History Month displays and programming.

Gruesome Guide to World Monsters by Judy Sierra, Illustrated by Henrik Drescher

Gruesome Guide to World Monsters
by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Henrik Drescher
Candlewick Press, 2005

GENRE: Folklore, Horror, Urban Legend

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: This book features a selection of key figures in myth and legend from around the world, including North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Each gruesome monster has its own entry that includes basic information about the monster’s mythos including its location of origin, a brief history or descriptions, tips for surviving the monster and a gruesomeness rating of 1-5, with five being completely fatal. Each entry is accompanied by a very colorful yet surreal and almost Picasso-esque depiction of the monster described.

OPINION: I liked that this book acquaints readers with folkore and legend from all around the world. The illustrations were descriptive without being overly scary.

IDEAS: This book would make a good inclusion in a lesson about world folklore or used in conjunction with Halloween programming. A librarian could encourage kids to choose a monster and write their own scary story using the monster’s mythos.

The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker

The Frog Princess
by E.D. Baker
Bloosbury, 2002

GENRE: Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling, Humor

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: Princess Emeralda, or Emma for short isn’t the stereotypical princess. She’s a little awkward, quirky and as a laugh like a donkey. Her mother wants her to marry the vain prince Jorge, but when she meets a frog who claims he will transform into a prince with a kiss from a princess, she decides that anything is better than a life with Jorge and gives in. Only, the spell backfires and Emma becomes a frog and the two set out on an adventure to return them both to their natural form.

OPINION: I had trouble finding tween books with romance, until finding this series. The story was cute and romantic without getting overly sappy.

IDEAS: This would be good in a display of fairy tale retellings or juvenile romance.

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
by Rachel Renee Russell
Aladdin, 2009

GENRE: Humor

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: As part of the contract for his bug extermination business contract, Nikki Maxwell’s father has gotten her a scholarship to attend a fancy private middle school called Westchester Country Day. Finding it difficult to fit in with the new students, Nikki spends most of her time writing in her diary. She soon befriends a couple of likeminded girls named Cloe and Zoey, but finds a cruel enemy in her locker neighbor, Mackenzie Hollister.

OPINION: This book is a cute answer to Diary of a Wimpy kid that targets a female audience. Some of the dialog can be a little over the top girly, with some repetitive descriptions/tropes (“but I just said it in my head, so no one heard it but me.”), but over all I found the book to be clever, funny and entertaining.

IDEAS: This would make a good addition to a display for Diary of a Wimpy kid read alikes along with Planet Tad.

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Among the Hidden
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Simon & Schuster, 1998

GENRE: Dystopian Fiction, Science Fiction

HONORS: ALA Best Books for Young Adults, ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, Nominee for the Askews Children’s Book Award in Great Britain, Bank Street College’s Children’s Book Committee’s "Best Children’s Books of the Year" list

REVIEW: Set in a future United States where the Government has imposed a two child limit for all families and a special Population Police Force to enforce the law and patrol law breaking families. 12-year-old Luke is an elusive third child for the Garner family, living in the attic room of his parent’s farm house. Living as a shadow, Luke wonders if he will ever be able to live a normal life. Until one day, Luke notices peculiar occurrences in neighboring two-children homes when no one should be home. Is it possible that he isn’t the only one?

OPINION: This book was incredibly intriguing and thought provoking. It was a shorter book and a quick read, but ends with a pretty strong cliffhanger that encourages readers to continue the series. I would definitely like to find out what happens to Luke!

IDEAS:  There aren’t many dystopian novels for juvenile readers, so this book would be a key player in a dystopian fiction display. Also, it would be a great Hunger Games read-alike or recommendation for readers who want something like the Hunger Games, but their parents find it too mature for their child.

Warriors: Into the Wild by Erin Hunter

Warriors: Into the Wild
by Erin Hunter
Harper Collins, 2004

GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure

HONORS: 2006 Young Reader’s Choice Award – 3rd Place, Booklist’s 2003 Top Ten Fantasy Books

REVIEW: Rusty is an ordinary housecat with big dreams of roaming free and catching mice. One day, he gets the opportunity to test his hunting skills in the field behind his house. He fails, but meets Bluestar, the leader of a clan of wild cats who sees potential in Rusty. Bluestar offers him the opportunity to leave his “kittypet” lifestyle and join the Thunderclan where he will train to be a warrior, and change his life forever.

OPINION: This series is immensely popular with the kids and tweens in my library, so I felt the need to see what all the hype was about. At first, I felt a little silly about the terminology like “kittypet” and “sharing tongues” and the cats’ names, but once I got into it I found it very enjoyable, and it was exciting to get to relate to some of the tween customers through this series.

IDEAS: This book is the first of a big series with a few sister series’. A display of only Warriors/Seekers/Clan books could be made, or the library could host a “Warrior Challenge” of games and challenges based on the books and warrior training.

Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 1 by Bisco Hatori

Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 1
by Bisco Hatori
Viz, 2005

GENRE: Manga

HONORS: None known

REVIEW: Haruhi is a young female scholarship student at a rich and prestigious private high school. Looking for a quiet place to study, she stumbles into the Third Music Room where meets the school’s Host Club, and accidentally breaks their vase. Being mistaken for a male, Haruhi is told she must join as a host in order to pay off her debt. Can she keep up her ruse?

OPINION: The only manga I’d read until now was Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World which is written in a more American Style. Host Club is originally Japanese and has been translated for an American audience, but still reads right to left and uses the Japanese names. At first I found it difficult to get used to the reading style and tell all of the characters apart, but once I got the hang of it I enjoyed it and hope to watch the animated version of the books.

IDEAS: This book could accompany a “how to draw manga” program, and/or be included in a display of popular manga series.