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.

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.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

War Horse
by Michael Morpurgo
Scholastic, 1982

GENRE: Historical Fiction, Drama, War

HONORS: Runner-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.

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

HONORS: Oppenheim 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.