Guinness World Records Limited. (2011). Guinness world records 2011. London.
Interest Level: Ages 12 and up
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Curiosities and Wonders, Unusual Facts, World Records,
Content: The Guinness Book of World Records is published once a year. Inside are different lists of records, superlatives, and unusual facts in different subjects such as business, crime, the natural world, technology, war, the arts, music, fashion, and sports from around the world. Pictures are included throughout the book of the different people, places and things mentioned in the book.
Personal Thoughts: Some studies have shown that tween boys tend to prefer non-fiction. For those boys, this book's for you. Filled with pictures of people and animals setting the different world records, this book is sure to delight all sorts of readers. The "Human Beings" section is my favorite. In it you can see pictures of different category winners such as the longest beard, the most needles in the head, longest toenails, and much much more. There are also other (less gross) records on topics such as recycling, disasters, and animals. The book is full of fun facts that might surprise you. For instance, I now know that California has three of the top ten fastest roller coasters in the world (two at Magic Mountain and one at Knott's Berry Farm).
Company Website: Guinness World Records Website
Similar Materials: Scholastic Book of World Records (2010); Top Ten of Everything 2011 by Ash;
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Bee Smart Baby Vocabulary Builder (DVD)
Baby Bumble Bee. (2002). Bee smart baby vocabulary builder: Volume 1 [DVD]. Crystal Beach, FL: Educational Products for Infancy.
Interest Level: 3 & under
Subjects/Themes: Phonics, Sign Language, Foreign Languages, Vehicles, Animals, Anatomy, Everyday Items
Running Time: 30 minutes + 6 minute Sign Langauge Lesson
Price: $25 (individual DVD) or $130 for the full set with flashcards
Subjects/Themes: Phonics, Sign Language, Foreign Languages, Vehicles, Animals, Anatomy, Everyday Items
Running Time: 30 minutes + 6 minute Sign Langauge Lesson
Price: $25 (individual DVD) or $130 for the full set with flashcards
Plot: Children are introduced to different items through a series of pictures, video, text and sound. Different words that relate items that a baby would come in contact with are introduced such as vehicles, animals, body parts, and everyday items. The same DVD can be played in English, German, Spanish, French, or Japanese. Also included is a 6 minute Sign Langauge lesson that introduces some everyday concepts.
Personal Thoughts: The DVD is meant for use as a digital lapsit tool with the parent or caregiver present during viewing. Explained during the opening credits, this so that children can pick up on a parent's enthusiasm and mimic their actions. One bonus feature includes an animal sound identification game. Well made graphics and video combined with developmentally appropriate concepts make this DVD a good digital learning resource. Unfortunately the DVD set price is extremely high for a family with a new baby. I suggest you make your own flashcards (which is really the extra item your paying for) and borrowing a copy from your local library like I did.
Company Website: Baby Bumble Bee Website
JumpStart Baby (CD-ROM)
JumpStart Baby (Version 1.0) [CD-ROM]. (1998). Glendale , CA
Interest Level: 3 & under
Subjects/Themes: Colors, Animals, Music, Shapes, Clothing, Phonics,
Price: $10 to $25
Game Contents: A cuddly teddy bear sings and explains the different concepts that children explore in the game. The 8 games introduce developmentally appropriate concepts such as colors, shapes, animals, music, and clothing. Tips and hints are provided throughout the game on how parents can expand on these games at home. During game play, children simply click repeatedly on the mouse or keyboard to interact with the game. No real computer skills are needed to play the games which will continuously repeat until the child exits.
Personal Thoughts: Check out your local library for a copy of this DVD because at $25 for only eight games it isn't really the best buy. The games are developmentally appropriate and easy for children to use. The teddy bear and his songs are cute and informational. The hints on how to take the game's concepts off of the computer are practically, such as instructions on how to make your own connect-the-dots handouts. The JumpStart brand name makes a lot of good computer software for children of older ages, so while a good early learning resource, you might want to wait until your child is older before you start buying these computer games for them. Instead check out some of the free websites such as Knee Bouncers that offer similar materials and format.
Series Awards:
The Toy Man Award of Excellence (2008)
National Parenting Seal of Approval Winner (2007 & 2008)
iParenting Media Awards - Outstanding Product (2007 & 2008)
Great Interactive Software for Kids Award (2008)
Mom’s Choice Awards Silver Recipient (2008)
Teacher’s Choice Award for the Family (2007)
Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award (2007)
Company Website: JumpStart Website
Interest Level: 3 & under
Subjects/Themes: Colors, Animals, Music, Shapes, Clothing, Phonics,
Price: $10 to $25
Game Contents: A cuddly teddy bear sings and explains the different concepts that children explore in the game. The 8 games introduce developmentally appropriate concepts such as colors, shapes, animals, music, and clothing. Tips and hints are provided throughout the game on how parents can expand on these games at home. During game play, children simply click repeatedly on the mouse or keyboard to interact with the game. No real computer skills are needed to play the games which will continuously repeat until the child exits.
Personal Thoughts: Check out your local library for a copy of this DVD because at $25 for only eight games it isn't really the best buy. The games are developmentally appropriate and easy for children to use. The teddy bear and his songs are cute and informational. The hints on how to take the game's concepts off of the computer are practically, such as instructions on how to make your own connect-the-dots handouts. The JumpStart brand name makes a lot of good computer software for children of older ages, so while a good early learning resource, you might want to wait until your child is older before you start buying these computer games for them. Instead check out some of the free websites such as Knee Bouncers that offer similar materials and format.
Series Awards:
The Toy Man Award of Excellence (2008)
National Parenting Seal of Approval Winner (2007 & 2008)
iParenting Media Awards - Outstanding Product (2007 & 2008)
Great Interactive Software for Kids Award (2008)
Mom’s Choice Awards Silver Recipient (2008)
Teacher’s Choice Award for the Family (2007)
Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award (2007)
Company Website: JumpStart Website
Knee Bouncers (Website)
Website: http://www.kneebouncers.com/index.php
Interest Level: Ages 3 & under
Subjects/Themes: Phonics Learning Website, ABCs, Counting, Letter Sounds, Interactive Games, Shapes,
About the Website: The Knee Bouncers Website was founded in 2002 to introduce computer games to the youngest of children. It is meant for use by children who have yet to develop the fine motor skills needed for most normal computer use. Children can interact with games through the use of any of the keys on the keyboard or through the random clicking of the mouse button. A variety of interactive games introduce different basic concepts, such as colors, shapes, and numbers. Some of the games are available as applications for the iPhone or Facebook accounts.
Personal Thoughts: This is a great program for children to use on their own without the help of a parent. The games on the site will keep repeating until the child or parent chooses to exit. The games are centered around developmentally appropriate concepts such as colors and counting. The graphics on the site are bright and colorful with happy animal characters throughout. A great reccomendation for children who want to try out the computer but only know how to smash at the keys.
Baby Einstein Series (DVD)
Walt Disney Home Entertainment. (2007). Baby Einstein: My first signs, see and sign with baby [DVD]. Burbank, CA: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
Interest Level: 5 & under
Subjects/Themes: Word Recognition, Everyday Items, Sign Language, Opposites
Running Time: 30 minutes
Price: $12 to $16
Plot: Join special guest Marlee Matlin and the Baby Einstein puppets as they learn 20 common phrases and words in a combination of American Sign Language (ASL) and Conceptually Accurate Signed English. New signs are introduced in a way that relates to the baby’s everyday surroundings for example signs that relate to family, eating, and playing. The words for each item is both spoken, signed, and written on the screen.
Personal Thoughts: Check out your local library for a copy of this DVD because it is an exceptional digital learning tool for young children. Transitions from one concept to the next is smoothly accomplished. The puppets, people, and graphics in the movie are all happy and entertaining to watch. There is several bonus features that go over the different signs that were introduced in the DVD, such as an opposites feature. A great tool for use by children alone or with a parent.
Awards:
NAPPA Gold Award (2007)
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award (2007)
Company Website: Baby Einstein Website
Interest Level: 5 & under
Subjects/Themes: Word Recognition, Everyday Items, Sign Language, Opposites
Running Time: 30 minutes
Price: $12 to $16
Plot: Join special guest Marlee Matlin and the Baby Einstein puppets as they learn 20 common phrases and words in a combination of American Sign Language (ASL) and Conceptually Accurate Signed English. New signs are introduced in a way that relates to the baby’s everyday surroundings for example signs that relate to family, eating, and playing. The words for each item is both spoken, signed, and written on the screen.
Personal Thoughts: Check out your local library for a copy of this DVD because it is an exceptional digital learning tool for young children. Transitions from one concept to the next is smoothly accomplished. The puppets, people, and graphics in the movie are all happy and entertaining to watch. There is several bonus features that go over the different signs that were introduced in the DVD, such as an opposites feature. A great tool for use by children alone or with a parent.
Awards:
NAPPA Gold Award (2007)
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Award (2007)
Company Website: Baby Einstein Website
Baby Road Trip Series (DVD)
Blue Mountain Arts. (2006). Baby road trip: Circus [DVD]. New York, NY: Baby Road Trip.
Interest Level: 3 & under
Subjects/Themes: Word Recognition, Shapes, Colors, Circus,
Running Time: 30 minutes
Price: $8 to $15
Plot: Children join Scout the Dog and Road Trip Ryan as they learn about the circus. Children are introduced to the different people, animals, and things that children would see at the circus. Shapes, with the names written on the screen, are introduced to with circues animals. The images are composed of a stream of graphics, clay animation, and live videos that all relate to the circus theme. A portion of the profits from DVD sales are donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Personal Thoughts: I borrowed this DVD from my local library (always a good resource for learning DVDs). The strength of this DVD is the live video representations of the circus concepts, such as acrobats and trapeze artists, which can be hard for children to understand using picture books. A good alternative to taking a child to the circus or in preparation to go to one. The weakness of this DVD is the lack of audio pronunciation accompanying the shapes names which would go a long way to helping children with word recognition. There is a bonus feature that shows a picture of each concept with its name written and spoken which almost serves as a better learning device then the movie itself. Not one of my favorite learning DVDs but still useful as a circus learning tool.
Awards:
Parenting Magazine's Pick of the Month (July 2004)
Dr. Toy Award
NAPPA Award
iParenting Media Award
Creative Child Award
Interest Level: 3 & under
Subjects/Themes: Word Recognition, Shapes, Colors, Circus,
Running Time: 30 minutes
Price: $8 to $15
Plot: Children join Scout the Dog and Road Trip Ryan as they learn about the circus. Children are introduced to the different people, animals, and things that children would see at the circus. Shapes, with the names written on the screen, are introduced to with circues animals. The images are composed of a stream of graphics, clay animation, and live videos that all relate to the circus theme. A portion of the profits from DVD sales are donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Personal Thoughts: I borrowed this DVD from my local library (always a good resource for learning DVDs). The strength of this DVD is the live video representations of the circus concepts, such as acrobats and trapeze artists, which can be hard for children to understand using picture books. A good alternative to taking a child to the circus or in preparation to go to one. The weakness of this DVD is the lack of audio pronunciation accompanying the shapes names which would go a long way to helping children with word recognition. There is a bonus feature that shows a picture of each concept with its name written and spoken which almost serves as a better learning device then the movie itself. Not one of my favorite learning DVDs but still useful as a circus learning tool.
Awards:
Parenting Magazine's Pick of the Month (July 2004)
Dr. Toy Award
NAPPA Award
iParenting Media Award
Creative Child Award
Skelly the Skeleton Girl (Book)
Pickering, J. (2007). Skelly the skeleton girl. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Halloween, Monsters, Skeletons, Dogs, Pets, Lost Items
Plot: Skelly, a cute little skeleton girl, finds a bone lying on the floor in her haunted house. She goes around asking her monstrous pets, neighbors, and friends if the bone is theirs. Then she hears a noise outside and goes to investigate. Where she finds a skeleton dog digging in her backyard looking for his bone.
Personal Thoughts: A cute and not to scary book perfect for Halloween. There's a little skeleton fish in a fish bowl with a coffin. Skelly tickles the monster under the stairs to check his funny bone. The giant spider explains that spider's don't have bones. The little skeleton dog and some of the other characters remind me of the characters in Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. The graphics present scary monsters in sweet ways. Pickering has acted as the illustrator for a number of chapter and picture books. The text is simple with Skelly describing everything she does to find the bone's owner.
Author Website: Jimmy Pickering Website
Other Books by the Author: Skelly and Femur (2009); Another Season Book Series;
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Halloween, Monsters, Skeletons, Dogs, Pets, Lost Items
Plot: Skelly, a cute little skeleton girl, finds a bone lying on the floor in her haunted house. She goes around asking her monstrous pets, neighbors, and friends if the bone is theirs. Then she hears a noise outside and goes to investigate. Where she finds a skeleton dog digging in her backyard looking for his bone.
Personal Thoughts: A cute and not to scary book perfect for Halloween. There's a little skeleton fish in a fish bowl with a coffin. Skelly tickles the monster under the stairs to check his funny bone. The giant spider explains that spider's don't have bones. The little skeleton dog and some of the other characters remind me of the characters in Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. The graphics present scary monsters in sweet ways. Pickering has acted as the illustrator for a number of chapter and picture books. The text is simple with Skelly describing everything she does to find the bone's owner.
Author Website: Jimmy Pickering Website
Other Books by the Author: Skelly and Femur (2009); Another Season Book Series;
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tweens and Technology
This week in class we started discussing the role of technology in tween's lives and how their experiences with technology differ from our own. I feel that today's tweens have a lot of access and interaction with technology. Sitting in my local library's young adult area after school has let out, it seems that not one of the many teens walking, talking, and sitting in the area are without a cell phone, mp3 device, or laptop.
This is extremely different from when I was a teen. My family had just purchased a family computer during my tween years. These days it seems a lot of teens have access to their own personal computer, usually a family hand-me-down. My access to the computer was limited to school work and some educational games. We didn't have Internet access as it was too much of a luxury and not as needed back then for homework and such. Today's teens use the computer and Internet for homework, online gaming, and social networking. I remember running down to the drugstore to develop photos. Today's teens can take a picture email it to everyone they know or send it directly to their printer all within minutes. As Miller states in her article, "The ever changing world of teen trends," the days of note passing are over as today's information is instantaneously delivered through email accounts, Facebook posts and news feeds.
In a New York Times Article titled "If your kids are awake, they're probably online," Lewin argues that the results of Kaiser Family Foundation Study show that American tweens and teens are spending almost every waking moment using some sort of electronic device. The study found that youth ages 8 to 18 are spending more than 7.5 hours a day with a smart phone, computer, television or other electronic device. Only five years ago, the previous study had estimated that time to be 6.5 hours. Can we expect that time to grow by another hour in another five years? Know any teens that choose their cell phone or computer over sleep sometimes?
The numbers are shocking when we actually write them down, but I for one am not surprised. Parents need to ensure children are aware of safety issues and practice good online behaviors. They need to provide clear rules about when media use is okay and when it isn't. I agree with Lewin that even though teens are consuming a large amount of media, parents still can have an effect on how that media is consumed and in what amount.
This is extremely different from when I was a teen. My family had just purchased a family computer during my tween years. These days it seems a lot of teens have access to their own personal computer, usually a family hand-me-down. My access to the computer was limited to school work and some educational games. We didn't have Internet access as it was too much of a luxury and not as needed back then for homework and such. Today's teens use the computer and Internet for homework, online gaming, and social networking. I remember running down to the drugstore to develop photos. Today's teens can take a picture email it to everyone they know or send it directly to their printer all within minutes. As Miller states in her article, "The ever changing world of teen trends," the days of note passing are over as today's information is instantaneously delivered through email accounts, Facebook posts and news feeds.
In a New York Times Article titled "If your kids are awake, they're probably online," Lewin argues that the results of Kaiser Family Foundation Study show that American tweens and teens are spending almost every waking moment using some sort of electronic device. The study found that youth ages 8 to 18 are spending more than 7.5 hours a day with a smart phone, computer, television or other electronic device. Only five years ago, the previous study had estimated that time to be 6.5 hours. Can we expect that time to grow by another hour in another five years? Know any teens that choose their cell phone or computer over sleep sometimes?
The numbers are shocking when we actually write them down, but I for one am not surprised. Parents need to ensure children are aware of safety issues and practice good online behaviors. They need to provide clear rules about when media use is okay and when it isn't. I agree with Lewin that even though teens are consuming a large amount of media, parents still can have an effect on how that media is consumed and in what amount.
Scranimals (Book)
Prelutsky, J. (2002). Scranimals. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
Interest Level: Ages 12 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Poems, Animals, Humor, Imagination, Picture Books for Older Readers
Plot: A collection of poems about strange and wonderful creatures on Scranimal Island. Each creature is a mix of two different things you might be familiar with such as the SPINACHICKENS which are half chicken and half spinach. Each animal has its own poem and illustration that tells the reader more about it.
Personal Thoughts: A humorous tongue twisting picture book. Each creature has a short two or three paragraph poem that accompanies an illustration. The illustrations remind me of those found in Where the Wild Things Are by Sendak. Each illustration is a mix of detailed gray and colored pencil drawings. Filled with such creatures as the Pandaffodil and the Broccolions, young children will smile as they identify what each creature is created from. Though not a suggested book for young children to read on their own as the vocabulary is a little advanced for a four year old. Practice before using this book for story time as some of the creature names are a challenge to read aloud.
A great poem book to introduce to tweens. Don't overlook the value of picture books for older readers. The vocabulary and humor is appropriate for young tweens. Use it in a writing assignment and have tweens write a poem on their own imaginary creature created from two everyday items. I'm going to remember this book next time I serve baked potatoads!
Awards:
Other Books by the Author: Awful Ogre Running Wild (2008); Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant (2006); It's Raining Pigs and Noodles (2000)
Interest Level: Ages 12 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Poems, Animals, Humor, Imagination, Picture Books for Older Readers
Plot: A collection of poems about strange and wonderful creatures on Scranimal Island. Each creature is a mix of two different things you might be familiar with such as the SPINACHICKENS which are half chicken and half spinach. Each animal has its own poem and illustration that tells the reader more about it.
Personal Thoughts: A humorous tongue twisting picture book. Each creature has a short two or three paragraph poem that accompanies an illustration. The illustrations remind me of those found in Where the Wild Things Are by Sendak. Each illustration is a mix of detailed gray and colored pencil drawings. Filled with such creatures as the Pandaffodil and the Broccolions, young children will smile as they identify what each creature is created from. Though not a suggested book for young children to read on their own as the vocabulary is a little advanced for a four year old. Practice before using this book for story time as some of the creature names are a challenge to read aloud.
A great poem book to introduce to tweens. Don't overlook the value of picture books for older readers. The vocabulary and humor is appropriate for young tweens. Use it in a writing assignment and have tweens write a poem on their own imaginary creature created from two everyday items. I'm going to remember this book next time I serve baked potatoads!
Awards:
- Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards (Maryland): Picture Book (2004)
- Kentucky Bluegrass Award: Grades 3-5 (2004)
- Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards: Grades 3-6 (2006)
- School Library Journal Best Books (2002)
Other Books by the Author: Awful Ogre Running Wild (2008); Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant (2006); It's Raining Pigs and Noodles (2000)
Teen Voices (Magazine)
Teen voices. (2010, Spring/Summer). Boston, MA: Women Express, Inc.
Interest Level: Ages 12 to 19
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Magazine, Youth's Writings, Youth's Artwork, Youth's Reviews and Editorials
Content: Teen Voices is a magazine targeted towards junior high and high school girls and is published biannually. The magazine's mission is to "helping teens share their own voices, while developing reading, writing, creative and critical-thinking skills" (Taken from the Teen Voices' website). The magazine uses a journalism mentorship program where approximately 85 teenage girls from low-income or minority families living in boston recieve training as editors and writers and help run the magazine. The magazine contains a collection of advice columns, reviews, writings, and artworks written by teenage girls for teenage girls.
Personal Thoughts: Written by teenage girls for teenage girls, interesting that the first thing I noticed was how much this magazine has the look and feel of a "real" magazine. The rich graphics, text format, and quality is such as seventeen magazine or people, except with inspirational articles instead of how to snag a boyfriend advice. This particular issue had articles on how to handle bullying, a response to Calvin Klein's advertising, online behavior tips, sex trafficking dangers, college essay help, racism, food poisoning, and homemade beauty tips. I especially liked the the "Dear D" section that addressed what to do when your getting bad grades. Compared to some of the other teen magazines I've reviewed so far I haven't seen any mention of what to do when struggling in school. I felt this was important because while there is a focus on teen writers and artists, I don't think its fair to assume that all the magazine's readers find school easy.
Company Website: Teen Voices Website
Similar Materials: Teen Ink Magazine (check out my review), New Moon Girls Magazine (check out my review)
Interest Level: Ages 12 to 19
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Magazine, Youth's Writings, Youth's Artwork, Youth's Reviews and Editorials
Content: Teen Voices is a magazine targeted towards junior high and high school girls and is published biannually. The magazine's mission is to "helping teens share their own voices, while developing reading, writing, creative and critical-thinking skills" (Taken from the Teen Voices' website). The magazine uses a journalism mentorship program where approximately 85 teenage girls from low-income or minority families living in boston recieve training as editors and writers and help run the magazine. The magazine contains a collection of advice columns, reviews, writings, and artworks written by teenage girls for teenage girls.
Personal Thoughts: Written by teenage girls for teenage girls, interesting that the first thing I noticed was how much this magazine has the look and feel of a "real" magazine. The rich graphics, text format, and quality is such as seventeen magazine or people, except with inspirational articles instead of how to snag a boyfriend advice. This particular issue had articles on how to handle bullying, a response to Calvin Klein's advertising, online behavior tips, sex trafficking dangers, college essay help, racism, food poisoning, and homemade beauty tips. I especially liked the the "Dear D" section that addressed what to do when your getting bad grades. Compared to some of the other teen magazines I've reviewed so far I haven't seen any mention of what to do when struggling in school. I felt this was important because while there is a focus on teen writers and artists, I don't think its fair to assume that all the magazine's readers find school easy.
Company Website: Teen Voices Website
Similar Materials: Teen Ink Magazine (check out my review), New Moon Girls Magazine (check out my review)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Teen Ink (Magazine)
Teen ink, 22(1). (2010, September). Newton, MA: Young Authors Foundation.
Interest Level: Ages 12 to 19
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Magazine, Youth's Writings, Youth's Artwork, Youth's Reviews
Content: Teen Ink is a magazine targeted towards junior high and high school students and is published monthly from September to June. It is run by the Young Authors Foundation, a non-profit organization "devoted to helping teens share their own voices, while developing reading, writing, creative and critical-thinking skills" (Taken from Teen Ink's website). The magazine contains a collection of articles, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and reviews written by teens. There is also information about colleges and special thematic subjects, for instance this issue was about remembering 9/11.
Personal Thoughts: This is a great magazine for teens by teens. The writings included have a high level of construction and insight. The reviews were especially appealing as they reviewed various items such as colleges, movies (new and old), books, and music that were appealing to teens. Thought is refreshing that not all items reviewed were necessarily new publications or movies. Some of the items were those that teens were just discovering, like the Godfather movies or I Am Messenger by Zusak. The stories and poems covered a range of topics from health, heroes, points of view, and the environment. The magazine also includes teen artwork, both drawn and photographic, throughout. Overall a very inspirational magazine. There is some advertising in the magazine and on the website, but its what I would call mostly positive advertising by colleges, book vendors, and the random online banner vendors that most of us have learned to ignore. A Must have magazine for any public library or school library.
Company Website: Teen Ink Website
Teen Ink Books: a series of anthologies created from collected selected writings previously published in the Teen Ink magazine.
Teen Ink: Friends and Family (2001) ISBN: 978-1558749313
Teen Ink: Love and Relationships (2002) ISBN: 978-1558749696
Teen Ink: What Matters (2003) ISBN: 978-0757300639
Teen Ink: Written in the Dirt (2004) ISBN: 978-0757300509
Interest Level: Ages 12 to 19
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Magazine, Youth's Writings, Youth's Artwork, Youth's Reviews
Content: Teen Ink is a magazine targeted towards junior high and high school students and is published monthly from September to June. It is run by the Young Authors Foundation, a non-profit organization "devoted to helping teens share their own voices, while developing reading, writing, creative and critical-thinking skills" (Taken from Teen Ink's website). The magazine contains a collection of articles, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and reviews written by teens. There is also information about colleges and special thematic subjects, for instance this issue was about remembering 9/11.
Personal Thoughts: This is a great magazine for teens by teens. The writings included have a high level of construction and insight. The reviews were especially appealing as they reviewed various items such as colleges, movies (new and old), books, and music that were appealing to teens. Thought is refreshing that not all items reviewed were necessarily new publications or movies. Some of the items were those that teens were just discovering, like the Godfather movies or I Am Messenger by Zusak. The stories and poems covered a range of topics from health, heroes, points of view, and the environment. The magazine also includes teen artwork, both drawn and photographic, throughout. Overall a very inspirational magazine. There is some advertising in the magazine and on the website, but its what I would call mostly positive advertising by colleges, book vendors, and the random online banner vendors that most of us have learned to ignore. A Must have magazine for any public library or school library.
Company Website: Teen Ink Website
Teen Ink Books: a series of anthologies created from collected selected writings previously published in the Teen Ink magazine.
Teen Ink: Our Voices, Our Visions (2000) ISBN: 978-1558748163
Teen Ink 2: More Voices, More Visions (2001) ISBN: 978-1558749139Teen Ink: Friends and Family (2001) ISBN: 978-1558749313
Teen Ink: Love and Relationships (2002) ISBN: 978-1558749696
Teen Ink: What Matters (2003) ISBN: 978-0757300639
Teen Ink: Written in the Dirt (2004) ISBN: 978-0757300509
Monday, October 25, 2010
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (DVD)
produced by Leslie, E., Donner, L., (Producers), Weitz, P. (Director & Writer), & Helgeland, B. (Writer). (2010). Cirque du freak: The vampire's assistant [DVD]. Universal City, CA: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Interest Level: Ages 13 to 18
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 109 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Friendship, Vampires, Freaks, Horror
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 109 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Friendship, Vampires, Freaks, Horror
Plot: Darren and Steve go to a freak show where they meet Larten, a vampire. Steve begs Larten to make him one of them but Larten refuses. Meanwhile, Darren steals Larten's poisonous spider, Octa. After Octa bites Steve, Darren becomes Larten's apprentice, a half vampire, in order to get an antidote for Steve. This means that Darren must fake his death and leave his family in order to learn how to control his powers. Mr. Tiny finds the grieving Steve and turns him into a different kind of vampire, the kind that kills to feed. Mr. Tiny sets events in motion to start a war between the two kinds of vampires by pitting the two friends against one another.
Personal Thoughts: This movie is based on the first two books in the Cirque du Freak Series by Darren Shan. The movie is rated PG-13 for the violent actions scenes, disturbing images (in one scene Darren has his neck snapped in order to fake his death), and some language. Possibly a good vampire movie for those who wanted more action and less of a love story than what was found in the Twilight movies. The movie has a dark and deadly feel throughout, full of shadows and mist. There are themes of friendship and not judging people by what they look like. Suggested for older tweens and teens. If they like the movie then they'll probably be reaching for the next book in the series to see what happens next. While there was a lot going on in the movie, there was still a lot of unfinished business. No wonder though since there are ten more books that follow the first two.
Dealing with Dragons (Book)
Wrede, P. (1990). Dealing with dragons. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. ISBN: 0-606-01813-1
Interest Level: Ages 10 to 16
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Magic, Medieval Worlds, Wizards, Princesses, Humor,
Plot: Cimerone is the seventh princess of a very traditional royal family and is expected to do proper princess things such as learn embroidery, dance at balls and marry a prince. The only problem is that Cimerone doesn't like any normal princess activities. Instead of getting married to a prince, Cimerone runs away following the advice of a talking frog. She volunteers as a dragon's princess where she cooks and cleans for the dragon Kazul. Cimerone is allowed to cook, learn Latin and magic to her heart's delight and is finally happy. Now all she needs to do is convince the knights and princes to stop trying to rescue her and find out why those magic hungry wizards are snooping around and life would be perfect.
Personal Thoughts: I love this series. It has strong female characters that break out of traditional roles to find happiness. Cimerone and Kazul both use logic, thinking and a little magic to outwit their opponents. There is enough action and humor in every chapter for any tween. The story's world is one where the traditional fairy tales are expected in everyday normal life. For tweens who love this series, I suggest other fairytale spin offs such as Ella Enchanted and The Fairy's Mistake by Levine for tweens and The Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Lackey for older teens or adults.
Series Info: Book One of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles
Sequel: Searching for Dragons (1991)
Awards:
Minnesota Book Award (1991)
YALSA 100 Best Books of 1950 to 2000
Other Books by the Author: Lyra Series; Frontier Magic Series; Kate and Cecelia Series;
Author's Website: Patricia C. Wrede Offical Website
Interest Level: Ages 10 to 16
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Magic, Medieval Worlds, Wizards, Princesses, Humor,
Plot: Cimerone is the seventh princess of a very traditional royal family and is expected to do proper princess things such as learn embroidery, dance at balls and marry a prince. The only problem is that Cimerone doesn't like any normal princess activities. Instead of getting married to a prince, Cimerone runs away following the advice of a talking frog. She volunteers as a dragon's princess where she cooks and cleans for the dragon Kazul. Cimerone is allowed to cook, learn Latin and magic to her heart's delight and is finally happy. Now all she needs to do is convince the knights and princes to stop trying to rescue her and find out why those magic hungry wizards are snooping around and life would be perfect.
Personal Thoughts: I love this series. It has strong female characters that break out of traditional roles to find happiness. Cimerone and Kazul both use logic, thinking and a little magic to outwit their opponents. There is enough action and humor in every chapter for any tween. The story's world is one where the traditional fairy tales are expected in everyday normal life. For tweens who love this series, I suggest other fairytale spin offs such as Ella Enchanted and The Fairy's Mistake by Levine for tweens and The Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Lackey for older teens or adults.
Series Info: Book One of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles
Sequel: Searching for Dragons (1991)
Awards:
Minnesota Book Award (1991)
YALSA 100 Best Books of 1950 to 2000
Other Books by the Author: Lyra Series; Frontier Magic Series; Kate and Cecelia Series;
Author's Website: Patricia C. Wrede Offical Website
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Peace Book (Book)
Parr, T. (2004). The peace book. New York, NY: Little Brown.
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Peace, Caring about others, Being Yourself
Plot: This book describes different things that represent peace in a young child's world. Some of the things described include: caring for the environment, sharing with others, learning new languages, and being who you are.
Personal Thoughts: A good book to introduce a sometimes tricky concept to young children. The simple sentences do a good job of describing what "peace" is in terms that young children can relate to. The cute coloring page like illustrations are reminiscent of a child's own drawings. I especially like the last page of the book that speaks directly to the reader letting them know that the world is a better place because of them.
Some Other Books in the "Five Little Monkeys" Series: Go Shopping (2007); Play Hide-and-Seek (2004); Jumping on the Bed (1989); Bake a Birthday Cake (1993)
Author Website: Todd Parr's Website
Other Books by the Author: The Family Book (2003); It's Okay to Be Different (2001); The Feelings Book (2000)
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Peace, Caring about others, Being Yourself
Plot: This book describes different things that represent peace in a young child's world. Some of the things described include: caring for the environment, sharing with others, learning new languages, and being who you are.
Personal Thoughts: A good book to introduce a sometimes tricky concept to young children. The simple sentences do a good job of describing what "peace" is in terms that young children can relate to. The cute coloring page like illustrations are reminiscent of a child's own drawings. I especially like the last page of the book that speaks directly to the reader letting them know that the world is a better place because of them.
Some Other Books in the "Five Little Monkeys" Series: Go Shopping (2007); Play Hide-and-Seek (2004); Jumping on the Bed (1989); Bake a Birthday Cake (1993)
Author Website: Todd Parr's Website
Other Books by the Author: The Family Book (2003); It's Okay to Be Different (2001); The Feelings Book (2000)
Molly the Goldfish Fairy (Book)
Meadows, D. (2006). Molly the goldfish fairy. New York , NY
Interest Level: Ages 6 to 10
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Magic, Pets, Teamwork, Fairies, Goblins
Plot: The Pet Fairies pets have all been stolen. Kirsty and Rachel, two human girls, are helping the fairies search for their magical pets. They find Molly the goldfish fairy's pet goldfish, Flash, in a neighbor's pond during a BBQ. Unfortunately, so have the goblins that work for Jack Frost. The girls come up with a plan to win the goldfish back in a tug-of-war contest. The goblins, unable to work together as a team, lose even though there are more of them.
Personal Thoughts: The many rainbow magic series is very popular among young girl readers at the library where I work. The books are really short, only around 65 pages each. They each have good messages about friendship, perserverance, and teamwork. The addition of magic makes for interesting reading without making the story seem impossible. For most tweens, this book is an example of reading down due to the easy vocab and length. But this series is still a good suggestion for older tween pleasure reading, for reluctant readers, and for ESL learners.
Series Info: Book Six of Seven the Rainbow Magic Pet Fairies Series
Prequel: Harriet the Hamster Fairy (2006)
Sequel: Penny the Pony Fairy (2006)
Series Website: Rainbow Magic Fairies Offical Website
Note about the Author: Daisy Meadows is a pseudonym used by the four authors of the Rainbow Magic Fairies series. The four authors areNarinder Dhami, Sue Bentley, Linda Chapman, and Sue Mongredien.
Interest Level: Ages 6 to 10
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Magic, Pets, Teamwork, Fairies, Goblins
Plot: The Pet Fairies pets have all been stolen. Kirsty and Rachel, two human girls, are helping the fairies search for their magical pets. They find Molly the goldfish fairy's pet goldfish, Flash, in a neighbor's pond during a BBQ. Unfortunately, so have the goblins that work for Jack Frost. The girls come up with a plan to win the goldfish back in a tug-of-war contest. The goblins, unable to work together as a team, lose even though there are more of them.
Personal Thoughts: The many rainbow magic series is very popular among young girl readers at the library where I work. The books are really short, only around 65 pages each. They each have good messages about friendship, perserverance, and teamwork. The addition of magic makes for interesting reading without making the story seem impossible. For most tweens, this book is an example of reading down due to the easy vocab and length. But this series is still a good suggestion for older tween pleasure reading, for reluctant readers, and for ESL learners.
Series Info: Book Six of Seven the Rainbow Magic Pet Fairies Series
Prequel: Harriet the Hamster Fairy (2006)
Sequel: Penny the Pony Fairy (2006)
Series Website: Rainbow Magic Fairies Offical Website
Note about the Author: Daisy Meadows is a pseudonym used by the four authors of the Rainbow Magic Fairies series. The four authors areNarinder Dhami, Sue Bentley, Linda Chapman, and Sue Mongredien.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
High School Musical (DVD)
Schain, D. (Producer), Ortega, K. (Director), & Barsocchini, P. (Writer). (2006). High school musical [DVD]. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Home Entertainment.
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 18
Rating: G
Running Time: 98 minutes
Subjects/Themes: High School, Friendship, Cliques, Athletes, Musical,
Rating: G
Running Time: 98 minutes
Subjects/Themes: High School, Friendship, Cliques, Athletes, Musical,
Plot: Troy, a high school basketball star, and Gabriella, an academic genius, meet on New Year's Eve and perform a karaoke duet. A week later they meet again at school where Gabriella is new. The friendship that they started on New Year's Eve continues and they end up auditioning for the school musical to the shock of all their friends. Their friends want don't want either of them wasting their time on the musical and try and sabotage their relationship. Meanwhile Sharpay and Ryan, the top drama students, are also out to stop them.
Personal Thoughts: This is a corny but great movie. The acting is way over the top. The characters and cliques are exaggerated. And yet it totally works. Which is probably why there are two sequels. The songs are cute and catchy. There are also some good themes relating to friendship, expectations, and peer pressure. I really liked the "status quo" song about not doing only what everyone expects of you. Troy and Gabriella start a revolution in their school by being the first to do the unexpected and what they love to do. A Must See Movie for tweens and teens of all ages.
Sequel: High School Musical 2 (2007); and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008);
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Girl, the Dragon, and the Wild Magic (Book)
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 12
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Magic, Medieval Worlds, Academic Problems, Fitting In,
Plot: Rhianna is failing magic school. She like things to make sense and magic just doesn't. Then the wizard Northstar comes to the village to inspect why the magic is starting to fail. He declares that Rhianna has a magic so strong and rare that its sucking up all the magic around her. Northstar makes Rhianna his apprentice and begins teaching her how to control her Wild Talent. But some people are jealous and don't think that Rhianna deserves to be his apprentice. And if that wasn't problem enough, a dragon has just landed in the village.
Personal Thoughts: A sweet and easy read for younger tweens interested in magic and not old enough for the Harry Potter Series. At just 118 pages, this book is a good choice for children who need a 100 page chapter book. Rhianna has to deal with being made fun of and bullied first because she's terrible at magic in a world where magic is everything. Then because of jealousy that she of all people has such a rare talent and gets picked as an apprentice. Rhianna is a smart young girl and shows both courage and smarts when facing the dragon. The rest of the series is just as short and sweet as the first book.
Note: This entry refers to the United States reprint. Dave Luckett's books were originally published in Australia.
Series Info: Book One of the Rhianna Chronicles
Sequel: The Girl, the Apprentice, and the Dogs of Iron (2004)
Other Books by the Author: School of Magic Series; Tenabran Trilogy;
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Snow Spider (Book)
Nimmo, Jenny. (2006). The Snow Spider. New York , NY
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 12
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Death of a Family Member, Father and Son Relations,
Plot: A child’s birthday is usually a fun event but not Gwyn’s because four years ago that was the day that his sister went missing. His mother wants this birthday to be different but his father is still mourning. Then Gwyn's grandmother tells him that he's descended from a line of magicians and he may be one as well. She said as a magician it’s possible to get your heart’s desire. And more then anything else he desires, Gwyn wants his sister back. With the activation of five magical objects, Gwyn starts on a journey of understanding, both magical and real.
Personal Thoughts: There is a large amount of tension between Gwyn and his father. It is very apparent from the beginning that Gwyn's father blames him for the loss of his sister. When Gwyn is given the magical objects the reader hopes that he will do something good with them. Instead Gwyn repeatedly ignores his grandmother's warnings to be careful. The appearance of Eirlys, a ghostly reincarnation of his sister, changes the family dynamics. While there are some sad under tones and ghostly aspects to this story, it is still an easy read at only 146 pages. The vocabulary is simple and the story flows well.
Note: Book was originally published in the United Kingdom in 1986. This review refers to the United States 2006 edition.
Awards:
Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (1986)
Tir na n-Og Awards (1987)
Series Info: Book One of the Magician Trilogy
Sequel: Emlyn's Moon (2007)
Author Website: Jenny Nimmo's Offical Website
Other Books by the Author: Children of the Red King Series; The Dragon's Child (2008); Griffin's Castle (2007);
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 12
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Death of a Family Member, Father and Son Relations,
Plot: A child’s birthday is usually a fun event but not Gwyn’s because four years ago that was the day that his sister went missing. His mother wants this birthday to be different but his father is still mourning. Then Gwyn's grandmother tells him that he's descended from a line of magicians and he may be one as well. She said as a magician it’s possible to get your heart’s desire. And more then anything else he desires, Gwyn wants his sister back. With the activation of five magical objects, Gwyn starts on a journey of understanding, both magical and real.
Personal Thoughts: There is a large amount of tension between Gwyn and his father. It is very apparent from the beginning that Gwyn's father blames him for the loss of his sister. When Gwyn is given the magical objects the reader hopes that he will do something good with them. Instead Gwyn repeatedly ignores his grandmother's warnings to be careful. The appearance of Eirlys, a ghostly reincarnation of his sister, changes the family dynamics. While there are some sad under tones and ghostly aspects to this story, it is still an easy read at only 146 pages. The vocabulary is simple and the story flows well.
Note: Book was originally published in the United Kingdom in 1986. This review refers to the United States 2006 edition.
Awards:
Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (1986)
Tir na n-Og Awards (1987)
Series Info: Book One of the Magician Trilogy
Sequel: Emlyn's Moon (2007)
Author Website: Jenny Nimmo's Offical Website
Other Books by the Author: Children of the Red King Series; The Dragon's Child (2008); Griffin's Castle (2007);
Wild Magic (Book)
Pierce, Tamora. (1992). Wild Magic. New York , NY
Interest Level: Ages 10 to 14
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Magic, Medieval Worlds, Fictional Wars and Battles, Non-Sexist Occupational Roles
Plot: Daine has a knack for animals that’s definitely magical. She can hear them and they can hear her. Daine's been surviving in wilderness on her own since raiders burned her house down and killed her family. But now Daine needs to rejoin the human world and that means money and a job. Daine manages to get hired as an assistant caring for the Queen’s Riders' horses, a special group of warriors under direct command of the Queen herself. It is here that Daine learns to control her magic, stand up for herself and others, and learn that anyone can be a hero.
Personal Thoughts: One of my favorite tween authors, Pierce's books are all set in the same medieval world. In Daine's world, women are fully equal to men (they can rule or be warriors) which is a result of the previous series, The Song of the Lioness. Each series should be read in order for better understanding, but it is not necessary for the different series to be read in order though they do run chronologically. There are a lot of strong female and male characters in this book, though it mostly focuses on the females. A Must Read book for tweens with an interest in fantasy, medieval, or magic.
Series Info: Book One of the Immortals Series
Sequel: Wolf-Speaker (1994)
Author Website: Tamora Pierce Website
Other Books by the Author: Beka Cooper Series; Song of the Lioness Series; Trickster Series; Circle of Magic Series; Protector of the Small Series;
Interest Level: Ages 10 to 14
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Magic, Medieval Worlds, Fictional Wars and Battles, Non-Sexist Occupational Roles
Plot: Daine has a knack for animals that’s definitely magical. She can hear them and they can hear her. Daine's been surviving in wilderness on her own since raiders burned her house down and killed her family. But now Daine needs to rejoin the human world and that means money and a job. Daine manages to get hired as an assistant caring for the Queen’s Riders' horses, a special group of warriors under direct command of the Queen herself. It is here that Daine learns to control her magic, stand up for herself and others, and learn that anyone can be a hero.
Personal Thoughts: One of my favorite tween authors, Pierce's books are all set in the same medieval world. In Daine's world, women are fully equal to men (they can rule or be warriors) which is a result of the previous series, The Song of the Lioness. Each series should be read in order for better understanding, but it is not necessary for the different series to be read in order though they do run chronologically. There are a lot of strong female and male characters in this book, though it mostly focuses on the females. A Must Read book for tweens with an interest in fantasy, medieval, or magic.
Series Info: Book One of the Immortals Series
Sequel: Wolf-Speaker (1994)
Author Website: Tamora Pierce Website
Other Books by the Author: Beka Cooper Series; Song of the Lioness Series; Trickster Series; Circle of Magic Series; Protector of the Small Series;
Coraline (Book)
Gaiman, Neil. (2003). Coraline. Waterville, ME: Thorndike Press.
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 16
Genre: Fiction, Horror
Subjects/Themes: Family, Neighbors, Parallel Universes, Monsters, Talking Animals, Kidnapping
Plot: Coraline has just moved into a new apartment with her very busy parents. They share the building with two old eccentric ladies who used to be actresses and an old man who used to be part of the circus. In an attempt to escape her family and boredom, Coraline crawls down a tunnel into a parallel world where she has another mother and another father. This "other" world is so much more interesting with singing mice, talking cats, and all her favorite things. Her "other" family tells her she can stay forever, if only she sews buttons over her eyes. Now her "other" mother, a monster in disguise, has kidnapped Coraline's family in order to force her to stay. It’s up to Coraline to get them back.
Awards:
ALA Notable Children's Books (2003)
School Library Journal Best Books (2002)
Wisconsin Library Association Children's Book Awards: Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award (2003)
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults (2003)
ALA Best Books for Young Adults List (2003) New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age (WINNER)
IRA/CBC Children's Choice (WINNER)
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award Masterlist (Vermont) (WINNER)
Publishers Weekly Best Book (WINNER)
Child Magazine Best Book of the Year (WINNER)
Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers (2002)
Hugo Award for Best Novella (2003)
Personal Thoughts: I loved this book, but then I love a lot of Neil Gaiman's books. Coraline has just the right amount of horror and fantasy that I enjoy. The story is suspenseful and easy to read. Even if children have already seen the movie and know the ending, they'll still enjoy reading the book. If fact knowing there's a happy ending might make this scary book a little less so. They made this book into a movie in 2009, check out the Coraline movie website for more information.
Other Books by the Author: The Graveyard Book (2008); Interworld (2007); Odd and the Frost Giants (2009);
Author's Website: Neil Gaiman's Journal
Define Normal....
Am I normal? Is this normal? What is going on with my body, my mind, my (insert worry here)? Who am I? Who do I want to be? Why doesn't anyone understand? Only my friends understand....
These are the typical questions/thoughts going through any tween or teens mind on a daily basis. With so much going on in tween's lives, is it any wonder that parents worry about and struggle with relating to their kids? While all tweens are unique and will differ in their likes or dislikes, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has created a Facts for Families: Normal Adolescent Development Part 1 list of normal feelings and behaviors of the middle school and early high school adolescents. The list describes how tweens begin the move toward being independent, how they view the future, sexuality behaviors, and how they test and develop morals and values. Thinking back to that time in my life, I find the list to be extremely accurate and could apply to my mindset at one time or another during my tween and teen years.
Parents combining the AACAP's list with the Search Institute's list of 40 Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood will have not only an insight into how their tween is thinking but also some ideas on how to support their child during this chaotic stage of life. The Search Institute suggests certain building blocks that help in the healthy development of tweens. While each of the suggestions are good ones, I think that its important to remember that these building blocks are ideals. It is not expected that every child will have the same resources, time, or environment in which to develop these assets. The "Take Action" suggestions are just that suggestions that can be used individually or combined with other suggestions.
While a large number of tween parents will respond to the behaviors and feelings listed with a "Well duh I already knew that," the lists are still a good aide. Sometimes an outside professional source is exactly the reassurance a frustrated parent needs. Other times parents of younger children would like to know what to expect in the coming years in order to prepare to deal. Both lists are also great tools for someone like me who has no children, but works with them on a daily basis. As a youth librarian I need to be able to understand how tweens and teens are thinking, what types of issues they are struggling with, and what they're interests are in order to provide them with materials and programs that are useful and will appeal to them.
These are the typical questions/thoughts going through any tween or teens mind on a daily basis. With so much going on in tween's lives, is it any wonder that parents worry about and struggle with relating to their kids? While all tweens are unique and will differ in their likes or dislikes, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has created a Facts for Families: Normal Adolescent Development Part 1 list of normal feelings and behaviors of the middle school and early high school adolescents. The list describes how tweens begin the move toward being independent, how they view the future, sexuality behaviors, and how they test and develop morals and values. Thinking back to that time in my life, I find the list to be extremely accurate and could apply to my mindset at one time or another during my tween and teen years.
Parents combining the AACAP's list with the Search Institute's list of 40 Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood will have not only an insight into how their tween is thinking but also some ideas on how to support their child during this chaotic stage of life. The Search Institute suggests certain building blocks that help in the healthy development of tweens. While each of the suggestions are good ones, I think that its important to remember that these building blocks are ideals. It is not expected that every child will have the same resources, time, or environment in which to develop these assets. The "Take Action" suggestions are just that suggestions that can be used individually or combined with other suggestions.
While a large number of tween parents will respond to the behaviors and feelings listed with a "Well duh I already knew that," the lists are still a good aide. Sometimes an outside professional source is exactly the reassurance a frustrated parent needs. Other times parents of younger children would like to know what to expect in the coming years in order to prepare to deal. Both lists are also great tools for someone like me who has no children, but works with them on a daily basis. As a youth librarian I need to be able to understand how tweens and teens are thinking, what types of issues they are struggling with, and what they're interests are in order to provide them with materials and programs that are useful and will appeal to them.
On Top of the Potty (Book)
Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7
Genre: Picture Book, Song Books
Subjects/Themes: Silly Songs, Toilet Training,
Plot: 15 silly songs about the potty set to classic tunes such as "If your happy and you know it," "take me out to the ball game," and "This old man." Silly illustrations accompany each silly song.
Personal Thoughts: Tackling toliet training? Need a silly song book? This is the book for you! The illustrations are well done and tell the story of each song. A big diaper baby can be found in almost every scene. A warning though, there is a lot of potty language being used, "poop" and "pee" can be found in almost every sentence. The songs fit the tunes pretty accurately. The few lines here or there that were shaky might have been due to my own faulty memory of the classic songs. Children who get their hands on this book may be marveling you with their new found love of music.
Other Books by the Author: Are you quiet polite?: silly dilly manners songs (2006); I'm still here in the bathtub: brand new sillyl dilly songs (2003); Oops! (2008);
Author's Website: Alan Katz: A Silly Dilly Man
Teen Vogue (Magazine)
Teen Vogue. (2010, November). New York, NY: Conde Nast.
Interest Level: Ages 15 to Adult
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Magazine, Fashion, Beauty, Celebrities, Popular Culture
Content:
Teen Vogue is published on a monthly basis except for in December/January and June/July. The magazine states that they are a "cultural catalyst for a new generation of influential teens and young women." The magazine, modeled after Vogue magazine, contains topics about fashion, beauty, celebrities and popular culture that are of primary interest to older teens. Also included in the November issue I reviewed was an article against smoking, even if only once and a while. A magazine subscription is only $10 per year with discounts given for subscribing for multiple years.
Personal Thoughts: This magazine is exactly as it appears, a fashion and beauty magazine aimed at teenagers and young adults. Though I wouldn't be surprised to see a tween reading a copy as 1) they can still relate to the topics and 2) it paints a glamorous picture of how they want to be as they grow older. Knowing this don't be surprised at the large, large, large amounts of advertising included in each issue. The first eleven pages in the November issue were ALL advertisements. If your worried about your tween wanting to dress "too adult" you may want to rethink giving them this magazine. While the magazine does stress trendiness and shopping, there are a few good topics discussed as well. For example there were articles about plus modeling and staying away from cigarettes. For the fashion crazy teens and young adults, this is the magazine for them.
Personal Thoughts: This magazine is exactly as it appears, a fashion and beauty magazine aimed at teenagers and young adults. Though I wouldn't be surprised to see a tween reading a copy as 1) they can still relate to the topics and 2) it paints a glamorous picture of how they want to be as they grow older. Knowing this don't be surprised at the large, large, large amounts of advertising included in each issue. The first eleven pages in the November issue were ALL advertisements. If your worried about your tween wanting to dress "too adult" you may want to rethink giving them this magazine. While the magazine does stress trendiness and shopping, there are a few good topics discussed as well. For example there were articles about plus modeling and staying away from cigarettes. For the fashion crazy teens and young adults, this is the magazine for them.
Company Website: Teen Vogue
Three Billy Goats Gruff (Book)
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Goats, Trolls, Fairy Tales, Folklore
Plot: A retelling of the classic tale of three billy goats gruff. In which three goats cross a bridge to get to the greener sweeter looking grass on the other side. Unfortunately under the bridge they must cross to get there lives a hungry troll. The two littler goats tell the troll to wait to meet their bigger bother. When the biggest of the billy goats gruff crosses the bridge he kicks the troll off the bridge rather then gets eaten.
Personal Thoughts: The mixed used of collage, watercolors, and crayon make for wonderfully textured illustrations. Bright and happy colors and patterns are used for the goats and the scenery, while browns and olive greens make up the troll.
"I'm a troll, from a deep dark hole,The text is simple and easy to read aloud. The troll's repeating lines don't quiet rhyme but children will enjoy joining in all the same. My suggestion would be to add some hand gestures for the children to copy while your telling the story.
My belly's getting thinner,
I need to eat - and goat's a treat -
So I'll have you for my dinner."
Other Books by the Author: The Little Red Hen and the Ear of Wheat (2001);
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Speak (Book)
Anderson, L. (1999). Speak. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Interest Level: Ages 13 to Adult
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Rape, Bullying, High School, Teen Girls, Emotional Problems, Friendship, Banned Books
Plot: The book follows Melinda's freshman year at high school following her being raped at a summer party. Everyone is mad at her for calling the cops and getting people arrested for drinking. Nobody knows what really happened because Melinda got scared and ran away rather then talk to the cops or anyone else. During her freshman year, Melinda has almost stopped speaking altogether, no longer cares about her looks or hygeinie, and is failing most of her classes. As she struggles with surviving everyday life, Melinda learns that her ex-best friend is dating the boy who raped her. Melinda's concern for her friend's safety starts to overwhelm her but will she find the courage to break her silence?
Personal Thoughts: A gritty emotional rollercoaster ride. Melinda could be any girl from anywhere. The inner dialouge that moves the story is wonderfully constructed and helps to highlight the inner turmoil that Melinda struggles with in the course of everyday things. This book describes a deeply troubled girl, unfortunately misunderstood and overlooked. This is a story about a young girl trying to cope with an extremely traumatic event all on her own. This is a story about the importance of speaking up for justice. They made the book into a movie in 2004 starring Kristen Stewart (Twilight star). Check out the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) for more details.
Personally I'm not a fan of realistic fiction, but I found this book impossible to put down once I started reading. A Must Read for any female, teenager or adult. I would suggest parents reading it before handing this book to their teen though. A lot of hard issues are brought up during the reading that you may want to have discussions about. Issues like safety, rape, alcohol at parties, asking for help, expressing yourself, academic, social, and emotional problems and coping skills.
National Awards:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Top-10 Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults
Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist
IRA Young Adult Choice
Junior Library Guild Selection
Michael L. Printz Honor Book (ALA)
National Book Award Finalist
New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
New York Times Bestseller List
SCBWI Golden Kite Award
YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults
State Awards:
Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award runner-up
California Young Reader Medal nominee
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee (Maryland)
Garden State Teen Book Award (New Jersey)
Iowa Teen Book Award nominee
Heartland Award (Kansas)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award
Maud Hart Lovelace Youth Reading Award nominee (Minnesota)
Teen Three Apples Award nominee (New York)
2005 New York Reads Together Book
Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania)
Pennsyvania Young Readers Choice Young Adult List
Rhode Island Teen Book Award nominee
South Carolina Young Adult Book Award
Volunteer State Young Adult Book Award (Tennessee)
Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas)
Evergreen Young Adult Book Award (Washington)
Sequoya Book Award (Oklahoma)
Young Reader’s Award Nominee (Nevada)
Bookseller and Media Recognition:
Booklist Editors’ Choice
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Book
Fanfare, The Horn Book’s Honor List
Los Angeles Times Award finalist
Publishers Weekly Bestseller
Booklist Top 10 First Novels (1999)
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year (1999)
Laurie Halse Anderson Website: Mad Woman In the Forest
Other Books by the Author: Catalyst (2002); Chains (2008); Fever 1793 (2000); Prom (2005); Twisted (2007); Wintergirls (2009)
Interest Level: Ages 13 to Adult
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Rape, Bullying, High School, Teen Girls, Emotional Problems, Friendship, Banned Books
Plot: The book follows Melinda's freshman year at high school following her being raped at a summer party. Everyone is mad at her for calling the cops and getting people arrested for drinking. Nobody knows what really happened because Melinda got scared and ran away rather then talk to the cops or anyone else. During her freshman year, Melinda has almost stopped speaking altogether, no longer cares about her looks or hygeinie, and is failing most of her classes. As she struggles with surviving everyday life, Melinda learns that her ex-best friend is dating the boy who raped her. Melinda's concern for her friend's safety starts to overwhelm her but will she find the courage to break her silence?
Personal Thoughts: A gritty emotional rollercoaster ride. Melinda could be any girl from anywhere. The inner dialouge that moves the story is wonderfully constructed and helps to highlight the inner turmoil that Melinda struggles with in the course of everyday things. This book describes a deeply troubled girl, unfortunately misunderstood and overlooked. This is a story about a young girl trying to cope with an extremely traumatic event all on her own. This is a story about the importance of speaking up for justice. They made the book into a movie in 2004 starring Kristen Stewart (Twilight star). Check out the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) for more details.
Personally I'm not a fan of realistic fiction, but I found this book impossible to put down once I started reading. A Must Read for any female, teenager or adult. I would suggest parents reading it before handing this book to their teen though. A lot of hard issues are brought up during the reading that you may want to have discussions about. Issues like safety, rape, alcohol at parties, asking for help, expressing yourself, academic, social, and emotional problems and coping skills.
National Awards:
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Top-10 Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults
Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist
IRA Young Adult Choice
Junior Library Guild Selection
Michael L. Printz Honor Book (ALA)
National Book Award Finalist
New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
New York Times Bestseller List
SCBWI Golden Kite Award
YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults
State Awards:
Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award runner-up
California Young Reader Medal nominee
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee (Maryland)
Garden State Teen Book Award (New Jersey)
Iowa Teen Book Award nominee
Heartland Award (Kansas)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award
Maud Hart Lovelace Youth Reading Award nominee (Minnesota)
Teen Three Apples Award nominee (New York)
2005 New York Reads Together Book
Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania)
Pennsyvania Young Readers Choice Young Adult List
Rhode Island Teen Book Award nominee
South Carolina Young Adult Book Award
Volunteer State Young Adult Book Award (Tennessee)
Tayshas High School Reading List (Texas)
Evergreen Young Adult Book Award (Washington)
Sequoya Book Award (Oklahoma)
Young Reader’s Award Nominee (Nevada)
Bookseller and Media Recognition:
Booklist Editors’ Choice
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Blue Ribbon Book
Fanfare, The Horn Book’s Honor List
Los Angeles Times Award finalist
Publishers Weekly Bestseller
Booklist Top 10 First Novels (1999)
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year (1999)
Laurie Halse Anderson Website: Mad Woman In the Forest
Other Books by the Author: Catalyst (2002); Chains (2008); Fever 1793 (2000); Prom (2005); Twisted (2007); Wintergirls (2009)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Aliens Ate My Homework (Book)
Coville, B. (1993). Aliens ate my homework. New York, NY: Pocket Books.
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 12
Genre: Science Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Aliens, Criminals, Bullying, Lying/Honesty
Plot: Rod Allbright has enough trouble keeping his 3 year old twin siblings occupied and dodging bullies. Now an alien spaceship has landed in his room right smack in the midldle of his science project unloading 5 aliens on a mission to locate and capture an inter-galatic criminal named BKR. Unfortunately the alien's ship got damaged during landing and both it and the aliens are stuck being the size of small toys. Rod has been recruited to help and has sworn to keep the alien's presence a secret at all costs, but there's one other problem, Rod's incapable of lying. Good thing everyone thinks Rod's joking when he says that aliens ate his homework, everyone except the alien criminal their after that is.
Personal Thoughts: A nice introductory science fiction book about aliens. The book's main character, Rod, is a typically nice and well-behaved eleven year old boy. He plays with his siblings, doesn't lie, and tries to follow the rules. But Rod has a big problem with bullies. It doesn't help that one of the bullies is also an inter-galatic criminal. We learn that Rod's dad left, leaving Rod's mother struggling to support them. Rod's mother isn't a very strong character in this book. At one point she suggests that Rod give the bullies what they want in order to keep the peace. She quickly takes back what she said but her reaction might be why bullying has gotten so out of control. The aliens are extremely varied in forms, strengths and weaknesses. They each offer Rod a different view on his life and the world in general. The book contains a nice balance of action and humor that tween readers will enjoy.
Series Info: Book One of the Rod Allbright Alien Series
Sequel: I Left My Sneakers in Dimension X (1994)
Author Website: Bruce Coville Website
Awards:
Grand Canyon Intermediate Level Reader Award [Arizona] (1996)
Other Books by the Author: Moongobble and Me Series; Sixth Grade Alien Series; Magic Shop Series; My Teacher is an Alien Series; Unicorn Chronicles Series;
Note: To view the booktalk for Aliens Ate My Homework, where I read an excerpt from chapter 1, visit my website Medina's Must Reads.
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 12
Genre: Science Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Aliens, Criminals, Bullying, Lying/Honesty
Plot: Rod Allbright has enough trouble keeping his 3 year old twin siblings occupied and dodging bullies. Now an alien spaceship has landed in his room right smack in the midldle of his science project unloading 5 aliens on a mission to locate and capture an inter-galatic criminal named BKR. Unfortunately the alien's ship got damaged during landing and both it and the aliens are stuck being the size of small toys. Rod has been recruited to help and has sworn to keep the alien's presence a secret at all costs, but there's one other problem, Rod's incapable of lying. Good thing everyone thinks Rod's joking when he says that aliens ate his homework, everyone except the alien criminal their after that is.
Personal Thoughts: A nice introductory science fiction book about aliens. The book's main character, Rod, is a typically nice and well-behaved eleven year old boy. He plays with his siblings, doesn't lie, and tries to follow the rules. But Rod has a big problem with bullies. It doesn't help that one of the bullies is also an inter-galatic criminal. We learn that Rod's dad left, leaving Rod's mother struggling to support them. Rod's mother isn't a very strong character in this book. At one point she suggests that Rod give the bullies what they want in order to keep the peace. She quickly takes back what she said but her reaction might be why bullying has gotten so out of control. The aliens are extremely varied in forms, strengths and weaknesses. They each offer Rod a different view on his life and the world in general. The book contains a nice balance of action and humor that tween readers will enjoy.
Series Info: Book One of the Rod Allbright Alien Series
Sequel: I Left My Sneakers in Dimension X (1994)
Author Website: Bruce Coville Website
Awards:
Grand Canyon Intermediate Level Reader Award [Arizona] (1996)
Other Books by the Author: Moongobble and Me Series; Sixth Grade Alien Series; Magic Shop Series; My Teacher is an Alien Series; Unicorn Chronicles Series;
Note: To view the booktalk for Aliens Ate My Homework, where I read an excerpt from chapter 1, visit my website Medina's Must Reads.
New Moon Girls (Magazine)
New moon girls. (2010, September/October). Long Prarie, MN: New Moon Girls Media.
Interest Level: Ages 10 to 16
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Magazine, Female Roles, Children's & Youth's Writings
Content: New Moon Girls is published on a bi-monthly basis. The magazine's goal is to provide a safe, respectful, innovative, and advertising-free space both in print and online for young tween girls. The magazine contains topics, artwork, poetry, and advice columns all created by or for tweens girls. The magazine's online website prides itself for its high level of safety in its chat rooms and emails. A subscription of $44.95 per year provides 6 printed magazine issues and full online access to the site's chat rooms, contests, and other features.
Personal Thoughts: This is a really really good magazine for young tween girls. Every article in the magazine is focused on issues girl tweens are facing or may have questions about. I really like that they have real girl tweens answering some of the questions and giving their viewpoints. I think that type of interaction between tweens is what they are most comfortable with and that they can understand how the other is feeling quite well. Some of the content/discussions in the September/October issue I was reviewing talks about: friendship problems, self-esteem, popularity, ideas about wearing makeup, animals in zoos, and having to move. This magazine is a Must Read for anyone with a tween girl in the family.
Awards:
Parents' Choice Foundation Gold Award (2008)
Minnesota Magazine Publication Association: Gold Excellence Award (2008)
Parents' Choice Foundation Silver Award (2007)
Association of Educational Publishers Golden Lamp Award (2006)
Images and Voices of Hope World Summit Award of Appreciation (2006)
iParenting Media Award Winner (2005)
Company Website: New Moon Girls Website
Interest Level: Ages 10 to 16
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Magazine, Female Roles, Children's & Youth's Writings
Content: New Moon Girls is published on a bi-monthly basis. The magazine's goal is to provide a safe, respectful, innovative, and advertising-free space both in print and online for young tween girls. The magazine contains topics, artwork, poetry, and advice columns all created by or for tweens girls. The magazine's online website prides itself for its high level of safety in its chat rooms and emails. A subscription of $44.95 per year provides 6 printed magazine issues and full online access to the site's chat rooms, contests, and other features.
Personal Thoughts: This is a really really good magazine for young tween girls. Every article in the magazine is focused on issues girl tweens are facing or may have questions about. I really like that they have real girl tweens answering some of the questions and giving their viewpoints. I think that type of interaction between tweens is what they are most comfortable with and that they can understand how the other is feeling quite well. Some of the content/discussions in the September/October issue I was reviewing talks about: friendship problems, self-esteem, popularity, ideas about wearing makeup, animals in zoos, and having to move. This magazine is a Must Read for anyone with a tween girl in the family.
Awards:
Parents' Choice Foundation Gold Award (2008)
Minnesota Magazine Publication Association: Gold Excellence Award (2008)
Parents' Choice Foundation Silver Award (2007)
Association of Educational Publishers Golden Lamp Award (2006)
Images and Voices of Hope World Summit Award of Appreciation (2006)
iParenting Media Award Winner (2005)
Company Website: New Moon Girls Website
Monday, October 18, 2010
Killer Creatures (Book)
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 12
Genre: Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Predators, Feeding Habits of Animals
Summary: Learn about the different hunting habits of killer creatures found around the world. Learn about the hunting packs of wolves to the solitary scorpion. Learn about the dangerous animals found in the air and in the water. Animals use teeth, claws, speed, stealth, poisons, and brute strength to capture their prey.
Personal Thoughts: Tons of detailed information can be found in each two page spread. The information is divided into small blurbs or paragraphs scattered across the pages and linked to particular photos. This makes for easy quick reading of what would otherwise be difficult and scientifically dry information. A small book fact is included on the bottom of the spread and a website suggestion for further exploring on the right hand side. The pictures are a mix of digitally created cross sections and high quality photos. This title is definitely not for the squeamish as a lot of the photos show close ups of the animals eating with muzzles covered in blood. A great book suggestion for tweens with an interest in deadly animals.
Series Info: The "Navigators" series by Kingfisher is a series of informational non-fiction books that contain high quality photos and graphics.
Other books in the series include: Stars & Planets by Goldsmith; Human Body by Smith; Knights & Castles by Steele;
Other books in the series include: Stars & Planets by Goldsmith; Human Body by Smith; Knights & Castles by Steele;
Book's Website: http://us.macmillan.com/navigatorskillercreatures
Similar materials: Dangerous Creatures (2003) by Angela Wilkes (Kingfisher)
Friday, October 15, 2010
Complete Origami (Book)
Mitchelle, D. (2009). Complete origami: Easy techniques, 25 great projects. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books.
Interest Level: Ages 9 & Up
Genre: Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Origami, Crafts
Summary: This book contains a collection of step-by-step instructions for 25 different origami projects. The instructions are each full of color illustrations and pictures of finished projects. Each project is labeled in difficulty from beginner to intermediate to advanced. An introduction to the books contents as well as a brief overview of the history of origami is included at the beginning of the book. A column on the left hand side provides tips, history, and relevant information about origami or the tecniques being illustrated. Each project starts with a small overview of the model's history, development, and its relation to helping the artist train for future projects.
My Top 5 Favorite Projects: Tsuru (p. 50); Clingons (p. 56); Fish Bowl (p. 72); Tato (p. 82); Dresden Bowl (p. 122);
Other Books by the Author: Origami Chicken and Other Animals (2005); Paper Airplanes: How to make and how to fly them (2006); Sticky Note Origami: 25 designs to make at your desk (2005)
Author's Website: Origami Heaven by David Mitchell
Interest Level: Ages 9 & Up
Genre: Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Origami, Crafts
Summary: This book contains a collection of step-by-step instructions for 25 different origami projects. The instructions are each full of color illustrations and pictures of finished projects. Each project is labeled in difficulty from beginner to intermediate to advanced. An introduction to the books contents as well as a brief overview of the history of origami is included at the beginning of the book. A column on the left hand side provides tips, history, and relevant information about origami or the tecniques being illustrated. Each project starts with a small overview of the model's history, development, and its relation to helping the artist train for future projects.
My Top 5 Favorite Projects: Tsuru (p. 50); Clingons (p. 56); Fish Bowl (p. 72); Tato (p. 82); Dresden Bowl (p. 122);
Other Books by the Author: Origami Chicken and Other Animals (2005); Paper Airplanes: How to make and how to fly them (2006); Sticky Note Origami: 25 designs to make at your desk (2005)
Author's Website: Origami Heaven by David Mitchell
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Hop! (Board Book)
Root, P. (2005). Hop! Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
Interest Level: Ages 3 & under
Genre: Board Book
Subjects/Themes: Bunnies, Animals, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: Five little bunnies play in a meadow. When they hear a strange noise they run to their hole to hide. Afterwards they come back out to play and find some clover which they eat for lunch.
Personal Thoughts: The five little bunnies are sweetly illustrated using a mixture of watercolors and collage techniques. The rhymes, "Bunnies scratch and bunnies scritch. Whiskers wiggle, noses twitch.", are short but have a nice sing-song tune. A good introduction to some common bunny activities such as running, playing, twitching, hiding, and eating clovers.
Author Bio and Bibliography
Interest Level: Ages 3 & under
Genre: Board Book
Subjects/Themes: Bunnies, Animals, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: Five little bunnies play in a meadow. When they hear a strange noise they run to their hole to hide. Afterwards they come back out to play and find some clover which they eat for lunch.
Personal Thoughts: The five little bunnies are sweetly illustrated using a mixture of watercolors and collage techniques. The rhymes, "Bunnies scratch and bunnies scritch. Whiskers wiggle, noses twitch.", are short but have a nice sing-song tune. A good introduction to some common bunny activities such as running, playing, twitching, hiding, and eating clovers.
Author Bio and Bibliography
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Camp Babymouse (Graphic Novel)
Holm, J., & Holm, M. (2007). Camp Babymouse. New York, NY: Random House.
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 12
Genre: Graphic Novel
Subjects/Themes: Camping, Animals, Mice, Comics, Humor
Plot: Babymouse is off to Camp Wild Whiskers for two weeks. She starts off enthusiastic and ready to take on all the challenges of camp. Little by little though Babymouse finds out that she's not as good as she imagined she'd be at the different camping activities. But Babymouse doesn't give up and ends up helping her cabin win the camp scavenger hunt.
Personal Thoughts: The inner monologue of Babymouse is simply hilarious. The storyline is something that a tween who's been to camp (or who has imagined going to camp) can relate to. The black and white illustrations with bright splashes of pink depict the scenes wonderfully. I particularly love the scenes depicting Babymouse climbing to the top bunk while imagining she's Babykong or imagining herself as a pirate while canoeing. Definitely a great graphic novel choice for tweens. Don't let the pink let you think that only girls will like this book, boys will enjoy the humor as well.
Book's Website: http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/babymouse/homepage.htm
Similar materials: Babysitter's Club Graphic Novels by Ann Martin; Pokemon Graphic Novels by Yumi Tsukirini; Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper;
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 12
Genre: Graphic Novel
Subjects/Themes: Camping, Animals, Mice, Comics, Humor
Plot: Babymouse is off to Camp Wild Whiskers for two weeks. She starts off enthusiastic and ready to take on all the challenges of camp. Little by little though Babymouse finds out that she's not as good as she imagined she'd be at the different camping activities. But Babymouse doesn't give up and ends up helping her cabin win the camp scavenger hunt.
Personal Thoughts: The inner monologue of Babymouse is simply hilarious. The storyline is something that a tween who's been to camp (or who has imagined going to camp) can relate to. The black and white illustrations with bright splashes of pink depict the scenes wonderfully. I particularly love the scenes depicting Babymouse climbing to the top bunk while imagining she's Babykong or imagining herself as a pirate while canoeing. Definitely a great graphic novel choice for tweens. Don't let the pink let you think that only girls will like this book, boys will enjoy the humor as well.
Series Info: Book Six of the Babymouse Books.
Prequel: Babymouse: Heartbreaker (2006)
Sequel: Babymouse: Skater Girl (2007)
Sequel: Babymouse: Skater Girl (2007)
Book's Website: http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/babymouse/homepage.htm
Similar materials: Babysitter's Club Graphic Novels by Ann Martin; Pokemon Graphic Novels by Yumi Tsukirini; Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper;
Five Little Monkeys Sitting In A Tree (Book)
Christelow, E. (1991). Five little monkeys sitting in a tree. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Monkeys, Crocodiles, Teasing, Disappearing/Reappearing, Counting, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: Five little monkeys go on a picnic with the mama down by the river. All five monkeys climb a tree over the river and start teasing Mr. Crocodile. One by one, as Mr. Crocodile starts snapping at them, the little monkeys go missing. Mama monkey finds all five little monkeys hiding and tells them not to tease Mr. Crocodile again.
Personal Thoughts: A cute little rendition of the "five little monkeys" finger play. As you may have guessed, the book counts down from 5 to none and back again form 1 to 5. Children will love joining in to repeat the monkeys' "Can't catch me!" and the crocodile's "Snap!". As each monkey disappears, the children will be able to find them hiding in the tree which turns a scary concept into a cute game of hide and seek. While this story is labeled as a "Rhyming Story" only the counting part rhymes, the beginning and end pages of the story don't. The story also has a nice message of listening to your mom and not teasing others. The illustrations, done in ink pen and watercolor crayon, are soft and express the energetic movements of the monkeys wonderfully.
Some Other Books in the "Five Little Monkeys" Series: Go Shopping (2007); Play Hide-and-Seek (2004); Jumping on the Bed (1989); Bake a Birthday Cake (1993)
Author Website: http://www.christelow.com/index.html
Other Books by the Author: Letters From a Desparate Dog (2006); VOTE! (2003) - Booklist Starred Review; Where's the Big Bad Wolf? (2002)
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Monkeys, Crocodiles, Teasing, Disappearing/Reappearing, Counting, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: Five little monkeys go on a picnic with the mama down by the river. All five monkeys climb a tree over the river and start teasing Mr. Crocodile. One by one, as Mr. Crocodile starts snapping at them, the little monkeys go missing. Mama monkey finds all five little monkeys hiding and tells them not to tease Mr. Crocodile again.
Personal Thoughts: A cute little rendition of the "five little monkeys" finger play. As you may have guessed, the book counts down from 5 to none and back again form 1 to 5. Children will love joining in to repeat the monkeys' "Can't catch me!" and the crocodile's "Snap!". As each monkey disappears, the children will be able to find them hiding in the tree which turns a scary concept into a cute game of hide and seek. While this story is labeled as a "Rhyming Story" only the counting part rhymes, the beginning and end pages of the story don't. The story also has a nice message of listening to your mom and not teasing others. The illustrations, done in ink pen and watercolor crayon, are soft and express the energetic movements of the monkeys wonderfully.
Some Other Books in the "Five Little Monkeys" Series: Go Shopping (2007); Play Hide-and-Seek (2004); Jumping on the Bed (1989); Bake a Birthday Cake (1993)
Author Website: http://www.christelow.com/index.html
Other Books by the Author: Letters From a Desparate Dog (2006); VOTE! (2003) - Booklist Starred Review; Where's the Big Bad Wolf? (2002)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Bone Soup (Book)
Evans, C. (2008). Bone Soup. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.
Interest Level: Ages 8 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Halloween, Monsters, Sharing, Food
Plot: Everyone knows that Finnigin has a very large appetite. So large in fact that all the other monsters hide their favorite foods whenever he comes to town. Finnigin goes from house to house looking for food for the Halloween feast but every house claims to have no food. Finnigin fills a cauldron with boiling water, adds a bone, and begins singing about his wonderful bone soup. One by one the townscreatures add their hidden food to the soup to help make it better. All the monsters end up sharing the wonderful bone soup and having a Halloween feast.
Personal Thoughts: A cute Halloween themed rendition of the "Stone Soup" tale about food and the importance of sharing. Children will love the different monster foods such as eyeballs, batwings, and frog legs. The little werewolf (pretty much tattling) tells Finnigin about all the yummy food the other monsters have hidden away, forcing them to do the right thing and share. Its also very obvious that Finnigin is tricking all the other monsters into sharing their food in order to have a feast, but his trick is a kind one as everyone ends up sharing. The illustrations are a mixture of the dark colors of fall and night-time mixed with glowing lights and eerie greens. This story is probably best for one on one reading with a parent as there is quite a bit of text. Some clever editing to shorten the story and keep the plot would be suggested if you wanted to include it in a storytime.
Author Website: http://www.cambriaevans.com/
Other Books by the Author: Martha Moth makes socks (2006)
Interest Level: Ages 8 & under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Halloween, Monsters, Sharing, Food
Plot: Everyone knows that Finnigin has a very large appetite. So large in fact that all the other monsters hide their favorite foods whenever he comes to town. Finnigin goes from house to house looking for food for the Halloween feast but every house claims to have no food. Finnigin fills a cauldron with boiling water, adds a bone, and begins singing about his wonderful bone soup. One by one the townscreatures add their hidden food to the soup to help make it better. All the monsters end up sharing the wonderful bone soup and having a Halloween feast.
Personal Thoughts: A cute Halloween themed rendition of the "Stone Soup" tale about food and the importance of sharing. Children will love the different monster foods such as eyeballs, batwings, and frog legs. The little werewolf (pretty much tattling) tells Finnigin about all the yummy food the other monsters have hidden away, forcing them to do the right thing and share. Its also very obvious that Finnigin is tricking all the other monsters into sharing their food in order to have a feast, but his trick is a kind one as everyone ends up sharing. The illustrations are a mixture of the dark colors of fall and night-time mixed with glowing lights and eerie greens. This story is probably best for one on one reading with a parent as there is quite a bit of text. Some clever editing to shorten the story and keep the plot would be suggested if you wanted to include it in a storytime.
Author Website: http://www.cambriaevans.com/
Other Books by the Author: Martha Moth makes socks (2006)
The Future of Reading
Overview and reflection of the article, The Future of Reading
Published in School Library Journal on January 1, 2010.
Published in School Library Journal on January 1, 2010.
Author John Green writes about how the future of books and reading is in the hand of children’s and young adult librarians. “How librarians choose to build [their] collections, whom [they] buy from, and how [they] discover the works [they] want to share with [their] patrons will shape what Americans—whether or not they ever visit libraries—will read and how they will read it.” Green calls children’s librarians gatekeepers because they collect books and strive to offer the best books. We have the power to support the status quo (established publishers) or embrace radical change (support more self publishers). Either way Green argues, how librarians choose the books or ebooks we offer our patrons and the types of reading we support will dictate how reading will develop. I feel that this article is a call to take up the challenge of sorting through the different forms of digital reading, just as we have for the printed form. The challenge is a daunting one as the realm of digital books is just being developed and even now in its infant form it is so vast.
The author offers an example of how reading might change with technology through his experimental online novella, This Is Not Tom (TINT), where the reader must solve riddles in order to access the different chapters. While the author admits that his novella is not the best example of the future of reading, as the riddles are extremely difficult and the story sucks (his words not mine), he using it more as an example that how we read is always changing. The author does not seem to think this type of reading will catch on anytime soon due to his own failure. Whereas an article by Tom Peters in the Library School Journal supports the idea that those very interactive genres, such as books via cell phone texting, are becoming highly popular.
Both Peters and Green feel that reading is in no danger of becoming obsolete. Instead they both feel that it will flourish in this digital age. While some might argue that the large amount of videos online will replace text, both authors feel that text both supports and is supported by video. I agree with them that reading is in no danger, but libraries do need to evolve with the changes occurring in how people read. Peters particularly believes that libraries need to be advocates and provide clear organized information as new forms of reading are developed. I think that libraries have already begun to take this step through the adoption of e-readers and downloadable books. In understanding the different ways that reading is evolving, librarians will understand how they themselves need to evolve in order to meet their patrons, the ever growing mass of readers, needs and wants. It is my hope that I am able to rise to such a challenge and keep my knowledge up to date.
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