Smith, L. J. (1996). Daughters of darkness. New York, NY: Archway Paperbacks. ISBN: 0-671-55134-5
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 14
Genre: Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural beings, Vampires,
Plot: The Night World is a secret society of witches, vampires, and werewolves that has existed since ancient times. Humans who find out about the Night World are killed or used as food for vampires and werewolves. This is because humans greatly outnumber Night World citizens, though this was not always true. Night World citizens can torture or kill a human, but they are forbidden to fall in love with one. But lately there's been whispers in the Night World that soul mates are being found. The soul mate principle means that for every person there is one other person fated to be their perfect match. The soul mate connection is stronger then any known magic. But even more interesting is the rumors that those finding their soul mates are finding them in regular human beings.
In Daughters of Darkness, three vampire sisters have runaway from home, a vampire controlled island stuck with old fashioned values where men are in charge of everything. They runaway to the country where they find their aunt has been murdered. Their brother, Ash, shows up and is trying to convince the girls that they need to return home. In the process, Ash finds his soul mate in Mary-Lynnette, a human girl living next door to the Ash's sisters. Torn between Night World rules and his love for his sisters and Mary-Lynnette, Ash tries to figure out what to do next.
Personal Thoughts: This was one of my favorite series in junior high. I wasn't that big of a fan of the Vampire Diaries but I was glad that it got turned into a TV show since that meant that the rest of L.J. Smith's books were likely to get more attention and get republished. Each book was a great tween romance that stressed testing true love and your personal principles. Each of the characters were high school students that are also dealing with very realistic problems as well as magical ones.
In this the second book of the Night World series, Ash is a party boy who has used girls for fun and money. His soul mate, Mary-Lynnette, is a quiet thoughtful individual who doesn't trust good looks because it usually means a shallow mind. The best part of this book is that it shows that the soul mate principle can sometimes be painful when two individuals don't mesh perfectly instantly. Ash is the perfect bad boy who starts redeeming himself in order to win the respect of the girl he loves. Cliche it might be, but its sure to delight tween girls.
When compared to Twilight, the stories are shorter but the female characters are stronger. Also the material is pretty PG with nothing outside of simple kissing in these stories; though by all reports the last book, Strange Fate, (which has been in the works for years now) does get more intense with the Apocalypse which results in vampires taking over and humans as slaves. But I'll report back on that once its published. Definitely a Must Read for young vampire fans!
Series Info: Book Two of the Night World series
Sequel: Spellbinder
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for the Night World series first three books.
Author's Website: L.J. Smith Offical Website
Showing posts with label Ages 9 to 11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ages 9 to 11. Show all posts
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Secret Vampire (Book)
Smith, L. J. (1996). Secret vampire. New York, NY: Archway Paperbacks. ISBN: 978-0-671-55133-9
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 14
Genre: Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural beings, Vampires,
Plot: The Night World is a secret society of witches, vampires, and werewolves that has existed since ancient times. Humans who find out about the Night World are killed or used as food for vampires and werewolves. This is because humans greatly outnumber Night World citizens, though this was not always true. Night World citizens can torture or kill a human, but they are forbidden to fall in love with one. But lately there's been whispers in the Night World that soul mates are being found. The soul mate principle means that for every person there is one other person fated to be their perfect match. The soul mate connection is stronger then any known magic. But even more interesting is the rumors that those finding their soul mates are finding them in regular human beings.
In Secret Vampire, the vampire James has found his soul mate in a human girl named Poppy. Growing up together as best friends, James has quietly waited until they were old enough to become more then friends. But Poppy has been diagnosed with an incurable disease and time is running out. James breaks the rules, telling Poppy about the Night World, and gives her a choice - die young or become a vampire.
Personal Thoughts: This was one of my favorite series in junior high. I wasn't that big of a fan of the Vampire Diaries but I was glad that it got turned into a TV show since that meant that the rest of L.J. Smith's books were likely to get more attention and get republished. Each book was a great tween romance that stressed testing true love and your personal principles. Each of the characters were high school students that are also dealing with very realistic problems as well as magical ones.
The first book tackles the question about death and illness. Poppy is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The question of would you choose to live forever? Poppy, unlike Twilight's Bella, understands the gravity of her choice and isn't rushing into it blindly. James on the other hand is desparate to save her. They break Night World laws by turning Poppy into a vampire and that could mean her destruction. They have an even bigger possiblity of getting caught when Ash, James' cousin, finds out about what they have done.
When compared to Twilight, the stories are shorter but the female characters are stronger. Also the material is pretty PG with nothing outside of simple kissing in these stories; though by all reports the last book, Strange Fate, (which has been in the works for years now) does get more intense with the Apocalypse which results in vampires taking over and humans as slaves. But I'll report back on that once its published. Definitely a Must Read for young vampire fans!
Series Info: Book One of the Night World series
Sequel: Daughters of Darkness
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for the Night World series first three books.
Author's Website: L.J. Smith Offical Website
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 14
Genre: Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural beings, Vampires,
Plot: The Night World is a secret society of witches, vampires, and werewolves that has existed since ancient times. Humans who find out about the Night World are killed or used as food for vampires and werewolves. This is because humans greatly outnumber Night World citizens, though this was not always true. Night World citizens can torture or kill a human, but they are forbidden to fall in love with one. But lately there's been whispers in the Night World that soul mates are being found. The soul mate principle means that for every person there is one other person fated to be their perfect match. The soul mate connection is stronger then any known magic. But even more interesting is the rumors that those finding their soul mates are finding them in regular human beings.
In Secret Vampire, the vampire James has found his soul mate in a human girl named Poppy. Growing up together as best friends, James has quietly waited until they were old enough to become more then friends. But Poppy has been diagnosed with an incurable disease and time is running out. James breaks the rules, telling Poppy about the Night World, and gives her a choice - die young or become a vampire.
Personal Thoughts: This was one of my favorite series in junior high. I wasn't that big of a fan of the Vampire Diaries but I was glad that it got turned into a TV show since that meant that the rest of L.J. Smith's books were likely to get more attention and get republished. Each book was a great tween romance that stressed testing true love and your personal principles. Each of the characters were high school students that are also dealing with very realistic problems as well as magical ones.
The first book tackles the question about death and illness. Poppy is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The question of would you choose to live forever? Poppy, unlike Twilight's Bella, understands the gravity of her choice and isn't rushing into it blindly. James on the other hand is desparate to save her. They break Night World laws by turning Poppy into a vampire and that could mean her destruction. They have an even bigger possiblity of getting caught when Ash, James' cousin, finds out about what they have done.
When compared to Twilight, the stories are shorter but the female characters are stronger. Also the material is pretty PG with nothing outside of simple kissing in these stories; though by all reports the last book, Strange Fate, (which has been in the works for years now) does get more intense with the Apocalypse which results in vampires taking over and humans as slaves. But I'll report back on that once its published. Definitely a Must Read for young vampire fans!
Series Info: Book One of the Night World series
Sequel: Daughters of Darkness
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for the Night World series first three books.
Author's Website: L.J. Smith Offical Website
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Angel Experiment (Book)
Patterson, J. (2005). Maximum ride: The angel experiment. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN: 978-0-316-06795-9
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 16
Genre: Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Action/Adventure, Genetic Experimentation, Teens living on their own,
Plot: Meet Max. A 14 year old human-avian genetic experiment. Max doesn't go to school or have any parents. She lives in a house in the mountains with five other human-avian hybrid kids. The group escaped four years ago from the lab that created them. The lab, nicknamed the School, would subject the children to all sorts of physical and mental tests to see how far they could go. The School didn't care if the sometimes the tests went to far and the kids were harmed or even killed. One day, Max and the group are ambushed by Erasers, wolf-human hybrid experiments that work for the School. They kidnap Angel, the youngest member of the flock. Max and two other members of the flock go to the School to rescue Angel before its too late. At the School they learn more about how they were created, about who their parents are, and about why the School created them in the first place -- to save the world.
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for The Angel Experiment
Awards/Recognition:
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2006)
Book's Website: Maximum Ride Website
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 16
Genre: Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Action/Adventure, Genetic Experimentation, Teens living on their own,
Plot: Meet Max. A 14 year old human-avian genetic experiment. Max doesn't go to school or have any parents. She lives in a house in the mountains with five other human-avian hybrid kids. The group escaped four years ago from the lab that created them. The lab, nicknamed the School, would subject the children to all sorts of physical and mental tests to see how far they could go. The School didn't care if the sometimes the tests went to far and the kids were harmed or even killed. One day, Max and the group are ambushed by Erasers, wolf-human hybrid experiments that work for the School. They kidnap Angel, the youngest member of the flock. Max and two other members of the flock go to the School to rescue Angel before its too late. At the School they learn more about how they were created, about who their parents are, and about why the School created them in the first place -- to save the world.
Personal Thoughts: James Patterson, a well established adult mystery writer, has now tried his hand at a young adult novel. And the result is wonderful. The story is filled with action. If the children aren't seeking out a fight then one comes looking for them. Max's inner dialog as well as the rest of the flock's dialog is the same you would hear from a real teenager, wings or not. Each of the kids, ages ranging from 6 to 14, has their own unique personality and powers. There is more then one or two plot lines going on which will have readers guessing about what will happen next. A Must Read!
Series Info: Book One of the The Fugitive series
Sequel: Maximum Ride: School's Out -- Forever (2006)Series Info: Book One of the The Fugitive series
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for The Angel Experiment
Awards/Recognition:
YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2006)
Book's Website: Maximum Ride Website
Saturday, December 4, 2010
39 Clues (Book)
Riordan, R. (2008). The maze of bones. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-545-06039-4
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 14
Genre: Mystery
Subjects/Themes: Action/Adventure, Mystery, Orphans, Code Breaking, Family Secrets, Travel,
Plot: Grace Cahill, matriarch of the Cahill family, has just passed away leaving behind millions of dollars to her relatives. From all over the world, the many branches of the Cahill family have gathered for Grace’s funeral and for the reading of her will. Dan and Amy Cahill aren't worried about who's getting their grandmother's money; they know she'll have left them something, however small. They were her favorites and had spent every weekend of the last seven years since their parent’s deaths at her estate. More importantly, Dan and Amy wonder what will happen to them now that the only relative in the world who has cared about them since their parent’s death is gone. As relatives gather to hear Grace's will, each person is given five minutes to make a choice - 1 million dollars or the first of 39 clues which will lead to a secret that would make them the most powerful and influential person on the planet.
Note: The books in this series have been written by a variety of different authors (Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Lerangis, Jude Watson, Patrick Carman, Linda Sue Park and Margaret Peterson Haddix.)
Series Info: Book One of the 39 Clues series
Sequel: One False Note (2008)
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for Maze of Bones.
Awards/Recognition:
New York Times Bestsellers List
USA Today Bestsellers List
Publishers Weekly Bestsellers List
Wall Street Journal Bestsellers List
Book's Website: Scholastic's 39 Clues Website
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 14
Genre: Mystery
Subjects/Themes: Action/Adventure, Mystery, Orphans, Code Breaking, Family Secrets, Travel,
Plot: Grace Cahill, matriarch of the Cahill family, has just passed away leaving behind millions of dollars to her relatives. From all over the world, the many branches of the Cahill family have gathered for Grace’s funeral and for the reading of her will. Dan and Amy Cahill aren't worried about who's getting their grandmother's money; they know she'll have left them something, however small. They were her favorites and had spent every weekend of the last seven years since their parent’s deaths at her estate. More importantly, Dan and Amy wonder what will happen to them now that the only relative in the world who has cared about them since their parent’s death is gone. As relatives gather to hear Grace's will, each person is given five minutes to make a choice - 1 million dollars or the first of 39 clues which will lead to a secret that would make them the most powerful and influential person on the planet.
Brother and sister, Dan and Amy Cahill, have decided to take the clue despite their lack of resources and the risks involved. Orphaned, poor, and now disowned by their Aunt Beatrice for not taking the money, the children start on their quest to find the other clues before anyone else does. Grace’s lawyer informed those who had chosen the clues that there would be many different ways to finding the answers and the next clues. Dan and Amy's path starts in a secret section of their grandmother's library. Unfortunately, the library and the rest of the house is set on fire with them still inside. Narrowly escaping, they gather what little supplies they have and convince Nellie, their au pair (full time baby-sitter), to travel with them in their search. Following the clues, they learn of their family relationship with Benjamin Franklin, dodge bombs, travel to Paris
Personal Thoughts: I loved this book. There is a lot of action and intrigue (bombs are getting set off, booby traps, and double/triple crossings). The text is easy to read and filled with different historical information without the feeling of being weighed down. In this book, the children are following clues linked to Benjamin Franklin's life and inventions which readers will learn random facts about. The children are orphans and the rest of their family branches were fighting with one another even before Grace's funeral. There are five other teams, out for blood, that the children are racing against. All the other teams seem to think that the children have a better chance, being Grace's favorites, to find the clues and are trying to permanently take them out of the competition. A great book for boys or girls who like a fast paced action read mixed with mystery. Kind of like The Da Vinci Code for kids. This is definitely a Must Read!
Personal Thoughts: I loved this book. There is a lot of action and intrigue (bombs are getting set off, booby traps, and double/triple crossings). The text is easy to read and filled with different historical information without the feeling of being weighed down. In this book, the children are following clues linked to Benjamin Franklin's life and inventions which readers will learn random facts about. The children are orphans and the rest of their family branches were fighting with one another even before Grace's funeral. There are five other teams, out for blood, that the children are racing against. All the other teams seem to think that the children have a better chance, being Grace's favorites, to find the clues and are trying to permanently take them out of the competition. A great book for boys or girls who like a fast paced action read mixed with mystery. Kind of like The Da Vinci Code for kids. This is definitely a Must Read!
Note: The books in this series have been written by a variety of different authors (Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman, Peter Lerangis, Jude Watson, Patrick Carman, Linda Sue Park and Margaret Peterson Haddix.)
Series Info: Book One of the 39 Clues series
Sequel: One False Note (2008)
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for Maze of Bones.
Awards/Recognition:
New York Times Bestsellers List
USA Today Bestsellers List
Publishers Weekly Bestsellers List
Wall Street Journal Bestsellers List
Book's Website: Scholastic's 39 Clues Website
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sonny with a Chance (TV Show)
Robbins, B., Bridgett, S. S., Feldman, M., & Marmel., S. (Producers). (2009). Sonny with a chance [Television series]. Burbank, CA: Disney Channel.
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 17
Genre: Family/Teen Sitcom
Subjects/Themes: Comedy, Fame, Teenage Actors/Actresses, Rivalry
Running Time: 23 minutes per episode
Rating: TV-G
Plot: Sonny Munroe (played by Demi Lovato) has won the chance to star on her favorite comedy television show, So Random!. Sonny is a good hearted, hard working, goofy and friendly individual. The show is divided between Sonny's interactions behind the scenes with the So Random! cast and their rivals, the Mackenzie Falls cast, and clips from the So Random! and Mackenzie Falls shows. Mackenzie Falls, one of the shows within the show, is a tween soap drama with overacting characters. So Random! is a collection of comedy sketch shows similar to Saturday Night Live but for tweens.
Personal Thoughts: This show has a lot of different things going on in it, one of which will probably appeal to most tweens. First there's the comedy sketches, then the Mackenzie Falls scenes, then the behind the scenes interactions, and then Sonny's interactions with her mother. Sonny tends to act more like an adult then her mother at times but her mother is supportive and cares about Sonny a lot. The So Random! cast is expectedly funny made up of Tawni (fashion obssed diva), Zora (a quirky genius), Nico and Grady (two pranksters who are best friends). Chad is the star of Mackenzie Falls and has a love/hate relationship with the So Random! cast members. He is spoiled and egocentric but also kind and sweet and times. A good show for tweens interested in some good laughs.
Awards/Recognition:
Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards: Favorite Comedy Show Winner (2009)
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: Favorite TV show Nominee (2010)
Teen Choice Awards: Choice TV Show: Comedy Nominee (2010)
Website: Disney Channel's Sonny with a Chance Website
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 17
Genre: Family/Teen Sitcom
Subjects/Themes: Comedy, Fame, Teenage Actors/Actresses, Rivalry
Running Time: 23 minutes per episode
Rating: TV-G
Plot: Sonny Munroe (played by Demi Lovato) has won the chance to star on her favorite comedy television show, So Random!. Sonny is a good hearted, hard working, goofy and friendly individual. The show is divided between Sonny's interactions behind the scenes with the So Random! cast and their rivals, the Mackenzie Falls cast, and clips from the So Random! and Mackenzie Falls shows. Mackenzie Falls, one of the shows within the show, is a tween soap drama with overacting characters. So Random! is a collection of comedy sketch shows similar to Saturday Night Live but for tweens.
Personal Thoughts: This show has a lot of different things going on in it, one of which will probably appeal to most tweens. First there's the comedy sketches, then the Mackenzie Falls scenes, then the behind the scenes interactions, and then Sonny's interactions with her mother. Sonny tends to act more like an adult then her mother at times but her mother is supportive and cares about Sonny a lot. The So Random! cast is expectedly funny made up of Tawni (fashion obssed diva), Zora (a quirky genius), Nico and Grady (two pranksters who are best friends). Chad is the star of Mackenzie Falls and has a love/hate relationship with the So Random! cast members. He is spoiled and egocentric but also kind and sweet and times. A good show for tweens interested in some good laughs.
Awards/Recognition:
Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards: Favorite Comedy Show Winner (2009)
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: Favorite TV show Nominee (2010)
Teen Choice Awards: Choice TV Show: Comedy Nominee (2010)
Website: Disney Channel's Sonny with a Chance Website
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (TV Show)
Kallis, D. & Geoghan, J. (Producers) (2005). The suite life of Zack & Cody [Television series]. Burbank, CA: Disney Channel.
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 17
Genre: Family/Teen Sitcom
Subjects/Themes: Family, Siblings, Comedy, Hotel,
Running Time: 23 minutes per episode
Rating: TV-G
Plot: The series focuses around Cody and Zack who are twin brothers living in the Tipton Hotel with their single mother. Their mother works at the Tipton Hotel as a lounge singer. Their father, Kurt, is a musician who travels around a lot. The boys tend to get into a lot of mischief trying to pass the time or make some extra cash. London Tipton, the rich hotel owner's daughter, is a bit air brained, gets what ever she wants, and also lives at the hotel. Maddie works for the hotel as a candy counter girl and is the opposite of London being both smart and frugal. Mr. Moseby runs the Tipton hotel and is often the person trying to stop the boys from destroying the hotel or disturbing the guests.
Personal Thoughts: A great show for boys or girls. Each of the characters have their strengths and weaknesses. We also see the characters grow up in the series from childish pranksters to more social savvy teens. The hotel setting offers a lot of different opportunities for the boys to meet different superstars, officials, and tourists that normal they would not come in contact with. Each episode usually revolves around the boys coming up with some plan that ends up with them crossing paths with a Tipton Hotel vistor. London and Maddie are often doing other activities or schemes that sometimes has them working with the boys. The series ended in 2008 and was followed by the sequel The suite life on deck. In the sequel, the boys and London are attending a semester away at sea on the Tipton cruise ship. Mr. Moseby is also there as manager of the ship. A great show for all ages, definitely a Must See!
Awards/Recognition:
BMI Film & Television: Cable Award (2005 & 2007)
Young Artists Award: Best Family Television Series (Comedy) (2007)
Kids' Choice Award, UK: Best Television Series (2007)
ASCAP Award for Top Television Series (2008 & 2009)
iParenting Media Award (2008)
Website: Disney Channel's The Suite Life Website
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 17
Genre: Family/Teen Sitcom
Subjects/Themes: Family, Siblings, Comedy, Hotel,
Running Time: 23 minutes per episode
Rating: TV-G
Plot: The series focuses around Cody and Zack who are twin brothers living in the Tipton Hotel with their single mother. Their mother works at the Tipton Hotel as a lounge singer. Their father, Kurt, is a musician who travels around a lot. The boys tend to get into a lot of mischief trying to pass the time or make some extra cash. London Tipton, the rich hotel owner's daughter, is a bit air brained, gets what ever she wants, and also lives at the hotel. Maddie works for the hotel as a candy counter girl and is the opposite of London being both smart and frugal. Mr. Moseby runs the Tipton hotel and is often the person trying to stop the boys from destroying the hotel or disturbing the guests.
Personal Thoughts: A great show for boys or girls. Each of the characters have their strengths and weaknesses. We also see the characters grow up in the series from childish pranksters to more social savvy teens. The hotel setting offers a lot of different opportunities for the boys to meet different superstars, officials, and tourists that normal they would not come in contact with. Each episode usually revolves around the boys coming up with some plan that ends up with them crossing paths with a Tipton Hotel vistor. London and Maddie are often doing other activities or schemes that sometimes has them working with the boys. The series ended in 2008 and was followed by the sequel The suite life on deck. In the sequel, the boys and London are attending a semester away at sea on the Tipton cruise ship. Mr. Moseby is also there as manager of the ship. A great show for all ages, definitely a Must See!
Awards/Recognition:
BMI Film & Television: Cable Award (2005 & 2007)
Young Artists Award: Best Family Television Series (Comedy) (2007)
Kids' Choice Award, UK: Best Television Series (2007)
ASCAP Award for Top Television Series (2008 & 2009)
iParenting Media Award (2008)
Website: Disney Channel's The Suite Life Website
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wizards of Waverly Place (DVD)
Lafferty, K. (Producer), Berendsen, D. (Writer), & Spiro, L. (Director). (2009). Wizards of Waverly Place: The movie [DVD]. United States: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
Interest Level: Ages 6 to 17
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Subjects/Themes: Family, Secrets, Wizards, Magic,
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rating: TV-G
Plot: Unknown to the rest of the world, wizards are real and live in the human world. Only one child per family is allowed to inherit wizard magic. Siblings in wizard families must practice their wizard skills and then compete to determine who will be the sole possessor of the family's powers. The Russo family is just such a wizard family. The father, Jerry, is a former wizard who gave up his chance of being a wizard in order to marry a mortal, the children's mother Theresa. The three Russo children are Max, Alex, and Justin. In the movie, the family goes on vacation to Puerto Rico. Alex was going to stay home but she gets in trouble right before the rest of the family leaves and is forced to go. Alex gets in a fight with her mother and ends up wishing that her parents had never meet which ends up coming true. The siblings must band together a quickly find the Stone of Dreams but end up being double crossed by another wizard. Desperate since Max has already disappeared, Alex and Justin compete in the wizard contest in order for one of them to gain full wizard powers and reverse the spell. Alex ends up winning and wishing for everything to go back as it was which ends up rewinding time.
Personal Thoughts: I love this TV series and the movie was just as good. There are many different characters for viewers to enjoy watching and possibly relate to. Justin is the older brother, smart, and follows the rules more often then not. Alex is sometimes a trouble maker because she uses magic to cut corners whenever possible, isn't interested in work or school, and is most interested in having fun. Max is the youngest brother, is very naive, and easily confused. The TV series and the movie are both funny and full of good lessons about right and wrong. The movie follows the classic lesson of being careful what you wish for because you might just get it. Alex is extremely interested in her own life over that of her family's. She's struggling with wanting to be treated like an adult and be independent at the same time. There's a little romance as the children try to help their parents fall in love again. There's also a lot of humor from the different antics. There are also chapter books based on the TV series and on the movie available. A great family or tween movie. No need to be familiar with the TV series to understand and enjoy the movie. Definitely a Must See movie!
Awards/Recognition:
62nd Primetime Emmy Winner for Outstanding Children's Program (2010)
Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Children's Program (2010)
Golden Reel Nominee for Best Sound Editing (2010)
Website: Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place Website
Interest Level: Ages 6 to 17
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Subjects/Themes: Family, Secrets, Wizards, Magic,
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rating: TV-G
Plot: Unknown to the rest of the world, wizards are real and live in the human world. Only one child per family is allowed to inherit wizard magic. Siblings in wizard families must practice their wizard skills and then compete to determine who will be the sole possessor of the family's powers. The Russo family is just such a wizard family. The father, Jerry, is a former wizard who gave up his chance of being a wizard in order to marry a mortal, the children's mother Theresa. The three Russo children are Max, Alex, and Justin. In the movie, the family goes on vacation to Puerto Rico. Alex was going to stay home but she gets in trouble right before the rest of the family leaves and is forced to go. Alex gets in a fight with her mother and ends up wishing that her parents had never meet which ends up coming true. The siblings must band together a quickly find the Stone of Dreams but end up being double crossed by another wizard. Desperate since Max has already disappeared, Alex and Justin compete in the wizard contest in order for one of them to gain full wizard powers and reverse the spell. Alex ends up winning and wishing for everything to go back as it was which ends up rewinding time.
Personal Thoughts: I love this TV series and the movie was just as good. There are many different characters for viewers to enjoy watching and possibly relate to. Justin is the older brother, smart, and follows the rules more often then not. Alex is sometimes a trouble maker because she uses magic to cut corners whenever possible, isn't interested in work or school, and is most interested in having fun. Max is the youngest brother, is very naive, and easily confused. The TV series and the movie are both funny and full of good lessons about right and wrong. The movie follows the classic lesson of being careful what you wish for because you might just get it. Alex is extremely interested in her own life over that of her family's. She's struggling with wanting to be treated like an adult and be independent at the same time. There's a little romance as the children try to help their parents fall in love again. There's also a lot of humor from the different antics. There are also chapter books based on the TV series and on the movie available. A great family or tween movie. No need to be familiar with the TV series to understand and enjoy the movie. Definitely a Must See movie!
Awards/Recognition:
62nd Primetime Emmy Winner for Outstanding Children's Program (2010)
Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Children's Program (2010)
Golden Reel Nominee for Best Sound Editing (2010)
Website: Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place Website
Monday, November 22, 2010
Ella Enchanted (Book)
Levine, G. C. (1997). Ella Enchanted. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 0-06-027510-3
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 14
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Curses, Obedience, Fairies, Princes, Step Sisters, Romance
Plot: Based on the Cinderella story, Ella is cursed with the gift of obedience. Any command given Ella must obey. But Ella is resourceful and fights her way around every command, only obeying them as much as she must. When Ella's mother dies, her father attempts to marry her off to a rich old man but fails. Instead her father ends up marrying Dame Olga for money. He later finds out she is just as poor as he and was marrying him for the same reason. Ella's two step sisters figure out Ella's curse and use it to take advantage of Ella and make her life miserable. Ella also makes friends with the Prince but tries to keep her distance in case someone uses her curse to harm him. Eventually Ella goes on a quest, battling ogres and giants, to find Lucinda the fairy and have her break the curse. When her quest fails, she then goes to the Prince's ball to see the Prince one last time. There Ella triumphantly learns that the curse can only be broken by her own will.
Personal Thoughts: A lovely twist on the Cinderella story. It always bothered me that Cinderella allowed her step family to treat her so awfully. Levine gives a plausible reason for Ella's obedience (if you can call fairy magic plausible). The curse also allows us to see Ella's ingenuity and rebellion against the commands she is given. Ella's romance with the Prince is also more realistic then just falling in love at the ball. Ella and the Prince meet and develop their friendship over time through letters that help them learn about one another. An enjoyable read, this book deals with what obedience truly means, the importance of friendship, and the importance of finding the strength to stand up for yourself. Definitely a Must Read!
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for Ella Enchanted.
Awards/Recognition:
Newberry Honor Award (1998)
ALA Notable Children's Books (1998)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards (Maryland): Grades 6-9 (2000)
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Middle Readers Category (1997)
California Young Reader Medal: Middle School (2000)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Teen Book (1999)
Iowa Teen Award (2000)
Maine Student Book Award (1999)
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Choice Book Award (Illinois) (2000)
School Library Journal Best Books (1997)
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults (1998)
Young Hoosier Book Award: Middle Books (2000)
Other Books by the Author: Cinderellis and the glass hill (2000); Ever (2008); Fairest (2006); Fairy dust and the quest for the egg (2005); The two princesses of Bamarre (2001);
Author's Website: Gail Carson Levine's Website
Interest Level: Ages 9 to 14
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Curses, Obedience, Fairies, Princes, Step Sisters, Romance
Plot: Based on the Cinderella story, Ella is cursed with the gift of obedience. Any command given Ella must obey. But Ella is resourceful and fights her way around every command, only obeying them as much as she must. When Ella's mother dies, her father attempts to marry her off to a rich old man but fails. Instead her father ends up marrying Dame Olga for money. He later finds out she is just as poor as he and was marrying him for the same reason. Ella's two step sisters figure out Ella's curse and use it to take advantage of Ella and make her life miserable. Ella also makes friends with the Prince but tries to keep her distance in case someone uses her curse to harm him. Eventually Ella goes on a quest, battling ogres and giants, to find Lucinda the fairy and have her break the curse. When her quest fails, she then goes to the Prince's ball to see the Prince one last time. There Ella triumphantly learns that the curse can only be broken by her own will.
Personal Thoughts: A lovely twist on the Cinderella story. It always bothered me that Cinderella allowed her step family to treat her so awfully. Levine gives a plausible reason for Ella's obedience (if you can call fairy magic plausible). The curse also allows us to see Ella's ingenuity and rebellion against the commands she is given. Ella's romance with the Prince is also more realistic then just falling in love at the ball. Ella and the Prince meet and develop their friendship over time through letters that help them learn about one another. An enjoyable read, this book deals with what obedience truly means, the importance of friendship, and the importance of finding the strength to stand up for yourself. Definitely a Must Read!
Book Talk: Check out my 2 minute book talk for Ella Enchanted.
Awards/Recognition:
Newberry Honor Award (1998)
ALA Notable Children's Books (1998)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards (Maryland): Grades 6-9 (2000)
Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Middle Readers Category (1997)
California Young Reader Medal: Middle School (2000)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Teen Book (1999)
Iowa Teen Award (2000)
Maine Student Book Award (1999)
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Choice Book Award (Illinois) (2000)
School Library Journal Best Books (1997)
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults (1998)
Young Hoosier Book Award: Middle Books (2000)
Other Books by the Author: Cinderellis and the glass hill (2000); Ever (2008); Fairest (2006); Fairy dust and the quest for the egg (2005); The two princesses of Bamarre (2001);
Author's Website: Gail Carson Levine's Website
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (DVD)
Bagdasarian, Jr., R., Karman, J. (Producers), Thomas, B. (Director), Vitti, J., Aibel, J., & Berger, G. (Writers). (2010). Alvin and the chipmunks: The squeakquel [DVD]. Beverly Hills, CA: 20th Century Fox Entertainment.
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 14
Rating: PG
Running Time: 89 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Family, Chipmunks, Talking Animals, High School,
Plot: The movie starts with Alvin and the Chipmunks playing at a benefit concert in Paris where Dave, their guardian, gets injured. Dave is forced to recover in Paris while the Chipmunks go ahead home where Aunt Janice is suppose to take care of them. Unfortunately Aunt Janice also meets with an accident and her grandson, Toby, ends up taking care of the Chipmunks instead. The Chipmunks start school for the first time and end up having to deal with some bullies. Alvin's desire to be popular starts to drive the brothers apart. Meanwhile the Chipmunks old enemy Ethan signs the Chipettes and wants to use them to get back at the Chipmunks. The two groups end up falling for one another. Ethan puts the Chipettes in a cage and plans to force them to perform for him. Alvin goes to their rescue and the two groups perform together in a musical competition to save the school's music program.
Personal Thoughts: Alright I'm a chipmunk fan from way back. I think the squeaky remakes of popular songs is awesome rather than annoying. If you can't stand the squeakiness you probably can't stand this movie. But for tweens who love talking animals, this is another movie they'll probably enjoy. The Chipmunks have to deal with bullies and the issue of choosing popularity or choosing to stand by your family. The fighting between the chipmunks is fighting that you could see among any group of siblings or friends. Alvin doesn't seem to realize the importance of his family until after he misses the song competition and let's his brothers down. Learning from his mistakes, Alvin understands what he did and makes up for it. Some popular songs that are featured in the movie include "All the Single Ladies," "You Spin Me Round (like a record)," and "Shake Your Groove Thing."
Prequel: Alvin and the Chipmunks (2008)
Awards/Recognition:
Kids' Choice Award Winner for Favorite Movie (2010)
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 14
Rating: PG
Running Time: 89 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Family, Chipmunks, Talking Animals, High School,
Plot: The movie starts with Alvin and the Chipmunks playing at a benefit concert in Paris where Dave, their guardian, gets injured. Dave is forced to recover in Paris while the Chipmunks go ahead home where Aunt Janice is suppose to take care of them. Unfortunately Aunt Janice also meets with an accident and her grandson, Toby, ends up taking care of the Chipmunks instead. The Chipmunks start school for the first time and end up having to deal with some bullies. Alvin's desire to be popular starts to drive the brothers apart. Meanwhile the Chipmunks old enemy Ethan signs the Chipettes and wants to use them to get back at the Chipmunks. The two groups end up falling for one another. Ethan puts the Chipettes in a cage and plans to force them to perform for him. Alvin goes to their rescue and the two groups perform together in a musical competition to save the school's music program.
Personal Thoughts: Alright I'm a chipmunk fan from way back. I think the squeaky remakes of popular songs is awesome rather than annoying. If you can't stand the squeakiness you probably can't stand this movie. But for tweens who love talking animals, this is another movie they'll probably enjoy. The Chipmunks have to deal with bullies and the issue of choosing popularity or choosing to stand by your family. The fighting between the chipmunks is fighting that you could see among any group of siblings or friends. Alvin doesn't seem to realize the importance of his family until after he misses the song competition and let's his brothers down. Learning from his mistakes, Alvin understands what he did and makes up for it. Some popular songs that are featured in the movie include "All the Single Ladies," "You Spin Me Round (like a record)," and "Shake Your Groove Thing."
Prequel: Alvin and the Chipmunks (2008)
Awards/Recognition:
Kids' Choice Award Winner for Favorite Movie (2010)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Manga Tutorials (Website)
Website: MangaTutorials.com
Interest Level: Ages 10 & up
Subjects/Themes: Manga, Drawing Techniques/Tutorials, Anime,
About the Website: The website is run and owned by Rio who is a self-taught artist. Rio is also the creator of a majority of the drawing tutorials found in the website though there are others who also contribute. The website has over 80 drawing instructions about everything from basic manga drawing to publishing tips. It is completely free and requires no membership to access the site. There is some basic advertising included in the site. The website also has a forum for anyone interested in sharing their own drawings. The drawings included in the site are subject to evaluation and are free of overly suggestice poses, nudity, or violent images. Weapons are included in some of the pictures, but mainly as props.
Personal Thoughts: A good site for teens interested in learning to draw manga or anime characters. The website itself is easy to navigate and the tutorials do well explaining different techniques. The nice part is the absence of nudity and violence that can sometimes creep up on the unaware in manga. As the site restricts that type of material from being posted, a parent can feel safe knowing that their child is learning drawing techniques and not being exposed to unwanted materials. The advertising is very low key, no more than you would be exposed to while checking your email. Definitely check out the "Oekaki" tab where there are a lot more postings from fans as well as contest entries.
Interest Level: Ages 10 & up
Subjects/Themes: Manga, Drawing Techniques/Tutorials, Anime,
About the Website: The website is run and owned by Rio who is a self-taught artist. Rio is also the creator of a majority of the drawing tutorials found in the website though there are others who also contribute. The website has over 80 drawing instructions about everything from basic manga drawing to publishing tips. It is completely free and requires no membership to access the site. There is some basic advertising included in the site. The website also has a forum for anyone interested in sharing their own drawings. The drawings included in the site are subject to evaluation and are free of overly suggestice poses, nudity, or violent images. Weapons are included in some of the pictures, but mainly as props.
Personal Thoughts: A good site for teens interested in learning to draw manga or anime characters. The website itself is easy to navigate and the tutorials do well explaining different techniques. The nice part is the absence of nudity and violence that can sometimes creep up on the unaware in manga. As the site restricts that type of material from being posted, a parent can feel safe knowing that their child is learning drawing techniques and not being exposed to unwanted materials. The advertising is very low key, no more than you would be exposed to while checking your email. Definitely check out the "Oekaki" tab where there are a lot more postings from fans as well as contest entries.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (DVD)
Lafferttty, K., Sacks, A. (Producer), & Hoen, P. (Director). (2006). Camp rock 2: The final jam [DVD]. United States: Walt Disney Home Entertainment.
Interest Level: Ages 10 to 18
Rating: G
Running Time: 94 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Friendship, Musical, Summer Camp, Singing, Rock Stars
Rating: G
Running Time: 94 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Friendship, Musical, Summer Camp, Singing, Rock Stars
Plot: The Camp Rockers return to summer camp for another year of sharpening their musical skills. They learn that Star Camp, run by a rival owner, has opened on the other side of the lake. Some of the campers and camp conselours are lured away by the money and by the luxery of the other camp. The returning campers volunteer to act as substitute consulors in order to prevent the camp from closing. The two camps challenge one another to a televised rock performance competition where voters will decide the winner. It is expected that the losing camp will close forever as a result of the bad publicity. When Camp Rock loses the competition, they find out instead that campers would rather go to Camp Rock since they know how to have the most fun.
Personal Thoughts: A sequel to Camp Rock, this movie follows much of the same format as the first. There are a lot of singing and dance scenes. Mitchie (Demi Lovato) and Shane (Joe Jonas) are struggling to balance learning more about one another and helping out at the camp. Nate (Nick Jonas) and Dana, the daughter of Camp Star's owner, end up falling in love. Mitchie ends up trying to run the camp more like a workplace and starts taking the fun out of all the activities. In the end her friends help her out and the harmony of the camp is restored. This movie teaches teens to remember to have fun and not stress out so much. Also the romances in the movie stress the importance of learning about one another's likes and dislikes and searching beyond the surface. A Must See movie for tweens and teens who enjoyed the first movie.
Prequel: Camp Rock (2008);
Similar Movies: High School Musical (2006) [My Review]; High School Musical 2 (2007); and High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008);
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Avatar: The Last Airbender (Cartoon)
DiMartino, M., Konietzko,B., & Ehasz, A. (Producers). (2005-2008). Avatar: The last airbender [Animated television series]. Hollywood, CA: Nickelodeon Studios.
Interest Level: Ages 6 to 14
Genre: Cartoon, Action/Adventure
Subjects/Themes: Friendship, Good vs Evil, Wars, Magic, Four Nature Elements, Travel
Plot: Aang is the last of the airbenders as well as the Avatar, a mystical being whose power is use to keep order and peace in the world. In Aang's world, there are certain people who are able to "bend" or control one of four elements. The Avatar, the only person who can bend more then one element, must eventually master all four bending techniques. Aang was found by Sokka and Katara who live in the South pole water tribe. Katara is a water bender and Sokka is a warrior in training together with Aang they travel the world as he master's his bending skills. Eventually they will need to confront the firelord, who wants to take over the world and destroy the Avatar forever.
Personal Thoughts: A great cartoon for this age group with lots of action, martial arts, and fantasy elements from the bending and Avatar. The animation is really good quality with characteristics from both American and Asian cartooning. There are really good themes throughout the series dealing with friendship, good and evil, perserverance, and responsibility. The many characters makes it easy for a viewer to find one to relate to. I have watched every episode and feel that the quality of the cartoon was maintained throughout. The closing of the series took care of most of the loose ends but did leave some open. It is expected that a spin-off series will be aired by Nickolodeon in 2011.
Note: This series was also made into a graphic novel format and into a live action movie.
Awards:
Pulcinella Awards (2005);
Annie Award (33rd, 34th, & 35th);
Genesis Award (2007);
Peabody Awards (2008)
Interest Level: Ages 6 to 14
Genre: Cartoon, Action/Adventure
Subjects/Themes: Friendship, Good vs Evil, Wars, Magic, Four Nature Elements, Travel
Plot: Aang is the last of the airbenders as well as the Avatar, a mystical being whose power is use to keep order and peace in the world. In Aang's world, there are certain people who are able to "bend" or control one of four elements. The Avatar, the only person who can bend more then one element, must eventually master all four bending techniques. Aang was found by Sokka and Katara who live in the South pole water tribe. Katara is a water bender and Sokka is a warrior in training together with Aang they travel the world as he master's his bending skills. Eventually they will need to confront the firelord, who wants to take over the world and destroy the Avatar forever.
Personal Thoughts: A great cartoon for this age group with lots of action, martial arts, and fantasy elements from the bending and Avatar. The animation is really good quality with characteristics from both American and Asian cartooning. There are really good themes throughout the series dealing with friendship, good and evil, perserverance, and responsibility. The many characters makes it easy for a viewer to find one to relate to. I have watched every episode and feel that the quality of the cartoon was maintained throughout. The closing of the series took care of most of the loose ends but did leave some open. It is expected that a spin-off series will be aired by Nickolodeon in 2011.
Note: This series was also made into a graphic novel format and into a live action movie.
Awards:
Pulcinella Awards (2005);
Annie Award (33rd, 34th, & 35th);
Genesis Award (2007);
Peabody Awards (2008)
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Wide-Awake Princess (Book)
Baker, E. D. (2010). The wide-awake princess. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-1-59990-487-0
Interest Level: Ages 10 and 14
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Medieval Worlds, Princesses/Princes,
Plot: Annie is the younger daughter of the King and Queen of Treecrest and blessed by a fairy to never be affected by magic. Unfortunately she also neutralizes any magic she touches which causes most people to avoid Annie in case she makes the magic that keeps them beautiful or lucky to fade. Their older daughter, Princess Gwen, was blessed with beauty but cursed to sleep 100 years after touching a spinning wheel. Gwen finally touches one on her 16th birthday and everyone in the castle but Annie ends up falling asleep. Worried about invaders taking over the kingdom while her family sleeps, Annie goes in search of a prince to kiss Gwen awake early. Annie starts searching the nearby kingdoms to round up all the princes she can find in order to increase the odds of one being Gwen's true love and break the curse.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Medieval Worlds, Princesses/Princes,
Plot: Annie is the younger daughter of the King and Queen of Treecrest and blessed by a fairy to never be affected by magic. Unfortunately she also neutralizes any magic she touches which causes most people to avoid Annie in case she makes the magic that keeps them beautiful or lucky to fade. Their older daughter, Princess Gwen, was blessed with beauty but cursed to sleep 100 years after touching a spinning wheel. Gwen finally touches one on her 16th birthday and everyone in the castle but Annie ends up falling asleep. Worried about invaders taking over the kingdom while her family sleeps, Annie goes in search of a prince to kiss Gwen awake early. Annie starts searching the nearby kingdoms to round up all the princes she can find in order to increase the odds of one being Gwen's true love and break the curse.
Personal Thoughts: Baker is a great author, mostly specializing in fairytale remakes. The Wide-Awake Princess is mostly a spin-off of the sleeping beauty tale but it also has touches from the princess and the pea tale, the Rapunzel tale, and the Hansel and Gretel tale. Annie is a strong female character who uses her brain and due to her lack of magic is pretty self-sufficient compared to other characters in the book. Liam, Annie's companion on her quest, is a prince in disguise and also quite resourceful. The characters and their relationships with one another are realistic. Annie's relationship with her family is strained because they fear her draining their magic. Liam also has problems with his family. The other characters that Annie meets in her travels are all different types of kind, mean, greedy, selfish, fake, depressed and excited. A Must Read for fantasy and fairytale fans.
Other Books by the Author: The Frog Princess (2002); Once Upon A Curse (2004); Wings: A Fairy Tale (2008)
Author's Website: E.D. Baker's Book Website
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Lucy Rose, Here's the Thing About Me (Book)
Kelly, K. (2004). Lucy Rose, here's the thing about me. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 0-440-42026-1
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 11
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Subjects/Themes: 8 Year Olds, Diaries, Divorced Parents, New School, Moving,
Plot: Lucy Rose has just moved to a new city and started at a new school after her parent's divorce. She is struggling with all the changes in her life. At first Lucy Rose doesn't think her life will get any better, but little by little she makes new friends and starts to find school enjoyable. After one attempt and another to babysit the class guinea pig, she finally gets to take it home over the break. She even makes friends with the other new boy that kept teasing her.
Personal Thoughts: A refreshing first person narrative. What I really like about this novel is that a lot of the emotional struggles revolve around Lucy Rose personally. Her parents seem to be having a relatively calm divorce (no fighting or mean remarks). Both parents are also reaching out to Lucy Rose and trying to help her with this transition. The family setting is believably realistic with grandparents regularly babysitting and her mother busy with work. Lucy Rose is struggling with the fact that she misses her old home, her dad, and her dog as any 8 year old in the same situation might be.
Series Info: Book One of the Lucy Rose Books
Sequel: Lucy Rose, big on plans (2005)
Other Books by the Author: Lucy Rose Series; Melonhead Series
Author's Website: Katy Kelly Website
Interest Level: Ages 8 to 11
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Subjects/Themes: 8 Year Olds, Diaries, Divorced Parents, New School, Moving,
Plot: Lucy Rose has just moved to a new city and started at a new school after her parent's divorce. She is struggling with all the changes in her life. At first Lucy Rose doesn't think her life will get any better, but little by little she makes new friends and starts to find school enjoyable. After one attempt and another to babysit the class guinea pig, she finally gets to take it home over the break. She even makes friends with the other new boy that kept teasing her.
Personal Thoughts: A refreshing first person narrative. What I really like about this novel is that a lot of the emotional struggles revolve around Lucy Rose personally. Her parents seem to be having a relatively calm divorce (no fighting or mean remarks). Both parents are also reaching out to Lucy Rose and trying to help her with this transition. The family setting is believably realistic with grandparents regularly babysitting and her mother busy with work. Lucy Rose is struggling with the fact that she misses her old home, her dad, and her dog as any 8 year old in the same situation might be.
Series Info: Book One of the Lucy Rose Books
Sequel: Lucy Rose, big on plans (2005)
Other Books by the Author: Lucy Rose Series; Melonhead Series
Author's Website: Katy Kelly Website
Thursday, October 28, 2010
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)
Monday, October 25, 2010
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
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);
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;
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