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 LIBR 264 Log. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LIBR 264 Log. 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
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Naruto (Anime)
Kishimoto, M. (Writer). (2006). Naruto Volume 1: Enter Naruto [Animated Television Series]. San Francisco, CA: Shonen Jump Home Video. ISBN: 978-1-4215-0698-2
Interest Level: 13 to 18
Genre: Anime Cartoon
Subjects/Themes: Ninjas, Good vs Evil, Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural Powers, Magic, Orphans
Running Time: 28 minutes per episode
Rating: T - for Teens
Plot: Naruto Uzumaki is a ninja in training in the Village Hidden in the Leaves. But Naruto is not just any ninja student, he is also an orphan and sealed inside of him is the Nine Tailed Fox Demon who once tried to destroy the village. The rest of the village isn't allowed to speak of the demon and instead shun him because of the demon sealed inside of him. Naruto, not knowing why he's being shunned, has made it his goal to become the next Hokage (village leader) in order to gain the respect of the village. The majority of the series follows Naruto as he trains as a ninja, makes friends, and carries out his training missions. As the series progresses, Naruto must also battle against enemies who would destroy the village and Naruto in particular.
Personal Thoughts: Naruto is an action packed anime that is filled with different storylines that deal with issues of friendship, betrayal, perserverance, good vs. evil, and growing up. This cartoon has some major plot lines that are found throughout the different seasons as well as individual missions or stories that occur in an individual episode. Naruto is a lovable character because of his determination, honesty, and empathy. Some of his friends include Sakura (a female, straight A, medical ninja), Sasuke (a talented ninja, reserved, seeking revenge for his family's deaths), Kakashi (a high level ninja, trains Naruto and his teammates), and Iruka (was Naruto's first teacher, father-like figure to Naruto).
Originally shown in Japan, Cartoon Network shows an English dubbed version that has been edited to sometimes reduce the amount of alcohol, sexual innuendo, blood and death shown or alter how it was shown. Watching both the Japanese subtitled and English dubbed versions, I have mostly noticed a use of some older language rather then the violence.
Note: There is also a Naruto manga series (which the anime was based on) and several animated movies.
Similar Materials: Fruits Basket [My Review]; Inuyasha [My Review]
Interest Level: 13 to 18
Genre: Anime Cartoon
Subjects/Themes: Ninjas, Good vs Evil, Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural Powers, Magic, Orphans
Running Time: 28 minutes per episode
Rating: T - for Teens
Plot: Naruto Uzumaki is a ninja in training in the Village Hidden in the Leaves. But Naruto is not just any ninja student, he is also an orphan and sealed inside of him is the Nine Tailed Fox Demon who once tried to destroy the village. The rest of the village isn't allowed to speak of the demon and instead shun him because of the demon sealed inside of him. Naruto, not knowing why he's being shunned, has made it his goal to become the next Hokage (village leader) in order to gain the respect of the village. The majority of the series follows Naruto as he trains as a ninja, makes friends, and carries out his training missions. As the series progresses, Naruto must also battle against enemies who would destroy the village and Naruto in particular.
Personal Thoughts: Naruto is an action packed anime that is filled with different storylines that deal with issues of friendship, betrayal, perserverance, good vs. evil, and growing up. This cartoon has some major plot lines that are found throughout the different seasons as well as individual missions or stories that occur in an individual episode. Naruto is a lovable character because of his determination, honesty, and empathy. Some of his friends include Sakura (a female, straight A, medical ninja), Sasuke (a talented ninja, reserved, seeking revenge for his family's deaths), Kakashi (a high level ninja, trains Naruto and his teammates), and Iruka (was Naruto's first teacher, father-like figure to Naruto).
Originally shown in Japan, Cartoon Network shows an English dubbed version that has been edited to sometimes reduce the amount of alcohol, sexual innuendo, blood and death shown or alter how it was shown. Watching both the Japanese subtitled and English dubbed versions, I have mostly noticed a use of some older language rather then the violence.
Note: There is also a Naruto manga series (which the anime was based on) and several animated movies.
Similar Materials: Fruits Basket [My Review]; Inuyasha [My Review]
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)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Chicken Soup for the Teen Soul (Book)
Canfield, J., Hansen, M. V., Meyer, S. H., & Meyer, J. (2007). Chicken soup for the teen soul: Real-life stories by real teens. Deerfield Beach, FLA: Health Communications, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-7573-0682-2
Interest Level: Ages 12 to 18
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography
Subjects/Themes: Inspirational, Personal Conduct, Teen Life, Friendship, Family,
Plot: Chicken soup for the teen soul is a collection of short stories written by teens about their lives. The stories cover different topics and events that have to do with friends, family, disasters, and everyday occurrences. The stories are emotional and express how the different teens are feeling and reacting to the world around them. The stories were all previously published in Teen Ink magazine over the years. In the book, the stories are arranged into topic categories for easy browsing.
Personal Thoughts: The stories in this collection are very inspirational. There are stories about family emergencies, such as a stroke or heart attack. There are stories dealing with the death of a friend or family member. There are stories that talk about first loves and kisses. There are stories about handling peer pressure, mistakes, drug use and much more. Each story is only about a page or two long for quick and easy reading and yet those two pages hold a lot of emotion and feeling in them. A good book for any teen in any situation.
Other Books in the Series:
Chicken Soup for the Soul: teens talk relationships: stories about family, friends, and love (2008); Chicken soup for the soul: teens talk middle school: 101 stories of life, love, and learning for younger teens (2008); Chicken soup for the soul: teens talk high school (2008); Chicken soup for the teenage soul on love & friendship (2002)
Website: Chicken Soup for the Soul Website
Interest Level: Ages 12 to 18
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography
Subjects/Themes: Inspirational, Personal Conduct, Teen Life, Friendship, Family,
Plot: Chicken soup for the teen soul is a collection of short stories written by teens about their lives. The stories cover different topics and events that have to do with friends, family, disasters, and everyday occurrences. The stories are emotional and express how the different teens are feeling and reacting to the world around them. The stories were all previously published in Teen Ink magazine over the years. In the book, the stories are arranged into topic categories for easy browsing.
Personal Thoughts: The stories in this collection are very inspirational. There are stories about family emergencies, such as a stroke or heart attack. There are stories dealing with the death of a friend or family member. There are stories that talk about first loves and kisses. There are stories about handling peer pressure, mistakes, drug use and much more. Each story is only about a page or two long for quick and easy reading and yet those two pages hold a lot of emotion and feeling in them. A good book for any teen in any situation.
Other Books in the Series:
Chicken Soup for the Soul: teens talk relationships: stories about family, friends, and love (2008); Chicken soup for the soul: teens talk middle school: 101 stories of life, love, and learning for younger teens (2008); Chicken soup for the soul: teens talk high school (2008); Chicken soup for the teenage soul on love & friendship (2002)
Website: Chicken Soup for the Soul Website
Inuyasha (Manga Series)
Takahashi, R. (2003). Inuyasha. San Francisco, CA: Viz Comics. ISBN [Vol. 1]: 1-56931-947-2
Interest Level: 13 to 18
Subjects/Themes: Manga/Anime, Friendship, Fantasy, Romance, Action/Adventure, Monsters/Demons, Past and Present, High School
Plot: Kagome, a modern Japanese high school student, can travel back and forth to feudal Japan through a well at her family's shrine. In feudal Japan, Kagome comes across Inuyasha who is sealed to a tree and releases him. Inuyasha, a half dog demon and half human hybrid, was sealed to the tree by the priestess Kikyo whom Kagome is the reincarnation of. Kagome brought back with her the Sacred Four Souls Jewel which Kikyo had tried to destroy. Now monsters keep attacking her trying to steal the jewel for its power. The jewel is accidentally shattered and now Kagome must search the land to find the jewel shards and prevent them from being used for evil. Inuyasha decides to travel with Kagome because she is the only one who can sense the hidden shards and he wants the power of the jewel for himself. Their travels form a friendship and an almost romance complicated by the fact that Inuyasha was in love with Kikyo before he met Kagome. They gather a group of friends (a lecherous monk, a sweet child like fox demon, and a demon slayer) who help them in their search.
Personal Thoughts: This anime is for older teens as it does have some suggestive situations, violence, and alcohol or tobacco use. The series is of the shonen manga genre which means it is primarily targeted towards a junior high and high school boy demographic with lots of action, humor, and camaraderie. The illustrations in each volume are well detailed and composed of black and white sketchings. There is also a "ani-manga" version of the series that uses color scenes from the anime cartoon based on the same storyline. This manga is a constant battle between good and evil. A lot of unfortunate events happen to the different characters that help to form who they are and how they act. There is a lot of action and subtle romance throughout the series. The cartoon anime series is very closely based on the manga.
Awards:
Shogakukan Manga Award for best shōnen title of the year (2002)
Similar Materials: Fruits Basket [My Review]; Naruto Series Anime & Manga;
Interest Level: 13 to 18
Subjects/Themes: Manga/Anime, Friendship, Fantasy, Romance, Action/Adventure, Monsters/Demons, Past and Present, High School
Plot: Kagome, a modern Japanese high school student, can travel back and forth to feudal Japan through a well at her family's shrine. In feudal Japan, Kagome comes across Inuyasha who is sealed to a tree and releases him. Inuyasha, a half dog demon and half human hybrid, was sealed to the tree by the priestess Kikyo whom Kagome is the reincarnation of. Kagome brought back with her the Sacred Four Souls Jewel which Kikyo had tried to destroy. Now monsters keep attacking her trying to steal the jewel for its power. The jewel is accidentally shattered and now Kagome must search the land to find the jewel shards and prevent them from being used for evil. Inuyasha decides to travel with Kagome because she is the only one who can sense the hidden shards and he wants the power of the jewel for himself. Their travels form a friendship and an almost romance complicated by the fact that Inuyasha was in love with Kikyo before he met Kagome. They gather a group of friends (a lecherous monk, a sweet child like fox demon, and a demon slayer) who help them in their search.
Personal Thoughts: This anime is for older teens as it does have some suggestive situations, violence, and alcohol or tobacco use. The series is of the shonen manga genre which means it is primarily targeted towards a junior high and high school boy demographic with lots of action, humor, and camaraderie. The illustrations in each volume are well detailed and composed of black and white sketchings. There is also a "ani-manga" version of the series that uses color scenes from the anime cartoon based on the same storyline. This manga is a constant battle between good and evil. A lot of unfortunate events happen to the different characters that help to form who they are and how they act. There is a lot of action and subtle romance throughout the series. The cartoon anime series is very closely based on the manga.
Awards:
Shogakukan Manga Award for best shōnen title of the year (2002)
Similar Materials: Fruits Basket [My Review]; Naruto Series Anime & Manga;
Eragon (Book)
Paolini, C. (2002). Eragon. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 978-0-375-82669-6
Interest Level: Ages 11 to 18
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Dragons, Action/Adventure, Revenge
Plot: Eragon is a simple country boy living on the outskirts of the Empire when he comes across a strange blue rock. To his amazement, the rock is actually a dragon's egg. The egg hatches a dragon named Saphira who has scales as blue as the egg was. Eragon raises Saphira in secret until the Ra'zac come looking for the egg and burn down Eragon's house, killing his uncle. Seeking revenge, Eragon decides to go after the Ra'zac but before he can leave the village he is stopped by the storyteller, Brom. Brom convinces Eragon and Saphira that they need his help and they all start traveling together. Brom teaches Eragon about the Dragon Riders and how to work magic. Their travels take them far from home when Brom is killed protecting Eragon. Eragon continues his travels, gets captured, gets rescued, and helps to rescue an elf. His travels then take him to the Varden, a group of dwarfs, elves, and humans who resist the Empire's evil ruler.
Personal Thoughts: A very well developed world and storyline. The reader sees Eragon grow from a simple country boy into a Rider and then into a wizard. He starts becoming an adult with responsibilities that he is just beginning to understand. A lot of the of the time Eragon acts before thinking or understanding the consequences of his actions. Luckily he has friends around who help explain the bigger picture to Eragon and help him deal or learn from the consequences. While there is a lot of magic and fantastical things going on around Eragon, he and the reader learn that the reality isn't always so wonderful. Magic is hard work and if your not careful you can kill yourself. Dragons and the freedom of being a Rider aren't really that free and come with lots of responsibility. A good coming of age story with lots of action and adventure. The next two books in the series have a lot of the same qualities and I heartily suggest reading them. Definitely a Must Read!
Series Info: Book One of the Inheritance Cycle
Sequel: Eldest (2005)
Awards:
Book Sense Book of the Year
Beehive Awards (Utah): Young Adult Books
BILBY - Books I Love Best Yearly (Australia) : Older Reader
Buckeye Children's Book Award (Ohio): Grades 6-8
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Rosie Award)
Gateway Readers Award (Missouri)
Golden Archer Awards (Wisconsin): Middle/Jr. High School
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Teen Book
Indies' Choice Book Awards: Children's Literature
Iowa Teen Award
Nene Award (Hawaii)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards: Grades 6-8
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Choice Book Award (Illinois)
Rhode Island Teen Book Award
Sequoyah Book Awards (Oklahoma): Young Adult Books
Soaring Eagle Book Award (Wyoming)
South Carolina Book Awards: Young Adult Books
Surrey Schools' Book of the Year Award (British Columbia)
Teen Buckeye Book Award (Ohio)
Virginia Readers' Choice Award: Middle School (Grades 6-9)
Young Reader's Choice Award (Pacific Northwest): Intermediate
Other Books by the Author: Eragon's guide to Alagaesia (2009); Brisingr, or, The seven promises of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Bjartskular (2008)
Author's Website: Alagaesia Website
Interest Level: Ages 11 to 18
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Magic, Dragons, Action/Adventure, Revenge
Plot: Eragon is a simple country boy living on the outskirts of the Empire when he comes across a strange blue rock. To his amazement, the rock is actually a dragon's egg. The egg hatches a dragon named Saphira who has scales as blue as the egg was. Eragon raises Saphira in secret until the Ra'zac come looking for the egg and burn down Eragon's house, killing his uncle. Seeking revenge, Eragon decides to go after the Ra'zac but before he can leave the village he is stopped by the storyteller, Brom. Brom convinces Eragon and Saphira that they need his help and they all start traveling together. Brom teaches Eragon about the Dragon Riders and how to work magic. Their travels take them far from home when Brom is killed protecting Eragon. Eragon continues his travels, gets captured, gets rescued, and helps to rescue an elf. His travels then take him to the Varden, a group of dwarfs, elves, and humans who resist the Empire's evil ruler.
Personal Thoughts: A very well developed world and storyline. The reader sees Eragon grow from a simple country boy into a Rider and then into a wizard. He starts becoming an adult with responsibilities that he is just beginning to understand. A lot of the of the time Eragon acts before thinking or understanding the consequences of his actions. Luckily he has friends around who help explain the bigger picture to Eragon and help him deal or learn from the consequences. While there is a lot of magic and fantastical things going on around Eragon, he and the reader learn that the reality isn't always so wonderful. Magic is hard work and if your not careful you can kill yourself. Dragons and the freedom of being a Rider aren't really that free and come with lots of responsibility. A good coming of age story with lots of action and adventure. The next two books in the series have a lot of the same qualities and I heartily suggest reading them. Definitely a Must Read!
Series Info: Book One of the Inheritance Cycle
Sequel: Eldest (2005)
Awards:
Book Sense Book of the Year
Beehive Awards (Utah): Young Adult Books
BILBY - Books I Love Best Yearly (Australia) : Older Reader
Buckeye Children's Book Award (Ohio): Grades 6-8
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Rosie Award)
Gateway Readers Award (Missouri)
Golden Archer Awards (Wisconsin): Middle/Jr. High School
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona): Teen Book
Indies' Choice Book Awards: Children's Literature
Iowa Teen Award
Nene Award (Hawaii)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards: Grades 6-8
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Choice Book Award (Illinois)
Rhode Island Teen Book Award
Sequoyah Book Awards (Oklahoma): Young Adult Books
Soaring Eagle Book Award (Wyoming)
South Carolina Book Awards: Young Adult Books
Surrey Schools' Book of the Year Award (British Columbia)
Teen Buckeye Book Award (Ohio)
Virginia Readers' Choice Award: Middle School (Grades 6-9)
Young Reader's Choice Award (Pacific Northwest): Intermediate
Other Books by the Author: Eragon's guide to Alagaesia (2009); Brisingr, or, The seven promises of Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Bjartskular (2008)
Author's Website: Alagaesia Website
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Manga University’s How to Draw Manga (Website)
Website: http://www.howtodrawmanga.com/
Interest Level: Ages 12 & up
Subjects/Themes: Manga, Drawing Techniques/Tutorials, Anime, Videos
About the Website: Manga University is a free site maintained by Japanime Company Ltd., a publishing company based in Kawaguchi, Japan with offices in Sacramento, California. They offer free step by step drawing tutorials are both a mixture of illustrated lessons and video’s provided through YouTube.com. They also offer fee based tutorials and art packages that drawing enthusiasts can purchase. The website also conducts interviews with popular manga creators who offer insight into drawing techniques, the manga industry, and special tutorials. There is advertising throughout the site, mostly offering Manga University products, such as print tutorials, learning japanese guides, and cook books, as well as other sponsor's products.
Personal Thoughts: A very well made site with full animation and video that is likely to appeal to teens. A little more difficult to navigate then some other sites, I found myself resorting to main tabs or the back button in order to return to a selection of choices. They have a good amount of free materials that teens can access and learn from. The advertising does make ordering materials from the website quiet tempting though. The site is updated regularly with new materials and videos. The drawings are clean with no violence or nudity that I found.
Similar Websites: Manga Tutorial's Website [My Review]
Interest Level: Ages 12 & up
Subjects/Themes: Manga, Drawing Techniques/Tutorials, Anime, Videos
About the Website: Manga University is a free site maintained by Japanime Company Ltd., a publishing company based in Kawaguchi, Japan with offices in Sacramento, California. They offer free step by step drawing tutorials are both a mixture of illustrated lessons and video’s provided through YouTube.com. They also offer fee based tutorials and art packages that drawing enthusiasts can purchase. The website also conducts interviews with popular manga creators who offer insight into drawing techniques, the manga industry, and special tutorials. There is advertising throughout the site, mostly offering Manga University products, such as print tutorials, learning japanese guides, and cook books, as well as other sponsor's products.
Personal Thoughts: A very well made site with full animation and video that is likely to appeal to teens. A little more difficult to navigate then some other sites, I found myself resorting to main tabs or the back button in order to return to a selection of choices. They have a good amount of free materials that teens can access and learn from. The advertising does make ordering materials from the website quiet tempting though. The site is updated regularly with new materials and videos. The drawings are clean with no violence or nudity that I found.
Similar Websites: Manga Tutorial's Website [My Review]
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.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (DVD)
Heyman, D. (Producer), Newell, M. (Director), & Kloves, S. (Writer). Harry Potter and the goblet of fire [DVD]. Burbank, CA: Warner Home Video.
Plot: Based on the fourth book of the popular Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. The story picks up right before the start of the new school year. Harry is having nightmares about Voldomort and his minions. Harry attends the World Quidditch Cup with his friends where they set up a campsite with the other spectators. Death Eaters, Voldomort's followers, attack the camp and destroy everything. At school, the students are surprised by the announcement of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, which is a competition between three wizarding schools. Harry's name is chosen by the magical goblet even though a Hogwarts champion was already chosen and Harry is too young to compete. Harry and the other champions have to face a number of challenges that will test their minds, magic and physical abilities. These challenges prove to be almost deadly and in the past champions have died. Eventually Harry and Cedric, the other Hogwarts champion, make it to the final and choose to win the competition together. This proves deadly as the finish line was a magical booby trap with Voldomort's followers waiting for them and they kill Cedric. They use Harry's blood as well as other items to create a body for Voldomort. Harry barely manages to escape with Cedric's body and returns to school to warn everyone that Voldomort has returned.
Personal Thoughts: The movie is well made and stays close to the main storyline found in the book. The graphics and special effects are almost flawless and serve to make the Harry's magical world a very believable one. This volume of the Harry Potter series has a darker tone too it and this is also reflected in the look and feel of the graphics. Characters are being killed and Voldomort is growing in power. Harry's relationships with his friends are also getting stress as a result of all the different things going on. We really start to see the characters grow up in this movie as they deal with more grown up issues in grown up ways. Unlike the early parts of the Harry Potter series, which to me are beign enough for younger tweens, this is the part in the series where things start to become more violent, dark, and depressing to some degree and you may want to wait to show the rest of the series to til the viewer is a little older. The previous DVDs inthe series were rated PG. This is the first in the series that was rated PG-13 so parents should be aware of that and take proper consideration.
Movie Note: Part 4 of the Harry Potter Series
Prequel: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2007)
Sequel: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Awards/Recognition:
Interest Level: Ages 13 to 18
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 157 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Wizards, School, Magic, Competitions, Friendship, Good vs Evil, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 157 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Wizards, School, Magic, Competitions, Friendship, Good vs Evil, Fantasy
Plot: Based on the fourth book of the popular Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. The story picks up right before the start of the new school year. Harry is having nightmares about Voldomort and his minions. Harry attends the World Quidditch Cup with his friends where they set up a campsite with the other spectators. Death Eaters, Voldomort's followers, attack the camp and destroy everything. At school, the students are surprised by the announcement of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, which is a competition between three wizarding schools. Harry's name is chosen by the magical goblet even though a Hogwarts champion was already chosen and Harry is too young to compete. Harry and the other champions have to face a number of challenges that will test their minds, magic and physical abilities. These challenges prove to be almost deadly and in the past champions have died. Eventually Harry and Cedric, the other Hogwarts champion, make it to the final and choose to win the competition together. This proves deadly as the finish line was a magical booby trap with Voldomort's followers waiting for them and they kill Cedric. They use Harry's blood as well as other items to create a body for Voldomort. Harry barely manages to escape with Cedric's body and returns to school to warn everyone that Voldomort has returned.
Personal Thoughts: The movie is well made and stays close to the main storyline found in the book. The graphics and special effects are almost flawless and serve to make the Harry's magical world a very believable one. This volume of the Harry Potter series has a darker tone too it and this is also reflected in the look and feel of the graphics. Characters are being killed and Voldomort is growing in power. Harry's relationships with his friends are also getting stress as a result of all the different things going on. We really start to see the characters grow up in this movie as they deal with more grown up issues in grown up ways. Unlike the early parts of the Harry Potter series, which to me are beign enough for younger tweens, this is the part in the series where things start to become more violent, dark, and depressing to some degree and you may want to wait to show the rest of the series to til the viewer is a little older. The previous DVDs inthe series were rated PG. This is the first in the series that was rated PG-13 so parents should be aware of that and take proper consideration.
Movie Note: Part 4 of the Harry Potter Series
Prequel: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2007)
Sequel: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Awards/Recognition:
Academy Award for Best Art Direction [Nomination] (2005)
Teen Choice Awards - Choice Movie Drama Winner (2006)
BAFTA Award for Best Production Design Winner (2005)
Kids' Choice Awards - Blimp Award Winner for Favorite Movie (2006)
Kids' Choice Awards - Blimp Award Winner for Favorite Movie (2006)
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
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