Lego Batman

Lego Batman. Burbank, CA: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Inc., 2008. $19.99 ISBN 993929020720

Plot Summary: Batman and Robin must save Gotham City from the villains recently escaped from Arcane Asylum.

Critical Evaluation: This game was pretty fun, but after about thirty minutes I was confused about what I was supposed to accomplish. I couldn't figure out how to defeat Clayface and soon gave up. If I was a better video game player I may have kept going, or looked up what I was supposed to do. It would be a better game if playing with a friend, which it has the option of doing. I will probably give it another try.

Reader's Annotation: Legos and Batman come together for an action packed video game to follow Batman and Robin as they defeat the villains from Arcane Asylum.

Author Bio:

Genre: Science Fiction, Comic, Adventure

Curriculum Ties:

Booktalking Ideas: Show some legos, preferably Batman themed Legos, and a few Batman comic books and smash them together (carefully) to illustrate the fusion of Batman and Legos in the action packed video game.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9 and up

Challenges: The violence may be an issue.

Reason for including: I love Batman and Legos, so this was a great combo. It says E (for everyone), but I felt that it best suited the tween group because it is in between the kid world of Legos and teen world of action packed comic books.

Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland by Sally M, Walker

Walker, Sally M. Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland. New York: Carolrhoda Books, 2009. 144 pages. $22.95 ISBN 9780822571353

Plot Summary: Written in Bone describes the work of archaeologists, scientists, forensic anthropologists, and archivists (among many more) as they uncover the history of the Chesapeake Bay region between Maryland and Virginia. They find many clues in to the life and death of the nations earliest European settlers, as well as the first facial reconstruction of an early "American colonist of African ancestry". The book is full of detailed information and many illustrations and photographs.

Critical Evaluation: This book is full of information but is presented in an engaging way, with lots of pictures and illustrations. The layout of the book breaks up the descriptive text with detailed pictures and up-close photos of the action. It is interestingly written, presenting the information in a way that will keep a reader reading, but also sounds authoritative.

Reader's Annotation: Fascinating look into the bones and lives of colonial Jamestown, VA and around the Chesapeake in Maryland.

Author Bio: Sally is the author of over 50 books on science topics for kids and young adults. She lives in De Kalb, Illinois but worked with archaeologists, scientists, forensic anthropologists and archivists in Jamestown, VA and around the Chesapeake in Maryland. She won the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Medal in 2006 for Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: SOlving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley and was also on the ALA Notable list with Fossil Fish Found Alive.

Genre: Non-Fiction, Archaeology, History

Curriculum Ties: Great addition to archaeology discussion or East Coast/settlement history from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the early American settlers. Discuss the fact that still not much is known for sure about how the settlers lived and died. Show some pictures of the digs featured in the book.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9 and up, Grades 4 and up

Challenges: The photos of the skeletons and graves may cause some concern.

Reason for including: Living in Maryland, I thought this book was very interesting. I am also very interested in archaeology, so history on Maryland archaeology was a plus.

Lines, Vines and Trying Times by Jonas Brothers

Jonas, Kevin, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas. Lines, Vines and Trying Times. Hollywood Records, 2009. 47.8 minutes. $11.99 (iTunes).

Plot Summary: The latest album by the Jonas Brothers is a catchy pop album featuring collaborations with rapper Common and fellow Disney-ite Miley Cyrus.

Critical Evaluation: Great album for dancing and singing along to, the pop trio have created another hit. The sound is very similar to their past albums, but the themes are more "mature." There isn't one terrible song on the album, although their Common collaboration is a little off from their usual.

Reader's Annotation: Jonas Brothers hit it again with another power chord driven pop album featuring collaborations with Common and Miley Cyrus.

Author Bio: Joseph, Kevin and Nick Jonas grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey with very musical parents. Their parents encouraged the boys to pursue music careers from early on. The brothers hit it big when featured on the Disney movie Meet the Robinsons soundtrack and were soon big Disney stars. They have five full length albums, It's About Time (2006), their self titled Jonas Brothers (2007), A Little Bit Longer (2008) and Lines, Vines and Trying Times (2009) as well as a live album. The brothers have appeared in several Disney shows and movies, including their own comedy series Jonas, and TV movie Camp Rock. Kevin recently became engaged and Nick branched off to form a new band called Nick Jonas and The Administrators.

Genre: Pop

Curriculum Ties:

Booktalking Ideas: All you have to say is "Jonas" and tween girls will be eager to listen to anything you have to say.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Appeals to ages 8 and up.

Challenges: Some themes on this album are becoming more "adult," so some parents may take issues with lyrics.

Reason for including: I'm a sucker for the Jonas brothers. I watched every episode of their Disney series, and laughed hysterically as my husband shook his head with disgust. I'm a fan of their albums and know quite a few tweens who are big fans like I am.

Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math Without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail by Danica McKellar

McKellar, Danica. Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle School Math Without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail. New York: Plume, 2008. 296 pages. $15.00 ISBN 9780452289499

Plot Summary: Math Doesn't Suck is packed full of step-by-step math instruction geared toward the tweenage girl. Danica covers topics such as factors, multiples, fractions, decimals, percentages, word problems and algebra. She uses real life examples to illustrate her points, cute drawings and easy to follow guidelines and practice problems. The book is a girl friendly, tween engaging way to help struggling students succeed in math.

Critical Evaluation: This book is fantastic. Not only is it a great math help book, but it is also fun and encouraging. Danica is an amazing woman, moving between acting and mathematics. The book is full of great step-by-step directions for solving all sorts of math equations encountered during middle school. The book is geared towards girls, with cute illustrations, real-life examples like choosing a party outfit, and quotes from tween girls about math.

Reader's Annotation: Learn how to survive middle school math with actress and mathematician Danica McKellar.

Author Bio: Danica McKellar is most famous for her role as Winnie on The Wonder Years with Fred Savage, Josh Saviano and Dan Lauria. After The Wonder Years, Danica graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in mathematics. She is a firm supporter of promoting math education for girls and spoke before Congress about the importance of women in math and science professions. She recently starred as Elsie Snuffin on The West Wing, but continues to focus on math and published her second math book, Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss, in 2008. She also coauthored a mathematical physics theorem called The Chayes-McKellar-Winn Theorem.

Genre: Non-Fiction, Mathematics

Curriculum Ties: A great suggestion for math help.

Booktalking Ideas: Discuss the value of math and that it doesn't have to "kill" you in middle school. Talk about how Danica used to be a TV star when she was their age and is now a successful author and mathematician.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 12 and up, Grades 6-9

Challenges: None!

Reason for including: I was a fan of The Wonder Years. A few years ago my dad sent me an article about Danica and her life work in mathematics. It was shortly before this book came out and she was talking about how she wants to get girls more interested in math and science. I was very interested in the book and thought it would be a great addition to tween materials.

Meet Addy by Connie Porter

Porter, Connie. Meet Addy. Middleton, WI: Pleasant Company Publications, 1993. 78 pages $6.95 ISBN 9781562470753

Plot Summary: Addy and her mother escape from the plantation on which they are slaves after Addy's father and brother are sold to another master. Addy, only nine-years-old, and her mother must leave Esther in the care of other slaves in order to escape. Separated on their way to a safe house, Addy worries she will never see her mother again and whether they will make it to Philadelphia.

Critical Evaluation: Rereading this book as an adult I am even more drawn to Addy's character. The book is so powerful and emotional, even when geared towards younger readers. I forgot that they have to leave Esther, Addy's baby sister, with other slaves in order to escape. This really caught me and I was surprised by the tragedy of the book. Although the subject is intense and tragic, it is necessary that kids learn about this time in our history.

Reader's Annotation: Nine-year-old Addy and her mother make the perilous journey from their plantation in the south to Philadelphia on foot.

Author Bio: Connie Porter grew up in a housing project, the second youngest of nine kids. She earned degrees from both SUNY Albany and Louisiana State University and has taught English and creative writing at Milton Academy, Emerson College and Southern Illinois University. Connie has published several books for children and young adults including the Addy Walker series for American Girl/Pleasant Company, and modern day fiction. Connie currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: A great choice for pairing with Civil War/Slavery studies.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about not only the dangers and hardships of traveling hundreds of miles on foot, but also the terror of being caught and brought back to slavery.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8 and up, Grade 2 and up.

Challenges: The subject matter is very intense and emotional, and may be too much for some kids to handle.

Reason for including: I was a BIG American Girl fan when I was a kid, and Addy was one of my favorites. I still have my Addy doll. This seemed like an essential pick for tweens, at least tween girls. I read the books until I was thirteen.

The Bad Beginning: Book the First by Lemony Snicket

Snicket, Lemony. The Bad Beginning: Book the First. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 1999. 176 pages $12.99 ISBN 9780064407663

Plot Summary: Newly orphaned Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire are moved from the terrible Mr. Poe house to the even more terrible Count Olaf house. The children try to move back to the slightly less terrible Poe house, but Mr. Poe will not here any of it. They know Count Olaf is evil, and just wants their money, but have no help in stopping him. Ultimately their fate is in their own hands.

Critical Evaluation: This is quite a quirky book. If I thought a book about orphans would be depressing, a book about rich orphans whose only relatives don't want them and just want their money is even more depressing. And yet, I found myself giggling through much of the book. The book is very clever and I'm interested in how much worse the lives of the Baudelaire children will get through the rest of the series.

Reader's Annotation: Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire fight for their right to the family inheritance and fair treatment in the shadow of mean Count Olaf.

Author Bio: Lemony Snicket is the author of the Series of Unfortunate Events, the picture books The Composer is Dead, The Lump of Coal and The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming as well as Horseradish: Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid and Unfortunate Events tie-ins. Lemony Snicket is a pen name for author Daniel Handler. Handler has published three books under his own name, The Basic Eight, Watch Your Mouth and Adverbs. Handler graduated from Wesleyan University in 1992 and married Lisa Brown, whom he met in college. The couple lives in San Francisco with their son Otto.

Genre: Modern Fairy Tale, Drama

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: Reading the first chapter would be a great way to lure students into reading the series.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9-12, Grades 3-6

Challenges: The murder of the parents may be an issue, but the author doesn't go into detail.

Reason for including: I have been intrigued by this series for a while, but had only seen the movie until this semester. I know it is very popular, probably among younger tweens.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld, Scott. Leviathan. New York: Simon Pulse, 2009. 440 pages. $19.99 ISBN 9781416971733

Plot Summary: In 1914, The Great War begins between the Darwinists and the Clankers. Aleksandar Ferdinand is prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, son of royalty and a commoner. He is disturbed one night by his tutor Otto Klopp and fencing master Count Volger. They take him out in a walker, a large walking machine, only to tell Alek that his parents were murdered. Deryn just wants to be an airman in the British Air Service. Unfortunately she's a girl and they only take on boys. However she is determined, and disguises as a boy in order to join. Alek and Deryn, from completely different worlds and different sides of The Great War, are forced together on board the great ship Leviathan.

Critical Evaluation: This is a fantastic book, full of crazy plotlines, interesting characters and beautiful illustrations. Westerfeld collaborated with illustrator Keith Thompson to move back to the time when all books were illustrated. The novel is perfectly accented by Thompson's detailed pen and ink illustrations. This alternate history is fascinating blend of steampunk, Eastern European history and adventure.

Reader's Annotation: In an alternate 1914, Alek and Beryn are forced into each others' lives by the great war and the magnificent Leviathan.

Author Bio: Scott Westerfeld is the author of many books for young adults and adults including the Uglies series, Midnighters series and now the Leviathan series. His wife is Australian, so he spends his time alternating between New York City and Sydney, Australia.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: Not sure if this would go well with modern Eastern-European history.

Booktalking Ideas: Show the book trailer. It is one of the most extravagant book trailers I have seen and sure to spark many tweens interests.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 11 and up

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: I read Uglies over the summer and loved it. As a fan of steampunk I was very excited to find out that Westerfeld was publishing a YA steampunk alternate history, with illustrations! I felt this book would appeal to tweens because of the action, sci-fi and illustrations.

Swords: An Artist's Devotion by Ben Boos

Boos, Ben. Swords: An Artist's Devotion. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2008. 88 pages. $24.99 ISBN 9780763631482

Plot Summary: Swords is a book about just that, swords. Boos illustrates swords of different time periods and types giving background information and folklore about the people who used the swords. He illustrates how to hold the swords, how they were used and most importantly the beautiful detail of the swords.

Critical Evaluation: This book is beautifully illustrated. If it is only enjoyed for the illustrations it would be worth it, but there is also a lot of interesting information on the history of swords as well.

Reader's Annotation: Follow the history and use of swords in this elaborately illustrated book.

Author Bio: Ben Boos lives in California with his wife and 3 (almost 4) children. He worked for Blizzard North as an illustrator and graphic designer for computer games. He is currently working on his second book.

Genre: Non-Fiction, Folklore

Curriculum Ties: This book can span many periods of history, which makes it a good classroom resource to pull out and examine swords of different time periods.

Booktalking Ideas: I think just showing a few pages of the book and talking about how many different kinds of swords there are would be an effective booktalk.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9 and up

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: I saw this book at the library and was taken away with the gorgeous illustrations. I love swords (former fencer), so a book full of the history of swords with such amazing illustrations was a fantastic find.

Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast by David Petersen

Petersen, David. Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast. Keamy, NJ: Archaia Studios Press, 2006. 24 pages. $3.50 ISBN 1932386149

Plot Summary: Mice Lieam, Kenzie and Saxon leave on a quest to find a missing peddler. They find the peddler's rice cart, but no peddler. The trio encounter a snake, the beast that killed the missing peddler. After battling the beast, Lieam, Kenzie and Saxon learn a dark secret about their missing peddler.

Critical Evaluation: This short comic packs some punch! The illustrations are simple yet beautiful. The story flows smoothly and dialog is easy to follow and read. Although the characters are small creatures, the close up illustrations and rich colors make the mice and snake seem epic. With the interesting pictures, brief dialog and exciting story this comic is sure to be a hit among tweens, and tweens at heart.

Reader's Annotation: Warrior mice Lieam, Kensie and Saxon set off on a quest to find a missing peddler, but find more than they bargained for.

Author Bio: David Petersen grew up on comics, cartoons and boyhood adventures and learned to turn that love into a passionate job. He created Mouse Guard based on his love of fantasy, folklore and comics and has made three Mouse Guard series: Fall 1152, Winter 1152 and Black Axe. David lives with his wife Julia and their dog Autumn in Michigan. David's won awards for his Mouse Guard series including the 2007 Russ Manning Award for Most Promising Newcomer, and two 2008 Eisners for Best Publication for Kids (Mouse Guards Fall 1152 and Winter 1152) and Best Graphic Album-Reprint (Mouse Guard Fall 1152).

Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Comic

Curriculum Ties:

Booktalking Ideas: Since the books are dependent on the illustrations, reading the book aloud isn't a feasible option. However, showing a few pages while giving a very brief summary either of one book or the volume as a whole would entice tweens and get them wanting to really look at the illustrations and find out what happens.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8+, Grades 3 and up

Challenges: The fighting may be two graphic for the younger tweens, and the sensitive ones may have issues with animals fighting and killing each other.

Reason for including: When I first saw this series I was hooked. First of all I love mice (all small rodents), second I love the medieval era. Combine them and I'm in heaven. I think this series will appeal to all ages, not just tweens, seeing as I'm 24 and the person I lent them from is 27.

Monsters vs. Aliens

Letterman, Rob and Conrad Vernon, directors. Monsters vs. Aliens. Dreamworks Pictures, 2008.

Plot Summary: After being hit by a meteor the day of her wedding, Susan's molecular structure explodes and she grows into an enormous woman. The government gets a hold on her and sends her to a secret prison where she meets other fugitive monsters B.O.B., The Missing Link, Dr. Cockroach and Insectosaurus. While Susan comes to terms with her size and being away from her family and fiance, she finds friendship in the other outcasts. The city of San Francisco needs the monsters help, however, when Gallaxhar sends a robot, and eventually comes himself to get the substance that transformed Susan. It is up to the monsters to save the world and for the world to respect the monsters.

Critical Evaluation: Monsters vs. Aliens was hilarious. I laughed from beginning to end. There was just enough "adult" humor throughout for this to be enjoyed by parents and kids together. There was so much going on throughout the movie, so many characters to follow, it seems like a better fit for older kids, like tweens. There were no sing-a-longs, which is rare in many cartoons and will appeal to the tween age-group. A cartoon, but not a baby cartoon.

Reader's Annotation: Shut away from the easily frightened populace, a group of monsters are called out of hiding to save the world from alien invasion.

Author Bio: The voices behind Monsters vs. Aliens come from an all-star cast. Reese Witherspoon is the voice of Susan, and has been in many starring roles including Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, and Vanity Fair. Hugh Laurie may be most popular in the states for his role on TV as House, MD and as Stuart Little's dad, but Laurie has been big in the British comedy scene since Blackadder and his many projects with Stephen Fry. Will Arnett may be most recognized for his roles in Arrested Development and Blades of Glory, but has also lent his voice for Ice Age: The Meltdown, Ratatouille, Horton Hears a Who, G-Force and the upcoming Despicable Me. Seth Rogen got his start as a laid back freak in the show Freaks and Geeks and has teamed up with the Judd Apatow team several times since. He's also been a voice in quite a few animated/semi-animated features including Shrek the Third, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Horton Hears a Who!, Kung Fu Panda and an upcoming Kung Fu Panda sequel. Other notable voices include Keifer Sutherland, Paul Rudd, Stephen Colbert, Rainn Wilson, and Amy Poehler.

Genre: Science Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Great for a half day movie day.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about what super powers they would want if they were hit by a meteor. Then talk about Susan's growth spurt and the isolation she feels, and then her mind opening friendship with the other monsters.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8 and up

Challenges: Some parents may have issues with some of the adult humor, however it isn't significant enough to be a major problem.

Reason for including: My niece and nephew were watching it one day after it came out on DVD. My nephew, age four, said he didn't like it and it was boring. My niece (9) was enjoying it. So, I thought, "Yay! A cartoon for older kids!"

The Rifle by Gary Paulsen

Paulsen, Gary. The Rifle. San Deigo: Harcourt Brace, 1995. 112 pages. $5.95 ISBN 9780152928803

Plot Summary: The story follows the life of a rifle created in 1768. After the death of the original owner the gun is passed on through more than two centuries until it falls into the hands of a mechanic. Richard is just an innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Critical Evaluation: This book mesmerized me when I read it in 1995. I was amazed at the detail Paulsen went into about the creation of the gun and then the events leading up to the tragic shot. Reading it again years later I can definitely see where Paulsen pushes "guns don't kill people, people kill people" but still feel that it is a moving book. I'm not sure though that a two hundred year old gun would fire without exploding on the holder, or would fire at all.

Reader's Annotation: Since 1768 the rifle has changed hands, not one checking to see if the gun was loaded.

Author Bio: Gary Paulsen is the author of several young adult novels including Hatchet, Nightjohn and The Winter Rooms. He has won several awards including a Newbery Honor. He lives in La Luz, NM with his wife Ruth. He also runs 40 acres of land north of Willow, AK where he breeds and trains sled dogs for the Iditarod.

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: This could be tied into Revolutionary history, but also with any study of gun laws.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the history of prized objects and how one object can pass through so many lives without the people realizing all the history behind the object.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 12 and up

Challenges: The fact that it is about a gun may cause issues, as well as the graphic scene at the end of the novel about Richard being shot.

Reason for including: For some reason this book has stuck with me over the years. I remember reading the scene at the end when the boy gets shot a few times, each time amazed that Paulsen went into all that detail and disgusted at the same time. I think it is a good book for tweens to read, if not for anything else then for them to realize guns are dangerous.

Mick Harte was Here by Barbara Park

Park, Barbara. Mick Harte was Here. New York: Apple Soup Books, 1995. 89 pages. $15.00 ISBN 9780679870883

Plot Summary: Phoebe tells the story of her brother, younger by ten months, who was killed in a bike accident. The story alternates between flashbacks and present day where Phoebe and her family are dealing with Mick's death.

Critical Evaluation: When I read this book in elementary school I remember crying quite a lot, and I always wore my helmet after that. Although the subject matter is very grim, I think it is an essential read if merely to reinforce the use of bike helmets. Barbara did an excellent job balancing the mourning of Mick's family and the humorous flashbacks.

Reader's Annotation: Phoebe wants you to learn one thing from her brother's death, always wear a helmet.

Author Bio: Barbara Park is the author of several children's books including Beanpole, Dear God, HELP!!! Love, Earl and the Junie B. Jones series. Barbara Park lives in Arizona with her husband and has two grown sons, David and Steven.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: This is a must read for any upper elementary or middle school reading list.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the necessity of wearing a helmet.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8-12

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: While I wouldn't say this is one of my favorite books, it is definitely on the top of my list of books that have affected me at one point. I think this is a great book, very thought provoking.

Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

Moskowitz, Isa Chandra and Terry Romero. Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World: 75 Dairy-Free Recipes for Cupcakes that Rule. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 2006. 144 pages $15.95 ISBN 9781569242735

Plot Summary: This small cookbook is packed with delicious recipes for cupcakes and frosting including classic vanilla, chocolate, carrot cake, and even chai. All the recipes are vegan, which means they do not contain and animal products.

Critical Evaluation: Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World is a great cookbook for vegans and non-vegans. I've made several recipes in the book and non-vegans have loved them. The recipes are very straight forward and fairly easy to prepare. As long as the baker has permission to use the kitchen and oven, they should be able to create delicious cupcakes.

Reader's Annotation: Learn to make scrumptious cupcakes without using animal products.

Author Bio: Isa and Terry are the authors of several vegan cookbooks and hosts of the web/public access show The Post Punk Kitchen. Both women live in New York City, Isa in Brooklyn in a tiny apartment where they film their cooking show, and Terry in Queens.

Genre: Cookbook, Non-Fiction

Curriculum Ties: This would be great for a home-ec class to teach about alternative diets and how delicious they can be.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about cupcakes. Take a vote on who loves cupcakes. Also find out if anyone is already vegetarian or vegan. Then tell them what kinds of recipes are in the book. They'll end up drooling.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9 and up, for kids who are able to use the kitchen and up.

Challenges: The non-dairy, non-egg thing may be tricky for some students to get past, but there shouldn't be any reason for book challenges.

Reason for including: This has been a favorite cookbook of mine since it came out. Cooking should be a skill everyone learns, and that includes baking. The vegan lifestyle is definitely a lot healthier than most, so encouraging that (without being preachy) is worth it. The book is fun and delicious and would appeal to tween girls for sure.

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Pullman, Philip. The Golden Compass. New York: Yearling, 1995. 399 pages. $7.50 ISBN 9780440418320

Plot Summary: Running wild throughout Oxford's Jordan College, Lyra Belacqua loves her life among the scholars, the help and the children of the city. There is word that "Gobblers" are taking children off the streets never to be seen again. Her best friend Roger is taken and she is determined to find him. Lyra learns to use her Alethiometer to figure out her path and the truths in the world, putting her in terrible danger. Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon end up traveling all over their known world with Gyptians, an aeronaut, and the lair of armored bears.

Critical Evaluation: The Golden Compass

Reader's Annotation:

Author Bio:

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties:

Booktalking Ideas:

Reading Level/Interest Age:

Challenges:

Reason for including:

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Funke, Cornelia. Inkheart. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2003. 534 pages. $24.99 ISBN 9780439531641

Plot Summary: Meggie and Mo live a content life. Mo is a book doctor and Meggie an avid reader. A man shows up one day calling Mo, Silvertongue. Almost immediately the three travel to Meggie's Aunt Eleanor's to escape the clutches of the evil Capricorn and his gang. Capricorn is never too far behind.

Critical Evaluation: Funke created a fantastic fairy tale within her story that's almost as delightful as the actual novel is. Meggie is a very personable character, at least for someone who loves books and reading as much as she does.

Reader's Annotation: Inkheart follows Meggy and her father Mo as the run from Capricorn and his men and become entangled in their book, Inkheart.

Author Bio: Cornelia Funke was born and raised in Germany and has published her novels in German. She has published several fantasy novels including Dragon Rider, the Inkheart trilogy and The Thief Lord. She married Rolf Funke in 1981, a printer by trade. They lived in Hamburg with their children Anna (b. 1989) and Ben (b. 1994) until 2005 when they moved to Los Angeles, CA.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the idea of being able to venture into a book they're reading. Would they enjoy it? Or would it just be to weird?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 3-6, Ages 8-12

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: When the book first came out I was very intrigued by the premise and had read The Thief Lord. I was hooked and eagerly awaited Inkspell and Inkdeath when they were published as well. In addition to reading the books, I listened to the audiobooks, Inkheart narrated by Lynn Redgrave, Inkspell narrated by Brendan Fraser, Inkdeath narrated by Allan Corduner.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Waters, Mark. The Spiderwick Chronicles. Hollywood: Paramount, 2008. 101 min. PG. ISBN 1415739218

Plot Summary: The movie is about the Grace family who moves into their Great Aunt's estate after the parents divorce. Jared and Simon become engrossed in a mysterious world of goblins, ogres, fairies and griffins after finding the secret library of their Great-great Uncle Spiderwick. Soon Mallory is forced into the world thanks to her fencing skills and the whole estate is turned upside down by the magical forces.

Critical Evaluation: The movie was a decent adaptation of the first book and kept all the main points. The animated creatures and super imposed twins were very believable.

Reader's Annotation: The Grace siblings are in for a battle when they get involved in the world of magical creatures.

Author Bio: Mark Waters, director of Freaky Friday, Mean Girls, Just Like Heaven and most recently The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, created believable twins Jared and and Simon Grace with child star Freddie Highmore. Included in the cast are Nick Nolte as the voice of the evil Mulgarath, Joan Ploughwright as Aunt Lucinda Spiderwick, Seth Rogen as the voice of Hogsqueal, Martin Short as the voice of Thimbletack, Mary-Louise Parker as mom Helen Grace and Sarah Bolger as sister Mallory Grace. Freddie Highmore recently lent his voice for the role of Astro Boy. Another hit in animated movies in the past few years is Seth Rogen, the voice of B.O.B in Monsters vs. Aliens and Mantis in Kung Fu Panda.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Curriculum Ties:

Booktalking Ideas: A good movie to pair with the book series, either to promote the movie or the books. It would make a good jumping off point for the books, since it only covers the first book.

Reading Level/Interest Age: PG - ages 8 and up

Challenges:

Reason for including: I read the first book, love Holly Black, so I wanted to give the movie a try. I am usually disappointed by movie adaptations, but thought the representation of all the creatures was creative.

Ballet Shoes

Goldbacher, Sandra (dir.). Ballet Shoes. New York: Koch Entertainment, 2007.

Plot Summary: After the death of her parents, Sylvia and her governess Nana move in with her only surviving relative, uncle Gum. Gum is a paleontologist and travels most of her life in his London home. He does send postcards, as well as baby girls. The result of his philanthropy is the Fossil girls, Pauline, Petrova and Posy. Each girl has a dream, Pauline hopes to be an actress, Petrova an aviator and Posy a ballerina. The family of women fall into financial trouble, and Sylvia decides to take on boarders. The boarders open up a world of possibilities for all the Fossils, including Sylvia, and lead them on the road to fulfilling their dreams.

Critical Evaluation: The movie is a well done presentation of the 1920s through set design and costumes, as well as representations of theatre and movie productions of the age. The girls are easy to relate to as each girl has a unique personality and ambition. However, some kids may think the movie is boring. There isn't much action, as it is more of a drama.

Reader's Annotation: Follow the Fossil sisters as they vow to make names for themselves in post-WWI London on the stage, in film and in the sky.

Author Bio: Sandra Goldbacher was also director of Seventeen, Me Without You and The Governess, starring Minnie Driver and Tom Wilkinson. The Governess was also Goldbacher's screenwriting debut. The all-star cast features Potter veterans Emma Watson (Pauline Fossil), Richard Griffiths (Great Uncle Matthew, or GUM), and Gemma Jones (Dr. Jakes). Marc Warren recently starred in Wanted alongside Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, and Morgan Freeman as The Repairman. Emilia Fox featured in the popular short film turned full length movie Cashback, and will soon be appearing in the film adaptation of The Portrait of Dorian Gray.

Genre: Historical Fiction, coming of age

Curriculum Ties: A good film to watch while studying WWI life outside of and post-war.

Booktalking Ideas: Pair this with the book by Noel Streatfeild by showing the preview, or a select scene or two. A scene in which the sisters make one of their vows to get into the history books would be a good way to intrigue tweens, get them to want to find out if they keep their vow.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 10 and up, Grades 5-8

Challenges: None

Reason for including: I purchased this movie when it came out, being a fan of Emma Watson. I hadn't heard of Ballet Shoes (the novel) before seeing the movie. I thought the movie was a good tween movie, since the characters are in their tweens and deal with age-appropriate issues.

Kenny & the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi

DiTerlizzi, Tony. Kenny & the Dragon. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers,2008. 151 pages. $15.99 ISBN 9781416939771

Plot Summary: Kenny is a rabbit who lives with his parents on a farm just outside of Roundbrook. Kenny is a voracious reader and has a deal with the owner of the town bookstore that lets Kenny borrow books as long as he returns them in perfect condition. Grahame is a good-natured dragon who also loves to read. He doesn't like the non-sense written about dragons, but instead of getting angry he likes to prove how kind and smart he is. When the town learns that a dragon is living on Kenny's farm they call on the town's retired knight to slay the dragon.

Critical Evaluation: This is such a cute book. The combination of Kenny's kindness, Grahame's intellectual personality and the illustrations make this book a joy to read. The reader will be hooked, anxiously wondering if the town kills Grahame in the end.

Reader's Annotation: Kenny and his friend Grahame, a dragon, must show the town of Roundbrook that dragons aren't as scary as they think.

Author Bio: Tony DiTerlizzi is the co-author of The Spiderwick Chronicles with Holly Black. His artistic childhood, Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal, and his forays in Dungeons and Dragons have inspired much of his work, especially on The Spiderwick Chronicles and Kenny and the Dragon. He graduated from art school in graphic design and went on to work for the company that is responsible for Dungeons and Dragons. After moving to New York City, he decided to write and illustrate books, his first book published in 2000. Now Tony lives with his wife an daughter in Amherst, MA.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: A good choice when talking about fairy tales, to give an example of a modern fairy tale.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the usual characteristics of dragons: fire spitting, terrorizing villages, eating people. Then talk about how that is all wrong and Kenny and Grahame are determined to prove it.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 3-6, Ages 8-12

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: I'm a fan of The Spiderwick Chronicles, of which he is the partial-author. Also, the illustrations caught me.

The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children by Keith McGowan

McGowan, Keith. The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2009. 177 pages. $15.99 ISBN 9780805086683

Plot Summary: Fay Holaderry is hiding a terrible secret: she's a witch who loves to eat children. Sol and Connie come quite close to being the witch's next big meal. Will they escape in time?

Critical Evaluation: This is a really silly book, and a clever retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Classic fairy tales can fit any time period with just a few tweaks to the elements of the story like setting and modes of behavior. The story is accented here and there by illustrations that add to the dark theme of the story. There are also snippets of the witch's diary which make the turn of events even more interesting.

Reader's Annotation: All Fay Holaderry wants is a good meal, but the children keep getting away.

Author Bio: Keith has worked as a teacher for most of his adult life and has helped create tools for educators. He loves to travel and began his first book, The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children, while on a train ride in Amritsar and Himachal Pradesh, India. He continued to write in Boston, New Orleans, Chicago and in his current home in Vienna, Austria. Keith lives in Vienna with his wife.

Genre: Modern Fairy Tale

Curriculum Ties: Could be used in conjunction with a study of classic fairy tales.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the classic fairy tales from Perrault, the Grimm brothers and Andersen and then show books, including this one, that are modern retellings of the classics.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 4-6, ages 9-13

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: The title and cover caught my eye as I was perusing the new juvenile fiction section at the library.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Cooper, Susan. The Dark is Rising. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1973. 232 pages. $19.99 ISBN 0689303173

Plot Summary: Will Stanton is a normal almost eleven year old boy in England. He is the youngest of ten children, however the first Stanton boy, Tom, died at only three days old. Will is the seventh son of a seventh son, his father Roger also being a seventh son. As the night turns into his eleventh birthday Will begins to experience strange feelings and events. He starts to feel terrified. It is on his birthday that Will begins to realize he is becoming part of something big, and magical. Along comes Merryman Lyon, the original of the "Old Ones," who informs Will that he is the last of the "Old Ones." The Old Ones move through time, back and forth, communicate through telepathy, and even have their own language. Turning eleven transforms Will into an Old One, even though he is still very much a kid. His conflicting selves seem to battle for his attention when the Dark starts wrieking havoc on the town of Hunterscombe bringing dark storm clouds and heavy snow. It is up to Will and the Old Ones to find the six rings of power: iron, stone, wood, water, fire, and gold.

Critical Evaluation: The Dark is Rising was a fascinating read, although it did drag in a few parts. I found the vocabulary more advanced than the average modern tween book, but think the interest in the story will push the readers through any difficulties.

Reader's Annotation:

Author Bio:

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: Would be a good reading list addition, for English or Language Arts.

Booktalking Ideas: Bring in an example of each of the signs (gold, fire, water, wood, stone, and iron) and engage the listeners in a discussion about what it would be like to control these elements and use them to defeat an evil power. Then lead into Will's age and all the responsibility he is given at 11, and adventures.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Suggested reading level is grades 5-9, however 9+ would enjoy as well. The vocabulary would be suited for grades 6 or 7 and up, or advanced readers in 4 and 5.

Challenges: There were a few swear words in the dialogue, British colloquialisms.

Reason for including: I saw the movie that was released in 2007, which I enjoyed. They definitely updated the storyline for the modern audience (since the book was published in the 70s). I had no idea it was part of a series, and is the second in the series. (I don't like starting series out of order!) I also heard Michael Scott mention her as one of his favorites in a presentation he gave last month.

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl

Dahl, Roald. Fantastic Mr. Fox. New York: Alfred A Knopf, 1998. 81 pages. $15.95 ISBN 0-375-82207-0

Plot Summary: Brother farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean work together to try to get rid of the fox family, among other animals. But the animals have plans of their own to keep their homes intact.

Critical Evaluation: The book is quirky, and creative. It's a good insight into how the animals would feel about having their homes invaded and being driving out. Roald Dahl's style is unique and somewhat goofy, which makes it an easier read.

Reader's Annotation: Mr. Fox is fantastic, and certainly has a fantastic plan to get the farmers off their backs.

Author Bio: Roald Dahl was born in Llandaff, Wales in 1916. He served in the Royal Air Force during WWII and later worked for Shell Petroleum Company. In 1953, Roald married Patricia Neal and had five children. He published several children's books as well as very different pieces in American magazines.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: Roald Dahl books should be on at least one reading list through out a child's education.

Booktalking Ideas: With the movie coming out soon, it would be beneficial to use the book and movie to promote one another. Talk about how the book is always better than the movie.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 7-13

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: When I was younger I enjoyed Roald Dahl books and decided to reread this one in honor of the movie coming out.

The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade

Slade, Arthur. The Hunchback Assignments. New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2009. 278 pg. $15.99 ISBN 978-0-385-73784-5

Plot Summary: Modo is not what one would normally consider a beautiful boy. He has a hunched back and slightly deformed face. But, he is special. Modo has the ability to morph his features and body into another human form, although this transformation only lasts a few hours at most. Saved from a traveling circus as a baby by Mr. Socrates , Modo was kept secret in a country estate where he learned everything from fighting to Latin. Unexpectedly, Mr. Socrates, abandons Modo in the middle of London where he is forced to make his own way. Little does he know that the series of events that follow, including his meeting with Octavia Milkweed , are all linked. Meanwhile, some sinister machines and an army of potion altered children are being created in the bowels of London.

Critical Evaluation:

Reader's Annotation: Modo, a hunchback with special powers, becomes the entangled in a war between his guarding Mr. Socrates and the evil Clockwork Guild.

Author Bio:

Genre: Steampunk, Science Fiction, Alternate Reality, Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties:

Booktalking Ideas:

Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 6-10, ages 12 and up

Challenges:

Reason for including: I am a big fan of steampunk literature and anytime steampunk is written for tweens or teens I read it. I was waiting for this book to come out and checked it out from the library as soon as it became available.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book.

Plot Summary: The Graveyard Book follows a boy whose family is murdered and somehow ends up tottering into a graveyard. The baby is taken in and protected by the ghosts in the graveyard, which gives him special abilities like fading through solid objects and disappearing. The ghosts give him the name Nobody Owens, but mostly he goes by Bod. Bod's life is chronicled from toddlerhood to young adulthood and the eccentricity of family and love. Nobody is faced with the perils of living among the living and being sought after by a serial killer.

Critical Evaluation: This book is among my favorites. Gaiman's descriptions are so detailed and imaginative. The characters are creative and diverse, especially with many of the characters spanning centuries. The illustrations accent the story nicely by adding to the text not over powering it. The story, a ghostly adaptation of The Jungle Book, will appeal to both children and adults.

Reader's Annotation: Nobody Owens lives under the protection of the town graveyard after the murder of his family.

Author Bio: Neil Gaiman is a British author of many graphic novels, adult fiction, young adult fiction, children's books and even a biography. He has collaborated with many artists on his projects and had major parts in the production of his book to movie projects. He lives just outside of Minneapolis, MN and has three children, Michael, Holly and Maddy.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: A good pick when talking about Newbery award winners.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about how life would be like if you were raised by ghosts in a graveyard.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 10 and up

Challenges: The fact that the first scene follows "the man Jack" in his murder of Nobody's parents and sister may cause alarm among some parents. Also the fact that Nobody is raised by ghosts in a graveyard could be a concern.

Reason for including: It was an assigned book, but as a previous Gaiman fan I would probably have included it anyway.

The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. The Loud Silence of Francine Green. New York: Clarion Books, 2006. 225 pages. $16.00 ISBN 9780618504558

Plot Summary: When Francine Green becomes friends with vivacious Sophie Bowman, Francine's life begins to change. The girls talk about everything from the atom bomb, free speech, whether God exists, to movie stars and school. Francine learns that she does have an opinion and it does count.

Critical Evaluation: This is an interesting book about post-WWII America when it was dangerous to be heard talking about certain things. The transformation of Francine is apparent throughout the book and encouraging for girls who feel like their opinion on the important things in life doesn't matter.

Reader's Annotation: When Francine Green befriends Sophie Bowman her whole life changes.

Author Bio: Karen Cushman is the author of several historical fiction novels for tweens. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA but currently lives in Vashar Island, WA with her husband Phil. Karen studied Greek and English at Stanford University, and later earned master's degrees in both human behavior and museum studies.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Could be used during a study of life after WWII.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the fear associated with war

Reading Level/Interest Age: 11 and up

Challenges:

Reason for including: Karen Cushman is a great tween writer and I use her for an author study this semester.

Matilda Bone by Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. Matilda Bone. New York: Clarion Books, 2000. 176 pages. $6.50 ISBN 9780440418221

Plot Summary: Matilda is sent to live and work with a village bonesetter while her master and priest is off on official church business. Matilda is a devout Christian who has some serious issues with the way the bonesetter lives her life. As time with the bonesetter wears on, Matilda sees that the way she lives isn't necessarily better than everyone else.

Critical Evaluation: This short book is a somewhat humorous glimpse into the life of a medieval saint-wanna-be. Matilda's mental conversations with the saints are hilarious.

Reader's Annotation: Devout Matilda is sent to live and work with a village bonesetter, much to her dismay.

Author Bio: Karen Cushman is the author of several historical fiction novels for tweens. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA but currently lives in Vashar Island, WA with her husband Phil. Karen studied Greek and English at Stanford University, and later earned master's degrees in both human behavior and museum studies.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Would be good to use during a medieval history study.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about medieval medical practices and what it would be like to work for a bonesetter.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9-14

Challenges: None

Reason for including: I love Karen Cushman, and this book is one of my favorites of hers.

Rodzina by Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. Rodzina. New York: Clarion Books, 2003. 215 pages. $16.00 ISBN 9780618133512

Plot Summary: Rodzina is sent on an orphan train headed west from Chicago. She is terrified that she will end up a slave and even frees herself from a forced marriage on the trip west. The uncertainty of her future weighs heavily on her mind, but slowly she sees happy marriages and kids being welcomed into loving homes and it gives her hope.

Critical Evaluation: This was a very interesting book as I had no previous knowledge of the orphan trains in the 19th century. It is a compelling story and as usual her extensive research and note at the end suggest the accuracy of the events detailed in the book.

Reader's Annotation: Rodzina leaves Chicago on an orphan train headed west, sure she will end up as a slave.

Author Bio: Karen Cushman is the author of several historical fiction novels for tweens. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA but currently lives in Vashar Island, WA with her husband Phil. Karen studied Greek and English at Stanford University, and later earned master's degrees in both human behavior and museum studies.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: This would be good to pair with 19th century American history.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about what it would be like to take a train ride all on your own not really knowing where you're going.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 10-14

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: Karen Cushman is one of my favorite tween authors and I used her in my author study.

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. New York: Clarion Books, 1996. 218 pages $5.99 ISBN 9780064406840

Plot Summary: Lucy and her family head west for the gold rush. They don't find much and soon Lucy escapes to the shelter of her books she loves so well.

Critical Evaluation: The story of California Morning is quite an interesting book because it is from the point of view of not only a woman in a California gold mining town, but sees the other side of the life during the California gold rush.

Reader's Annotation: California Morning doesn't want to move to California, and when she gets there she certainly doesn't want to be named California any more.

Author Bio: Karen Cushman is the author of several historical fiction novels for tweens. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA but currently lives in Vashar Island, WA with her husband Phil. Karen studied Greek and English at Stanford University, and later earned master's degrees in both human behavior and museum studies.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: This would be a good tie in to a study about the California gold rush.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the risks involved in moving out west to pan for gold.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9-13

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: Karen Cushman is one of my favorite tween authors.

Catherine Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. Catherine Called Birdy. New York: Clarion Books, 1995. 224 pages. $6.99 ISBN 978-0064405843

Plot Summary: Catherine's father has decided she need to be married. He brings over suitors which she gets rid of and he is forced to take serious action. He chooses one man that Catherine just can't stand, although his son isn't too bad. Catherine tries very hard to get rid of him.

Critical Evaluation: This is another example of humorous treatment of a big problem in the life of a medieval girl. Catherine is believable and the reader roots for her freedom to choose her husband.

Reader's Annotation: Catherine does not want to get married to just anyone her father wishes, so she devises some plans to prevent the marriage.

Author Bio: Karen Cushman is the author of several historical fiction novels for tweens. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA but currently lives in Vashar Island, WA with her husband Phil. Karen studied Greek and English at Stanford University, and later earned master's degrees in both human behavior and museum studies.

Genre: historical fiction

Curriculum Ties: This would work well paired with a medieval/renaissance history unil.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about what it would be like to be forced into an arranged marriage as a teenager.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9-14

Challenges: The main character is a teen and this could cause some concern because the book is about her trying to get out of an arranged marriage. Although it was a common age back then, it isn't accepted now.

Reason for including: This was the first Karen Cushman book I ever read and has a special place in my heart.

The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

Cushman, Karen. The Midwife's Apprentice. New York: HarperCollins, 1996. 128 pages $6.99 ISBN 9780064406307

Plot Summary: Alyce was found by the midwife in a dung heap and taken in as her apprentice. She tries very hard to be a good apprentice but feels as those she continually fails. One failed birth sends her running only to find out that the midwife wasn't disappointed that she failed, just disappointed she gave up.

Critical Evaluation: This is a very interesting medieval based book. It made me want to be a midwife for quite a while.

Reader's Annotation: Alyce tries very hard to be a great midwife assistant but lets one failure ruin her chances to learn more.

Author Bio: Karen Cushman is the author of several historical fiction novels for tweens. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA but currently lives in Vashar Island, WA with her husband Phil. Karen studied Greek and English at Stanford University, and later earned master's degrees in both human behavior and museum studies.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: A good tie in for a medieval history unit.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the differences in medicine in the medieval era and now.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8-14

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: Karen Cushman is one of my favorite tween authors and The Midwife's Apprentice was one of my favorites.

Stoneheart by Charlie Fletcher

Fletcher, Charlie. Stoneheart. New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 450 pages. $16.99 ISBN 9781423101758

Plot Summary: Twelve-year-old George Chapman is like any other kid his age, he just wants to get through the school year. While on a field trip to the Museum, George gets in trouble and is sent outside to think about what he's done. In his rage he punches the carved wall of the museum, thinking mid-punch that he's about to break his fist. But no, it's not his fist that breaks, it is the head of a gargoyle! Thus begins his perilous adventures in the middle of the war between Taints and Spits, and reveals there may be more to George than he knows. George abandons his field trip after being pursued by a stone Pterodactyl and is saved by the Gunner. The Gunner is a Spit, a good statue, and explains George's predicament. Now George and his new comrade the Gunner, and later a named Edie, set off on a journey through London to find a way to restore peace before an all out war breaks out in the statue sub-world.

Critical Evaluation: This clever book is a fantastic quick read for tweens fifth grade and up. Fletcher steeps the book in London history that, although immersed in a work of fiction, will surely reinforce British history lessons. The narrative is easy to follow and the characters are intriguing. Fletcher gives enough information about each character to lead the reader on, on a quest to find out what the characters are really all about. Part one of a trilogy, Stoneheart leaves the reader eagerly wanting to read the next book to find out what happens next.

Reader's Annotation: George Chapman, a twelve-year-old Londoner, becomes the center of an age old battle among the city's statues: the Taints and the Spits.

Author Bio: Before writing the Stoneheart trilogy, Charlie Fletcher was a screenwriter. His television credits include several BBC series episodes like "Wire in the Blood," "Ultimate Force," and "MIT: Murder Investigation Team." In 1995 he adapted Paula Gosling's novel Fair Game for the screen, which started William Baldwin and Cindy Crawford, and featured Selma Hayek. Later in 2001, Fletcher co-adapted "The Longest Yard" to star Vinny Jones as an imprisoned footballer (soccer star) who challenges the prison guards to a match. "Mean Machine" also stars Jason Statham and Jason Flemyng and was produced by Guy Ritchie. Fletcher, after moving to Los Angeles he met his wife, Domenica, and had two children, Jack and Ariadne. The family later moved to Scotland, where they currently reside.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about inanimate objects coming to life and how they would handle it.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 5 and up, ages 10 and up.

Challenges: One challenge may be the word usage of the Gunner. The Gunner is a statue created in honor of WWI, and is what his name implies: a gun man. His word usage, mainly his swear words, however British and outdated they may be could cause some issues among parents.

Reason for including: After picking up the book, being intrigued by the cover, I thought it sounded really interesting. I'm a sucker for books that take place in an alternate reality.

Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Barry, Dave and Ridley Pearson. Peter and the Starcatchers.
Plot Summary: Peter and his friends leave St. Norberts Home for Wayward Boys, forced into the job of cabin boys aboard the ship Never Land. On the ship Peter meets Molly, a Starcatcher, and discovers a chest full of star stuff onboard. The chest of star stuff ends up on an island, and soon the entire island is transformed by the magic of the star. Starcatchers and pirates are soon racing to the island to be the first to get the star stuff. A great battle ensues over the chest of star stuff, with Peter and his gang in the middle.

Critical Evaluation: This clever series imagines Peter Pan's life before J.M. Barrie's novel takes place. The characters are believable, and it is fascinating to see the transformation of Peter and the Lost Boys as well as the not yet Captain Hook.

Reader's Annotation: Follow Peter and his friends in an adventure on the sea in pursuit of magical star stuff.

Author Bio: Dave Barry was a nationally syndicated columnist for the Miami Herald from 1983 to 2005 and has published several comedic novels. Ridley Pearson is the author of several adult mystery novels.

Genre: Fantasy.

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about Peter Pan and ask if they ever wondered how Peter Pan became Peter Pan and exactly how Captain Hook lost his hand.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8-12

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: I loved Peter Pan growing up and thought the idea of a prequel was clever.

Camp Rock

Diamond, Matthew, director. Camp Rock. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, 2008. 90 minutes. $29.99. ISBN 9780788884795

Plot Summary: All Mitchie wants to do over the summer is go to Camp Rock, the place to be to further music abilities. When she didn't think she would be able to go, her mom decides to take on the job as camp caterer and gets Mitchie the chance to go as long as she helps in the kitchen. Everything is great until Mitchie decides to lie about who her mother is and the connections she has in the music world. Meanwhile, pop star Shane is forced to be a camp instructor by his music label to get his act together. Both Mitchie and Shane find hope in each other and begin to learn what life is all about.

Critical Evaluation: Camp Rock definitely has a good goal, encouraging kids to fulfill their dreams. But, the lip syncing doesn't help promote excellence in music. I think that really is the only downfall of the movie, the bad lip syncing. For a TV movie with relatively new teen actors, it's a good film. The music is catchy and inspiring. It's a good way to encourage kids to make goals, be themselves and follow their dreams. I'm hoping Camp Rock 2 will have improved lip syncing abilities.

Reader's Annotation: Mitchie just wants to be a musician and Camp Rock can help her be everything she can be. But will wanting to be popular get in the way of her music?

Author Bio: Joe Jonas is a member of the pop group Jonas Brothers and star of many Disney shows and movies, including the series "Jonas." Demi Lovado made her debut in Camp Rock and has since released a solo album, is the star of Sonny with a Chance series and the TV movie Princess Protection Program.

Genre: Disney, Musical

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas:

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8-14

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: My nine-year-old niece loves this movie and has been trying to get me to watch it for a while.

The Hunter's Moon by O.R. Melling

Melling, O.R. The Hunter's Moon. New York: Amulet Books, 2006. 305 pages $8.95 ISBN 9780810992146

Plot Summary: Findabhair and her cousin Gwen spend a summer together in Ireland and end up in the middle of the faerie world.

Critical Evaluation: This was an interesting blend of Irish and Gaelic faerie lore and modern day circumstances.

Reader's Annotation: It's never a good idea to get mixed up in Faerieland.

Author Bio: O.R. Melling is an Irish-Canadian author who has published several books involving faerie lore.

Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale

Curriculum Ties: This would be an interesting pick during the study of European folklore.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about Irish and Gaelic faerie lore.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 12 and up

Challenges: Reason for including: I read this book for a critique I wrote on Flammingnet when the book came out. I love faery folklore and anything about the British Isles/Ireland, so this book intrigued me. I think tween girls would like to read it as well.

Stellarium

Chéreau, Fabien, Matthew Gates, Johan Meuris, et. al. Stellarium. 2009. Accessed at http://www.stellarium.org/

Plot Summary: The Stellarium program enables the user to view stars and their constellations depending on the user's location.

Critical Evaluation: I thought this site and program were fantastic. In our modern world it is difficult for us to see the stars and constellations without finding a remote location without light interference. This would be even more difficult for tweens, who are not yet old enough to drive or go places on their own. This free website would be a great addition to library computers, especially in the teen and children's sections.

Reader's Annotation: Explore your night sky without the hassle of finding a light free location.

Author Bio: The Stellarium website doesn't provide much background information about the developers. It seems to be the brain-child of Chéreau, a young French Research Engineer and computer programmer.

Genre: Science, Non-fiction

Curriculum Ties: A great program to use while studying astronomy.

Booktalking Ideas: Explore the program by showing the night sky in your location.

Reading Level/Interest Age: All Ages

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: When we were researching and collaborating on websites for tweens, Tatjana found the website. I thought it was the best free program I've ever seen and have spent a lot of time messing around with the program. It would be great for libraries and schools to have access to on their computers.

Breakout by Miley Cyrus

Cyrus, Miley. Breakout. Burbank, CA: Hollywood Records, 2009. 39.7 minutes $18.99 UPC 050087123536

Plot Summary: Miley's first album completely free of Hannah Montana is full of catchy pop songs like "Breakout," "Fly on the Wall," and a remake of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."

Critical Evaluation: The album is definitely catchy and fun to listen to.

Reader's Annotation: Miley's first solo album is sure to catch you bopping your head.

Author Bio: Miley Cyrus is the daughter of famed country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. She is a Disney protege and star of the series Hannah Montana. Miley is currently breaking out of her Hannah Montana shell and focusing on solo projects in both music and movies, with a role in the next Nicholas Sparks film.

Genre: Pop

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: Combine discussion of the show serialization with other things Miley has done, like Bolt, her CDs and other Disney work.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8 and up

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: Miley Cyrus is all the rage among tween girls right now and I do have a soft spot for her.

Magyk: Septimus Heap Book One by Angie Sage

Sage, Angie. Magyk: Septimus Heap Book One. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2006. 608 pages. $7.99 ISBN 9780060577339

Plot Summary: The Heaps, a family of wizards, take in a violet eyed little baby girl the day their son Septimus dies at birth. Jenna is raised as one of their own, with a house full of boys and knows nothing about her secret past. When the family is forced out of their home and split up, Jenna, Nicko and Boy 412 journey to their Aunt Zelda's in the Marram Marshes with the ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand. Here they learn more about each other, who Boy 412 really is and how to defeat the evil DomDaniel.

Critical Evaluation: This is a clever and exciting book, one that I didn't want to put down. From the beginning I had ideas about who certain characters might be and couldn't stop reading until I found out. Angie created a beautiful world full of wonderful, magical things.

Reader's Annotation: Jenna, Nicko and Boy 412 embark on an adventure to keep Jenna out of the evil DomDaniel's grasp and end up learning about who they really are.

Author Bio: Angie Sage grew up in the Thames Valley and Kent, England. Her father worked in publishing, so Angie grew up with a love of reading and writing. She has written and illustrated several books for kids and teens including the Septimus Heap series. She lives in Somerset with her husband, and has two grown daughters Laurie and Lois.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: None

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about what it would be like to grow up as a wizard in a world full of talking animals, wizards and beautiful scenery.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 8-14

Challenges: None

Reason for including: Any book that involves witches and wizards is on my must read list. These books are very popular among tweens so I thought I'd give it a try.