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.

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

Pullman, Philip. The Ruby in the Smoke. New York: Random House Children's Books, 2008 (reprint). 256 pages $7.99 ISBN 9780375845161

Plot Summary: After losing her father at sea, Sally Lockhart decides to find out what really happened to him after receiving a mysterious letter. She becomes entangled in murder, theft, and opium addicts all leading back to her father. Sally befriends photographer Frederick, his sister Rosa, and their shop assistant Trembler. As she lives with them she helps create a successful photography business all while solving the mysteries her father left her with.

Critical Evaluation: This was a very mysterious book, and not at all what I expected. I thought Pullman did a great job revealing bits of information at a time to keep the reader glued to the pages. This is completely different than The Golden Compass, but maybe more appealing to a wider audience than the fantasy of The Golden Compass.

Reader's Annotation: After the death of her father, Sally Lockhart becomes involved in a string of mysteries surrounding his death and a large ruby.

Author Bio: Philip Pullman is most famous for the His Dark Materials series. He has published several books for children and young adults and will be releasing a book on Jesus in the near future. He is known for his criticism of organized religion, namely Christianity. As a child, Pullman moved from England to Zimbabwe to Australia and finally to North Wales. He went to Exeter College in Oxford for English. He has been a teacher most of his adult life, and balanced his teaching and lecturing with writing books.

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: This could be paired with a Victorian history study.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about Sally and her adventures throughout London in search of answers about The Seven Blessing, a mysterious missing ruby and the death of her father.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12 and up

Challenges: There is mention of drug use.

Reason for including: I like Pullman's His Dark Materials series so I wanted to give this series a try as well.

The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery

Springer, Nancy. The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery.

Plot Summary: Enola Holmes doesn't understand why her mother gave her the name that spells "alone" backwards, but it seems like a self-fulfilling prophesy. The day of her fourteenth birthday, her mother never came back. She did however leave a few presents with Mrs. Lane the housekeeper to give to Enola should she not arrive home in time. Enola first assumes these presents, an illustrated book of cyphers and a book on the language of flowers, are trivial. But when faced with the prospect of being sent to boarding school by her older brothers Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes she digs deeper into why her mother left. She finds many mysteries surrounding her mother's behavior, the secret finances, the disapperance, and decides to give the book of cyphers some thought. Using the language of flowers as her reference, Enola finds many things she did not expect. Armed with her new knowledge and hidden treasures, Enola sets off to London in search of her mother. Along the way, she becomes involved in another mystery, that of young Lord Tukesberry.

Critical Evaluation: This book was a great short read. Having not read a juvenile mystery, or any mystery for that matter, since the days of Encyclopedia Brown, I thought this book was quite refreshing. Although most suited for girls due to the mention of so many "unmentionables," boys may be drawn to the mystery and action of the story. Enola is certainly no typical Victorian lady. The narrative flows smoothly, with excellent descriptions of her surroundings and how deductive process.

Reader's Annotation: Enola Holmes, the mistake of the family, is tired of living in the shadow of her older brothers Mycroft and the famous Sherlock Holmes. After the disappearance of her mother, she sets off on an adventure to London to solve her own mystery.

Author Bio: Nancy Springer is the author of 45 books, including juvenile (tween/teen) and adult. She has written two novels set in the time of Camelot: I am Mordred and I am Morgan Le Fay. Springer has also created a five book series about the daughter of Robin Hood, Rowan Hood. Her newest series, The Enola Holmes series, follows the detective work of Sherlock Holmes' younger sister. In 1995 and 1996, Springer won The Edgar Allen Poe award for Toughing It and Looking for Jamie Bridger, respectively.

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: This would make a good Language Arts book selection.

Booktalking Ideas: The prologue of The Case of the Missing Marquess is very mysterious and certainly captured my attention. A good way to pique the interest of potential readers would be to read the prologue in the most engaging storytelling manner.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 4-7, ages 10 and up.

Challenges: There is a lot of talk about undergarments, however it is done in a modest way.

Reason for including: I saw The Case of the Cryptic Crinolines in the new juvenile section at the library. I was going to read that one, but decided I should start from the beginning of the series. I can't bring myself to pick up a series in the middle.

http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Author/AuthorPage/0,,1000015705,00.html

Totally Spies Wii Game

Totally Spies. Redmond, WA: Valcon Games, 2009. $19.99 UPC 853333001479

Plot Summary: Based on the French TV show and graphic novel series Totally Spies! the game follows cute spies Sam, Clover and Alex on their mission to defeat Mandy and The Boss. It follows a story by chapter, and allows the players to attempt to defeat Mandy on multiple game boards that lead to arcade games. Through out the game, players are able to get new outfits and put on fashion shows.

Critical Evaluation: I must admit I was very disappointed with this game. It made no sense. However, if I hadn't been playing alone and knew the background story it might have been more fun. The activities are those of high school aged girls, but definitely geared toward tween age girls. I find this to be very confusing.

Reader's Annotation: Help spies Sam, Clover and Alex defeat their enemy Mandy by battling her across the game board.

Author Bio: N/A

Genre: Manga

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the graphic novel/Manga series and tie it into a game night.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 7-12

Challenges: The situations are definitely geared toward high school age girls, but is marketed and aimed at tween girls.

Reason for including: I thought it looked like a Manga style video game, which would definitely appeal to many tween girls.

Libyrinth by Pearl North

North, Pearl. Libyrinth.

Plot Summary: Haly is a Libyrarian and is in charge of of protecting the ancient books housed in the Libyrinth. She has a secret: books speak to her. The Eradicants hate the written word and force Haly out of her home. As a prisoner she learns more about her enemies and realize they aren't as evil as she once thought. It is up to her to forge peace between the Librarians and the Eradicants before it is too late.

Critical Evaluation: This was a very interesting look into what our world could come to with the advancement of technology and move away from books. It is a compelling story, and keeps the reader engaged the whole time. She includes quotes from books that give extra meaning to both the original quotes and to what is happening in the story.

Reader's Annotation: Haly can hear books. Imprisoned for her abilities, she is faced with the responsibility of reconciling two warring factions, the Libryrarians and the Eradicants.

Author Bio: Not much is available about Pearl North, except that it is a pseudonym. However, Anne Harris lives just outside Detroit, MI and is the author of several fantasy and sci-fi novels for adults.

Genre: Science Fiction

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about how the world could end up as a place without books and have them imagine what that would be like.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 11 and up

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: I found the imagined future where books are rare to be not as science fiction as it may seem. It seemed like it would be thought provoking and would appeal to tweens.

The Capture by Kathryn Lasky

Lasky, Kathryn. The Capture. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2003. 226 pages $5.99 ISBN 9780439405577

Plot Summary: After being pushed out of the nest by his older brother, barn owl Soren is rescued by other owls and taken to St. Aggies, a school for orphaned owls. There he meets Gylfie and the two become friends. Soon the two owls learn what the school is hiding. It is actually a training camp to raise an army of owls!

Critical Evaluation: As an owl lover I thought this book was genius. It is definitely an easy read for tweens but the story will keep them engaged. I am interested in the rest of the series, to see where the story goes and if the writing becomes more challenging.

Reader's Annotation: St. Aggie's school for orphaned owls is hiding a secret, and Soren and Gylfie are determined to find out what it is.

Author Bio: Kathryn Lasky grew up in the suburbs of Indianapolis, Indiana and also knew she wanted to be a writer. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English. She wrote for a fashion magazine briefly and then became a teacher. She married Chris Knight, a National Geographic photographer and documentary filmmaker. After their marriage the couple sailed across the Atlantic on a thirty foot boot that was a gift from her parents. They have two children Max and Meribah. Kathryn is the author of several adult, children and non-fiction titles. Currently Kathryn and Chris live in Cambridge, MA.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about the living habits of owls, then read the first chapter of the book and discuss the detail Kathryn used to keep her characters true to their natures.

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

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: I love owls and when I found out there was a series centered on an owl world I had to read it. The book was cute and worth a read.

Sky High

Mitchell, Mike, director. Sky High. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Pictures, 2005. 100 minutes. $14.99 ISBN 0788860275

Plot Summary: Will Stronghold is the song of two of the greatest superheros Commander and Jetstream, also known as Steve and Josie Stronghold. The time has come for Will and his best friend Layla, also daughter of a superhero, to start high school at Sky High. Sky High is the high school for superhero children, where you're labeled either a hero or sidekick. Will struggles with his lack of a super power until suddenly he has super human strength. Then he is forced to choose between his best friends who are sidekicks, and being popular as a hero.

Critical Evaluation: This movie was pretty silly, for lack of a better word. I enjoyed the film for that reason. The idea that superheros have a special high school to go to is interesting and believable. It is a classic good versus evil story, it just centers on teens with super powers. It is a movie that all tweens can relate to, even without the super powers.

Reader's Annotation: Being a superhero doesn't make high school any easier, it just makes it more complicated. Will Stronghold learns that being a popular hero isn't everything.

Author Bio: Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston are established actors, both starring in several movies and TV shows over the years. Michael Angarano was already a successful young star before starring in Sky High, with roles in Lords of Dogtown, Almost Famous and Seabiscuit. He recently starred in The Forbidden Kingdom and Gentlemen Broncos. Danielle Panabaker has starred in a few Disney and Lifetime movies but is currently breaking out into the horror movie genre and even a role as a girl working a local Renaissance Faire.

Genre: Science Fiction

Curriculum Ties: None

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about what superpowers they would want and if they'd rather be a hero or sidekick. Lead into the synopsis of the movie, and how it is like a comic book on film.

Reading Level/Interest Age: ages 12 and up

Challenges: Some parents may have issues with the love/dating topics.

Reason for including: This is a fun movie and stars a few young actors I've been following throughout their careers. Almost every teen loves some sort of superhero story and this is a movie they all can relate to in some way.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Narrated by Michael York

Lewis, C.S. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Narrated by Michael York. 4 hours. $27.59 ISBN 9780060826482

Plot Summary: Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter Pevensie find the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe in a room of their guardian's estate. Each sibling must make difficult decisions and work together if they're going to stay alive and help the creatures of Narnia defeat the evil White Witch. Not all the siblings want what is better for Narnia and turn to the White Witch with disastrous results.

Critical Evaluation: This audio book is a great listen thanks to Michael York's unique voice. He gives each character their own personality and leads the listener on the Pevensies' exciting journey through Narnia. The book itself is a classic. Narnia is an extraordinary world (even more apparent in the other books), and the reader just gets absorbed in the world and with the characters.

Reader's Annotation: Listen as Michael York reads the story of the Pevensie children and their adventure in Narnia.

Author Bio: C.S. Lewis is most famous for his Chronicles of Narnia series, which have been turned into BBC films as well as Disney films. He was born in Belfast, Ireland November 29, 1898 as Clive Staples Lewis. He served in WWI for the British Army from 1916-1918 when he was discharged and went to Oxford to study Greek and Latin literature, philosophy, ancient history and English. He became friends with J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Williams and Owen Barfield and called their little discussion group the "Inklings." As a teen, Lewis became an athiest and then very interested in Celtic Paganism until the age of 29 when he considered himself a theist. At 33, Lewis converted to Christianity and later wrote extensively on theology.
Michael York is a very popular British actor starring in several TV shows and movies since the 1960s. His most recognized roles are as D'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers (1973), Logan in Logan's Run (1976), and most recently as Basil Exposition in Austin Powers (1999).

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: The Chronicles of Narnia books are great books to read for Language Arts or English classes.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about when you can listen to audio books (doing chores, in the car, etc.) and why it "counts as reading." Let them listen to a clip of the audio book.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9 and up (or all ages), Grades 4 and up

Challenges: None.

Reason for including: I am a firm believer in listening to audio books. They're all I listen to in the car. The whole Chronicles of Narnia series is a great listen, but I thought Michael York was great.

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore's Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat. Young Readers Edition. New York: Dial Books, 2009. 352 pages. $17.99 ISBN 9780803734159

Plot Summary: This edition of The Omnivore's Dilemma is geared toward kids. Pollan covers the American corn industry and how it has basically taken over all the food Americans eat. He also discusses the organic food industry in America, both the good and bad. In the third part of the book Pollan discusses the smaller, usually family run farms. Finally he discusses the steps it takes to prepare a meal completely from scratch, what is involved in animal preparation, harvesting, anything that goes on in order to have a meal. He also includes tips for better, healthier, smarter eating.

Critical Evaluation: I thought this book was very interesting. I haven't read the "adult" version of The Omnivore's Dilemma, but have been meaning to. As a vegan, I suppose I don't have an omnivore dilemma. However, I thought it was curious that the book was redone to provide an edition for kids. There is a lot of information in this book, and a lot of pictures and diagrams. I'm not sure if I really need to read the "adult" version because this book was so easy to understand and I felt like I learned so much. It would be a very in tune tween that would pick up this book, but it is definitely worth it.

Reader's Annotation: Michael Pollan uncovers the truth about the American food and farming industries and what that means for people who eat.

Author Bio: Pollan has published several books on food and the environment including The Omnivore's Dilemma, and In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto. He is featured in the movie Food, Inc. that was recently in theaters. He has been a journalist since the 1970s, most notably as the Executive Editor of Harper's Magazine and his continuing contributions to New York Times Magazine. He is currently Knight Professor of Journalism at the University of California in Berkeley.

Genre: Non-fiction

Curriculum Ties: This would be a great tie-in to an economics class, or nutrition.

Booktalking Ideas: Discuss the monopoly that is our food. Give snippets of facts gleaned from the book.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Middle School would be best, but maybe 5th/6th grade. 11 and up.

Challenges: Some of the pictures may be disturbing to some children and adults, especially ones of the animal living conditions. He also goes into detail about the process animals go through when they are "made into food." Some parents may view this as propaganda.

Reason for including: I thought it was interesting that the book was redone for kids and thought I'd give it a try. I'm vegan, so I don't need to be told twice the bad practices and bad nutrition behind the omnivore diet. I think activist minded tweens would get a lot out of this book.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling, narrated by Jim Dale

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Listening Library, . 18 hours, 33 minutes. $49.95 (on iTunes) ISBN

Plot Summary: Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts proves to be an interesting year. He is not only under stress due to Voldemort's rise to power, but his classes get harder as well. He has help in the mysterious Half-Blood Prince, past owner of his Potions textbook. The Prince covered the book in notations, spells and tips which provide Harry with the means of being a star Potions pupil. Harry also has Quiddich to worry about, as he is the new Griffyndor captain. With everyone on edge due to the dark forces coming to power, it seems hard to find any joy. But love blossoms around Hogwarts, as Harry, Ron and Hermione quickly find out. Once again it is up to Harry to defeat Voldemort in any way he can.

Critical Evaluation: This is my favorite audio book of the series. Jim Dale is a superb narrator and keeps the listener engaged through the entire 18.5 hours. Jim's voice, the character voices he creates and the overall mood of the book help make this audio book one of the best. Although the subject matter gets darker in this book, it is certainly acceptable for tweens.

Reader's Annotation: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince comes to life thanks to Jim Dale and his award winning voice.

Author Bio: Jim Dale is an award winning narrator, who has also done much work in both American and British theater and films. He has won several awards including two Grammys for audio books, several theater awards, the Guinness World Record for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for creating the most character voices (134) for one audio book, broke his previous Guinness World Record in 2007 for 146 character voices in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and finally a Guinness World Record for holding the first six places on the "Top Ten Audio Books of America and Canada in 2005."

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: None.

Booktalking Ideas: All that is necessary for a successful book talk for HPHBP is to simply put on the first CD and have them listen to Jim Dale read. They will become entranced by his voice and all the characters he creates.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9 and up.

Challenges: The dark subject matter may cause issues, as well as the fact that it centers on witchcraft.

Reason for including: In all honesty, I love Jim Dale. He is by far the best audio book narrator out there. I check out any book he has narrated, and end up loving it.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1997. 309 pages. $24.99 ISBN 9780590353403

Plot Summary: Harry Potter grew up with his not so kind Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and cousin Dudley Dursley. Orphaned as a baby when the evil wizard Lord Voldemort killed his parents and attempted to kill him too, Harry knew nothing of the world his parents lived in. On his eleventh birthday Harry is visited by Hagrid, the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry game keeper. Hagrid informs Harry that he has a place at the school and is from a world he never knew existed. Much to the dismay of the Dursleys, Harry attends Hogwarts. The year is a transition for Harry as he learns about things he never knew existed, makes friends and enemies, and learns the truth about who he is.

Critical Evaluation: The Harry Potter series is my absolute favorite series of books. I didn't start reading them until 2004, so I was a little behind. I started by listening to this book, narrated by Jim Dale, and was hooked. Since then I've read each book and listened to each book at least twice, and gone to each midnight premiere since the Prisoner of Azkaban. These books certainly have a way of sucking the reader in. Rowling does a magnificent job of describing Harry's world without making it monotonous. And the world itself has so much detail involved, no wonder there are wiki sites devoted to every aspect of the world.

Reader's Annotation: Harry, an orphan living with his unloving aunt and uncle, learns the truth about his past and his parents and sets out on a quest to become a wizard.

Author Bio: Born Joanne Kathleen Rowling in 1965, she grew up in Chepstow, England. She studied French and Classics at Exeter University and moved to London to work at Amnesty International after she graduated. During a delayed train trip from Manchester to King's Cross Station in London she started writing Harry Potter. It took five years to plan out the series before she started writing. Later she moved to Portugal to teach English as a foreign language. She married in 1992 and gave birth to her daughter Jessica in 1993. After her divorce she and her daughter moved to Edinburgh. In 2001 Rowling married Dr. Neil Murray, had son David in 2003 and daughter Mackenzie in 2005.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties: A good way to discuss how to write and create elaborate works of fiction. Have students try to create their own alternate world.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about how it would feel if they were orphans thinking one thing happened to their parents when really they led a secret life.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9 and up

Challenges: The witchcraft focus of the books will definitely cause issues.

Reason for including: The Harry Potter series is one of my favorites and definitely a hit among tweens.

Made by Me by Jane Bull

Bull, Jane. Made by Me. New York: DK Children, 2009. 64 pages $14.99 ISBN 9780756651633

Plot Summary: Made by Me is a book of crafts for girls. It includes projects that involve embroidery, knitting and sewing. The book starts out giving ideas for setting up a craft space and recycling things to use as storage for supplies. There are really cute ideas for making storage. There are lots of pictures and diagrams on how to embroider, the different types of stitches, how to knit, and instructions for projects. Some of the projects include a doll and doll clothes, a knitted hat, both sewn and knitted bags.

Critical Evaluation: DK books are known for their books full of pictures, and in this instance the more the better. There are a ton of great pictures on technique and pattern instructions. The projects are definitely very girly, so it may not appeal to all girls. The level of the projects is for the beginner and aimed at younger girls, but would definitely suit tweens with minimal craft skills.

Reader's Annotation: Cute projects are easier to create than you think!

Author Bio: Jane has been writing books on art and creating things for children and adults for thirty years. She lives in London with three children and spends a lot of her time testing her crafts on her children.

Genre: Non-Fiction, Craft

Curriculum Ties: Good for an art class or home ec.

Booktalking Ideas: I think just showing the book would be a good way to talk about it. Show them what crafts they can learn to make.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 7 to 14

Challenges: None

Reason for including: I think kids should be given every opportunity to be creative, and sewing is an excellent way to be creative. Although it is aimed at younger girls, I think the projects would appeal to tweenage girls.

Airman by Eoin Colfer

Colfer, Eoin. Airman. New York: Puffin, 2008. 416 pages. $17.99 ISBN 9781423107507

Plot Summary: At the end of the 19th century, it was pure science fiction to thing of humans in flight. For Conor Broekhart, it will be a reality. Conor lives on the Saltee Islands off the coast of Ireland with his parents. He is best friends with the king's daughter, and he has the greatest Frenchman and scientist as his tutor. When the evil Hugo Bonvilain assassinates King Nicholas and Conor's tutor Victor Vigny, and catches Conor as the sole witness, Hugo fakes Conor's death and sends him to Little Saltee. Little Saltee is the prison island, and Conor spends his days there with a new name and a new life. Conor is set on escaping the island, not to go back home to his family, but to build his flying machine and start a new life. However an interesting, and unforeseen, turn of events sends Conor in a different direction.

Critical Evaluation: This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. I was so fascinated with the history of the Saltee Islands, the strange government, the customs. I was convinced the small republic was real, and was duped out of learning about it in school. However, I looked up the Saltee Islands and they are real, albeit privately owned. No Great Saltee Republic. Eion created a very convincing world, that could have fit in perfectly with British and Irish history. Queen Victoria herself attends Princess Isabella's coronation. Apart from the interesting world and government Eoin created, the science of the flying machines was fascinating.

Reader's Annotation: In the late 1800s, humans figured they're leave flying to the birds. Conor Broekhart is determined to get into the sky.

Author Bio: Eoin (pronounced Owen) Colfer is the Irish author of the Artemis Fowl series as well as several other tween and teen novels. He grew up in Wexford, attended Dublin University, then returned to Wexford after graduation to work as a primary school teacher. He married his wife in 1991 and worked in Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Italy until 1996. He wrote a few novels before the Artemis Fowl series, but with the publication of the first book in 2001 he was able to leave teaching and become a full time writer. Eoin and his wife live with their two children in Ireland.

Genre: Historical Fiction (I'm not sure whether to classify this as Science Fiction, since there is a great deal of science involved, but is not the typical science fiction work.)

Curriculum Ties: This would be an interesting read while learning about flying machines and airplanes, to get an understanding of the early view of human flight.

Booktalking Ideas: Show pictures of early planes and flying machines. Then ask them to imagine building something in a place little bigger than an average sized bathroom with only candlelight.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 9 to 17, grades 4 and up.

Challenges: None

Reason for including: The idea of creating an apparatus to enable humans to fly in the late Victorian era is mind boggling to me, which is partially why I wanted to read this book. I also just love that time period. I think this book would appeal to both boys and girls with its mixture of action, adventure and heartache.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy. New York: Yearling, 2005. 262 pages. $6.99 ISBN 9780440420477

Plot Summary: The Penderwick sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane and Batty spend their summer vacation with their father at Arundel Cottage. The cottage is a small guest house on the grounds of the grand Tifton estate. The girls manage to get into all sorts of trouble, and get Mrs. Tifton's son Jeffrey into trouble as well. The girls and Jeffrey learn the meaning of friendship and the value of a good relationship with parents.

Critical Evaluation: I thought this was a really cute book. Very simple and yet teaches the reader so much about the value of family and friendship. Each of the sisters are given distinct personalities, and each adds a special lively element to the story. It almost makes the reader want to be a part of the family, as chaotic as it was. Although it may not appeal to most boys, with most of the characters being girls, there is definitely a sense of adventure throughout as the sisters get Jeffrey into all sorts of trouble.

Reader's Annotation: The Penderwicks don't mean to wreak havoc on the Tipton Estate, but in the end it is inevitable.

Author Bio: Jeanne Birdsall grew up in a Philadelphia suburb and knew she wanted to write since she was ten years old. Over her academic career she admired many of her teachers, including her Latin teacher. Jeanne didn't write her first book until age 41, and held many random jobs up until then. She is also a photographer, and many of her pieces can be seen in art museums and galleries like the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Art Museum. Currently she lives with her husband in Northampton, Massachusetts, full of animals and surrounded by gardens.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Not sure what curriculum ties there could be except for assigning the book for a summer read or for language arts.

Booktalking Ideas: Talk about summer vacations, where the kids like to go, and adventures they may have. Then talk about how the Penderwick girls go somewhere new for summer break and it changes their lives forever.

Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 9 and up, Grades 3-7

Challenges: None

Reason for including: The cover caught my eye in the library one day and it sounded interesting, since I'm an only child and never went anywhere for the summers. I think tween girls would definitely enjoy the book.