Why I Do It

"Of all the stages of life, adolescence is the most volatile--full of promise, energy, and, because of newly achieved freedom and potency, substantial peril. In its freshness, adolescence is attractive. In its enthusiasms, it can be, to older folks at least, exhausting. For most people, it is pivotal: it is the time of life when we find out who we are becoming, what we are good at, what and whom we like. What happens in these years profoundly affects what follows."

~ Theodore R. Sizer

This is why I read and write fiction for young people.

Olive's Ocean

Henkes, Kevin. Olive's Ocean. Scholastic, 2003. ISBN: 0-439-70194-5

This book has flow. From beginning to end it feels seamless. The short, two to five page chapters are not abrupt or disjointed, and the heart of the story is carried throughout.

I often enjoy the Newberry Honor Books even more than the Newberry Award winners, and this story is no exception.

Olive was a young girl who was shy and often teased in school. She had no friends and spent many hours writing, and dreaming of becoming an author. Olive was tragically killed in an accident while riding her bicycle.

Martha barely knew Olive. Martha barely knows herself. She is simply trying to survive in junior high, with the discovery of her attraction to boys and the propensity for embarrassing situations that make the world feel as if it is about to end. Martha really only thinks about herself...that is, until Olive's mother hands Martha a note that Olive wrote about her, before she died.

This coming-of-age story follows a summer family vacation to the ocean where Martha learns about death, living, boys, and how one can have the best moment of their lives and worst moment all in the same day. It is not overly dramatic, nor does it shy away from difficult themes or topics.

I found myself laughing with, pitying, and growing alongside Martha. Told through the lens of a tween, Henkes reminds all of us what it was like to be 12.

NOTE: For a similar and just-as-marvelous story of growing and grieving, read Perch, Mrs. Sackets, and Crow's Nest by Karen Pavilicin (Alma Little, 2007. ISBN: 9781934617007).

Beastly

 
Flinn, Alex. Beastly. HarperTeen, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-06-087416-2

There's a reason the Beauty and the Beast tale as been retold so many times. The basic concept, the moral of the story, is a truth that so many of us wrestle with: "true beauty is found within", "beauty is not skin deep", "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"...

Flinn takes a new twist on an old story. Just as Suzanne Collins had a young boy fall through a hole in New York City in Greggor the Overlander (a twist on Alice in Wonderland), Flinn writes about the son of a celebrity who angers a witch disguised as his classmate. Also in New York City. (What is it about NYC that is so magical? See the entry on Wondrous Strange for more details.)

But it is not only the fact that Flinn made the Beast the protagonist that I appreciated about this retelling. I also enjoyed her fun, humorous perception and the fact that her writing was most obviously aimed at tweens. The first pages of the book depict a session of an online chat support group called "Unexpected Changes" that involves such characters as SilentMaid (we know her as the Little Mermaid), and Froggie (whom we know as the Frog Prince). These characters are not major players, but simply add comic relief, setting the tone for this fable about ordinary, modern-day teens who undergo extreme circumstances.

There is nothing new about this story, but the way Flinn tells it is refreshing. We can clearly see the ego, shallowness and lack of value for humanity in our beast, Kyle. The high school setting is wrought with typical teenage drama, cliques, and stereotypes. Our heroine, Lindy, is described as plain, with crooked teeth and unremarkable personality traits. Furthermore, Kyle's transformation is slow - about a year - and he must learn, by his forced solitude, to appreciate people, life, and true love.

I smiled at the end of this book. It was a pleasant escape with the familiarity of an old tale.

The Chronicles of Narnia Movies

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Disney, 2006 (DVD Release). Directed by Andrew Adamson. ASIN: B000E8M0VA

Whenever one of my all-time favorite books is being made into a movie adaption, I always feel a mixture of pleased excitement and loathsome dread. In the past I have been sorely disappointed with many movie adaptions (the Twilight big screen adaption being the most recent terrible flop, and the movie adaptions of the Love Comes Softly series - one dear to my heart - has topped the list, leaving a searing, bitter taste in my mouth towards movie script editors and their ilk).

However, the adaption by Disney and Walden Media of the first book in C. S. Lewis' beloved Chronicles of Narnia series has left me very pleased. I fully understand that not every nuance, description and sub-plot story can be included in a two-hour movie. However, it is when the writers leave out huge chunks that define the character development (Twilight), or when they add elements that never existed (Love Comes Softly) that I become frustrated. Although a few new elements are added, this adaption holds close enough to the original story for my liking.

Furthermore, this book simply needed to be visually seen. Talking animals, flying creatures, battles and scenic beauty all begs to be visual. This was the greatest difficulty of the original 1988 BBC adaptions that appeared on PBS in the 1990's. Although it is hailed as staying true to the books (and they did, indeed stay extremely close!) the visuals were sorely lacking. Today, with modern CGI, Hollywood can finally realize the creatures Lewis dreamed up in a realistic way. For this, along with a good musical score and keeping the script (mostly) true, I applaud Disney and Walden Media!

Mysterious Encounters: Bigfoot

Woog, Adam. Mysterious Encounters: Bigfoot. Kidhaven Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-7377-3473-7

Perhaps it is because I live in California where over 300 Bigfoot sightings have been recorded. Perhaps it is because I am fascinated that the creature has different names all over the world: Sasquatch, Swamp Goblin, Mapinguari, Am Fear Liath Mor, Kikomba, Abominable Snowman, Yowie, Nguoi Rung, Hibagon, Yeti, etc. Or perhaps it is simply that I am fascinated by the fact that a mythical creature is "protected" from poaching (fines up to $1000 or five years in jail for killing a Bigfoot in Washington).

Or, perhaps, I am just as intrigued by the fact that a properly-sized picture of cover art for this book was just as elusive to me on the Web as the creature himself is to hunters. Whatever the reason, I felt compelled to include this title in my collection for tweens. It is quite an entertaining read, indeed.

Blue Willow

Gates, Dorris. Blue Willow. Puffin, 1976. ISBN: 978-0140309249

Since I seem to be on the subject of memorable books from my childhood, Blue Willow is most definitely a book that stuck with me. It was the first time I had to work to read a book: not because the text was difficult, but because it gave rise to feelings inside of me that were sad and despondent, as I began to identify with the main character, a young girl who is living through the Depression.

The title refers to her one and only possession of worth: a Blue Willow plate. As her family moves from place to place she has learned to never expect permanency, and is hesitant to make friends. Ultimately friends are found, but not without difficulties.

This book expresses, in a manner light enough for tweens to enjoy, but heavy enough for them to empathize, the struggles of the Great Depression. Just as I identified with the poverty that I had heard about from my grandmother and experienced myself from time to time (in not nearly a manner as desperate, yet still feeling as if it was paramount to my young life), I was able to identify with the story and emotion of this book.

The Ink Drinker

Sanvoisin, Eric. The Ink Drinker. Illustrated by Martin Matje. Yearling, 1996 (translation copyright 1998). ISBN: 0-440-41485-7
For a book so slim in size, I was surprised by the twists in the fast-paced story and the ending that left me smiling unexpectedly. Matje's illustrations give the Ink Drinker a very dark, morbid quality, hinting at his true identity, while the simple text leads the reader to believe nothing dark and transformational could happen to our young protagonist!

The protagonist is a boy who hates to read. Unfortunately for him, his father owns a bookstore. What could be worse? In the summer his father makes him help around the store, but gets angry when he "accidentally" rips the pages of the books.

It's not until he spies a strange patron sucking the words right off of the pages of a book (through a straw, no less!) that his life begins to get interesting. Little does he know the twist of fate that awaits him as he darts out the door after the mysterious customer...

Adoption Classics

In my search for classics for boys, I came across a very clever site. Never having considered it before, I came to realize through this website that many of the classics we know and love are indeed about adoption (two of the books I mentioned in my first post about classics were exactly that!).

Adoption.com, a website devoted to helping adoptive parents, gives a wonderful list of classics about adoption. These are geared toward both males and females, and can be loved by children (when read aloud), tweens, and teens alike.

http://books.adoption.com/recommended-reading/adoption-books-classics-for-young-readers.html

Classics (And Other Books) for Boys

Since the previous post about classics tended towards books tween girls would love (since I was drawing from my own experiences as a tween, my mind naturally went there), I wanted to make to make sure to include some resources for male tweens.

Of course, there is always the resource website Guys Read (see previous post). On the site is a list of "Classics that Actually Hold Up." I would not necessarily agree that all these titles are classics in the true sense of the word, but they are good stories exhibiting the traits of classics, recommended by guys, to guys:

http://www.guysread.com/books/categories/category/classics_that_actually_hold_up

Another website I found enjoyable was Unshelved Answers and their online dialogue/wiki about "Books Teen Boys Would Read (If They Actually Knew They Existed)". Although, once again, many of these are not classics, the classics WILL indelibly pop up from time to time, simply because the stories are great.

http://answers.unshelved.com/questions/1434/books-teen-boys-would-read-if-they-knew-they-existed

Classics for Girls

Spyri, Johanna. Heidi. Children's Classics, 1998 (originally written in 1881). ISBN: 978-0517189672

Alcott, Louisa May. Little Women. Signet Classics, 2004 (originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869). ISBN: 978-0451529305

 Montgomery, L. M. Anne of Green Gables. Watermill Classic, 1985 (originally published in 1908). ISBN: 0-8167-0465-1

Often, when a classic becomes re-done so many times, in various formats (movies, TV shows, multiple adaptions), it actually causes readers to NOT want to enjoy the original (I already know the story, right?). This has been my experience on several occasions, when trying to decide my next book to devour. I will hold the classic in one hand and the fresh-off-the-press exciting, current tween or YA novel in the other. Usually I choose the newer book.

However, those times (especially back when I was a tween) when I finally sat down and cracked open a classic, such as the ones listed above, my mind was opened like a flower to the joys, sorrows, triumphs and cleverness of years gone-by. I learned that young girls and boys a hundred years ago where not so different than me, and I was able to see the world for a brief time through their lenses.

Furthermore, I learned that there is a reason a book becomes a classic: It is simply a good tale. The writing is excellent, the pace is perfect and the characters are unforgettable. It is the nature of storytelling all writers should aspire to achieve at least once in their careers, and that readers should enjoy throughout a lifetime.

Edgar Allan Poe's Tales of Death and Dementia

Poe, Edgar Allan. Tales of Death and Dementia.(Compilation). Illustrated by Gris Grimly. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009. ISBN: 978-1-4169-5025-7

The jacket description reads: "While the original stories have been neatly nipped and tucked, the dread, the gore, and the horror still reaches otherworldly heights." I must heartily agree with this description.

Poe's works are not typically thought of as the stuff fit for middle readers, but Grimly's illustrations help change that. Laid out in a fashion that is part comic-book, part narrative (with no dialogue bubbles), the goulash cartoon drawings create a world that is both fiction yet ethereal. (See example below).

Not for the faint-of-heart, but most definitely for fans of dark humor and classic tragedies, this collection illuminates the first glimpse of a twisted classic for young readers. Companion to Edgar Allan Poe's Tales of Mystery and Madness, the last stanza may say it best: "Upon the bed, before the whole company, there lay a nearly liquid mass of loathsome -- of detestable putridity."

No one says it quite like Poe.

Mysterious Encounters: The Bermuda Triangle

Duffield, Katy S. Mysterious Encounters: The Bermuda Triangle. Kidhaven Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-7377-4046-2

Ships and planes disappearing without a trace. Ships being found, adrift, with partially eaten food on the table and toys on the ground but the entire captain, crew and passengers missing. A strange fog that suddenly overtakes pilots and captains, messing with their electronic devices and compasses so that they are left completely without navigation...these are ALL mysterious encounters people reported having while inside the infamous Bermuda Triangle. Duffield discusses theories, reprints stories and includes ample photographs for this exciting, somewhat scientific look at a modern-day mystery.

"Dot-Gov" Sites for Tweens and Teens

Many times, it seems, the public at-large is simply unaware of the resources found on the web. When we have a question, we will often ask a friend, coworker or surf the top hits on Google or Wikipedia.

However, one of the simplest resources for both tweens and their parents/guardians is simply using ".gov" when doing a search on Google. The ".gov" will (in many cases) take the searcher to hits that are created and maintained by federal or state governments and, therefore, are seen as more "official" than random sites created by unknown individuals that may pop up on a search list.

Here are some examples:

1. Safety tips for tweens and teens online: http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/safety-tips-tweens-teens.aspx

2. Resources for teens (general government resources): http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Teens.shtml

3. National Institute for Drug Abuse teen website: http://teens.drugabuse.gov/

4. General interest page for younger tweens and kids: http://www.kids.gov/

5. Dating violence (geared more toward caregivers): http://www.atg.wa.gov/protectingyouth/teendatingviolence.aspx

6. Health and development (for parents): http://www.nichd.nih.gov/

A Word About Comics

The Best of Wolverine, Vol. 1. (Collection, various authors and illustrators). Marvel Comics, 2004. ISBN 978-0785113706

There is a current movie craze featuring famous comic book characters from Marvel and DC Comics (and others) that has revived an interest in them across society. I distinctly remember going to see the first Spiderman movie, and I happened to be sitting next to a devoted comic reader. As he narrated background information to me about the characters, I realized that I had walked into a movie thinking I was going to see some flick about a "silly comic book character" but I ended up walking away with a deep appreciation for the complex plot twists, character development and the deep mythological appeal of the heroes.

However, when I approached the comic book section of my local library, I was definitely overwhelmed. Where to start? How many stories were in a series? How many series branched off from other series? Where did it all begin?

I soon realized that a newbie like me needed to turn to the experts in order to familiarize myself with the genre. And then it further occurred to me: this idea may be beneficial to tweens, as well. The above title is a collection of what experts and publishers deem to be the "best" Wolverine stories. Tweens who enjoyed the Wolverine Origins movie as well as the X-Men films may find themselves wanting to learn more about these interesting, complex, mutants. What better place to start than a collection of the best stories?

There are many more titles like the above collection. Superman, Spiderman, Batman, and the Incredible Hulk, to name a few, all have enough stories to their name to be bound into a handy "best of" introductory title. If a tween finds that he or she is enjoying the stories, what better way to engage in further reading then to learn to love a character, and then have thousands of hours of further reading available beyond the first volume?

Fahrenheit 451: The Authorized Adaption

Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451: the Authorized Adaptions. Illustrated and adapted by Tim Hamilton. (Graphic novel) Hill and Wang, 2009. ISBN 978-0-8090-5101-4

The beauty of Graphic Novels is that they can bring an entirely new dimension to stories that a simple text cannot convey. In one sense, it may be frustrating, as the reader may have imagined the story differently than the illustrator, and therefore has to struggle with his or her imagination being invaded by the images from another person's brain. However, if one can take it in stride, they will understand that while he or she has their own mental pictures attached to the text, it is also interesting to see a creative adaption form another point of view and, therefore, well worth the read. Another element of Graphic Novels is that they represent a different type of literacy. Not just a literacy of decoding words, but a literacy of images and symbols. Furthermore, it is an art form that can be appreciated in its own right.

These are several reasons why Ray Bradbury may have agreed to this adaption of his most famous novel, but the reason I am including this novel on my blog is because the Graphic Novel adaption will simply make it easier to read, and will make a great classic story within the comprehension grasp of middle readers.

There are a few parts of the dialogue that are somewhat difficult to follow, especially when the characters are speaking in riddles and quotes. However, in these instances, the illustrations convey the mood and setting, and the expressions on each face convey the emotions despite the confusing language. Furthermore, the story is broken into three concise sections that clearly carry the plot and help the reader understand when a transition or new phase is approaching.

There are several adult themes that may not be suitable for very young tweens (substance abuse, political oppression, war and violence) but due to the format and the adaption of the text, it is not as intense or as drawn out as the book. Tweens who already read Graphic Novels will most likely not find anything particularly offensive, and the dark consequences for said actions are clearly defined.

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3. Walt Disney Pictures, 2010. Starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, Directed by Lee Unkrich.

If one thing can by said about Pixar Animation Studios, the creators of the Toy Story trilogy, it is that they have proven time and again to have the uncanny ability to create stories that appeal to a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Like the rest of the Toy Story movies, this one can be enjoyed by children, tweens, teens, college students, parents and grandparents, all of which will be laughing (and perhaps shedding a tear) at various different points of the story and dialogue.

Way to go, Pixar! You did it again.

Wondrous Strange

Livingston, Lesley. Wondrous Strange. HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. ISBN 978-0-06-157537-2

There are several elements of this book that make it a great read. First, it has a unique setting and several themes that, in themselves, could be the backdrop for a novel: a young actress trying to make it on the Shakespearean stages of New York City, the Shakespearean basis of the world of faeries and that world's intermingling with our own, the identity crises of a young woman who finds out she is not who she thought she was, and a budding romance. Any of these themes could have an interesting story built around it, but once combined, Livingston does a fine job of not making it convoluted, but rather seamless and transparent.

Mystical, beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable, this story is a pleasure to read from start to finish. The descriptions of the Fae (faeries) and their world as both appealing and foreboding is solid, and the sacrifices one will make for true love combined with themes from A Midsummer Night's Dream (and plenty of action) make this an easy book to recommend for all ages.

Tony Blair: Major World Leaders

Hinman, Bonnie. Tony Blair: Major World Leaders. Introduction by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. Chelsea House Publishers, 2003. ISBN: 0-7910-7185-5.

This biography, although written for young readers, will not appeal to tweens or teens with a short attention span. However, young tweens who enjoy biographies, history, and politics on their own, may be able to keep interest in this 111 page book that includes color photographs, a chronology, suggested reading, and index.

Parts of Prime Minister Blair's life that would be of interest to a tween (his rebellious teen years and his time as a rock band promoter) are woven into the long lists of political positions he held before rising to the rank of Prime Minister. Interesting information about the political workings, professional and family drama, and world events that surrounded his time in power are also discussed.

The introduction, although very deep and interesting, may be over the heads of most tween readers.

Samirah's Ride: The Story of an Arabian Filly

Wedekind, Annie. Samirah's Ride: The Story of an Arabian Filly. Feiwel and Friends, 2010. ISBN 978-0-312-38425-8

No collection of tween books would be complete without at least one book about a horse! Furthermore, this book is a part of the Breyer Horse Collection of books. Not only can a young reader enjoy the story, but he or she can also own a model horse of the same breed!

Initially, this may seam like nothing more than a clever plot to sell model horses. And, I must admit, it partially is. However, the people at Breyer were clever enough to find an author that could produce stories that are not only high in entertainment value, but also stocked with educational information (history of the breed, information about the animals and their care, etc.), as well as receiving some critical acclaim (School Library Journal among them).

In this story, life on a horse ranch in Utah centers around the new arrival of an Arabian filly and her young new owner, a girl named Jasper. Similar to other books of its kind, the narrative is from the horses point of view. A touching story of the deep bond of friendship between the animal and her human companion is woven around the difficult trials of economic hardship and uncertainty for the future.

The ending is exciting and climatic, with a feel-good epilogue and author's note highlighting other written works about the majestic and ancient Arabian breed.

Bluford High: The Bully

Langan, Paul. Bluford High: The Bully. Scholastic Inc., 2002. ISBN: 978-0-439-86546-3

Langan, who is also the series editor for the Bluford High series of books, tackles the issue of bullying in a very believable way, even drawing from the inspiration of another famous author, Gary Paulsen.

Darrell Mercer is small and skinny for his age. In addition to this, his mother is forced to take a new job two months into his freshmen year. He now has to attend a new school without the support of childhood friends, who had protected him in his rough Philadelphia neighborhood. Not surprisingly, he is almost instantly picked on during his first day of school.

Author Langan does a fine job of identifying with the protagonist, while not necessarily making excuses for him. Authority figures are mentioned, but the sole responsibility of overcoming the wrath of the bully is left on Darrell's shoulders. Inspired by the inner strength he reads about in Paulsen's The Hatchet, (which had been handed to him by a concerned English teacher) and taking the initiative to join the school wrestling team (even though he is the weakest and slowest new member) all attribute to his ability to overcome the bullying at school.

In a thoughtful move, Langan ends the book with a twist, and a point of view that will surprise the reader, particularly one who can identify with being bullied.

Guys Read

Here is a website I simply must share! It is promoted by none other than popular children's book and young adult writer Jon Scieszka, and addresses an issue that is becoming more prominent in our society: the fact that many tween boys do not enjoy reading.

Why is that? Is it because of marketing? Lack of literature or material aimed at tween boys? Lack of attention paid to these members of our population? Perhaps all of the above.

Scieszka, as well as other male authors, use this website in a very guy-friendly and often hilarious manner to better engage and excite tween boys into becoming fluent readers who enjoy the written word. Features such as, "This Guy Reads" (which highlights a "cool" guy and what he likes to read), "Book of the Month", "Guys Listen" (audio books), and online interaction all work to achieve the goal of getting young boys (and men!) to read.

My favorite, however, is the categories in which book reviews are listed. Here is a sampling of a few of them: "Funny", "Outer space, but without aliens", "How to build stuff", "Mysterious occurrences", and "Cars, trucks, etc."

Age and reading level are also briefly covered in the reviews.

www.guysread.com

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging

Rennison, Louise. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson. Harper Tempest, 1999. ISBN 0-06-447227-2

Think Diary of a Wimpy Kid for tweens, without the illustrations, and one can pretty much have an accurate idea of what this book is about. Although critically acclaimed and with awards to its name (http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Angus-Thongs-Full-Frontal-Snogging-Louise-Rennison/?isbn=9780064472272) I would personally re-title this book "Diary of a Petty, Shallow Tween."

Now, don't misunderstand me. I laughed out loud at portions of the story, and most definitely felt as if I was reading the actual diary of quite a few of the tweens and young teens I work with regularly. However I would argue that the narrative is a reflection of a popular perception, but in reality a narrow representation of "tweendome" as we know it today.

Set in England (with a glossary in the back for us "American-type chums"), the character of Georgia Nicolson can be summed up in the following quotes:
1. "I have no friends. Not one single friend. No one has rung, no one has come around...I may as well be dead."
2. "I love my life! Jas has just phoned to say we've been invited to a party..."
3. "the only way I will believe in God is if something really bloody great happens to me soon."

The emotional rollercoaster of a protagonist alternates between highs and lows, detests her family most of the time, is obsessed with boys and "snogging" (aka "kissing" -- even to the point of visiting a professional snogger in order to learn the art) and is completely self-absorbed in an immature, comedic way.

Which, in reality, does describe the life of a typical tween. However, although every tween girl surely does experience these emotions and will be able to identify with the character, the extreme level of Georgia's shallowness will frustrate many. Young girls with socially conservative or religious backgrounds (who see relationships between the opposite sex as a serious matter, not something to be traded around like a baseball card), or girls who are involved in sports, the arts and academics (giving them a goal to strive for rather than finding their identity solely in their popularity) may not enjoy this book.

Over-all, a good look into the life of a tween, being an enthralling read for tweens that may identify, and the laugh-out-loud hilarity give it high marks, but there are also tweens (and parents) who may strongly dislike the loose morals and shallowness of the main character.

Kobe Bryant: Basketball Big Shot

Savage, Jeff. Kobe Bryant: Basketball Big Shot. Learner Publishing Group, 2001. ISBN 0-8225-3680-3

Although this book is now nine years old, it is a very good description of the early years of basketball great, Kobe Bryant's, early years and rise to fame. Written in a simple context with short, concise sentences, color photographs and a glossary/sources list in the back, it is perfect for a reluctant reader.

The themes of hard work, individual responsibility and dedication, family and both the positive and negative aspects of fame are all covered. Furthermore, Bryant is such a well-known sports figure, this book will be intriguing even to tweens who do not follow basketball regularly.

The Karate Kid, 2010

The Karate Kid. Columbia Pictures, 2010. (Feature Film) starring Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith and Taraji P. Hensen. Directed by Harald Zwart.

Fans of the original Karate Kid film will not be disappointed. Those who were NOT fans of the original film may be pleasantly surprised. Not only does this movie boast high-profile main characters (Jaden Smith, son of superstar Will Smith, and co-staring international martial arts actor Jackie Chan),but it is well-made to boot. Everything from soundtrack, cinematography and quality of acting are solid and enjoyable through-out. My one warning: not for a realist. The odds of a young boy who has never done martial arts before rising up the ranks and winning a huge tournament are slim, as are the chances of most mothers allowing their twelve year old sons to run around the streets of Beijing alone (as the mother in this movie does). But that is not the point of the movie. This movie is meant to be a feel-good story with heart.

The material and subject matter will appeal especially to tweens: first love, displacement and culture shock, loss and grief, school bullies, right and wrong, honor, and achieving goals and dreams. And, like his father, Jaden Smith has an attractive, winsome way about him that young girls and boys alike will appreciate.The soundtrack is appealing to both tweens and adults, featuring the likes of Lady Gaga, John Mayer, and Justin Beiber.

As an adult, I appreciated the attention to detail as the characters experience a foreign country for the first time, and the ability to acknowledge both the positive experiences and the challenges of moving abroad. Jakie Chan's portrayal of the reluctant martial arts instructor was surprisingly genuine and dramatic. The references to the original movie were blatant, and brought a smile of nostalgia to my face as I once again rooted for the underdog.

One slight annoyance: the title of the movie is The Karate Kid and yet, because of Jackie Chan's influence, the protagonist actually learns Kung Fu. I understand why this is done, but in 20 years it will be quite confusing to some.

Poppy

Avi. Poppy. Illustrated by Brian Floca. Orchard Books, 1995. ISBN 0-531-08783-2

The heroine of this story is a mild-mannered, respectful, yet curious and independent, deer mouse named Poppy. Poppy has always obeyed the laws that her father set before her and her many siblings and cousins. These laws were passed down from Mr. Ocax, a fierce owl who rules the land and threatens sudden death to any mouse who challenges his authority. Normally Poppy would never dream of undermining any authority figure, but her fate is forever changed by a ruffian mouse named Ragweed who comes from afar, shifts her paradigm and helps her use her mind to think beyond a dictatorship, and to what may lie beyond. Jaded by Ragweeds tragic death and devouring by Mr. Ocax, Poppy is forced to make a decision about her own destiny.

The heavy themes (death, challenging authority, and dictatorship) are handled by the author in a very quick, mild-mannered way. A young reader would understand the concept, but would be able to move quickly on to the lighter themes (adventure, redemption, free will). Therefore, this book was not the most exciting work of fiction I have read. However, the style and vocabulary will be appropriate for many ages and reading abilities. Imaginative tweens who have an appreciation of nature and the animal kingdom may find this story appealing.

This illustrations hold the story as much as the text, if not more. There were some points when I was unsure what the author was describing, and the corresponding illustration gave me a better idea. Drawn in charcoal and pencil, the detailed sketches are only slightly cartoonish, and the attention to shading and anatomical structure is strong. Nearly every other page has an illustration, which also enhances the ability for young readers to grasp the plot and stay entertained throughout.

The Deep

Dunmore, Helen. The Deep. HarperCollins, 2009. ISBN 0060818581

This is the third book in the Ingo series. However, it is enough of a complete story that it can be read easily as a stand-alone book. Dunmore does an excellent job balancing the concept of a young girl struggling to live in two worlds. Sapphire, the protagonist, has blood that is mixed with both human (Earth and Air) and Mer (Sea). Her brother is mixed as well, but the Earth is strong in him and he is not pulled as strongly to the ocean as Sapphire. The main plot is rooted in the previous books (but explained well) and describes how Sapphire has the ability to go to the Deep (a place even the Mer cannot go) in order to convince the mythical Kraken to return to sleep and stop tormenting the oceans and the inhabitants thereof. The place Sapphire longs to be is called Ingo, and she has a very strong, arrogant yet playful Mer friend named Faro who tempts her to choose Ingo as her final home. However, Sapphire is pulled to Earth by her mother, friends and love of her dog.

Although this is a large book, it is easy to read and the subject matter is suited to tweens who still love to imagine about Mer people, and are interested in friends, pets and the more simple pleasures of life. There are some mild love themes, but nothing is overly done and a tween audience could relate.

The strongest element of this book is the imaginative way the author paints the picture of both Ingo and the shoreline surrounding it. She creates a world that is so enthralling one could easily imagine the pull Sapphire feels towards it and the struggle she has balancing her two lives. Dunmore's familiarity with mythological creatures and concepts is subtly woven into the plot as well.

There are four books total in the series to date: Ingo, The Tide Knot, The Deep, and The Crossing of Ingo.

A Word About Twilight

Meyer, Stephanie. The Twilight Saga. Little, Brown Young Readers, 2008. ISBN 0316031844

I must make the point of saying, first and foremost, that these books can be addicting. It's the type of story that the reader begins and then looks up at the clock and suddenly realizes an entire afternoon is gone. This fact, and the fact that there is very little objectionable material in the stories, would seemingly make it ideal for tweens. However, I must disagree.

Although there are scores of tweens reading these books and watching the movies, I feel that this series is better suited for young adults. My reasoning for this is due to themes presented throughout that require some maturity to fully grasp or understand: mortality, damnation, sexuality, violence and what some have said are unhealthy, codependent romantic relationships, to name a few.

That being said, I can also appreciate that at least the tweens reading these novels are indeed reading. If I knew a tween personally and felt he or she were ready for such themes and would discuss them openly, then I would most definitely not prohibit them from enjoying a delightfully captivating work of fiction. A word of caution and a grain of salt is all I'm asking. Especially because these books are so wildly popular, and many tweens, who never would have looked at them otherwise, are feeling pressured to read it simply in order to fit in.

Booktrailers and Developmental Assets for Tweens

Examples of "Booktrailers" and "Book Talks" some of my classmates have done on the subject of tween materials:

http://booktrailerstweens.pbworks.com/

A wiki with suggestions from some of my classmates on books that help spur developmental growth for tweens:

http://264readings.pbworks.com/Developmental-Assets

The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide

DiTerlizzi, T., Black, H. The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide. Simon and Schuster, 2003. ISBN: 0-689-85936-8.
Perfect for the reluctant reader! This short chapter book is chock full of interesting characters, detailed and clever illustrations (mostly pen and ink, but some in full color), maps, clues, and fantasy suspense. The size of the book alone will be comforting to a tween who may be afraid of larger volumes, and the fact that it has been made into a major motion picture will give it some familiarity.

I was surprised at how enthralling this book was from the very start. Book one of five, the cliffhanger ending will leave the reader longing for more stories of the three Grace children who move to an old family estate where they encounter faeries, boggarts, and a field guide that will help them better understand the world that is "closer than you think." Nearly every page has an illustration or description of some other-worldly creature, and even the pages themselves are cut to give the book an old, weathered appearance.

A clever beginning sets the pace, as a "real" letter written to the authors from the Grace children introduce the "fantastical" world the reader is about to encounter. A superb beginner chapter book that will help introduce the fantasy genre to young readers.

For more information about the authors, see the the following websites:

http://www.blackholly.com/
http://www.diterlizzi.com/

The Long Winter

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. The Long Winter. Illustrated by Garth Williams. HaperCollins Publishers, 1940. ISBN 0-06-026460-8
Many are familiar with The Little House on the Prairie series. However, I would argue that this title is by far the most exciting of the series. There is no need to read the rest of the series, as this book does well standing alone as a complete story.

Based off of the life of the author, this book describes the struggle, depression, persistence, courage and hunger experienced during one of the worst winters on record for the Dakota territories. Young readers will gain a first-hand look at what life was like for pioneers and homesteaders on the harsh prairies during a difficult winter. Images of waking up with nails in the ceiling frosted over, white-out blizzards that killed people, the warnings and natural signs from wildlife and native peoples, and even starvation.

However, a young audience is in mind, and this book is anything but dark. Wilder does a superb job of describing her love for her family, the simple joys and pastimes of the pioneer life, her admiration for those who risk their lives to protect others, and the awe-inspiring power of nature and weather.

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew

Sidney, Margaret. Five Little Peppers and How They Grew. Watermill Press, 1988. ISBN 0-8164-1460-6
This book will only appeal to a certain type of tween. I have known ten and eleven year-olds who have both loved and lost interest in this book. A classic, written in 1881, focuses primarily on the daily lives of five poor children living with their widowed mother in a small, dilapidated house. As is typical of novels written for children about poverty, the Pepper children knew they were poor, but did not feel poor, as they were constantly surrounded by love and family.

Small joys, generosity, overcoming illness, and making new friends are all themes visited in this book, the first in the Five Little Peppers series. Anyone who has read the Anne of Green Gables series will understand the ability of an author to take something seemingly mundane to adults (such as baking a birthday cake) and turning it into quite a comical, emotional ride with witty remarks and clever storytelling.

Peppers stands out as a classic, written in simple sentence structure for young readers, that will surely enlighten the reader, teaching moral values and the simple joys of life.

The book can be viewed in its entirety via Project Gutenberg at http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=2770

Gregor the Overlander

Collins, Suzanne. Gregor the Overlander. Scholastic Inc., 2003. ISBN 0-439-43537-4
Initially, one would not think that this book would be appealing to very many audiences. Darkness, giant talking rats who kill people, giant spiders, a princess who is mean...none of these descriptions liken to the typical idea of a "fun read". However, fun is exactly the word I would use to describe this fantasy world Suzanne Collins has created.

In addition to the scary creatures I listed above, Collins uses flying bats who exude nobility and bond with humans, exciting falls through space, sword fights, and an unlikely hero who often has to change the diaper of his precarious little sister (who is also very lovable).

A quest, a boy searching for his lost father, courage in the face of fear, and strong familial ties are all themes that run throughout despite a few parts in the book that are a little over-the-top. For instance: a young boy so adept at riding flying bats he reclines while he rides and has no need to hang on, and Gregor, who is a typical New York city boy, jumping into a boat and navigating rapids.

Despite this, and due to my own familiarity with some of the author's other works, I would feel confident in saying this is book one in a series that is sure to continue delivering a fun, although sometimes a bit unbelievable, adventurous read.

For Ages 5 through 9-ish

For those of you who are interested in books and materials for a younger crowd (roughly ages 5 through 9), I have a wiki that was created by myself and several of my classmates that you may want to view. It is neatly organized into different genres with reviews written by each of us. For this assignment I concentrated my efforts on Graphic Novels, but my classmates cover a broad variety of materials on the site. Check it out!

http://sites.google.com/site/groupdwiki/

New Venture

Do you remember the feeling of crossing over the boundary of required reading and reading for pleasure? Do you remember what it was like to sneak a flashlight to your room so that your parents wouldn't know you were up late with an enthralling piece of fiction (in my case, it was sneaking to the living room, sitting behind my Dad's recliner and reading by nightlight)? What was the first actual book that caused you to stay put for hours on end until at last it came to completion, and then left you with an empty feeling when you could no longer anticipate returning to it for more of the story?

I'm sure the book titles are different for all of us, but most fluent readers DO have at least one title. My goal with this blog is to introduce a myriad of titles that will hopefully draw out the avid reader in some of us. My hope is to save you the time and money judging a book by it's cover, and instead considering my own humble opinion as a guide.

And it won't be just books. I hope to build a database of audio, visual and other types of written material for those important years...the tweens...when learning a love of reading beyond "See Jane Run" is so vital. Feel free to read my opinions, add your own, agree and disagree. The more communication we have, the better understanding we will have of the depth and width of each entry.

Enjoy!