Zilladog

ZillaDog.com: A Save and Easy Website for Kids

ZillDog has games from Club Penguin, Disney, Neopets, Cartoon Network, Pokemon, and Nickelodeon. They can play Sonic games and also log on to and access their Webkinz pet. Includes links to Radio Disney and KidsBop, as well as movie trailers of current movies. All of these can be accessed without a log in.

"ZillaMail is a web based email system that is safe for children, is spam free and parent password protected." There is a one-time fee of $9.95.

Bay Area Girls

B.A.G. (Bay Area Girls)
Live music, Tween band

An all girls band of five 11- and 12-year old girls perform originals, as well as covers from Miley Cyrus, Michelle Branch, Kelly Clarkson, Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, and more. I haven't seen this band yet, but it's cool to listen and watch them perform their original "Summer" on their website.

They will be playing soon in my city, at San Mateo Central Park. Learn more at their B.A.G. website. I know this isn't media; I just appreciated that it's a local group of girls rockin' out.

Aqua Kids

Aqua Kids

"Ready to make a difference? Building a better planet starts with you."

This TV show is hosted by Molly, an educator, and a group of tweens and teens. The intent of the show is to introduce youth to marine and aquatic environments. In show episodes, the team visits locations to learn about the setting and interview professionals. Material is information- and fact-based and presented in a manner understandable , as well as interesting and appealing to youth.

The companion website Aqua Kids website has show video clips and links to the organizations that they visit.

Paper Fantastic

Paper Fantastic - 50 Creative Projects to Fold, Cut, Glue, Paint and Weave (2004) by Joe Rhatigan and Rain Newcomb. 111 pages.

ISBN: 1-57990-476-9

Tweens are pictured throughout out this paper crafts book. Each craft has clearly described, step-by-step instructions accompanied by photos to show the steps as well. Appealing craft projects are appropriate and complicated enough for tweens. Project topics cover a good range: decorating, cutting and folding paper, origami, paper mache and gluing paper.

The Children's Baking Book

The Children's Baking Book - More than 50 delicious step-by-step recipes (2009) by Denise Smart. 128 pages.

SBN: 978-0-7566-5788-8

Recipes for cookies and baked goods, breads and dough, pastries and tarts, and cakes are presented in the the typical Dorling Kindersley (DK Eyewitnees books) style with clear, colorful, pop-off-the-page photographs. All the recipes follow the same format with ingredients and tools listed in text boxes. Each step of the recipes is explained in clear, simple text accompanied by a photograph to show the step in action.

Appealing, easy-to-follow recipes will be very attractive to tweens. (I want to make the toffee squares :-)

12 Again

12 Again (2002) by Sue Corbett. 227 Pages.
ISBN: 978-0-14-240729-5

This story is told from the alternating perspectives of 7th grader Patrick and his mom, Bernadette McBride. On her fortieth birthday and Bernadette wakes up and she's twelve years old. Now, she's also a 7th grader and attends class with Patrick. Patrick has now idea what's happened to his mom and now must attend to his brothers. Life is complicated.

The Basket Counts

The Basket Counts (2000) by Arnold adoff and illustrated by Michael Weaver. 47 pages.

ISBN: 0-689-80108-4

A collection of poetry about playing basketball. Text formatting is playful, enhancing meaning. Colorful expressive llustrations show teens, girls and boys, of various ethnicities playing basketball. Games take place in urban street settings. Expressive and appealing for tweens.

Sassy - Little Sister is NOT my Name!

Sassy - Little Sister is NOT my Name! (2009) by Sharon M. Draper. 102 pages

ISBN-13:978-0-545-07151-8

Being the youngest in the family, Sassy has been called "Little Sister", which drives her crazy. Imaginative Sassy wants to change her world and make life a sparkling adventure. Her Sassy Sack is the envy of other girls in school. Besides being shiny and pretty, it contains what she needs to help when things get tough. Meet Sassy, her friends and family in this charming book, which is the first is a series of four.

Sharon M. Draper has written many books for teens. She has won teaching and writing awards including the Coretta Scot King Award; her books are on ALA and VOYA recommendation lists.

Popstar! Magazine & Popstar Online

Popstar! by Popstar! Publishing, L.L.C.

Visually busy magazine with loads of pictures of teen stars. The June 2010 is dominated by articles on Justin Bieber; "Are You the Justin Bieber Type?". There are some articles on the Twilight stars. A "Fresh Faces!" page promotes "The next sensations who could rock the world". This issue contains 23 pull-out "hot" posters. Overall, the magazine is teen idol fun with few advertisements.

Popstaronline.com

This companion interactive website has videos, a blog, photos and contests. When opening the homepage, a music video automatically begins to play. This page also contains links to music previews and viewer polls, currently "Who's more stylish? Lady Gaga or Rhiannan" and "Who's your favorite Twilight saga newcomer?", as well as links to join them on MySpace and to subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Sports Illustrated Kids Magazine & SIKids.com

Sports Illustrated Kids. Published by Time, Inc.

This monthly magazine (except for the January/February issue) is a mixed of color photos, cartoons and an art gallery of submissions of hand-drawn illustrations by kids. The issue pictured here contains collectors' cards of sports figures and pull-out posters. Features articles on professional athletes, as well as young athletes in the spotlight. Reading level is accessible and page layouts are very appealing.


SI Kids.com

Sports Illustrated's companion website is targeted for use by children and tweens. It contains games, videos, photos, news and blogs, entries by kid reporters and a contests page. It's a visually appealing and an easy-to-use site.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Demigod Files

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Demigod Files (2009 ) by Rick Riordan. 151 pages.

ISBN: 978-142312166-4

The book has three short stories of Percy Jackson's dangerous adventures. It also includes interviews, maps and games. In the first story, Percy helps his old enemy from demigod camp, Clarisse, get her father's chariot back. Charlie Beckendorf, the camp counselor, is captured by a horde of swarming poisonous ants in the second story. Percy and his friends rescue him with the help of a dragon. In the last story, Percy and pals need to retrieve Hades's stolen sword. Readers will meet the Greek gods and goddess, Zeus, Poseidon, Ares and Athena.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians website

43 Old Cemetery Road: Over My Dead Road

43 Old Cemetery Road: Over My Dead Road Book Two (2009) by Kate Klise and illustrated by M. Sarah Klise. 116 pages.

ISBN 978-0-15-205734-3

Les and Diane Hope, professors of the paranormal, have moved in to the mansion haunted by Olive C. Spence. They want to document Olive's ghost and make lots of money. Except, Olive only appears to their son, Seymour. His parents then leave him when they go to Paris on a lecture tour. Seymour Hope ends up in the care of Olive and Ignatius B. Grumply, an author who has rented the mansion. They start a publishing company; they write and sell popular ghost books. All are living quite happily, making enough money to buy the house from the Hopes.

But, their happiness gets threatened when they are investiaged by the International Movement for the Safety & Our Kids & Youth (IMSPOOKY) run by Dick Tater. Mr. Tater determines Seymour is not safe and he sends Seymour to a (ghastly) orphanage and Mr. Grumply to a home for the deranged. Tater also plans to ban Halloween and warns that ghost stories are bad for children. He even ordered librarians to build bonfires to burn dangerous books.

Text is a varietal mix among the pages. Font styles vary among the characters. Characters communicate with each other through letters. The Ghastly Times newspaper reports local stories. Black and white illustrations creatively enhance the story. The names of the characters are especially funny; Ike N. Openitt, the locksmith, Fay Tality and Shirly U. Jest are few more.

Although some text may be sensitive to some people, such as "nut house" and "loony bin" for the asylum and having "mental illness" from defending a ghost, the book is amusing and witty. Good read for 9 to 11 year olds.

This book is part of a series: 1) Dying to Meet You, 2) Over My Dead Body, 3) Till Death Do Us Bark. Listen and watch to the Klise sisters talk about writing these books.

Middle School - How to Deal

Middle School - How to Deal (2005) by Sara Borden, Sarah Miller, Alex Stikeleather, Maria Valladares, and Miriam Yelton.
ISBN: 0-8118-4845-0

"Middle school is a bumbling, jumbling, mixed-up place of classes, friends, boyfriends and activities." Five girls who have just been there give advice about common middle school issues - school dances, speaking up in class, groups and popularity, friendships, dealing with bullies, figuring out boys and dating, decorating your room, to understanding your body and body image. Each girl also gives insights on their own personal experiences.

An attractive book for girls who are curious about middle school and are looking for some perspective. 10 to 12 year olds.

The book has a forward by the Editor-in-Chief of Girls' Life Magazine.

The Amazing Life of Birds (The Twenty-Day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech)

The Amazing Life of Birds (The Twenty-Day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech) (2006) by Gary Paulsen. 84 pages.
ISBN: 0-385-90897-0

Duane Homer Leech is in the "Puberty Zone". Frequent thoughts about the female anatomy (which he refers to as "ELBOWS") distract his daily activities and he wakes from having crazy dreams. Duane is disturbed by his name, wishing he was called something else. At home, his parents seem oblivious to his puberty onset and his sister constantly annoys him. He watches a bird family from his window. Keeping an eye on the young bird growing up and learning to fly, Duane's relates similar clumsy experiences.

Puberty has brought zits, hair cowlicks, a voice change and a growing interest in girls. In his journal, Duane recounts his decline caused puberty. His efforst to hide his zits are useless and his attempts to impress girls turn into catastrophes. In one exaggerated incident in the library, Duane falls into a book shelf, knocking over a fish tank and gerbil cage, while reaching for a book on puberty. Duane finds support and perspective from his best friend, Willy. Their phone conversations are brief, almost monosyllabic, but authentically portray boys discussing their issues. Getting perspective and support from Willy, Duane gains some confidence in dealing with the effects of puberty in his life.

This book brings the reader into the daily occurences of a tween dealing with the onset of puberty; with a youth's perspective with funny dialogue and descriptions crazy incidents. Many readers may find themselves relating to this confusing time of life. Good read for 10 to 13 year olds.

More on Gary Paulsen.

Tales from Outer Surburbia

Tales from Outer Suburbia (2008) by Shaun Tan. 94 pages.
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-05587-1

Fifteen short stories are enclosed in a large envelope addressed to Paul, Perth, W.A. and postage stamps that have the title of each story.

The book is a visual, engaging wonder. Art includes collage, colorful paintings, and black and white drawings. Strange creatures and surreal, dreamlike atmospherics tantalize the reader. Text varies among the stories, including a newspaper layout, doodles and text on scaps of paper. The stories are quirky and charming. Whimsical read for 9 to 12 year olds.

Amelia's 7th-Grade Notebook

Amelia's 7th-Grade Notebook by Marissa Moss.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-3661-9

Amelia constantly writes about her 7th grade experiences in her notebook. She's happy with her new teachers, works at her friendships and deals with her annoying sister Cleo. 7th grade means dances and her friends are interested in boys and make-up. Amelia tries to figure out if she is ready for all that and what it means for her. Carly, her best friend, enjoys wearing make-up, but tells Amelia that she doesn't "want to be influenced by the media and how it says girls should look". Text in the book is as hand-written journal entries, with line drawings of people. Good read for 9 to 12 year olds.

Chess Rumble

Chess Rumble (2007) by G. Neri and illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. 64 pages.
ISBN: 978-1-58430-279-7

Eleven-year old Marcus is angry. His sister has recently died, his father has left the family, his mom is always tired and edgy, and a bully won't leave him alone at school. He lives in a tough, urban neighborhood where life is difficult.

Told in free verse using street vernacular, Marcus tells of his difficulties at home and school. His anger gets him in trouble; he readily responds with his fists. After one incident, the principal, sends Marcus to the library; "it be fulla kids playin' chess". Attempting to leave, Marcus is blocked by a big dude, CM. Marcus's first game doesn't go well and he responds by throwing the board.

While playing basketball in the park with his friends, Marcus runs into CM playing chess. He gets pulled in to the games and gets some coaching. CM, a chess master, relates chess to life, provoking Marcus to think about his moves before making them; "three moves is all it takes to change the outcome of the game".

With powerful emotions and bleak inner-city surroundings, the story evokes empathy for Marcus and his struggles. Its quick pace, contemporary theme and street language makes it engaging and attractive to reluctant readers, as well as those who enjoy urban literature. Black, gray and white illustrations add to the story's atmospherics. Good read for 9 to 12 year olds.

Book Trailer provided by Lee & Low Books.

Hip-Hop Chess Federation - using chess, music and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and non-violence.

The Bad Beginning

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning (1999) by Lemony Snicket.
ISBN: 0-06-440766-7

After their parents die in a fire, the Baudeliare kids -14 year old Violet, 12 year old Klaus and their baby sister Sunny, are sent to live with a horrible relative. Count Olaf was a disreputable actor, belonging to an unsavory theatre troupe, who lived in a dilapidated house with filthy rooms. Friendly Justice Strauss lives next door in her lovely house with a big library and takes and interest in the children. Mr. Poe, the banker who's the executor of the estate, thinks the children are just learning to adjust to their new home when they tell him how evil the Count is.

Although the children's fortune could not be touched for a few years, Count Olaf set out to get his hands on it. He schemes to force Violet to marry him by holding Sunny hostage. Good thing Violet is an inventive genius and Klaus has a propensity for reading and research; abilities that aid them in escaping this unfortunate event.

This is the first of thirteen books; the beginning of many unfortunate predicaments to befall the children. These books, with a mix of dark humor, absurd events and odd characters, have a delightful appeal. Each chapter begins with a detailed pencil drawing, evoking more curiousity about the its contents. Snicket uses vocabulary that the reader may find challenging, but cleverly and seamlessly includes a definition to carry the reader. Fun read for 9 to 13 year olds. (I had a 9th grader start reading last year because of these books.)

A Series of Unfortunate Events books and more can be found at Lemony Snicket.

Read-Alikes: If you like A Series of Unfortunate Events, you may like the Roald Dahl books - James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Twilight 1: The Graphic Novel

Twilight 1: The Graphic Novel by Stephenie Meyer; Art and adaptation by Young Kim.
ISBN: 978-0-7595-2943-4

Bella moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father. The weather is drastically different from what is in Phoenix, Arizona. Attending a new high school, Bella makes some friends and becomes very interested in a group of teens who are intensely good looking, but "chalky pale" with "very dark eyes". Sitting next to one of them in Biology class, Bella thinks that he, Edward Cullend, doesn't like her. Later, she discovers that his feelings for her are so intense, he needs to take precautions to control himself around her. Edwards's very mysterious and attactive to Bella and Bella is growing more irresistable to Edward.

Graphic adaptation of the popular Twilight book. Predominately illustrated in black and white, most of the panels feature the characters. The few color pages add to the intensity and meaning of the scenes.

This graphic interpretation is a good introduction to the popular Twilight books; see the Stephanie Meyer site for more information. Gives insight into the main points of the first book, although the story lacks some continuity and the content is at a surface levl. May entice non-readers to want to pick up the original book.

Dragonball Z

Dragonball Z written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama.

ISBN: 1591168082

26 volume manga series continues as a sequel to the Dragon Ball series. Goku continues his martial arts training. Goku and his son, Gohan, are martial arts masters. They must protect the earth from the Saiyons, brutal warriors who have been destroying the galaxy. They want the seven magic dragon balls.

A popular favorite among middle school students. Books read from back cover to front, and pages from left to right. Colorful, action-packed anime cartoons draws the attention of the readers.

Toy Story 3 Movie

Toy Story 3 written by Michael Arndt, directed by Lee Unkrich and produced by Disney Pixar.

Andy's toys continue their friendship and adventures. As Andy prepares to leave for college, his toys accidentally end up at a day care center. The toys quicky discover that not all kids play with toys like Andy did, plus the other toys have plans for them. Woody must go to the rescue of his friends trapped in the day care center and bring them all back to Andy where they belong.

While adults cringe to see younger children have access to age inappropriate toys, the kids in the audience love to see the misuse the toys get. Kids may be frightened by "Baby" who's head spins and is unable to talk, but will enjoy the teamwork that the toys use to get back to Andy. Toward the end, the toys find their way back to Andy's house right when he's leaving. Andy needs to make a hard choice - should the toys get stored in the attic or go to a good home; Woody needs to make a hard choice - to let Andy go or stay with his friends.

Several rescue scenarios are cleverly executed. Lots of humor for kids and adults alike. Like other Pixar films, this segment has lots of entertainment value for the kids, but lots of thought provoking sentiment and jokes for adults. Life's choices, for the toys and for Andy, are not always black and white. Great movie for 10 to 13 year olds.

P.S. There's a cute scene with Molly, Andy's sister, reading Tween magazine.
Visit the Disney ToyStory website.

Stuck in the Middle

Stuck in the Middle: Seventeen comics from an unpleasant age (2007). Edited by Ariel Shrag

ISBN: 978-0-670-06221-8

Each comic sequence is written and illustrated in black and white line drawings, showcasing the many different styles of the cartoonists. Each contributor shares stories from their personal middle school experience.

Angst, love interests, annoying people, gossiping, zits, making good impressions, parental divorce, name calling, going to a new school, worried about what people are thinking. All common and familiar themes in middle school life.

Some edgy topics and dicey language. Interesting glimpse into middle school once lived. Good for students 11 to 13 years old.

The Storm in the Barn

The Storm in the Barn (2009) by Matt Phelan. 201 pages.
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3618-0

This story takes place in 1937 Kansas during the Dust Bowl. Jack Clark is 11 years old, living on a farm with his family; they have not seen rain for at least four years and the effects are taking their toll on the people. Jack's sister Dorothy is bedridden and enjoys reading Wizard of Oz books, parelleling some of the story lines. Mabel, his other sister is a curious youngster who likes to explore. The townspeople start believing in a mysterious illness, dust dementia, and suspect Jack may have it. Jack starts to see a creepy apparition in a neighbor's barn that foretales rain. Meanwhile, the townspeople are growing tired of the rabbits eating their meager amount of food and decide to eradicate them. These frames are unpleasant and disturbing.

Illustrations are pencil drawings with spudged shading; giving the reader the feeling that they can almost feel the dust. Muted tones provide for atmospherics that enhance the feeling of that time and place in history. Interesting read for 11 to 13 year olds.

-------------------------More books related to the Dust Bowl:

Years of Dust: The Story of the Dustbowl (2009) by Albert Marrin.
"Exceptional overview brings close the terrifying, bleak realities of the Dust Bowl; Marrin puts the era into both historical and environmental context". Gillian Engberg, Booklist Online



Out of the Dust (1997) by Karen Hesse.
A story about an Oklahoma family in the Dust Bowl. Told in free verse from the point of view of fourteen year old, Billie Jo Kelby.



Dust (2003) by Arthur Slade.
"Eleven-year-old Robert is the only one who can help when a mysterious stranger arrives, performing tricks and promising to bring rain, at the same time children begin to disappear from a dust bowl farm town in Saskatchewan in the 1930s. " - Book summary from http://catalog.plsinfo.org/

Karate Kid

The Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. Produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, directed by Harald Zwart.

Dre Parker and his mom move to Bejing when his mom gets a promotion. Unhappy with the move, Dre tries to adjust and make some friends. Unfortunately, he's immediately confronted by some bullies led by Cheng, who have violent kung fu tactics. Mr. Han, a maintenance man who prefers to keep to himself, comes to Dre's rescue when several boys are beating up Dre. Mr. Han's amazing kung fu skills are revealed as he defeats the boys and protects Dre. The fight choreagraphy in this scene is entertaining and clever, as Mr. Han maneuver's his opponents in such a way that they extend blows to each other. Mr. Han shows more of his skills by mending Dre's wounds with fire cupping; magically curing Dre.
After trying to make peace with Cheng's kung fu teacher, Mr. Han takes Dre under wing to teach him kung fu. Mr. Han has entered Dre into a tournament, where Cheng and his friends wil be fighting. As in the original Karate Kid movie, training begins slow with a seeming unrelated, repetitive task. Gradually, Mr. Han brings to light the significance of the drill and the trainings expand.

The story follows Dre through his perserverance and Mr. Han's enlightening teaching, as well as their growing fondness and respect. Dre's sweet friendship with a classmate, Mei Ying, is threatened when he brings 'shame' to Mei Ying's family. Dre enlists Mr. Han to remedy this. Dre learns life lessons through learning Kung Fu. The movie culminates with the tournament.

Karate Kid shows a typical kid dealing with realistic situations of leaving the home he knows, moving and adjusting to a new location and dealing with bullies. Beyond this scenario, the viewer must suspend belief - instantly healing fire cups, quickly acquired karate skills, effectively employing the reflection technique.

Scenes provide a glimpse into live in Bejing, although I imagine there is more traffic than was in the movie. Breath-taking scenery when Dre and Mr. Han visit the Wudang mountains.

The movie is has an appealing story line, providing insight into the kung fu world. The dramatics provoking different emotions from sad to happy, touching to cringing (some of the fight seens are violent). Good modern-day remake of the original 1984 film; appropriate for 10 to 13 year olds.

Visit The Karate Kid website.

The Suite Life on Deck: Break up in Paris

The Suite Life on Deck: Break Up in Paris (Season Finale). TV - Disney Channel.

Spin-off of the original show The Suite Life with Zack and Cody. A preferred show of the eleven-year-old girl I babysit, we recently watched the Break Up in Paris episode.

The S.S. Tipton cruise ship docks in Paris, Baily and Cody are planning to celebrate their one-year anniversary and London helps Cody practice for the big date. Their preparations lead to assumptions and talk of breaking up. Zack and Woody inadvertantly get chased by art thieves. Mr. Moseby watches the Tour de France. Marcus tries to promote himself. Each scene is is goofy and silly.

A slapstick-type comedy with pronounced acting and an over-all clean, innocent appeal. Mr. Moseby makes a fool of himself; Woody is heavy-set and bumbling; London is a naccissistic, rich fashionista; Cody is the thoughtful, boy-next-door and his twin, Zack, plays the dumb jock; Baily is the midwestern, down-to-earth girl. Kids in the show appear smarter than the adults. Appealing to 9 to 12 year olds.

Episodes of The Suite Life on Deck and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody can be watched at Clicker.com

Draw Manga Chibi!

Draw Manga Chibi! (2004) by Christopher Hart.

ISBN: 0-8230-0368-x

Provides easy to follow steps to draw Chibi Manga, Japanee cartoons; each step clearly building on the last. Easy character can be finished in five steps. Great book to introduce kids to drawing cartoon characters. Good for 9 to 11 year olds.

Mad Hot Ballroom

Mad Hot Ballroom DVD (2005) Paramount Classics andNickelodeon Movies presents. Written by Amy Sewell, produced Amy Sewell and Marilyn Agrelo, and directed by Marilyn Agrelo.
ISBN:141571455X

Interesting documentary about middle school-age school kids in New York City learning to ballroom dance . The film provides personal perspectives from the kids about dancing and thier lives. Over ten weeks, we watch the progression of their dancing and find out how they do in a competition.

I first watched this film with a 7th grade class in an urban middle school. All the student viewers showed interest in the film to the end. Appropriate for 9 to 12 year olds.

Guinness World Records 2009

Guinness World Records 2009: The Book of the Decade by Craig Glenday.
ISBN: 978-0-55359256-6

Guinness World Records books are always a favorite book among middle schoolers. Has crazy record-breakers, amazing feats and achievements, and bizarre facts from around the world. Covers space, living planet, human achievements, science and engineering, sports and more. Lots of colorful, amazing photos. Zany and fascinating. Fun for 10 to 13 year old.

The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life

The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life (2005) by Lauren Myracle. 135 pages.

ISBN: 978-0-14-220861-2

Alli writes in her journal frequently, recording incidents and conversations with her friends and family, including copies of instant messages and e-mails. Being occupied about how others' see her and figuring out her relationships, Alli records these thoughts in her journal.

On the first day of 7th grade, she's mortified when a pair of her mom's underwear is stuck to her pants by static cling and consequently teased by Jeremy. She hangs out with her closest friends are Kathy, who's not always nice to her, and Megan, a new girl in school. But, Alli has a secret longing to be with the popular girls, Rachel, Mica and Hadley. After being assigned to work on a project with Mica, Alli get her chance to be with the popular girls. This is at the expense of her friendship with Kathy and Megan.

The detailed ruminations of incidents and conversations Alli conveys in her journal slow the reading, but also present the story in an authentic voice of a 7th grade girl who's trying to figure out life. The girls shop and eat at places with familiar names-Claires, Express, Long John Silvers. Good read for 10 to 13 year olds.

Lauren Myracle's website.

Graffiti World

Graffiti World Street Art from Five Contintents (2004) by Nicholas Ganz and edited by Tristan Manco. 375 pages.
ISBN: 0-8109-4979-2

Wonderful book full of visually amazing, colorful photos of graffiti found around the world. Provides information about the artists, crew names, and the history of graffiti throughout the world. Lists of websites and select magazines and a glossary are also included. Very appealling and of high interest to tweens and teens; 10 to 15 years old.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding (2003) by Ben Powell. 32 pages.
ISBN: 0-8225-1241-6

Little bits of history, facts and tips are provided on each page; covering tricks, surfaces, techniques, competitions and legends. Text is simple and accessible, presented in short blurbs which tweens will find attractive. Photos and graphics are full of action. All pictures are of boys, except one. A list of websites and books for further reading is provided.

Discover the exciting world of skateboarding. Great book for beginning and advanced skateboarders, as well as those interested in just learning more about the sport. Appropriate for 10 to 13 year olds.

Soccer Encyclopedia

The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia (2006) by Clive Gifford. 144 pages.

ISBN: 0-7534-5928-0

Colorful, visually attractive book with interesting photos of soccer players and graphics of game actions. Information is presented in accessible text, covering playing the game, soccer legends and great teams, mental tactics, significant competitions, and soccer facts. Includes a glossary and weblinks as well.

An interesting and informative book for those who enjoy soccer as well as those who may have a fleeting interest. Appealing format (and timely read for the Summer World Cup) for 10 to 13 year olds.

Bone 1: Out From Boneville

Bone 1: Out From Boneville (2005) by Jeff Smith. 138 pages.
ISBN: 0-439-70640-8

Fone, Phoney and Smiley Bone have been run out of Boneville for some bad business deals by Phoney. Lost, thirsty and not knowing where they are, a swarm of locusts separates them.

First we follow Fone as he wanders and searches for his cousins. He finds Smily's cigar butts, but not Smiley. Along his search, Fone comes across creatures, some scary and others friendly - leafs, rat creatures, and a dragon. He's warned that he needs to get out the valley before winter comes, but finds himself caught in the snow. At a hot spring, Fone meets Thorn. She takes him home where she lives with Gran'ma Ben, a woman who races cows.


Returning home from a cow race, Gran'ma Ben runs into feisty Phoney and brings him to her home. Hearing that there's money to be made in Barrelhaven, Phoney goes to the town. Rat creatures attack Gran'ma Ben, Thorn and Fone, but they eventually make it to Barrelhaven where all the cousins are reunited. The grim reaper lurks nearby.

Very quirky story; funny and a bit scary. Graphics are formatted in panels with cartoon characters against detailed backgrounds . Entertaining read for 10 to 13 year olds.

More on Jeff Smith and Boneville.

Daredevil Club

Daredevil Club (2006) by Pam Withers. 103 pages.
ISBN 10: 1-55143-614-0

Kip is living in Peever, a small town where there's not much to do. He started the Daredevil Club with his only friends - Caleb, Fraser and Vlad - and came up with the series of dares they were to complete. Each dare more dangerous than the last. The dares even gave them status as heroes and popularity at school. Adding to the challenge of completing dares, was to do them before the Wildmen.

During the fourth dare, a jump off a cliff into a lake, Kip smashed his leg on a rock. It's so severe he receives physiotherapy. He's making progress and then finds out that the clinic has to close before his therapy ends. On top of that, completing dares is more difficult and his membership in the club is threatened. Kip struggles with these two realities and discovers who his friends are.

This is a quick and exciting read, bringing the reader through dangerous episodes in a some dares. Although the reading level is 3.9, the plot is not patronizing and story is appropriate for 11 to 13 year olds.

This is an Orca Soundings book. These are high interest, low reading level books with appealing titles and covers and contemporary themes for middle and high school students.

Resource Guide from Orca.

Shrek Forever After

Shrek Forever After -The Final Chapter directed by Mike Mitchell and produced by Dreamworks Animation. Starring Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz.

The twisted fairy tale continues. Shrek is now a family man with three kids and a wife. Dissatisfied with his life, longing for the days of being a scary ogre, Shrek gets a chance to re-live a day from his old life. Signing a contract with the dubious Rumplestiltskin, Shrek finds himself single and experiencing how life would be without being married to Fiona. At first it's fun, but then he becomes concerned when he discovers that the contract he signed was signing away the day he was born, thus he never existed.

Donkey tells Shrek about the contract's escape clause (he needs to kiss Fiona) and Shrek joins the ogre resistance against Rumplestiltskin, to reclaim his life. He has to undo what's he's done. Lots of jokes and humor for kids 9 to 12 years old.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974), poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein.
ISBN: 0-06-025668-0

This book is full of one charming, silly, descriptive, hysterical poem after another; each with a funny, expressive line drawing to add interest.

My personal favorite is "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" - ".....Greasy napkins, cookie crumbs, Globs of gooey bubble gum....."

Wonderful read for all ages; appropriate for 9 to 12 year olds.

On a side note, when I started working at an urban middle school about 10 years ago, a 7th grade Language Arts teacher used the song "A Boy Named Sue" as part of a lesson about students' names. The song was written by Shel Silverstein and sung by Johnny Cash. A new album has just been released that pays tribute to Shel Silverstein; more information at NPR.

Artemis Fowl - The Graphic Novel

Artemis Fowl - The Graphic Novel (2007) by Eoin Colfer. Adapted by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin; Art by Giovanni Rigano, Color by Paolo Lamanna. 112 pages.
ISBN-10: 0-786-84881-2

Artemis Fowl books have been a favorite of middle-schoolers since 2001. The Graphic Novel is an adapted version of the first book in the series. The color illustrations are amazing, a combination of fun comics and intense detailed graphics. Many scene panels actively move the story without dialogue. Dialogue is interesting although, at times, complex. Characters are introduced throughout the story by secret government files.

Artemis the Second is a twelve year old prodigy and criminal-mastermind, who aims to restore his family's fortune at the risk of causing a cross-species war and destroying civilizations. His genius allows him to make scientific observations and invent advanced technologies. Accompanied by Bulter, who has extreme martial arts and marksmanship skills, Artemis obtains and translates "The Book" that contains vital information about the "People" of the underground. Underground live the gnomes, trolls, elfs, centaurs, dwarfs and goblins. Elves have fairy magic enhanced by technology.

Captain Holly Short, an elf and only female member of the LEPrecon police, is sent to locate a rogue troll. Artemis and Butler capture Holly, as part of their plan to acquire some of their magical powers and getting a ransom of gold. Led by Commander Root, LEPrecon fights back using Foaly's technical genius.

Full of adventure and fantasy, this novel will not disappoint Artemis Fowl fans and it will draw in new readers. It's consistently interesting and exciting, mixed with humor. Great read for 10 to 13 year olds.

101 Back-To-School Jokes

101 Back-To-School Jokes (1994) by Lisa Eisenberg and Katy Hall. 96 pages.

ISBN 10: 0-590-96537-9

Who can resist a quick silly joke?

"When is a basketball player like a baby? When he dribbles!" This book is full of quick fun jokes, silly titles of books and even knock-knocks. Good fun for kids to joke about school; 9 to 12 year olds.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (2005). Directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore, with music by Danny Elfman. Available on DVD; shown on the Family channel, June 27, 2010.

Classic Tim Burton film, with visual wonders and enchanting music. Five childeren are guided on a tour of the Wonka candy factory by Willy Wonka. He introduces his guests to the Oompa Loompas, who do all the work in the factory and sing their unapproving comments when the rotten children overstep their welcome. Four of the children end their tour in very odd circumstances; the fifth, Charlie Bucket, helps Wonka rediscover his father.

Wonka has flashbacks to his unhappy childhood with his father, a dentist; which is probably why Wonka is creepy and snide.

The viewer will feel like s/he is on a water (chocolate river) rollercoaster ride through a fantastical and obsurd candy factory. Costumes and scenes are visually stimulating. Fun, albeit a bit creepy, for 9 to 13 year olds.

Visit the companion Wonka website.

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Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). Screenplay by Roald Dahl, directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder. Available on DVD; shown on the Family channel, June 27, 2010.

A more charming movie than the 2005 version, with lots of fun, descriptions, such as scrumdiddlyumptious, "incredibly long-lasting Laffy Taffy" and "everlasting gobstoppers". Follow the five ticket holders as they tour the mysterious and magnificent chocolate factory. Contrasts between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots', and naughty and nice are capitalized on.

It's fun to compare the different film versions.


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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Illustrated 1998, Text 1964) by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake. 176 pages.
ISBN: 978-0-14-2413018


Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee are guided on a tour the mysterious chocolate factory by the quirky Willy Wonka. Curious dwarfs, the Oompa Loompas work in the factory and sing songs when bad happens to horrible children. Lots of magical and absurd things occur to entertain the reader. Fun read for 9 to 12 year olds.