L.M. Montgomery. Putnam Adult, 2008. ISBN: 978-0399154782
Plot Summary: When Anne is left an orphan, she ends up being brought to Green Gables, the home of Matthew and Marilla. At first her future seems uncertain as she quickly discovers that they had requested a boy from the orphanage to help again Matthew around the farm. Luckily, they decide that red haired Anne can stay and she begins to win their hearts. Anne is quite a handful for the elderly brother and sister. She is talkative, energetic and has a wild imagination. It is a huge adjustment for the two to adjust to life with Anne but soon they cannot imagine their lives without her.
Critical Evaluation: This book is a Canadian classic for good reason. It is well written and brings to life PEI in the early 1900's. The reader can easily empathize with Anne and will feel her triumphs and heartaches as though there were their own. The character of Anne Shirley is completely irresistible and her story is heartfelt and quickly grabs the reader.
Reader's Annotation: Anne Shirley is excited to finally have a home. Unfortunately when she arrives, she discovers the she is not wanted because she is a girl. Can she change their minds with her fast tongue and brilliant imagination?
Genre: Fiction
About the Author: Lucy Maude Mongomery was born in 1894 and is the author of the Anne of Green Gable series as well as other stories about the town of Avonlea. Her work has been made into a television series as well as films.
Interest Level: 8-14
Curriculum Ties: Canadian History
Booktalking Ideas:
Focus on Anne's temper and her imagination.
Challenge Issues: None. If any, become familiar with book and the series. Read reviews of the book and seek out opinions of reader's.
Selection Process: I read it in school many years ago and wanted to re-read.
Focus on her friendship with Diana
Showing posts with label Novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Novel. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Nancy Drew Notebooks #53: Recipe for Trouble
Carolyn Keene. Illustrated by Paul Casale. Aladdin Paperbacks, 2003.
Plot Summary: It is spring break and Nancy, Bess and George don't know how they will pass the time. Luckily, Nancy's dad has enrolled them in a kids dessert making class taught by a french dessert chef. The girls are very excited and each want to win the "Top Chef" award that will be given out on the last day. Things start to look bad however when someone starts sabotaging desserts in the class. The girls have a few suspects and they all have motive to wreck the class. Will the girls discover the culprit before the the final day? Or will the dessert demonstration for the parents be ruined?
Critical Evaluation: This version of the classic Nancy Drew series is meant for a lightly younger reader than the original. The story is very formulaic and there are few surprises. There is also sense of redundancy in the dialogue and the adjectives used through out the book which takes away from the story line. Those who read and enjoy the classic Nancy Drew series will be disappointed.
Reader's Annotation: Nancy and her two best friends are taking a week long dessert making class. Too bad one of the other students is trying to wreck every ones deserts! Can Nancy and her friends track down the culprit?
Genre: Mystery
About the Author: Carolyn Keene the pen name of the author(s) of the popular Nancy Drew series.
Interest Level: 6-10
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, become familiar with the content of the story as well as the series. Talk with tweens who enjoy the series.
Booktalking Ideas:
Focus on relationship of three best friends.
Selection Process: I was a fan of the original series of Nancy Drew when I was young and wanted to see what the newer series was like.
Plot Summary: It is spring break and Nancy, Bess and George don't know how they will pass the time. Luckily, Nancy's dad has enrolled them in a kids dessert making class taught by a french dessert chef. The girls are very excited and each want to win the "Top Chef" award that will be given out on the last day. Things start to look bad however when someone starts sabotaging desserts in the class. The girls have a few suspects and they all have motive to wreck the class. Will the girls discover the culprit before the the final day? Or will the dessert demonstration for the parents be ruined?
Critical Evaluation: This version of the classic Nancy Drew series is meant for a lightly younger reader than the original. The story is very formulaic and there are few surprises. There is also sense of redundancy in the dialogue and the adjectives used through out the book which takes away from the story line. Those who read and enjoy the classic Nancy Drew series will be disappointed.
Reader's Annotation: Nancy and her two best friends are taking a week long dessert making class. Too bad one of the other students is trying to wreck every ones deserts! Can Nancy and her friends track down the culprit?
Genre: Mystery
About the Author: Carolyn Keene the pen name of the author(s) of the popular Nancy Drew series.
Interest Level: 6-10
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, become familiar with the content of the story as well as the series. Talk with tweens who enjoy the series.
Booktalking Ideas:
Focus on relationship of three best friends.
Selection Process: I was a fan of the original series of Nancy Drew when I was young and wanted to see what the newer series was like.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
GooseBumps - Horrorland: Say cheese and die screaming
R.L. Stine. Scholastic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0439918763.
Plot Summary: Julie loves photography. She is in the middle of a contest with her rival David to see who will take the class picture for the yearbook. She purchases a camera at a garage sale and to her horror, terrible things start happening when she uses the camera. No-one will believe that the camera is to blame and Julie is powerless to protect even her best friend, Reena. To top off the book, she ends up in Horrorland and can't find a way out!
Critical Evaluation: This is a great horror/suspense book for this age group. There are scary situation, but there is no blood or gore but still manages to give you the creeps. The Horrorland section near the end of the book is certainly the scariest and most suspenseful. The story is well written and will give tweens goosebumps for sure!
Reader's Annotation: Julie wants to beat David in the photo contest, but can she stop her evil camera from hurting more people?
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Interest Level: 8-13
About the Author: R.L. Stine is the author of dozens of books including the Goosebump series and Rotten School series along with many others. He has been described as the "Stephan King of Children's Literature".
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas:
What if you bought a camera and it was full of evil magic?
Challenge Issues: None. If any ensure a good knowledge of the book and its content. Research reviews of book and teen reviews.
Selection Process: I wanted to include a book from the popular series.
Reader's Annotation: When Julie buys an old camera at a garage sale, she buys more than she bargained for. How can she stop the evil camera from hurting anymore of her friends?
Plot Summary: Julie loves photography. She is in the middle of a contest with her rival David to see who will take the class picture for the yearbook. She purchases a camera at a garage sale and to her horror, terrible things start happening when she uses the camera. No-one will believe that the camera is to blame and Julie is powerless to protect even her best friend, Reena. To top off the book, she ends up in Horrorland and can't find a way out!
Critical Evaluation: This is a great horror/suspense book for this age group. There are scary situation, but there is no blood or gore but still manages to give you the creeps. The Horrorland section near the end of the book is certainly the scariest and most suspenseful. The story is well written and will give tweens goosebumps for sure!
Reader's Annotation: Julie wants to beat David in the photo contest, but can she stop her evil camera from hurting more people?
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Interest Level: 8-13
About the Author: R.L. Stine is the author of dozens of books including the Goosebump series and Rotten School series along with many others. He has been described as the "Stephan King of Children's Literature".
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas:
What if you bought a camera and it was full of evil magic?
Challenge Issues: None. If any ensure a good knowledge of the book and its content. Research reviews of book and teen reviews.
Selection Process: I wanted to include a book from the popular series.
Reader's Annotation: When Julie buys an old camera at a garage sale, she buys more than she bargained for. How can she stop the evil camera from hurting anymore of her friends?
The Invisible Circus
Jennifer Egan. Picador, 1995. ISBN: 978-0307387523
Plot Summary: Pheobe O'Conner lives in San Fransisco with her mother. It is 1978 and eight years earlier, her sister Faith died while travelling in Europe with her boyfriend, Wolf. Phoebe and the rest of her family have never really recovered from Faith's death. Phoebe graduates from high school and decides to follow her sisters footsteps to Europe to uncover the secret of her life and her death. She meets up with Wolfe and learns far more than she intended about her sister, her sisters, death, life, and her place in the world. She discovers that the world can be far darker and more filled with freedom than she knew.
Critical Evaluation: The character of Phoebe will grab the hearts of readers. Egan does such a good job of imparting Phoebes longing to know her sister and find her place, and her intense loneliness that the story is irresistible. The life situations that Phoebe confronts and the relationships portrayed in the book are powerful, sad, and draw on the readers emotions. The reader will feel empathy as Phoebe tries to figure out where she fits with the ghost of her sister hanging over her head.
Reader's Annotation: 8 Years after the death of her sister, Phoebe goes to Europe alone to retrace her sisters steps and figure out the mystery behind her death.
Genre: Fiction/Mystery
Interest Level: 13-18
About the Author: Jennifer Egan has written several novels and books of short stories. She has won several awards such as the National Book Award.
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: There may be several: drug use, sexual content. In defense, familiarize with the content of the book. Research awards won by the author and read reviews in The New York Times Book Review, Horn Books, and teen reviews on amazon.com.
Selection Process: A personal favorite read.
Plot Summary: Pheobe O'Conner lives in San Fransisco with her mother. It is 1978 and eight years earlier, her sister Faith died while travelling in Europe with her boyfriend, Wolf. Phoebe and the rest of her family have never really recovered from Faith's death. Phoebe graduates from high school and decides to follow her sisters footsteps to Europe to uncover the secret of her life and her death. She meets up with Wolfe and learns far more than she intended about her sister, her sisters, death, life, and her place in the world. She discovers that the world can be far darker and more filled with freedom than she knew.
Critical Evaluation: The character of Phoebe will grab the hearts of readers. Egan does such a good job of imparting Phoebes longing to know her sister and find her place, and her intense loneliness that the story is irresistible. The life situations that Phoebe confronts and the relationships portrayed in the book are powerful, sad, and draw on the readers emotions. The reader will feel empathy as Phoebe tries to figure out where she fits with the ghost of her sister hanging over her head.
Reader's Annotation: 8 Years after the death of her sister, Phoebe goes to Europe alone to retrace her sisters steps and figure out the mystery behind her death.
Genre: Fiction/Mystery
Interest Level: 13-18
About the Author: Jennifer Egan has written several novels and books of short stories. She has won several awards such as the National Book Award.
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: There may be several: drug use, sexual content. In defense, familiarize with the content of the book. Research awards won by the author and read reviews in The New York Times Book Review, Horn Books, and teen reviews on amazon.com.
Selection Process: A personal favorite read.
The Lost Jewels of Nabooti
Plot Summary: The beauty of the choose your won adventure series is that the plot changes every time based on the direction the reader chooses to take. In this edition, the story begins when the reader received a letter from their cousins asking for help locating the Jewels of Nabooti. The reader takes off and can head to Europe of Africa and the adventure goes ahead from there.
Critical Evaluation: This series is very light on character development and plot. The thrill of reading these books comes from being in control of the story, not from the quality of the writing. That being said, the book was fun to read and it is enjoyable seeing where ones decisions lead.
Reader's Annotation: Your cousins need you to assist them in tracking down the mysterious Lost Jewels of Nabooti. Will you go? What happens if you so? It is up to you to find out!
About the Author: R.A. Mongomery is the author of the "Choose your Own Adventure Series". He also owns a small publishing company in Vermont.
Genre: Mystery/Adventure
Interest Level: 7-12 Years old
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: None
If any, the series can be researched as well as teen reviews of the books from amazon.com.
Booktalking Ideas:
Do you ever get frustrated with the choices a character makes? How would you like to make your own?
Selection Process: I read these when I was younger and wanted to re-read.
Critical Evaluation: This series is very light on character development and plot. The thrill of reading these books comes from being in control of the story, not from the quality of the writing. That being said, the book was fun to read and it is enjoyable seeing where ones decisions lead.
Reader's Annotation: Your cousins need you to assist them in tracking down the mysterious Lost Jewels of Nabooti. Will you go? What happens if you so? It is up to you to find out!
About the Author: R.A. Mongomery is the author of the "Choose your Own Adventure Series". He also owns a small publishing company in Vermont.
Genre: Mystery/Adventure
Interest Level: 7-12 Years old
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: None
If any, the series can be researched as well as teen reviews of the books from amazon.com.
Booktalking Ideas:
Do you ever get frustrated with the choices a character makes? How would you like to make your own?
Selection Process: I read these when I was younger and wanted to re-read.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Judy Blume. Scholastic Inc., 2002. ISBN: 978-0439559867
Plot Summary: Peter is getting fed up with his little brother. Fudge is 21/2 and he rules their apartment and their family. Not only will he not leave Dribble, Peter's turtle alone, but he eats under the table like a dog at mealtimes! Fudge's behavior takes up all his parent's time and attention and leaves little for well behaved Peter. Peter can't even get his parents help in defending his room from his little brother. When a turtle disaster strikes, how will the family cope? Will Peter's good behavior be rewarded?
Critical Evaluation: This book is well written and will appeal to the tween age group. Reader's will sympathize with Peter and i feelings ob being invisible at times in his family. Peter's character will also set a good example to young reader's as he is responsible, gentle, a good friend, and a considerate member of his family. While the book contains a good message, it is not too preachy or heavy handed that it will turn reader's off.
Reader's Annotation: Poor Peter! His 21/2 year old brother Fudge is ruining his life. If he's not throwing tantrums in restaurants he is wrecking Peter's school project. How can Peter cat some attention from his parents if Fudge is taking it all?
Genre: Humor/Fiction
Interest Level: 8-12 years old
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, can be directed to research the author and the awards she has received, read reviews written of the book by tweens, or speak to librarians about other books in the genre.
About the Author: Judy Blume is the author of many classics for the tween and teen age group including: Super Fudge, Otherwise Known and Sheila the Great, Freckle Juice and many others. She has won over 90 awards for her writing and also has the honor of being one of the "most banned" children's authors. Are you there God, It's Me, Margaret?, is rated number 62 on the list of the top 100 challenged books.
Selection Process: Selected from library display.
Plot Summary: Peter is getting fed up with his little brother. Fudge is 21/2 and he rules their apartment and their family. Not only will he not leave Dribble, Peter's turtle alone, but he eats under the table like a dog at mealtimes! Fudge's behavior takes up all his parent's time and attention and leaves little for well behaved Peter. Peter can't even get his parents help in defending his room from his little brother. When a turtle disaster strikes, how will the family cope? Will Peter's good behavior be rewarded?
Critical Evaluation: This book is well written and will appeal to the tween age group. Reader's will sympathize with Peter and i feelings ob being invisible at times in his family. Peter's character will also set a good example to young reader's as he is responsible, gentle, a good friend, and a considerate member of his family. While the book contains a good message, it is not too preachy or heavy handed that it will turn reader's off.
Reader's Annotation: Poor Peter! His 21/2 year old brother Fudge is ruining his life. If he's not throwing tantrums in restaurants he is wrecking Peter's school project. How can Peter cat some attention from his parents if Fudge is taking it all?
Genre: Humor/Fiction
Interest Level: 8-12 years old
Curriculum Ties: None
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, can be directed to research the author and the awards she has received, read reviews written of the book by tweens, or speak to librarians about other books in the genre.
About the Author: Judy Blume is the author of many classics for the tween and teen age group including: Super Fudge, Otherwise Known and Sheila the Great, Freckle Juice and many others. She has won over 90 awards for her writing and also has the honor of being one of the "most banned" children's authors. Are you there God, It's Me, Margaret?, is rated number 62 on the list of the top 100 challenged books.
Selection Process: Selected from library display.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Runner
Cynthia Voigt. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN: 978-1416903413
Plot Summary: Samuel Tillerman, or Bullet as he is know in his school, lives to be alone and to run cross country. He lives with his father and mother in an isolated area of the community. His brother and sister have already fled the home and Bullet struggles to gain Independence from his strict, close minded father, and to find love from his mother, who is unable to show love. Bullet is a loner who has few friends. The only person he feels close to is Patrice, a man who works on boats with Bullet. When a black teenager joins Bullet's track team, Bullet's racist views surface. While he struggles to become the man he wants to be, he learns something about relationships and what makes people become who they are.
Critical Evaluation: This is a very well written book that tackles some big issues such as racism, emotional abuse, and loneliness. While there are some mature themes, situations, and language in the book, overall it is a good choice for tweens and teens.
Reader's Annotation: There is nobody in the school faster than Bullet. He spends all his time alone and training for cross country. He runs to get away from his parents, his home, and to isolate himself. He can't run forever so will he change or will people change him?
About the Author: Cynthia Voigt is the author of many books for tweens and young adults including the "Tillerman Series", which focuses on the lives of the tillerman family.
Genre: Fiction, coming of age
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on relationship between Bullet and his father.
Interest Level: 10-14
Challenge Issues: There is racist behavior and language in the book. For those who are upset by it, they can be directed to research the time period the book takes place.
Selection Process: I read it for my author study.
Plot Summary: Samuel Tillerman, or Bullet as he is know in his school, lives to be alone and to run cross country. He lives with his father and mother in an isolated area of the community. His brother and sister have already fled the home and Bullet struggles to gain Independence from his strict, close minded father, and to find love from his mother, who is unable to show love. Bullet is a loner who has few friends. The only person he feels close to is Patrice, a man who works on boats with Bullet. When a black teenager joins Bullet's track team, Bullet's racist views surface. While he struggles to become the man he wants to be, he learns something about relationships and what makes people become who they are.
Critical Evaluation: This is a very well written book that tackles some big issues such as racism, emotional abuse, and loneliness. While there are some mature themes, situations, and language in the book, overall it is a good choice for tweens and teens.
Reader's Annotation: There is nobody in the school faster than Bullet. He spends all his time alone and training for cross country. He runs to get away from his parents, his home, and to isolate himself. He can't run forever so will he change or will people change him?
About the Author: Cynthia Voigt is the author of many books for tweens and young adults including the "Tillerman Series", which focuses on the lives of the tillerman family.
Genre: Fiction, coming of age
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on relationship between Bullet and his father.
Interest Level: 10-14
Challenge Issues: There is racist behavior and language in the book. For those who are upset by it, they can be directed to research the time period the book takes place.
Selection Process: I read it for my author study.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Bad Girls
Cynthia Voigt. Scholastic, 1997. ISBN: 978-0590601351
Plot Summary: Mikey and Margalo meet on the first day of 5th grade. They are both new to the school and uneasy about fitting into their new class. The seating is alphabetical which puts them together. They discover very quickly that while on the surface they appear very different, inside they both like being bad, although for different reasons. As a pair, they quickly put the rest of the class on alert. No-one knows what the pair will do next. Mikey likes to settle things physically, while Margalo schemes and manipulates. Together they become a force to be reckoned with as they slowly begin to trust each other and form a friendship.
Critical Evaluation: This would make a good read for tween girls. It deals with a lot of issues that are big for that age group such as fitting in, problems with teachers, and how to manage anger and hurt. The characters of the two girls makes for an interesting examination of the motivation behind "bad" behavior as they each have very different motivations. The book is well written and tackles difficult issues while still being accessible to a tween audience.
Reader's Annotation: Mikey and Margalo share more than the same initials, they share a love of causing trouble in their 5th grade classroom. No-one is a match for these two as between them they have brain and brawn.
About the Author: Cynthia Voigt is the author of numerous books for youth and young adults. She has won a number of awards and is recognized as a writer of quality youth fiction. Other works include: Homecoming, The Runner, Dicey's Song.
Genre: Humor, Fiction
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking: Focus on relationship between Margalo and Mikey, focus on pranks they pull in the classroom.
Interest Level: Ages 9-12
Challenge Issues: There is physical violence between students.
If reader's object, they can be directed to research the author or reviews of the book.
Selection Process: I read it for my author study.
Plot Summary: Mikey and Margalo meet on the first day of 5th grade. They are both new to the school and uneasy about fitting into their new class. The seating is alphabetical which puts them together. They discover very quickly that while on the surface they appear very different, inside they both like being bad, although for different reasons. As a pair, they quickly put the rest of the class on alert. No-one knows what the pair will do next. Mikey likes to settle things physically, while Margalo schemes and manipulates. Together they become a force to be reckoned with as they slowly begin to trust each other and form a friendship.
Critical Evaluation: This would make a good read for tween girls. It deals with a lot of issues that are big for that age group such as fitting in, problems with teachers, and how to manage anger and hurt. The characters of the two girls makes for an interesting examination of the motivation behind "bad" behavior as they each have very different motivations. The book is well written and tackles difficult issues while still being accessible to a tween audience.
Reader's Annotation: Mikey and Margalo share more than the same initials, they share a love of causing trouble in their 5th grade classroom. No-one is a match for these two as between them they have brain and brawn.
About the Author: Cynthia Voigt is the author of numerous books for youth and young adults. She has won a number of awards and is recognized as a writer of quality youth fiction. Other works include: Homecoming, The Runner, Dicey's Song.
Genre: Humor, Fiction
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking: Focus on relationship between Margalo and Mikey, focus on pranks they pull in the classroom.
Interest Level: Ages 9-12
Challenge Issues: There is physical violence between students.
If reader's object, they can be directed to research the author or reviews of the book.
Selection Process: I read it for my author study.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Freddy and the French Fries#1 - Fries Alive
David Baldacci. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2006. ISBN: 978-0316059015
Plot Summary: Freddy has an unusual family that run an unusual restaurant. His sister thinks she was meant for the stage and his father is convinced that healthy eating is the way of the future and serves only super healthy options in his failing restaurant. Across the street, business is booming at the local fast food super outlet. Freddy comes up with a plan to draw in diners - he constructs 5 "Super fries", each with their own big personality. Will it be enough to convince people to eat tofu dogs? When Freddy loses control of the fries as the battle with the competition is heating up, things get even more interesting.
Critical Evaluation: This book has a fairly original plot line and very vivid characters. I also like that it has a focus on healthy eating, although Freddy's family does come off as a little wacky when it comes to food. I think that tweens would enjoy this book - both boys and girls although it does seem to be more focused on the male audience.
Reader's Annotation: Freddy Funkhouser has come up with a great idea to save his families failing healthfood restaurant. He makes 5 mechanical french fries that each have their own distinct personalities.
About the Author: David Baldacci is a New York bestselling author of several novels geared for adult readers.
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Curriculum Ties: Science, Food and Nutrition
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on character of Freddy's David's sister and father, focus on science and making robots with personalities, focus on health food VS fast food
Interest Level: 9-12
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, could be recommended to research reviews of the series.
Selection Process: Saw in youth section of library.
Plot Summary: Freddy has an unusual family that run an unusual restaurant. His sister thinks she was meant for the stage and his father is convinced that healthy eating is the way of the future and serves only super healthy options in his failing restaurant. Across the street, business is booming at the local fast food super outlet. Freddy comes up with a plan to draw in diners - he constructs 5 "Super fries", each with their own big personality. Will it be enough to convince people to eat tofu dogs? When Freddy loses control of the fries as the battle with the competition is heating up, things get even more interesting.
Critical Evaluation: This book has a fairly original plot line and very vivid characters. I also like that it has a focus on healthy eating, although Freddy's family does come off as a little wacky when it comes to food. I think that tweens would enjoy this book - both boys and girls although it does seem to be more focused on the male audience.
Reader's Annotation: Freddy Funkhouser has come up with a great idea to save his families failing healthfood restaurant. He makes 5 mechanical french fries that each have their own distinct personalities.
About the Author: David Baldacci is a New York bestselling author of several novels geared for adult readers.
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Curriculum Ties: Science, Food and Nutrition
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on character of Freddy's David's sister and father, focus on science and making robots with personalities, focus on health food VS fast food
Interest Level: 9-12
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, could be recommended to research reviews of the series.
Selection Process: Saw in youth section of library.
The English Roses 3 - The New Girl
Madonna. Illustrated by Jefferey Fulvimari. Puffin Books, 2007. ISBN: 978-0412408841.
Plot Summary: The English Roses are five best friends who do everything together. They are in the midst of preparing for the annual school talent show when one of the girls has a friend that she has met on holidays come for a visit. The whole group dynamic is thrown off when jealousy become an issue between the girls. Eventually, the girls learn to appreciate each other and their differences.
Critical Evaluation: This book is fairly formulaic and predictable. There are no surprises in the plot and the characters are one dimensional. Some readers may enjoy reading about the affluent lifestyle of the main characters but it is unlikely that many tweens will be able to identify with the characters who are all wealthy, pretty, talented and popular.
Reader's Annotation: Nicole, one of a group of 5 best friends, is excited when her friend from the US comes to visit. Unfortunately, the addition of a new girl to the group threatens to wreck their performance in the school talent show. Will the girls be able to stay best friends?
Author Info: Madonna is a popular singer, song writer and performer. She has published several books in the "English Rose" series.
Genre: Fiction
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on relationship of the 5 best friends, Have you ever felt like you didn't belong?
Interest Level: 8-12
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, could be directed to research reviews of the series.
Selection Process: I was curious to read something written by Madonna.
Plot Summary: The English Roses are five best friends who do everything together. They are in the midst of preparing for the annual school talent show when one of the girls has a friend that she has met on holidays come for a visit. The whole group dynamic is thrown off when jealousy become an issue between the girls. Eventually, the girls learn to appreciate each other and their differences.
Critical Evaluation: This book is fairly formulaic and predictable. There are no surprises in the plot and the characters are one dimensional. Some readers may enjoy reading about the affluent lifestyle of the main characters but it is unlikely that many tweens will be able to identify with the characters who are all wealthy, pretty, talented and popular.
Reader's Annotation: Nicole, one of a group of 5 best friends, is excited when her friend from the US comes to visit. Unfortunately, the addition of a new girl to the group threatens to wreck their performance in the school talent show. Will the girls be able to stay best friends?
Author Info: Madonna is a popular singer, song writer and performer. She has published several books in the "English Rose" series.
Genre: Fiction
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on relationship of the 5 best friends, Have you ever felt like you didn't belong?
Interest Level: 8-12
Challenge Issues: None.
If any, could be directed to research reviews of the series.
Selection Process: I was curious to read something written by Madonna.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
R.L. LaFevers. Houghton Mifflin, 2007. ISBN: 978-0618999767.
Plot Summary: Theodosia is self assured young girl who spends her days in the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father works at the museum and is a very busy man. With her mother constantly away on digs in Egypt, Theo is usually left to her own devices in the museum. This is a good thing because she is very busy removing curses from the various artifacts her mother brings back from her adventures. The her mother brings the Heart of Egypt to the museum which sets off a chain of events that will throw the whole family, and England into chaos unless Theo can come to the rescue.
Critical Evaluation: This is a very well written book which draws on many elements to keep the reader interested. There are elements of magic, Indiana Jones type adventure and plenty of spying. The book also throws in a lot of Egyptian history and legend which may appeal to some readers.
Reader's Annotation: Theo is kept very busy in the Museum of Legends and Antiquities. Even though she is only 11, she has very important work to do removing curses from artifacts. Her talents are needed even more once her mother brings home the Heart of Egypt and mysterious men begin sneaking around the museum.
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on Theo's abilities to see curses, and her relationship with her parents.
Genre: Adventure
Curriculum Ties: History
Challenge Issues: None. IF any you can recommend reading reviews of the book and researching the author.
Interest Level: Grade 4 and up
Selection Process: A friend with an interest in Egyptian History recommended it.
Plot Summary: Theodosia is self assured young girl who spends her days in the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father works at the museum and is a very busy man. With her mother constantly away on digs in Egypt, Theo is usually left to her own devices in the museum. This is a good thing because she is very busy removing curses from the various artifacts her mother brings back from her adventures. The her mother brings the Heart of Egypt to the museum which sets off a chain of events that will throw the whole family, and England into chaos unless Theo can come to the rescue.
Critical Evaluation: This is a very well written book which draws on many elements to keep the reader interested. There are elements of magic, Indiana Jones type adventure and plenty of spying. The book also throws in a lot of Egyptian history and legend which may appeal to some readers.
Reader's Annotation: Theo is kept very busy in the Museum of Legends and Antiquities. Even though she is only 11, she has very important work to do removing curses from artifacts. Her talents are needed even more once her mother brings home the Heart of Egypt and mysterious men begin sneaking around the museum.
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on Theo's abilities to see curses, and her relationship with her parents.
Genre: Adventure
Curriculum Ties: History
Challenge Issues: None. IF any you can recommend reading reviews of the book and researching the author.
Interest Level: Grade 4 and up
Selection Process: A friend with an interest in Egyptian History recommended it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Witches
Roald Dahl. Illustrated by Quintin Blake. Puffin Books, 2007. ISBN:978-0142410110
Plot Summary: A young boy who has lost his parents goes to live with his grandmother in Norway. As the two become better acquainted, she begins to tell him all about witches. Many people are not aware, but witches live in many communities and blend in except for a few telltale signs. The boy's grandmother tells him all about how to spot these evil women and the terrible things they do to children. The two decide to take a seaside holiday and end up in the middle of an annual witch convention attended by the grand high witch herself. How will the boy stay safe in a hotel full of children hating witches?
Critical Evaluation: This is an excellent choice for this age group. It is also a good choice for reading aloud, perhaps in a library or classroom setting. The book is original and is amusing, and a little bit scary at the same time. The book is written in a way that it will be equally enjoyable for children and parents alike.
Reader's Annotation: A young orphan, together with his grandmother, must try to outwit a hotel full of child hating witches. The grand high witch is in the hotel - is anyone safe?
Genre: Fantasy, suspense
Interest Level:7-13
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on relationship between the boy and his grandmother, focus on how to identify witches.
Selection Process: Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors form both children's and adult literature.
Challenge: If any, readers can be directed to research the author or reviews of this and his other works.
Plot Summary: A young boy who has lost his parents goes to live with his grandmother in Norway. As the two become better acquainted, she begins to tell him all about witches. Many people are not aware, but witches live in many communities and blend in except for a few telltale signs. The boy's grandmother tells him all about how to spot these evil women and the terrible things they do to children. The two decide to take a seaside holiday and end up in the middle of an annual witch convention attended by the grand high witch herself. How will the boy stay safe in a hotel full of children hating witches?
Critical Evaluation: This is an excellent choice for this age group. It is also a good choice for reading aloud, perhaps in a library or classroom setting. The book is original and is amusing, and a little bit scary at the same time. The book is written in a way that it will be equally enjoyable for children and parents alike.
Reader's Annotation: A young orphan, together with his grandmother, must try to outwit a hotel full of child hating witches. The grand high witch is in the hotel - is anyone safe?
Genre: Fantasy, suspense
Interest Level:7-13
About the Author: Roald Dahl is the author of a great number of children's books including: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Great Glass Elevator, The Enormous Crocodile and many others. He has also written books for adults such as My Uncle Oswald and many books of short stories. He is known for darkly humorous stories.
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Focus on relationship between the boy and his grandmother, focus on how to identify witches.
Selection Process: Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors form both children's and adult literature.
Challenge: If any, readers can be directed to research the author or reviews of this and his other works.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
J.K. Rowling. Bloomsbury, 1997. ISBN: 978-0747532743.
Plot Summary: Harry is a boy who lives with his horrible Aunt, Uncle, and his cousin Dudley. One day, just before his 11th birthday, Harry learns some exciting news, he is a wizard! He discovers that he has been accepted to Hogwarts, a wizarding school. Once he arrives there he encounters a new world. He learns that he is a celebrity! He also learns magic, meets new friends (including ghosts!), and begins to learn about the truth of what happened to his mother and father. Harry also learns that there is a dark force in the wizarding world that he needs to be careful of.
Critical Evaluation: This a book that appeals to a wide range of ages and personalities. Not only is there something in The Philosopher's Stone, but it invokes a wide range of emotions from the reader.
Reader's Annotation: Harry lives a rather unhappy life with his Aunt, Uncle and cousin Dudley. One day his whole world changes when he discovers that he is a wizard and there is a place waiting for him at Hogwarts, a school for wizards.
About the Author: J.K. Rowling is the British author of the popular Harry Potter series. There are 7 novels in the the series and all have been made into movies or will be in the near future.
Genre: Fantasy, Coming of Age
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Have you ever had one day that changed your whole life?
Reading Level: Grade 4 and up
Selection Process: This book is a part of one of the most popular children's series in history so I thought it should be included.
Challenge Issues: When the book first came out, several groups were unhappy with the magical content and did not approve of witches being the main characters of children's literature. To defend the book, challengers could look at other books with similar content that are well known classics. The Narnia series by CS Lewis is a good example of this.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Which Witch?
Eva Ibbotson. Scholastic Press, 1979. ISBN: 978-0330398008.
Plot Summary: Arriman the Awful has spent most of his life being a powerful, "evilish" wizard and he is ready for a break. However, he can't retire until he finds someone to take his place. He is advised the best way to do this is to marry on of the local witches and produce an heir. He is hesitant to do this as to his knowledge, all the local witches are warty and unkempt but he decides to marry the woman who produces the darkest magic spell. Belladonna, a beautiful white witch is deeply in love with Arriman but despairs at ever winning the contest as she is a white witch and only capable of making flowers bloom and caring for baby animals. She decides to enter the contest anyways with the help of a young orphan boy and her new familiar, a small worm. With the contest under way, who will win the hand of Arriman?
Critical Evaluation: Which Witch is an amusing, light read and will be particularly popular for those readers who enjoy magic and wizardry. Although the subject matter may seem dark with evil wizards and witches as the main characters, it is actually a light read that will appeal to a wide audience. The book is imaginative and original while maintaining a fairytale like structure.
Reader's Annotation: Arriman the handsome wizard must choose a bride, although he dreads marrying one of the local hags. He arranges a contest: the witch that performs the darkest spell will become his wife. Arriman doesn't realize that one of the witches is very beautiful and already loves him but is unfortunately, incapable of performing dark spells. Will love or dark magic prevail?
About the Author: Eva Ibbotson is the author of The Secret of Platform 13, The Beasts of Clawsone Castle and others. She writes mainly fantasy and historical fiction for tweens and young adults.
Genre: Fantasy
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Is it better to be good and powerless or evil and powerful?
Challenge Issues: Necromancy is performed. This could be defended by examining the context it is performed in.
Interest Level: 9-12
Selection Process: On the cover it is described as " a zestful adventure, perfect for fans of Harry Potter." This appealed to me as I am a big fan of the Harry Potter series.
Monday, September 7, 2009
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Ersatz Elevator
Lemony Snicket. Illustrations by Brett Helquist. Scholastic Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0064408646.
Plot Summary: In the sixth book of the Series of Unfortunate Events series, the three Baudelaire siblings have arrived in the home of their new guardians. As always, the three children have a lot on their plate. They are attempting to discover where the evil Count Olaf has taken their friends, the Quagmires, while trying to evade him themselves. On top of this, their new "mother" has declared elevators to be "out" and a large part of their days is spend getting up and down the stairs to the 71 bedroom penthouse. Eventually, they meet up with Olaf and the race is on to save their friends and themselves.
Critical Evaluation:The Ersatz Elevator will appeal to many types of readers. The story is gloomy, funny and suspenseful. There are many appealing aspects to this story and the style it is written in. The narrators descriptions of vocabulary used in the story is humorous and informative. Children will be able to identify on some level with one of the three likable Baudelaire children and will enjoy reading about them.
Reader's Annotation: The three Baudelaire orphans are in the hone of their new guardians, the Squalors. The evil Count Olaf has their friends, the Quagmires and the Baudelairs are anxious to rescue their friends and stay out of the Count's clutches themselves.
About the Author: Lemony Snicket is the author all 13 books of the Series of Unfortunate Events. There is a great deal of "biographical" information about him online, including a wikipedia page. "Lemony Snicket" is a pseudonym for Daniel Handler.
Genre: Fantasy, suspense, humour
Curriculum Ties: English - vocabulary
Booktalking Ideas:What would you do if you had to look after yourself?
Interest Level: Grade 4-6
Challenge Issues: None
Selection Process: I have heard of these books for quite a while but had not had the opportunity to read any until now.
A Corner of the Universe
Ann M. Martin. Scholastic Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0439388801.
Plot: Hattie Owen is 12 the summer her Uncle comes into her life. Her life until that point had been fairly isolated and quiet. She has few friends and spends most of her time on the porch of her parents boarding house talking with the renters. Her Uncle's mental illness that has kept him isolated from his family, become the focal point of their family for the summer. Through her friendship with her Uncle, Hattie explores relationships, the importance of family and the human need for acceptance and belonging. Her universe is broadened and she changes on a fundamental level from her experiences.
Critical Evaluation: A Corner of the Universe is a well written, sympathetic look at mental illness and how it can affect a family and a community. It is also an insightful look into the life of an adolescent girl as she begins to comes to terms with relationships, consequences, the fear of being different, and the complicated nature of families. The writing style of the book and the first person point of view really lets the reader into Hattie's mind and her thoughts and is an effective mechanism for imparting the story.
Reader's Annotation: In the summer of 1960, 12 year old Hattie meets her mentally ill uncle for the first time when he returns from boarding school. The re-introduction of Adam into the family structure causes a great deal of turmoil as everyone is forced to evaluate their complicated feelings towards each other.
About the Author: Ann M. Martin is also the author of the popular Baby Sitters Club series.
Genre: Fiction, Coming of age
Curriculum Ties: Psychology
Booktalking Ideas: What would it be like to have a mental illness?
Reading Level: 10-16
Challenge Issues: There is a suicide in the book.
Selection Process: I read a review in a local parenting magazine.
The Witches of Worm
Zilpha Keatley Snyder. Dell Publishing, 1972. ISBN: 978-1416995319.
Plot Summary: Jessica has never been a cat person, but when she discovers a new born kitten, she takes it home to take care of it and alleviate her loneliness. Jessica is an unhappy girl, her est friend in her building will no longer play with here and her mother has made it clear that she has better things to do than to spend time with her daughter. Jessica spends most of her time either alone, or with some of the interesting tenants of her apartment building. Not long after she gets Worm however, he begins influencing her to do terrible things and act out her worst thoughts. Is Jessica doomed to be a Witch or can she overcome Worm's powerful influence?
Critical Evaluation: This is a good book for those who are interested in the occult and like a little suspense. There is no gore or violence in this book but it is still spooky and would likely make people jump in a few spots. Jessica's loneliness and anger are also well portrayed and make her a very sympathetic character even as her behavior is deteriorating. The book is eerie and sad in many places but it is a positive book in terms of it showing the process of how a person overcomes difficulties in their lives.
Reader's Annotation: When Jessica discovers the tiny, worm like kitten near her apartment, she considers leaving it to die. Although she is not a cat person she decides to take it home but soon realizes that Worm is not an ordinary cat, but a demon cat. Who can she turn to for help?
About the Author: Zilpha Keatly Snyder is the author of several books in the same genre including, The Headless Cupid, The Egypt Game, and The Changeling which are all Newberry Honor Books and ALA notable books for children.
Genre: Suspense, occult
Curriculum Ties: None
Booktalking Ideas: Being Alone, Witches, Demons
Interest Level: 9-12
Challenge Issues: An exorcism is performed by Jessica on Worm. This could be defended by examining the process in which people overcome all types of problems and barriers. This would demonstrate that the portrayal of the exorcism in the story is a metaphor for personal growth and being able to grow as a person. Also, by researching the circumstances surrounding the Salem Which trials, which are a significant part of the book.
Selection Process: I read The Headless Cupid and The Egypt Game when I was young and wanted to read more by the same author.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Margaret in the Middle
Bernice Thurman Hunter. Scholastic 1986. ISBN: 978-0590736664.
Plot Summary: This is the second story in a trilogy about Margaret, an awkward adolescent who has come to the country to live with her Aunt and Uncle after a bout of TB. She quickly forms a special relationship with Star and through this relationship learns responsibility and the importance of love and relationships. Her younger sister, whom she has not seem since she left home, comes for a visit and Margaret resents having to share the attention she is used to receiving from her friends and her new family.
Critical Evaluation: This is a nice, simple story with a gentle moral. Margaret in the Middle is well written and allows the reader to feel empathy for the characters and learn from their mistakes.
Readers Annotation: Margaret, a 13 year old girl, is living with her aunt and uncle out in the country. She has a special relationship with Star, a working horse on the farm. The story focuses on her life on the farm and her relationships with family and friends.
Author Info: Bernice Thurman Hunter is a Canadian author that specializes in writing historical fiction geared toward tween and teen girls. She is the author of two trilogies: The Booky trilogy, and the Margaret trilogy. She is also the other of other works such as; The Girls They Left Behind, Amy's Promise, and The Runaway.
Genre: Fiction, Coming of age
Curriculum Ties: Canadian History
Book talking Ideas: Focus on relationships with pets, living away from home, and family.
Reading Level: 9-12
Challenge Issues: None. If any, could be recommended to research the time period the book takes place and reviews the the author and her work.
Why Selected: I read it years ago and wanted to re-read.
Plot Summary: This is the second story in a trilogy about Margaret, an awkward adolescent who has come to the country to live with her Aunt and Uncle after a bout of TB. She quickly forms a special relationship with Star and through this relationship learns responsibility and the importance of love and relationships. Her younger sister, whom she has not seem since she left home, comes for a visit and Margaret resents having to share the attention she is used to receiving from her friends and her new family.
Critical Evaluation: This is a nice, simple story with a gentle moral. Margaret in the Middle is well written and allows the reader to feel empathy for the characters and learn from their mistakes.
Readers Annotation: Margaret, a 13 year old girl, is living with her aunt and uncle out in the country. She has a special relationship with Star, a working horse on the farm. The story focuses on her life on the farm and her relationships with family and friends.
Author Info: Bernice Thurman Hunter is a Canadian author that specializes in writing historical fiction geared toward tween and teen girls. She is the author of two trilogies: The Booky trilogy, and the Margaret trilogy. She is also the other of other works such as; The Girls They Left Behind, Amy's Promise, and The Runaway.
Genre: Fiction, Coming of age
Curriculum Ties: Canadian History
Book talking Ideas: Focus on relationships with pets, living away from home, and family.
Reading Level: 9-12
Challenge Issues: None. If any, could be recommended to research the time period the book takes place and reviews the the author and her work.
Why Selected: I read it years ago and wanted to re-read.
The Music of Dolphins
Karen Hesse. Scholastic Paperbacks. 1998. ISBN:978-0590897983
Plot Summary: Mila is an adolescent girl discovered off the coast of Florida living with a pack of dolphins. She is rescued and brought to be studied in a government facility. The story is told in the first person in Mila's halting English and outlines her feelings about rejoining the human world and the attempts of the doctors to make her more human than dolphin. Mila forms relationships with the people who are a part of her new life, including another feral child who is a victim of extreme abuse and neglect. Although her new relationships are mostly positive, her need to return to the sea and her dolphin family is so extreme that she is unable to assimilate into her new surroundings. The shifts in Mila's feelings and in her progress are effectively show in the change in text size and in the language used. Through this the reader is able to track her progress forward and then her decline as her desire to return to the sea become more intense and all consuming.
Critical Evaluation: This story will resonate with people of all ages, especially those who have ever felt that they haven't belonged or were unhappy with their life. The way the story is written in the first person makes it very easy for the reader to empathize with Mila and what she is going through. The story is very convincing and really delves into what makes us human and what makes us a part of the work around us. The language used in the story is somewhat unusual but suites Mila's character perfectly and really evokes her previous life and the sea.
Reader's Annotation: Mila is a young girl who is rescued after spending years being raised by dolphins. She struggles to successfully become a part of the human world but is unable to forget her dolphin family and her home.
Author Information: Karen Hesse is the other of several other books such as Just Juice, Letters from Rifka, and Out of the Dust, for which she won the 1998 Newberry Award.
Genre: Fiction, Coming of age
Curriculum Ties: English/Language development/Psychology
Booktalking Ideas: How would it feel to be raised by animals?Focus on relationships between Mila and the dolphins.
Reading Level: 9-14
Challenges: None. If any, could be encouraged to research reviews of the work or research on feral children.
Selection Process: Recommend by a friend
Plot Summary: Mila is an adolescent girl discovered off the coast of Florida living with a pack of dolphins. She is rescued and brought to be studied in a government facility. The story is told in the first person in Mila's halting English and outlines her feelings about rejoining the human world and the attempts of the doctors to make her more human than dolphin. Mila forms relationships with the people who are a part of her new life, including another feral child who is a victim of extreme abuse and neglect. Although her new relationships are mostly positive, her need to return to the sea and her dolphin family is so extreme that she is unable to assimilate into her new surroundings. The shifts in Mila's feelings and in her progress are effectively show in the change in text size and in the language used. Through this the reader is able to track her progress forward and then her decline as her desire to return to the sea become more intense and all consuming.
Critical Evaluation: This story will resonate with people of all ages, especially those who have ever felt that they haven't belonged or were unhappy with their life. The way the story is written in the first person makes it very easy for the reader to empathize with Mila and what she is going through. The story is very convincing and really delves into what makes us human and what makes us a part of the work around us. The language used in the story is somewhat unusual but suites Mila's character perfectly and really evokes her previous life and the sea.
Reader's Annotation: Mila is a young girl who is rescued after spending years being raised by dolphins. She struggles to successfully become a part of the human world but is unable to forget her dolphin family and her home.
Author Information: Karen Hesse is the other of several other books such as Just Juice, Letters from Rifka, and Out of the Dust, for which she won the 1998 Newberry Award.
Genre: Fiction, Coming of age
Curriculum Ties: English/Language development/Psychology
Booktalking Ideas: How would it feel to be raised by animals?Focus on relationships between Mila and the dolphins.
Reading Level: 9-14
Challenges: None. If any, could be encouraged to research reviews of the work or research on feral children.
Selection Process: Recommend by a friend
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