The Liberation of Gabriel King

Title: The Liberation of Gabriel King

Author: K. L. Going

Publication Date: 2005

A Michael L. Printz honor book, The Liberation of Gabriel King is a must-read book set in Alabama during the Civil Rights movement.  Gabriel King and his best friend Frita are an interesting pair.  He is white and timid; she is Black and spunky.  The summer before entering fifth grade they decide to overcome their fears.  They make a list of the things that scare them the most and set about to face their fears.  Well-written in a realistic Southern drawl, the story is touching and inspiring!

The Wide-Awake Princess

Title: The Wide-Awake Princess

Author: E.D. Baker

Publication Date: May 2010

The wide-awake princess is a smart and insightful young character who can perceive not only the presence of magic, but also the true character of the people she meets.  A very enjoyable read, this fractured fairy tale works in characters from many well-known stories, by twisting things around to make them new.  When her sister Gwendolyn pricks her finger on a minute little spinning wheel, Anabelle (aka Annie, or the wide-awake princess) has to travel to far away lands to break the curse that will leave all the inhabitants of her father's kingdom asleep for one hundred years.  That she is able to succeed without the aid of magic, but by relying on her intelligence rather than her beauty, is a testament to the ability of the nobler sex.  An excellent read!

Operation Redwood

Title: Operation Redwood

Author: S. Terrell French

Publication Date: 2009

Julian Carter-Li is an interesting character.  He is brave, smart, and very independant.  His dad died on a motorcycle and his mom is very busy photographing China, leaving Julian alone to stay with his rich and estranged uncle.  When Julian learns that his uncle's powerful San Francisco firm plans to log a grove of Giant Redwoods, Julian does what he can to save them.  Set in California, this book has garnered the Green Earth Book Award, and the John and Patricia Beatty Award which "honors the author of a distinguished book for children or young adults that best promotes an awareness of California and its people."

Who am I Without Him?

Title: Who am I Without Him? A Collection of Stories About Girls and the Boys in Their Lives
Author: Sharon G. Flake

A moving work that reveals a wide continuum of love and desire.  Some of the stories ofter distorted perception of love where girls suffer infidelities, degradation, and even murder because of their sex.  Others paint a much more tender poignant look.  Written in a superb American dialect, this book is a good choice for older tweens or teens, especially those interested in gender studies or realistic fiction.

Piper Reed Navy Brat

Title: Piper Reed Navy Brat
Author: Kimberly Willis Holt

Piper Reed is an irrepressible character with spunk, ambition, and verve!  The middle child of a navy man and his wife, Piper exudes determination and adaptability.  The kind of kid who makes lemonade when life hands her lemons, her first installment is a must-read for fans of strong female characters with spunk! 

Edison's Gold

Title: Edison's Gold
Author: Geoff Watson
Publication Date: October 2010
ISBN 13: 978-1606840948

Thomas Edison was a great inventor and his work helped to shape the United States as we know it.  He had many influential friends including Henry Ford, Teddy Roosevelt, and his estranged colleague, Nikola Tesla.  In this book, we meet his great-great grandson Tom.  Tom's family is hit with hard times.  Bills are piling up and they can't afford to stay in New York any longer.  Desperate to support his family, Tom's dad takes a job in Wichita, Kansas.  Nothing could be worse according to Tom.  Tom and his two best friends are the perfect trio.  He's the daredevil, his friend Colby is the brains, and Noodle, his other best-friend, is the smooth talker.  Together they are unstoppable. 

When Tom discovers an old piece of film jammed inside his double-great-grandpa's old camera, he and his friends uncover a century's old mystery.  A secret society called the Sub Rosa was created by Thomas Edison and his friends to conceal a powerful discovery and it seems like some people will stop at nothing to keep Tom and his friends from learning the secrets.  A very exciting, fast-paced work, readers are left wanting another volume, but are also left with some questions.  Was there really a secret formula?  Did the Sub Rosa ever truly exist?  Perfect choice for fans of Brown's DaVinci Code or the movie that was based on that book.

Skulduggery Pleasant

Title: Skulduggery Pleasant

Author: Derek Landy

Publication Date: April 2007

ISBN 13: 978-8467519846

Stephanie is just 12 years old when her favorite uncle, a rich and famous novelist of horror books, dies unexpectedly and she is surprised to learn that he has bequethed her his entire estate.  Compelled to visit her new home, she is attacked by the most forceful being she's ever encountered and is rescued by a skeleton who uses balls of fire and blasts of air to scare off her attacker.  He is Skulduggery Pleasant, a great dectective who uses elemental magic.  Hesitant to drag young Stephanie into the dangerous, magical life, she convinces him to mentor her in the field of elemental magic and the fun begins!  Now she and he have to save the world from the evil magician who longs to cause the return of the Faceless Ones.  With characters you will never forget, this is a must-read book!

DC Superpets

Title: Royal Rodent Rescue
Series Title: DC Super-Pets
Author: John Sazaklis and Art Baltazar
Publication Date: January 2011
ISBN 13: 978-1404866225

Supergirl's super-pet, Streaky the Super-Cat, must rescue the royal hamster from Cat-Woman in this very clever, brightly illustrated volume in the new series based on the DC comics.  With lots of puns and jokes, graphic textual elements, and lots of color pictures, this series is a perfect choice for young tweens.

Olivia Kidney

Title: Olivia Kidney
Author: Ellen Potter
Publication Date: May 2003
ISBN 13: 978-0142402344

Olivia Kidney and her dad have just moved to yet another high-rise apartment in New York.  She is well-loved and cared for, but has trouble making friends since they move so much.  When she accidentally gets locked out of their new apartment, she expects a boring, lonely wait for her dad.  What she gets instead is magic and adventure.  With giant man eating plants, seances, old ladies rocking in chairs on glass floors in apartments with glass ceilings, and a mysterious boy who doesn't seem to have a name, Olivia meets her neighbors.   Finding that her new home is very unusual, she learns a lot about herself, too.  Fantastic, and occult, but not at all scary, it is a perfect example of magical realism!

Under Whose Influence

Title: Under Whose Influence?

Series Title: The Decision in Yours

Author: Judy Laik

Publication Date: November 1993

ISBN 13: 978-0943990972

The format of this book makes it especially accessible to tweens and reluctant readers.  Modeled in the style of the popular "choose your own adventure" books, this short novel introduces us to Tina, a young girl who faces peer pressure to drink after being assigned to a group project in school.  By selecting different options from a number of scenario choices, readers get to experience peer pressure from the safety of a book and are provided with many potential options for resisting it.  The situations enumerated in the story could facilitate important discussions with parents and/or teachers.

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret UFOs

Title: Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret UFOs
Author: Donald J. Sobol
Publication Date: October 2010
ISBN 13: 978-0525422105

In 10 new cases featuring Leroy (Encyclopedia) Brown and his neighbors, readers can try to solve ten short mystery puzzlers.  Encyclopedia Brown can always spot the one detail that proves a lie or swindle.  Given the same clues as him, readers might find it a bit more difficult.  A good general knowledge bank will be tested and increased by reading this book.  

Lunch with Lenin

Title: Lunch with Lenin and Other Stories

Author: Deborah Ellis
Publication Date: October 2008
ISBN 13: 978-1554551057

From the beauty pageant queen who finally feels some compassion for her drug addicted sister, to the Pakistani farmers growing opium in order to buy food to eat, the tweens in this book have all been affected by drugs in one form or another.  Imagine surviving an orphanage only to lose your only friend to heroin, or having to buy marijuana because it's the only thing that can alleviate your elderly grandmother's pain.  In this collection of short stories, we see the full extent of the influences of drugs.  Without casting blame or exaggerating the picture, Ellis' work is bittersweet: morose in tone, and hopeful in lesson.

Amelia Lost!

Title: Amelia Lost--The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
Author: Candace Fleming
Publication Date: February 2011
ISBN 13: 978-0375841989

A new look at the life and disappearance of the preeminent female flier, Amelia Earhart.  With chapters that alternate between her life and childhood, and gripping chapters that tell of her loss at sea, Fleming succeeds in creating a page-turning book that is at once compelling and informational.  The multitude of photographs, original notes from journal pages, and sidebar information explaining instruments, inventions, and Amelia's relationships, makes this book even more interesting and easy to digest. 

The life of Amelia Earhart has become so shrouded in myth and legend that Fleming's realistic look at her faults and downfall really bring home the loss that was her disappearance by humanizing her in a way I've never experienced (this is admittedly the first A.E. biography I've read).  A must-read book for everyone!

Queen Sized

Title: Queen Sized
Starring: Nikki Blonsky
Production Company: Lifetime Movies
DVD Release Date: August 2008

Queen Sized is about an overweight girl named Maggie Baker who is nominated to be Homecoming Queen and goes on  to win the crown.  But this isn't your typical high school story and Maggie is far from your typical homecoming queen.  She's overweight.  In fact, she's so big that no one, not even herself, thinks she is pretty enough to be crowned.

The journey she takes to the throne is filled with strife and discordance.  She's harassed, bullies tamper with the election process, she's constantly at odds with her widowed mom, and she even manages to alienate her best friends.  In the end, however, Maggie becomes the her school's celebrated queen and learns a lot about self-acceptance.

Queen Sized features teenage characters, but deals with topics that are painfully understood by younger tweens too.  Bucking many stereotypes, Maggie's self-awareness and awareness of others, gives voice to many unspoken truths about weight and weight discrimination sending a message that beauty doesn't come in a one-size-fits-all package.  Though it shows that big girls are pretty, it isn't solely about being big and pretty.

Queen Sized also contains subtext of health and weight management.  Maggie turns to food to fix her feelings.  She eats compulsively and she chooses to eat foods that are bad for her health.  Obesity killed her father and her mother worries that she will suffer poor health as a result of her diet.   While this movie does not encourage dieting, in the end Maggie does choose to eliminate her secret stores of junk food. 

The last issue broached by this movie is bullying.  The bullies in this film are relentless and they seem determined to break Maggie's heart.  However, each step of the way, the bullies are stymied by their own hatred.  In a simplistic manner, the film shows that bullying doesn't pay off and paints the bullies in a negative light.  The example of how Maggie, and her mom stand up against bullying might help other kids, as will the inclusion of disparate teen voices throughout the film.   An entertaining film based on a true story that is sure to raise awareness to many important issues.

I Dreamed of Flying Like a Bird

Title: I Dreamed of Flying Like a Bird: My Adventures Photographing Wild Animals From a Helicopter
Author: Robert B. Haas
Publication Date: September 2010
ISBN 13: 978-1426306938

In this pictorial work, Robert Haas, provides students with some of his favorite pictures from his career as a wildlife photographer.  In addition to stunning images including overhead shots of a fight between a lion and some oxen, a baby hippo in a swamp, and a flock of pink flamingos that spontaneously congregate in a formation that resembles a flamingo from above, Haas also recounts some of the more pragmatic considerations inherent to choosing a career in wildlife photography.  With images sure to pique interest, all the proceeds of this book will be donated to the American Humane Society.

Joseph

Title: Joseph
Author: Sheila P. Moses
Publication Date: October 2008
ISBN 13: 978-1416917526

Joseph is a 14-year -old boy living with his drug addicted mom in a homeless shelter.  With his dad off fighting in Iraq, and the recent death of his grandfather, his mom's addiction is taking them to new lows.  Joseph tries to deal with his conflicting emotions.  He can't deny the effects of his mom's choices, but he can't bear to face the truth, either.  Friends, healthy activities, and his extended family all help to build his resiliency.  Still, Joseph can't choose a better life for himself.  What's a boy to do?  Survive on his own?  Or let his mom's addiction pull him down forever?  A Coretta Scott King Honor book and National Book Award Finalist.

The Pluto Files

Title: The Pluto Files
Producer: PBS NOVA
DVD Release Date: June 2010

Dr. Neal deGrasse Tyson hosts this entertaining film documenting the history of Pluto and the controversy that occurred when it was demoted from planet to dwarf planet in 2006.  For many years, the tiny celestial being known as Pluto was regarded as the ninth planet in the Solar System. However, when scientists found Eris, a larger body orbiting the sun from further away, scientists across the world started to question whether Pluto miniature size could really count it as a planet.  Combining science, history, popular culture, and humor, this film is informative and accessible for tweens.  An ALA Best Film, it is recommended to any library serving youth or adults.

Ask A Dinosaur

Title: Ask a Dinosaur and It Will Answer You
Author: DK Publishing
Publication Date: March 2011
ISBN 13: 978-0756672294

Ask a Dinosaur and It Will Answer You is a clever new book by DK publishers that answers a myriad questions about dinosaurs.  With graphic and segmented style typical of DK books, this one is sure to inform the most voracious fans with new and exciting information.  The format of this book, like other DK books, lends itself easily to exploration and investigation, and the tidbits it provides place dinosaurs in context and lead inquisitive minds to explore other epochs.

Bird

Title: Bird

Author: Zetta Elliott

Publication Date: October 2008

ISBN 13: 978-1600602412

Bird is boy whose family suffers heartbreak because of his older brother's drug use and death.  In a story told through graceful and sparring prose, Bird's acceptance his brother's choices and heals as he deals with his emotions by drawing pictures, and by talking things out with his elderly Uncle Son. 

Shipwrecked: the True Adventures of a Japanese Boy

Title: Shipwrecked! The True Adventures of a Japanese Boy
Author: Rhoda Blumberg
Publication Date: January 2003
ISBN 13: 978-0756914417

I decided to read this book because the cover image intrigued me after the terrible tsunami that hit Japan this March.  And even though the book didn't have anything to do with that kind of natural disaster, I still learned a lot about Japan and Japanese customs and traditions.

This biography details the life of Manjiro, a young boy who is shipwrecked on a deserted island off of the coast of Japan in 1841.  He and his friends become the first Japanese people to set foot on American soil and he eventually earns many honors and privileges through his attitude and ability to learn.
In the 1840s Japan was an isolated empire.  There were strict rules preventing Japanese people from exposure to any foreign idea.  The isolationist policies in place required that any Japanese person who came in contact with anyone from another nation should be executed rather than corrupt other Japanese people.  The Japanese people were kept completely ignorant to life in the rest of the world.  There was also a very strict caste system in place which prevented people from rising in station.  Those that were born fisherman had to remain fisherman without any hope of moving up.

That Manjiro was not executed after returning to Japan 12 years after being rescued by an American whaling ship, and that he was elevated from lowly fisherman to noble samurai, testifies to his resilience and intelligence.  His first hand knowledge of American advancements and of customs from around the world made him an invaluable consultant to the king and, ultimately, contributed to the end of Japan's isolation.

Everloop.com--An online social network for tweens

Site: Everloop.com

Creator: Everloop

Online Social Network

Everloop.com is an online social network site specifically designed for tweens.  It allows tweens to upload photos, customize their pages and join loops of interest.  With their parents' consent, tweens can join loops (or networks) for animal lovers, people who love to cook, or sing, or draw, or have any number of interests or hobbies.  With a definite slant toward thinking and learning, and transparency measures built-in for parents' peace of mind, Everloop offers an enhanced experience for tweens and begins the process of socializing children into responsible digital citizens.  With four tiers of privacy protection and adult moderators, Everloop.com boasts of safety for tweens.  It can also boast of impressive partnerships with children's publishers, and companies dedicated to enhancing science curriculum.  In fact, Everloop recently embarked on a new project with Simon & Schuster publishing company where tweens can download audiobooks onto ereaders and then participate in an online book club.  SInce tweens can upload photos and invite their friends, Everloop might prove to be quite popular with the tweenaged group.

Red Blazer Girls

Title: the Red Blazer Girls and the Ring of Rocamadour
Author: Michael Beil
Publication Date: April 2009
ISBN 13: 978-0375843037

This Red Blazer Girls puzzle mystery is a smart books for lovers of clues, puzzles, adventures, and friends.  Using their knowledge of Charles Dickens, math, literature, religion and local lore, this group of friends embarks upon a quest to find the lost ring of St. Veronica, the invaluable Ring of Rocamadour.  It's a clever story in the same vein as Chasing Vermeer and it accurately depicts the emotional and social development of middle school girls in their first romantic encounters with boys.  The girls' intelligence, advanced knowledge of literature and art, and their self-confidence is somewhat unrealistic, but the reader is brought along nicely through the story by narration that is on level with tweens abilities.  And even though they are remarkable competent for 13-year-old girls, they are still capable of giggling, having crushes and feeling insecure.  A smart read appropriate for middle schoolers.

Captured by Pirates

Title: Twisted Journeys--Captured by Pirates
Authors: Justine & Ron Fontes
Publication Date: September 2007
ISBN 13: 978-0822562023

This book combines the graphic novel format with the choose your own adventure story  in the context of an exciting historical period when Pirates prowled the seas following the Spanish defeat by the Royal Navy.  The options vary widely and lead to death or safety.  The writing is copious enough to satisfy even the most voracious reader.  Whether you choose sign the oath to become a pirate, or avert your eyes to the inequality of life on the seas, whatever you decide is sure to give you enjoyment.  But be forewarned, appearances aren't always what they appear. 

The Story of Sarah Edmonds--A Civil War Hero

Title: Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds A Civil War Hero

Author: Marissa Moss

Publication Date: March 2011

ISBN 13: 978-0810997356

This illustrated biography of Civil War hero Sarah Edmonds, the first and only woman to be recognized by the United States government as a veteran of the war, tells an amazing and important story of freedom.  Sarah Edmonds chose to live her life as a man in order to avoid an unseemly marraige.  Freed from the constraints imposed on women at the time, she chose to enlist in the Union army under the assumed identity of Frank Thompson where she held a number of important positions including nurse, spy, soldier, and even assistant to an important General and Postmaster.  Keeping her true identity secret to the end, Sarah Edmonds served her country well!

The Muppets Movie

Title: The Muppet Movie Producer: Jim Henson

Release Date: 1979

Meet the Muppets!  In this hilarious movie full of fun, puns, and muppets, Froggie takes a road trip from his swamp on the East Coast to Hollywood to become a famous frog.  However, trouble follows him in the form of a wicked business man named Mr. Durning who wants Kermit to promote his frog legs restaurant chain.  Thankfully, Kermit makes a gang of friends along the way including Fozzy Bear,  Ms. Piggie, Gonzo and Camilla, and Animal's rock band.  They drive across country, singing, persevering, and having a wild time!  An excellent film for tweens, teens, kids, and adults!

Being Me: A Kid's Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem

Title: Being Me a Kid's Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem

Author: Wendy L. Moss, PhD

Publication Date: November 2010

ISBN 13: 978-1433808838

Being Me is a great book for helping kids boost their own self-esteem.  With basic definitions of confidence, self-esteem, and assertive communication, this book has the potential to help tweens change their lives.  The language is very accessible, and the inclusion of personal stories makes the examples and advice offered in this book seem realistically possible.  For example, a shy child might take hope from Melissa's story about striking up a conversation with a stranger in the line for a school lunch.  Every chapter includes questions for reflection and personal introspection.  Very well-done! 

Rascal--A Dog and His Boy

Title: Rascal--A Dog and His Boy
Author: Ken Wells
Publication Date: September 2010
ISBN 13: 978-0375866524

Rascal is an amazing young pup.  He's clever, kind, and has the kind of guileless personality that allows him to make friends of enemies.  Born on a dog lovin' farm in the Bayou, he quickly earns the love and respect of its most ornery characters.  Through his stellar personality, and the legacy left to him by his late mama, Rascal endears himself to his Boy and proves his heroism through loyalty and gumption.  Written in an outstanding Creole accent, Rascal is one of the most applause worthy books I've read in a long time!

The Great Depression

 Title: The Great Depression: An Interactive History Adventure
Author: Michael Burgan
Publication Date: January 2011
ISBN 13: 978-1429662765

3 story paths, 43 choices and 22 endings make this book a fun way to learn about the Great Depression.  Part of the "You Choose" series of non-fiction books, the approach offered by this book is  popular amongst tweens.  The stories read quickly and provide descriptions of government programs, and events of cultural significance, like the Civilian Conservation Corps and the shanty camps of veterans in the Bonus Army.  This series is probably not appropriate for the more serious student, but for those students who are reluctant to read, this series is definitely worth collecting by public and school libraries.

My Sister the Vampire

Title: My Sister the Vampire--Switched
Author: Sienna Mercer
Publication Date:  July 2007
ISBN 13: 978-0060871130

Ivy Vega and Olivia Abbott, long-lost identical twins, are delighted to be reunited when Olivia starts at a new middle school.  Despite the fact that they are identical twins, the girls are very different.  Olivia is totally preppy, in fact, she's a cheerleader.  Ivy is completely Goth, in fact, she's a vampire.  Similarities and differences aside, both girls are thrilled to have a sister and irony and triumph ensue when they participate in the classic twin switch shenanigans.  Olivia helps Ivy get together with her biggest crush, and Gothic vampire Ivy who never smiles, helps her sister make the cheer squad.  A funny and sexy read that is perfect for tween girls!

Heads Up--Facts About Drug Abuse

URL: http://headsup.scholastic.com/
Creator: Scholastic

Heads Up: Real News About Drugs and Your Body is an educational collaboration between the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and Scholastic Inc. which offers scientifically based information on drugs and the effects they have on your body.  With interactive quizes, videos, blogs and free downloads, this site is a useful resource that is centered in the science of drugs use.  It's highest quality is the numerous fact-sheets that are available for download, and reproduction. 

However, I was a little surprised at the paucity of help this site provides for kids who might have a problem with drugs.  With a single, hard to find link to a private company that locates treatment facilities, and no mention of twelve step programs, or any other outside resources, this site may not be suited to those looking for help from drug addiction.

Payback Time

Title: Payback Time
Author: Carl Deuker
Publication Date: September 2010
ISBN 13: 978-0547279817


Mitch True is a senior who's been writing for his high school paper since his freshman year.  Though he didn't expect to get the sports news beat, he finds he likes reporting sports news and the benefits, like being the stringer for the Seattle Times.   He also likes working with Kimi, the attractive photographers that's been assigned to work with him.  The appearance of an amazing new player makes the job all the more interesting, especially because no one seems willing to talk about Angel Marichal at all.  Angel's school records are missing, his cousin seems dangerous, and Angel seems too old to be playing high school ball.  Has Mitch uncovered a scandal?  Or is the conspiracy to keep Angel out of the headlines based in something much more dangerous than cheating?  With exciting coverage of America's favorite game, this book is gripping!  A real page-turner!

The Tattooed Potato by Ellen Raskin

Title: The Tattooed Potato and Other Clues Author: Ellen Raskin
ISBN 13: 978-0606153492
Originally published in 1975

Newbery Award-winning author Ellen Raskin is a masterful storyteller and The Tattooed Potato is an excellent example of intrigue and obfuscation and detection!  Just who is Garson?  Is he really the two-bit portrait painter of New York's upper crust?  Or is he the elusive painter Sonnenberg? Or worse, Sonnenberg's murderer?  And what's with his alter-ego Inspector Noserag?  Is Noserag real?  Is Garson real?  Who is really responsible for the deaths that span decades in this dark and mysterious novel?  If you liked The Westing Game or any other novel with quirky characters and a clever plot, you must read The Tattooed Potato!

Caduceus: Staff of the Alchemist

Resource: Free Online Game
Creator: FableVision and the Childrens Hospital in Boston
URL:  http://kids.generationcures.org/play
Ages: 10+

In 2009, the American Library Association (ALA) named Generation Cures: Caduceus as an example of great interactive software for kids.  Noting that it was a free game that could be played online, I decided to check it out!  The ALA was right!  Caduceus is a great game!  It's not really a role playing game, but you do have to get into character.  A plague has killed thousands of your countrymen and you are a brilliant student determined to help find a cure.  Commissioned by the Children's Trust at the Children's Hospital in Boston, this puzzle-type game asks kids to think and encourages philanthropy.

Creating an account was easy.  The FableVision software laid down very specific ground rules.  They said I couldn't use my real name to login and, since they reserve the right to approve all user names, I figured I wouldn't be able to use my real name even if I tried.  I was also reminded about some rules of conduct.  No name calling, play fair, NEVER give my personal information, and so on.  I liked that FableVision was looking out for me.  To create my account, I needed an adult's email address.  Still, everything was spelled out nicely for any young user.

In addition to Caduceus, FableVision has many other products behind its name including: the Lure of Labyrinth game; and Animation-ish an animation program selected by the ALA in 2009 for its exemplification of great interactive software for kids.  They have created interactive websites for the likes of PBS, Jim Henson, and the National Academy of Sciences; and have animated many information videos for museums and hospitals.

Young Fredle

Title: Young Fredle
Author: Cynthia Voigt
ISBN 13: 978-0375864575
Publication Date: January 2011

In the tradition of other valiant and lovable mice comes Fredle.  Inedible Fredle, as he comes to be known, is a curious house mouse who gets pushed out of his nest when he's poisoned by a peppermint patty.  Having never seen the outside of a kitchen, let alone the outside of the house, Fredle has to survive the great outdoors with limited house mouse skills.  He's an earnest little mouse, and that serves him well in his adventures as he makes friends with some dogs, some woodshed mice, a family of cellar mice, and even endears himself to a clan of racoons.  He escapes a house cat, a black rat snake and the hungry talons of a bird of prey, and he witnesses beauties no other house mouse has ever lived to see.  With all the attributes of a little hero, Fredle discovers what it takes to be himself no matter what world he lives in.

Shake Rattle & Turn That Noise Down!

Title: Shake Rattle & Turn That Noise Down--How Elvis Shook Up Music, Me and Mom
Author: Mark Alan Stamaty
Publication Date: January 2010
ISBN 13: 978-0375846854

A very quick and funny read.  This memoir reveals one boys' love of rock and roll music and how that love helped him succeed as a cartoonist, helped him outperform his fears, and helped him to meet the President Bill Clinton.

Told in a graphic novel format, this book chronicles the true story of a boy who uses his love of Elvis, and rock & roll music, to help him overcome fear and shyness.  His interest in Elvis music also helps to propel him from local fame to national celebration.  A very entertaining book, that not only reveals Elvis' role along a continuum of transformational figures in the history of rock, but also delivers the information in a dynamic and current manner.  An excellent choice for any library serving tweens or teens!  An ALA Notable Book.

Nothing Black or White, only A Million Shades of Gray

Title: A Million Shades of Gray
Author: Cynthia Kadohata
Publication Date: January 2010
ISBN 13: 978-1416918837

A Million Shades of Gray is an excellent book!  Set in South Vietnam just after the Americans disengage from battle, this is the story of courage, strength, perseverance, faith, selflessness, and war.  Y'Tin, the youngest elephant handler in Vietnam, and his family are in danger because he belongs to a clan of people who corroborated with the Americans during the war.  Y'Tin soon learns that war never ends as his family seeks refuge by hiding in the jungle.  A poignant and very moving story of a young boy growing up at war.     

GirlsHealth.Gov -- Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be You. Beautiful.

URL: GirlsHealth.gov
Creator: Office of Women's Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

This site offers comprehensive information about girls' health issues and is maintained by the Office of Women's Health.  I love this website.  It is very easy to navigate.  The information provided is easy to digest.  I love that it offers personal stories of kids who have experienced the various issues discussed.  I love that it gives factual and complete responses to questions about bodies, relationships, bullying, drugs and more; and that it offers links to other sources of help and information.  It's section on relationships is very valuable in that if offers advice on dealing with conflicts between girls and their friends, girls and their families, and girls and their boyfriends.  Oh, I almost forgot, I love that it has extensive information for Spanish speaking families.  Spanish speakers are given complete access as the entire website is well-translated.  It's amazing.  A very valuable resource for tween girls and anyone who works with them!

Nujood Ali--International Hero of Women's Rights

Title: I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced
Author: Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui
Publication Date: March 2010
ISBN 13: 978-0307589675

In this true story told by the main character, we learn about Nujood a ten-year-old Yemeni girl who is married off as a child only to suffer rape and abuse at the hands of her husband who is in his 30s.  In a culture where women are subservient to the point of invisibility, Nujood shows the greatest courage by escaping her deplorable situation and running to the nearest court of law.  There she tells her story, determined to seek the asylum of divorce, and is assisted by many powerful Yemeni and international human rights advocates.  She bucks patriarchal dominance and is granted freedom from an abusive marriage.  More than that, she becomes the voice of Yemeni girls, many of whom must suffer the same wrongdoing.

The contents of this book are serious.  It reveals a true picture of an impoverished Yemeni family.  While the principle tenets of Yemeni culture are portrayed as matters of fact, so is the abuse that becomes inherent to it when poverty levels become so extreme.  This book could prompt important classroom discussion for teachers of 7th or 8th grade.  Because of the stories of rape and abuse, it might not be appropriate to younger tweens.  Still, this book is powerful and is told using language that tweens could relate to.

Dear Anjali, I Hate that You're Dead.

Title: Dear Anjali: I Hate that You're Dead.
Author: Melissa Glenn Haber
ISBN 13: 978-1416995999
Publication Date: June 2010

Meredith's best friend dies suddenly the winter of her 13th birthday.  In this epistolary novel (one that is told through a series of letters), Meredith writes to cope with Anjali's death.  At first, her letters follow a natural progression of grief.  She denies her friends death, she is angry about her friends death, and then she accepts that her friend is dead while vowing to stay as close as they were when "it was love at first sight."  In the meantime, Meredith makes a new friend.  She and Noah Spivak, her biggest and longest crush, start spending a lot of time together.  They become friends, maybe even more than just friends, and Meredith can't believe that someone so attractive and so popular would choose her.  As she learns more about Noah, Meredith learns more about herself.  A very touching, moving story that is neither drawn out in its sadness, nor short in its joy.

Boy, Girl Die in Gangland Killings

Title: Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty
Author: G. Neri
Illustrator: Randy DuBurke
ISBN 13: 978-1584302674

This realistically illustrated novel tells the true story of Robert Sandifer, AKA Yummy.  Yummy lived in the south side of Chicago, an urban area terrorized by gangs and drugs.  At a very young age, Yummy set out to prove himself as a "tough shorty."  He began committing crimes for a tough local gang.  It wasn't long before he was going in and out of jail just like his drug addicted mom.  His father was serving a lifetime sentence in prison, and everyone had reason to believe that soon, Yummy would be too.

Then a terrible and heart-breaking thing happened.  11-year-old Yummy killed an innocent 14-year-old girl in his neighborhood.  Police didn't find him for days.  When they finally did, they found him shot to death by the gang he served. 

In a graphic novel with haunting illustrations that are true to life, Neri succeeds in telling a very disturbing but necessary story.  Told through the eyes of a young male protagonist, this story poses questions that might easily facilitate important classroom discussions.  Appropriate to young teens, Yummy explores consequence in the context of circumstance and delineates the tragic and conflated influences that have led to these, and many other senseless deaths like them.  An ALA Notable Book and a Coretta Scott King Honor book.

Naruto--the best of the shojen manga

Title: Test of the Ninja--Naruto Vol. 1

Author/Illustrator: Masashi Kishimoto

ISBN 13: 978-15669319000

Naruto is the first manga style comic book I've ever read.  It was very interesting.  I was really surprised that so much character development, emotion, and plot line could be entailed in a graphic novel format, told mostly through dialogue (both external and internal) where the characters exhibit extreme sentiments through their exaggerated facial expressions.  It was great! 

Naruto is hell bent on causing trouble.  His pranks are unscrupulous and constantly undermine his desire to become a venerable Shinobe (ninja).  Only his Master truly believes in him.  After he finally passes the test to become a ninja, Naruto earns a disciple, immediately swears him off as arch-enemy, is teamed up with the school's hottest babe and her biggest crush, and has to survive a new teacher.  Ninja academy is really tough!

Funny (very funny) Business

Title: Funny Business
Edited with a very funny forward by: Jon Scieszka
ISBN 13: 978-0061963735

This collection of short stories is hilarious.  With contributions from such greats as Christopher Paul Curtis, Eoin Colfer, Jeff Kinney and David Lubar (plus more!), I literally laughed out loud on several occassions.  My favorite stories included a kid being pushed down the stairs, another being peeled, some hot dog nipples and a joke in the cafeteria. 

Zombie Winter

Title: Zombie Winter

Author: Jonathon Strange

Publication Date: January 2011

ISBN 13: 978-1434230959

It is the depths of winter and Kane feels like the cold is sucking the life right out of him.  At first, he blames the cold for the odd behavior of his classmates and teachers, but it soon becomes evident that something powerful and evil has overtaken his school, his town, even his mom.   Hordes of zombies are out to eat his brains.  If Kane is going to survive, or save the people he loves, he must follow the directions of a spooky old hermit and destroy the hordes' ancient maker, the Zombie Queen.  A short and quick read, this book manages to evoke true fear and a tangible cold in 64 pages!

Guys Read!

URL: http://www.guysread.com/
Creator: Jon Sciezca

GuysRead, a great website, is the brain child of author Jon Ssciezca.  Actually, it's more like an online bibliography, or list of good books.  What I like Guys Read is that it lists the books in simple categories: "At least one explosion," "Funny," and "Boxer, Wrestlers, Ultimate Fighters" are just a few of the options guys can choose from.  I also like that within each category there is a wide variety of books to choose from.  From medal winners, to classics, to short easy books, guys are sure to find what they want to read!

GirlsLife.com

URL: http://www.girlslife.com/
Scope: Fashion, body, guys, family, school

If you love GL magazine, you will probably enjoy their online presence with GirlsLife.com.  My favorite section is the "blush much?" section located under the "fun stuff" tab because it contains very funny, very embarrassing, real life stories from girls.  The advise in the "tough stuff" section located under the "Life" tab is right on the money.  Most of the advise given under the "Bod" tab is appropriate for tween girls.  My only critique is that the suggestions given for issues about sex or violence presume that one has an open and honest relationship with one's parents.  Many tweens cannot turn to parents for help. Referring to professional agencies where girls could turn for help, would make this resource more valuable.  Still, I love the fashion, I love the gossip, and I really like this website!

Kenny and the Dragon

Title: Kenny and the Dragon
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi
Publication Date: August 2008
ISBN 13: 978-1416939771

In this modern retelling of The Reluctant Dragon, Kenny the rabbit must save a kind and gentle dragon from being slayed when fear and a mob mentality causes local townspeople to demand his "imminent extermination."  With sparse but beautiful illustrations, this story is perfect for anyone who has ever felt the dread of hopelessness, or utterly misunderstood.  Anyone who loves happy magical endings should also read this book!  

Dragonbreath: Curse of the Were-weiner

Title: Dragonbreath: Curse of the Were-Weiner
Author: Ursula Vernon
Publication Date: September 2010
ISBN 13: 978-0803734692

Danny Dragonbreath wakes up one morning with fearful forebodings that something is wrong.  When his best friend Wendel gets bitten by his hotdog, a were-weiner from Transylvania, Danny's inarticulate fears come to pass.  It isn't long before other kids at school begin to exhibit the same symptons as Wendel.  Danny knows it's up to him to kill the were-wiener.  Can he face his fears and save his friends? 

Vernon's illustrations are great if the conversation is, at times, a little lacking.  She is liberal in her use of neologisms and does a fair job of capturing coloquial speech.  Both funny, and a little frightening, this book might be recommended to fans of Babymouse or Captain Underpants.

Sun Ning Fai Lok! (Happy Chinese New Year!)

Title: The Star Maker
Author: Laurence Yep
Publication Date:  December 2010
ISBN 13: 978-0060253158

The year is 1953.  The place is San Francisco's Chinatown.  The story follows Artie and his Uncle Chester as they prepare for Chinese New Year with their large and colorful family.  Artie, like everyone he meets in Chinatown, loves his uncle.  That's why he can't understand why his relatives all call his Uncle Chester a baby, and a bum.  When Artie makes a promise he can't keep, it's Uncle Chester who teaches him about honor and respect by helping him to celebrate the best Chinese New Year of his life.

Partly Cloudy--Love Poems

Title: Partly Cloudy--Poems of Love and Longing
Author: Gary Soto
Publication Date: February 2009
ISBN 13: 978-0152063016

This collection of poems about young love is written and organized first from the female perspective, and then from the male.  They are fresh, honest and speak of love sans sex.  A perfect read for Valentine's Day!

Soto captures a realistic tween voice in this collection of poems.  He resists the inclination to speak of young love in the diminutive, choosing instead to give it the full weight it carries in the lives of his speakers.  "Little Puppy" acknowledges the adult tendency to erroneously dismiss first loves as inconsequential.  In "Boy Artist" Soto remind us that first loves leave an indelible mark and are essential "practice" for adulthood.

The poems in this collection express romance as it is experienced by tweens.  There is not overt sex or ramifications.  It is a good choice for  public or school library serving young teens and
tweens.

Surviving the Nightmare of Hurricane Katrina

Title: Ninth Ward

Author: Jewell Parker Rhodes
Publication Date: August, 2010
ISBN 13: 978-0316043076

Lanesha lives with her Mama Ya-Ya, a wise old midwife steeped in eclectic spirituality, in the ninth ward of New Orleans.  When clairvoyant Mama Ya-Ya foresees a great storm, Lanesha begins to prepare herself for survival.  It will take all her strength and "fortitude" to survive Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.  Is love enough to buoy Lanesha?

A poignant, and encouraging story.  Lanesha has been raised from birth by Mama Ya-Ya because when her young mother died in childbirth, her "uptown" family refused to acknowledge her.  The sadness of this rejection sticks with Lanesha and is symbolized by the languishing ghost of her pregnant mom.  For all of Lanesha's young life, this sadness has been opposed by the love and devotion shown to her by Mama Ya-Ya.  Mama Ya-Ya's love becomes a bulwark of spiritual strength for Lanesha and ultimately saves her from the "star-crossed" fate of more tragic literary characters.  At times frightening and wrenching, Rhodes' prose is beautifully written with multiple layers of meaning.  This book is essential to any library serving young teens.  A Coretta Scott King Honor book and an ALA Notable book.

Troll's Eye View--A Book of Villainous Tales

Title: Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales
Edited by: Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling
Publication Date: April 2009
ISBN 13: 978-0142416730

This collection of stories is sure to make you laugh (can you picture Jack buzzing around like a fly until the giant falls down his own beanstalk?), and really creep you out (who ever thought eating a flower could turn a normal boy into a blood-thirsty werewolf?)!  With 15 stories from notable authors like Jane Yolen, Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, and Nancy Farmer, it's no wonder this book is sure to please!  An ALA Notable selection.

Mirka Kills a Troll

Title: Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword
Author: Barry Deutsch
Publication Date: November 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0810984226

Wow!  Hereville is the first graphic novel I've ever read, and I must admit, I really liked it!  Mirka is an 11-year-old girl who lives with her blended Jewish family in the Orthodox town of Hereville.  When she inadvertently offends, and then protects a witch's pig, she is given the chance to take the first step towards becoming the fearless dragon slayer she envisions herself to be.  She gets to try to kill a troll! 

The illustrations in this book are of the highest caliber and do an amazing job of depicting the full spectrum of human emotions.  Two scenes, in particular, set the tone for the work.  In one image, an angel assumed to be Mirka's biological mom intercedes when Mirka's life is in danger.  She comes to Mirka at the bottom of a lake and pacifies Mirka's obstinacy in a scene that exudes peace.  In another frame, Mirka receives the Shabbat blessing from her step-mom.  Love and respect emanate from this frame.  These two pictures set the tone for the story without using any words.  A book about family, imagination, and magic, Hereville is essential to any library serving tweens!  Well done!