The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Citation:

Lewis, C.S. (1950). The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Plot:

Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy, are sent to live with their uncle during WWII. While playing hide and seek in their new environment, Lucy hides in a wardrobe and stumbles into a magical world named Narnia. She meets a friendly faun, named Mr. Tumnus, and learns about Narnia. In Narnia it is always winter and never Christmas because it is under the self-appointed rule of the White Witch.

Eventually Lucy is able to bring all of her siblings to Narnia, only to find that Mr. Tumnus has been arrested. The siblings vow to help Mr. Tumnus, and in doing so they are fulfilling a prophecy that sons of Adam and daughters of Eve would come to Narnia and deliver it from the cruel reign of the White Witch. With the help of a beaver family, the children set out to save Mr. Tumnus and Narnia. Edmund betrays his siblings, sharing everything with the White Witch in exchange for delicious food and attention.

Eventually Aslan returns, and the White Witch takes Edmund hostage. Aslan offers himself in exchange for Edmund, and war breaks out in Narnia. Will good triumph over evil? What will become of Narnia?


Review:

This is a classic book that children enjoy just as much today as they did decades ago. Lewis masterfully creates the magical land of Narnia and stokes the imagination of children, tweens, teens, and adults alike. Tweens will find themselves contemplating complex themes, such as good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, justice, and betrayal. However, these thought provoking themes are carefully cloaked behind a world of fauns, satyrs, and talking animals. I can't imagine anyone reading this and not checking the back of their closet... just to make sure.

Reading Level: 10 and up

Series Information:

The Chronicles of Narnia:
The Magician’s Nephew
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle

Character Descriptions:

Susan: Younger than Peter, but older than Lucy and Edmund

Lucy: Youngest sister of the four

Edmund: Older than Lucy, but younger than Peter and Susan; the betrayer

Peter: Oldest sibling

Mr. Tumnus: Friendly faun that helps Lucy

The White Witch: Self-appointed magical dictator of Narnia who uses her powers for evil in Aslan's absence

Aslan: Son of the emperor across the see; King

The Beavers: Helpful animal family that treks with the children across Narnia

Personal Thoughts:

I actually had the joy of reading this with a 5th grade class during literature circles. I was eager to re-read the classic and experience it with children reading it for the first time. I loved seeing their reactions as they tumbled into Narnia the first time, and I was very nostalgic for the days when I read the series for the first time. 

Holes

Holes by Louis Sachar

Plot:

Stanley Yelnats (yes, his name is spelled the same frontwards and backwards) gets sent to Camp Green Lake for allegedly stealing a pair of sneakers. Unfortunately for Stanley, it really is the fault of his no-good-pig-stealing-great-grandpa's. Stanley's family is cursed, and even though the shoes just fell out of the sky, Stanley is being sent to camp as a punishment. At the camp each child is forced to dig a hole five feet wide and five feet deep every day, but Stanley quickly figures out that something is afoot. If ever a camper finds something and brings it to the warden, he could get out of digging duty for the rest of the day. Zero, a fellow camper, runs off one day and Stanley is the only one feeling compelled to save him. Through saving Zero, Stanley breaks his family curse. But does breaking the curse do him any good in the middle of the desert alone with Zero? 

Review:

This is a great book. The back and forth between the legend and the present day was a bit confusing at first, but Sachar ties everything together so nicely at the end that it is worth it. The protagonist is immediately likable, and it is easy to become very immersed in the story of poor Stanley Yelnats. Aside from the obvious mysteries involved, there is also a tale of personal triumph and adventure. Holes has a little bit of everything, and it would be hard to find a tween that didn't enjoy it. It is very appropriate for younger tweens.

Reading Level: 10 and up

Similar Titles: Hoot, Tangerine, Hatchet

Character Descriptions:

Stanley Yelnats: Stanley is the overweight, cursed protagonist sent to dig mysterious holes at camp green lake.

Warden: The person in charge at camp green lake, and ultimately the one ordering the digging.

Mr. Sir: Works for the warden, making sure the holes get dug

Zero: A friend of Stanley learning to read, runs away from the camp without water

Personal Thoughts:

I actually hadn't read this book or seen the movie at all, so I felt compelled to read it for this assignment. Now I can see what all the commotion was about when the movie came out. This really is a great book! I'm an adult and I enjoyed it. I actually want to watch the movie now. I think this would be a great book for tweens of all ages (maybe even some teens and adults) =)

Tangerine

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

Citation: Bloor, E. (2006). Tangerine. New York: Harcourt.

Plot:

He may be legally blind, but Paul Fisher is one heck of a soccer goalie. Despite relocating (in middle school, no less) to Tangerine county, Florida, Paul is hoping to continue playing goalie, just at a different middle school. Paul is always living in his football brother Erik Fisher's shadow, and he never quite feels as though he fits in to the 'Erik Fisher Football Dream'. Despite sibling issues, being handicapped, and middle school bullying, Paul really tries to make the best of life in Tangerine. At least until a giant sink hole swallows up most of his school. Transferring schools (and soccer teams) yet again is full of interesting trails for Paul. The most interesting part is when he uncovers a secret about himself. Why is he blind... did he stare at an Eclipse too long, like Erik has always told him? There's lots about Paul and Erik to uncover in the pages of Tangerine.

Review:

Tangerine is a great read for many reasons. Not only is it funny and engaging, it is also very relevant to the tween/teen population. It deals with the issues of relocation, bullying, sibling issues, death, dating, and even what to do when lightning strikes (literally). The themes in this book will resonate with the intended age group and keep them reading. The book crosses many genres, blending mystery, adventure, and contemporary realism seamlessly. The study questions in the back make this a great literature circle book.

Reading Level: Age 10 & up

Similar Titles: Holes, The Lightning Thief, Hatchet

Personal Thoughts:

I surprisingly enjoyed reading Tangerine. From the back of the book, I anticipated it having more of a fantasy element (what with the mysterious sink hole and constantly burning muck fire) than it did, but it ended up being a good read. It reminded me a lot of Holes by Louis Sachar, with the young male protagonist and his mysterious conflict. However, Tangerine is a bit more realistic than Holes and deals with some deeper issues.







                                                        * Images in video taken from creativecommons.org

Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Citation: Collins, S. (2009). Catching Fire. New York: Scholastic Press.

Plot:

The book picks up right where the Hunger Games left of; Katniss has won the games jointly with Peeta, though mainly because they were the final two and everyone believes they are in love. Katniss' decision to commit suicide jointly before murdering her 'love' has sparked rebellion all across Panem, with riots happening in many districts. Snow, the dictator over Panem, tells Katniss that she had better convince the entire country that she was irrational and lovestruck and not rebellious, thus quelling any discontent, before the entire country rebels. Despite trying hard to fool everyone (even herself) that she was merely lovestruck, the rebellion across Panem is catching fire. At the end of the book, Snow lets her know that she hasn't met his expectations. Riots break out in many districts, inspired by Katniss and her choice inside the Hunger Games. What will happen of the rebellion? Does Katniss love Peeta? Will she live to find out?

Review:

I have to admit, I only planned to read The Hunger Games for this blog. But after putting it down, I had to immediately read Catching Fire. I think this is an exceptional sequel, and it carefully walks some content lines, remaining mostly appropriate for many tweens. I would recommend it to older tweens, though of course you also have to take it on an individual basis. This is a great adventure, sci-fi, fiction book for mature tweens.

Reading Level: Older tween, 12 and above

Similar Titles: The Hunger Games, Mockingjay, The Maze Runner

Personal Thoughts:

This book will appeal to many tweens. The themes in the book of young love, loss, family, and freedom will resonate with tweens, though admittedly some content may be above their understanding (such as political discontent, rebellion, and the implications thereof). However, if someone has read The Hunger Games, I dare you to keep them away from the next two. I read all three in a weekend. A sleepless weekend.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Citation: Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.

Plot Summary:

Katniss Everdeen lives in a futuristic country named "Panem" in the area called District 12. Her father died in a coal mine when she was young, and she has spent the last few years breaking the laws and hunting outside of the district fence with her hunting partner, Gale, in order to feed her family. Each year the Capitol hosts the 'Hunger Games' and chooses two young adults from each district (12 in total) to battle to the death in a malicious arena. Each child between the ages of 12-18 must enter into the 'reaping' each year, and head to the Capitol for the Hunger Games should their name be called. Katniss' life changes forever when the name of her 12 year old sister is called at the reaping, and she immediately volunteers to take her place. Her fellow 'tribute' is a boy named Peeta, a boy that has at one point shown great kindness to Katniss. The reader follows Katniss to the capitol, through all the fake interviews, training, and propaganda associated with the Hunger Games. During interviews Peeta reveals that he has a crush on Katniss, though for most of the book Katniss (and the reader) see it as part of his strategy to receive sponsors and stay alive in the arena. Once the Hunger Games begin, the book takes one unexpected turn after the next as Katniss and Peeta fight for their lives in an arena. Does Katniss love Peeta in return? Who, if anyone, makes it out alive?


Review (potential spoiler alert): 

If you read this book, make sure you have quick access to the next two in the trilogy, as you won't be able to rest much until you've read them all. The book is suspenseful and addicting, as the reader follows Katniss in her journey to find out what is real, what is part of the game, how she feels, and if she will even survive. I thought the book was awesome, and I found myself immediately invested in Katniss, her families, and even some of the other poor tributes trying to survive in the ring. Slowly the reader is allowed to uncover the underlying themes of a government corrupt and power abused. Will it ever change in Panem? Is there a way not only to win the Hunger Games, but somehow send a message to the Capitol? Revolt? Katniss comes close with a golden pin and a handful of berries. You won't be able to help yourself from picking up Catching Fire immediately to find out where the love triangle between Katniss, Gale, and Peeta goes and what the future of Panem is.

Reading Level: 12 & up

Similar Titles:The Book Thief by Markus Zusack

Series Information: Book 1 of the Hunger Games trilogy; Followed by Catching Fire and Mockingjay

Character Descriptions:

Katniss: The strong, stubborn hunter from the Seam in District 13 that volunteers to take her sister's spot in the Hunger Games.

Prim: Katniss's younger sister

Gale: Katniss's hunting partner and close friends of many years; possibly a romantic interest.

Peeta: The fellow tribute from District 13; a baker's son, who professes his love for Katniss publicly before the hunger games begin.

Personal Thoughts:

This book was amazing. I literally couldn't put it down, and read all three in two days. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy science fiction, love stories, adventure, mystery, and just plain reading. I have to admit, I hearkened back to the Twilight saga as I quickly became "Team Peeta".

Nation

 Plot: Not really sure. I quit at about 36 pages in. There was a tidal wave, an axe, and a boy. Also, a king somewhere died. Maybe there was a plague.

Review: This doesn't really count. But I tried reading this book. Terry Pratchett is one of my favorite authors, and I've been dying for the opportunity to read this book. I wasted three days trying to force myself to enjoy and understand this raved about, very highly recommended book. Were I to have limitless time, I may have persevered just to see if I got to a point where I actually liked the book. Unfortunately, time is of the essence this semester, and I fell asleep each time I tried to read this book. I am only including it at all because I think it says something about a YA book when it is difficult to understand and not very engaging somewhere towards the beginning of the book. Also, I personally decided to cut my losses... I can't imagine what a tween would do.

Reading Level: 11-14 (supposedly)

Characters: There's a sailor. And a kid named Mau. And other characters maybe.

Similar Titles: I really don't know enough about the book to fill this part out. I'd say My Side of the Mountain, because it has that 'survivor' theme.

Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief (movie)

Plot:

Zeus' master bolt has been stolen. The suspected thief? Son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson. The only problem? Percy actually didn't do it. Actually, Percy doesn't even know he's a demi-god until he is attacked by a fury at school and is rushed to a camp for half-bloods (demi-gods). Someone has framed Percy, Hades has taken Percy's mom, and Percy has ten days to return the bolt else the Gods will war (with humans caught in the middle). Percy decides to leave the camp and head to Hades to save his mom. In order to leave Hades, Percy and his friends Annabeth and Grover would need one of Persephone's pearls. The three set out across America to recover the pearls and head to Hades. The journey is not without incident, as they have to battle a hydra and medusa in order to recover the pearls. Percy confronts Hades, and the bolt appears in the shield a fellow camper, Luke, had lent him. Percy discovers Luke framed him, and rushes to return the bolt to Zeus to tell him and stop the war. Persephone helps, disabling Hades so that they can escape Hades. Percy battles Luke at the entrance to Olympus, wins, and returns the bolt.


Comparison to book:

The movie is vastly different from the book. Basically the entire plot is different, missing key events and characters from the book. The thrust of the movie plot is traveling around to recover Persephone's pearls, however in the book Percy is given the pearls as a gift from his father. In the book, Percy is given this journey as a quest to recover the bolt. In the movie, Percy sets out against the will of the camp with the main intention of recovering his mother. Despite glaring differences, the movie is good in its own right.

Review:

I actually enjoyed the movie, despite how different it was from the book. The casting was excellent, the effects were really well done, and I enjoyed it. I think my favorite part of this movie is that it is a representation of one of the most popular series right now: the Percy Jackson books. Tweens are consuming these books at record pace right now, and many local libraries can't keep them on the shelf. Tweens love to *complain* about this movie. They watch it, but they are all annoyed that it strayed so far from the story of the book. I think the movie is relevant in tween culture right now. Tweens are watching it... but they are very opinionated about it. Librarians can use this to their advantage! Tweens that have seen the movie can be urged to read the book, assured that it is even better. The movie will also spark debate and critical thinking, as many tweens have very strong feelings about the movie one way or the other.

Coraline (Movie)

 Coraline

Plot: 


Coraline Jones is a curious young girl with busy, preoccupied parents. One day Coraline discovers a small door in her house. Coraline decides to venture through the door, down the small hallway, and discovers and alternate world. Through the doorway is a house much like her own, with a mother (Other Mother) and a father (Other Father). Unlike her own parents, the other parents in the other house dote on Coraline, cooking for her and give her attention. However, after being initially taken in, Coraline begins to have doubts about her button-eyed other parents. But by this time, is it too late to leave?


Review:

I, personally, loved the movie. I'm a big fan of Neil Gaiman and animation akin to that of Tim Burton. For some reason I avoided reading Coraline and watching this movie for a bit; it just wasn't on my radar. However, I'm really happy I did. I think that while some parts are a bit spooky, tweens will love following Coraline through her adventures in the other world. Many tweens will be able to relate to Coraline, having working parents and often feeling bored. However, tweens will be careful the next time they wish it were different after watching the movie.

Comparison to Book:


Honestly, there was such a gap between reading the book and watching the movie that I'm not sure I can make an accurate assessment here. However, with what I remember from the book, I can't really think of any differences. I think the movie was spot on, with the exception of some elaboration necessary to make it a movie.