Wii PE

Kids Use Wii for PE

http://www.tweentribune.com/content/kids-use-wii-pe

Reflection:

The article discusses how a school in Arkansas has been using Wii for PE, especially on days where the weather is non-compliant with outside activities. The school has about 12 Wii units, and sets up something akin to circuit training. With all of the sports and dancing games available, kids actually get a pretty good workout while playing inside with a video game console. With childhood obesity becoming such an issue in our country, finding fun and engaging ways to get kids active is important. I personally think this a great way to keep kids moving, even on days where it is too hot, raining, or cold outside. I have kids and a Wii system, and I can tell you that after Wii boxing for 10-15 minutes, you work up a pretty good sweat. Also, knowing middle school kids, it can sometimes be hard to find something they can relate to if they are not sporty types. The Wii appeals to sporty kids as well as those that may prefer playing video games, thus helping lots of kids. Run laps, or play some Wii tennis? I think Wii tennis probably wins. Most of the time.

Resources:

Workout with Wii:

http://www.workoutwithwii.com/

Wii Workout Games:

http://nintendo.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/bestwiiworkoutgames.htm

OMG! LOL Makes It Into The OED

OMG! LOL Makes It Into The OED

http://www.tweentribune.com/content/omg-lol-makes-it-oed

Reflection:


This article details the addition of some popular tween/teen slang into the OED such as OMG (oh my gosh), LOL (laugh out loud), BFF (best friend forever), and IMHO (in my humble opinion). I personally found the article interesting and have shared with students how the OED even recognizes their acronyms. Tweens like when what they read (possibly not traditional novels) is recognized as reading, and what they write is recognized as writing. It is really important to teach tweens/teens when it is appropriate to write informally and when it is appropriate to write formally. I have students turn in essays (even the high school exit exam) with 'jk' or 'lol' written on them. There is a big difference between a text message and a persuasive essay. However, I do like to validate tweens and teens and let them know that they *are* reading and writing on a daily basis. It may not be a descriptive essay or Catcher in the Rye, but I think it is important to the literacies that they are developing on a daily basis, as long as they can differentiate appropriate scenarios. Also, I really just find additions to the OED interesting. Apparently, OMG was used as early as 1917. Who knew?

Resources:

Teen chat decoder:


http://www.teenchatdecoder.com/

http://www.teenchatdecoder.com/internet-safety-articles/top-teen-acronyms.htm


Oxford English Dictionary:

http://www.oed.com/

Welcome to Camp Slither

Welcome to Camp Slither by R.L. Stine

Citation: Stine, R.L. Welcome to Camp Slither. Scholastic, 2009.

Plot:

Boone and Heather go to camp every year. This year they are going to a new one: Camp Hither. Rumor is Camp Hither is nicknamed Camp Slither because it is FULL of snakes. As the story tells it, there is a giant snake in the lake that eats campers that swim by. Boone and Heather don't by in to the rumors until one of their bunk mates goes missing after discussing the stories. Boone and Heather sneak out at night to investigate only to find a weird house completely full of mice. Convinced something is wrong, they head over to the camp leaders' bunks, only to find snakes in the beds. They are then captured, and it turns out that the camp is run by people that are genetically part snake. They are trying to find an antidote and are using the campers to experiment on. Boone and Heather fight back, making a poisonous snake bite itself and kill itself. All of the other snakes flee, Boone and Heather rescue the missing camper, and then go home early.


Review:


I have been enjoying nearly every book I've read for this project. This book was just ridiculous. Genetic half-snakes? Really, R.L. Stine? What happened to the guy that wrote the Fear Street books? Anyways, this book is part of the Goosebumps: Horrorland series. Tweens loved Goosebumps in my day, and they still are eating them up. Tweens that I work with personally recommended this Goosebumps book to me, so I guess *they* like it. But me? I kinda want those two hours of my life back.

Reading Level: 10 and up

Series Information:

An installment of the Goosebumps: Horrorland series, of which there are a ton

Similar Titles:

Revenge of the Living Dummy
Help! We Have Strange Powers!  
Streets of Panic Park

Cirque Du Freak : A Living Nightmare

Cirque Du Freak : A Living Nightmare  by Darren Shan

Citation: Shan, Darren. Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare. Little, Brown and Company, 2001.

Plot:

Darren Shan has always had an affinity for spiders... and for just generally being afraid (probably like a lot of teenage boys. Well, maybe not the spider part). Darren's life changes forever when a friend brings a flier to school advertising the 'Cirque du Freak' (a modern freak show) coming to town. Darren and his best friend (partially crazy best friend) end up with tickets and go. The freak show is not your every day, bearded woman freak show. This freak show is super scary and supernatural. Darren's favorite act? The rare poisonous spider, named Madam Octa, controlled by Mr. Crepsley (who turns out to be a vampire). Darren becomes so obsessed with Madam Octa that he actually goes back to the Cirque du Freak to steal Madam Octa from the vampire. This is where Darren's life changes forever. Eventually Darren shares Madam Octa with his friend Steve, only to witness Steve be bit by the extremely poisonous spider. Darren ends up bargaining with the vampire for the antidote in a desperate attempt to save Steve. Steve ends up agreeing to become a partial vampire and serve as Crepsley's assistant in order to save Steve. Does Steve live? Does Darren become a vampire? Will his family and friends find out?



Review:

I actually was pretty engaged in the story, despite my preconception that I would hate it. I felt compelled to read it because so many middle-schoolers, early high schoolers are very obsessed with the series. In my teaching experience, these books (along with the Alex Rider series) really helps me get 9th grade boys to actually read their book report books. Sadly, I haven't ever read them myself. I can see where the contents of this book might be mature for younger tweens. However, like it or not, I've seen tweens as young as 6th grade really into this series. It is sort of like Twilight, but for boys. As scary as some parts might be in the book, there isn't any foul language or sex, barely keeping the book able to be aimed at older tweens. I can see why boys are interested in the series; Darren Shan will definitely intrigue and appeal to boys of a similar age. He's dealing with typical teen things, except for the vampire part.



Reading Level:

Older Tweens, 12 (depending on the tween) and up

Characters:

Darren Shan: Protagonist, half-vampire, full vampire's assistant, obsessed with spiders and the supernatural

Steve: Darren's crazy best friend, wants to be a vampire but is denied, swears to hunt vampires for the rest of his life


Madam Octa: Super poisonous spider


Mister Crepsley: Super old vampire with a poisonous spider that he controls telepathically


Annie: Darren's sister



Series Information:

The Vampire's Assistant
Tunnels of Blood
Vampire Mountain
Trials of Death
Vampire Prince
Hunters of the Dusk
Allies of the Night
Killers of the Dawn
The Lake of Souls
Lord of the Shadows
Sons of Destiny 


Similar Titles:

The Lightning Thief
Eighth Grade Bites
Maximum Ride 


 

Harry Potter

Harry Potter



Citation: Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. A. A. Levine Books, 1998.

Plot:


An orphaned Harry is living with his awful aunt, uncle and cousin when he receives and invitation to Hogwart's, a school of witchcraft and wizardry. Harry discovers he is a wizard, and ends up in year one at the mysterious school. There is no shortage of excitement in Harry's first year, yet along with his magical mishaps, Harry also begins a journey of self-discovery. Harry, known as the boy who lived, is famous in the magical community for having survived an attack from evil wizard Voldemort (the very attack that his parents did not survive), leaving him with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead. Just as Harry is beginning to learn who he is really is, it looks as though he may have to face Voldemort once more...


Review:


I really jumped at the opportunity to re-read the Harry Potter series. It really was epic for me the first time around, and I've really never had time to re-read them. You think you have a basic understanding of the Harry plot lines, but going back helps you discover things you had forgotten long ago, as the tale is so detailed and nuanced. Also having seen the series end gives you a new perspective on where it began. I really can't say enough about the engaging, magical series and what it has done for tweens (and teens) becoming readers. I get a little misty when I see a fifth grader hauling around the giant tomes.


Reading Level: 8 (maybe, depending on the child) and up


Series Information: First installment of the Harry Potter series

Similar Titles:

 The Lightning Thief
The Lost Hero
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
 

Twilight

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Citation: Meyer, Stephanie. Twilight. Little, Brown, 2008.

Plot:


Bella is new in Forks living with her dad and notices an aloof pale guy at lunch. Her friends tell her this is Edward and that basically he doesn't date anyone at their school. Bella is also friends with Jake, who lives on an Indian reservation. Jake shares the myth of his people, and how they used to transform into werewolves and hunt the 'cold ones'. Jake also warns Bella against the Cullens (Edward and his family). Bella does some research, and figures out that Edward is a vampire. Edward opens up to her, explaining that he only hunts animals, not humans. They have a crush on each other, despite Edward being the living dead and all. Edward introduces Bella to her family, they play baseball, and a pack of vampires stumble upon their game. They also notice Bella is a human and that they'd like to eat her. Bella is now being tracked by a pretty bad vampire, so she tells her dad goodbye and pretends she is moving back to Phoenix. In Phoenix the tracker vampire finds her, lures her away from the Cullens, and attacks her. Edward finds her, the Cullens kill that vampire, and Edward saves Bella and takes her to the prom. Also, he promises to never leave her again. Which, we all know, he breaks in the next book.


Review:

These aren't my favorite books, because if you really think about it, it all is a little crazy. And maybe even stupid. But they are addicting, and a huge part of tween culture right now. They're  mostly appropriate. I mean, there's some sexual tension (or a lot of sexual tension), but as for actual content? Meh. It's not that bad. I mean, I would vote for more. I think that'd make it a little more interesting. There's a lot of contention over the Bella character and what she represents as far as strong female characters are concerned, but I think if you just take Twilight for what it probably is, a mind-numbing book about young love and supernatural creatures, without thinking too awfully hard about anything then it's probably fine. And whether you're a fan or not, the tweens (mostly girls) are. And that makes it worth being aware of them. 



Reading Level: 12 and up (depending on the tween)

Series Information:

Followed by:

New Moon
Eclipse
Breaking Dawn

Similar Titles:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The Host
Hunger Games 

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts


Citation: Choldenko, Gennifer. Al Capone Does my Shirts. Putnam's, 2004.

Plot:

Moose Flannagan moves away from his Santa Monica home in 1935; however, when most kids move, they move to a different city. Moose moves to Alcatraz island. Yes, THAT Alcatraz island. Moose's dad was able to get a job as an electrician on the island, thus being able to afford to send Moose's older sister, Natalie, to a special school that might help her. You see, Natalie is different. Remember, this is 1935... but were Natalie to be alive today in 2011, most likely she would be diagnosed with autism. However, in 1935 many people recommended putting Natalie in an asylum. Moose's mom has found a school (an expensive one) that helps children like Natalie. What is it like living on an island full of conflicts? Or with an older sister with a disability? Moose is a typical middle schooler, trying to make friends, fit in, and pretend he doesn't like a girl (but he really does). However, Moose has some extra things on his plate (like being neighbors with Al Capone) that make his story extra interesting. In a desperate move at the end of the book, Moose actually reaches out to Al Capone for help for Natalie. Does he get a response from the famed gangster? Read to find out.


Review:


When I picked it up, I thought this book would be about Al Capone. Really, it is more about having a special needs sibling, fitting in, Moose's first crush, working parents, and trying to balance everything when you live on a giant rock. Surprisingly? It is really good. I fell in love with Moose, my heart ached for his family, and I also fell in love with Natalie. It gave me some perspective on what having special needs may have been like in the 1930's. Also, tweens will love that tweens back in the 1930's dealt with similar things then as we do now. Like, how one's first crush feels. Although, not everyone's first crush is on the wardens daughter...


Reading Level: 10 and up

Characters:


Al Capone: He's Al Capone. 'Nuff said.


Moose: Protagonist. Natalie's younger brother, dad is an electrician on Alcatraz island.


Natalie: Moose's older sister, autistic


Piper: Warden's daughter... and Moose's crush


Series Information:

Followed by Al Capone Does my Shoes 

Similar Titles:

Bud, Not Buddy 
No Passengers Beyond This Point 

The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide (Book 1)


Citation: DiTerlizzi, Tony. The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide. Simon & Schuster, 2003.

Plot:

Jared, Mallory, and Simon Grace are moving into an old family home with their mother after their father has left their family. The family relocates to have a fresh start, particularly for Jared in school. Soon after moving in the children begin hearing strange sounds in the walls, but try to explain them away because it is, in fact, an old house. They begin hunting for the source of the sound, thinking it may be squirrels. When finding a hole in the wall, the Grace children reach in and find what appears to be a nest of sorts, with Mallory's ribbon and shiny things. While exploring, the children find a dumbwaiter which leads to a room with no door. In the room are weird books on dwarfs and other mythical creatures, and eventually happen up Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the World Around You which included information on faeries. With some reading Jared surmises that the house is probably inhabited by a Boggart, a type of faery, and not a squirrel. The Boggart had been causing mischief all over the house since its nest had been disrupted, and Jared figures out that if they return they apologize and help the Boggart with a new nest the mischief may stop. In the end the Boggart advises them to get rid of the Fieldguide, lest all faeries get upset. Liking his new home, he decides to stop with all the mischief.

Review:

This book was interesting, but I would classify it as reading down a bit for tweens. However, young tweens (5th and 6th grades) really love the large series, and are fascinated with the content. So despite the reading level, the books appeal to tweens and the content is very tween appropriate. The books are almost manageable Harry Potter books, in the sense that their length is friendly for readers that are put off by books with 500 pages, and the content is fantastical. With so many books in the series, tweens will end up reading lots of pages; they just won't realize it. I recommend this fantasy series for any young reader looking for a book akin to Narnia or anything similar.




Reading Level: 9 and up




Series Information:

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Similar Titles:

The Chronicles of Narnia
Harry Potter 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid






Citation: Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Omnibook, 2009.

Plot:

Greg Heffley is starting middle school (and writing in a *journal*, despite the fact that it says 'Diary' on the front). This novel follows Greg through his first day and first year at middle school, and what the words aren't able to convey, hilarious stick cartoons come to the rescue. Greg enters middle school planning to climb his way up the popularity ladder, despite his late bloomer best friend, Rowley. In the end, all Greg finds in his self-absorbed efforts is that he has lost his best friend, his safety-patrol post, and he's even less popular than Fregley... the resident least popular guy around. Can Greg get his best friend back? Can he avoid the high schoolers he and Rowley angered on Halloween? And even more importantly, can he avoid the slice of rotting cheese on the black top? Because no one with the dreaded 'cheese touch' (someone who has touched said cheese) will EVER be popular.


Review:

I can admit it: I actually liked this book. It made me remember those awkward middle school years, and I thought the dad in the book was hilarious. I definitely understand why tweens love these books (and movies). They really speak to what the tween years are all about: embarrassment and awkwardness. I can't imagine any tween who wouldn't relate to Diary in some form or another. Tweens will also appreciate that these books meet page requirements, but also include illustrations. They are nice transition books to larger, Harry Potter-esque books.

Reading Level:

9 and up

Series Information:

There are a ton of these books.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

Similar Titles:

Captain Underpants
Dork Diaries
Super Diaper Baby 

Image Credits in Video:

Image1: Retrieved from http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR56kKQEdzRK99OBnqPatnHRmoy7C9ytQHciBpKqep7Znqea2t-Sw on May 1, 2011.

Image2: Retrieved from http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOo9vnEWQe5LX0Nvqcp5BngMHkQPzEmdvwW3O61ITQSc60yGb8CA on May 1, 2011.

Image3: Retrieved from http://kids.aol.com/tag/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/ on May 1, 2011.

Image4: Retrieved from http://blog.filmjabber.com/2010/08/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-movie-review/ on May 1, 2011

Image5: Retrieved from http://www.poptower.com/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-movie-picture-23355.htm on May 1, 2011

Image6: Retrieved from http://lostinreviews.com/2010/03/wimpykid/ on May 1, 2011

Image7: Retrieved from http://movies.zap2it.com/movies/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/photo-gallery-detail/7876903/420183 on May 1, 2011

Image8: Retrieved from http://rustikatravel.com/fregly-diary-of-a-wimpy-kid on May 1, 2011

Image 9: Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/pop-culture-in-national/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-review on May 1, 2001

 

A Series of Unfortunate Events

This  Probably doesn't count as a book trailer, as it is too short. Also maybe I stole these pictures? I did sort Google to make sure these were able to be used. But I didn't save information to cite them. It was my first try, and I'm keeping it because it took me 2 hours (Animoto is hard, mmkay?). So, though it may not count for credit... I can't bring myself to delete it. I'll make a longer one eventually. 

*All images from Google images, licensed for reuse*

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning

Citation: Snicket, Lemony. A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning. HarperCollins, 1999.

Plot:


The title is quite correct: as far as the three Baudelaire children are concerned, these are indeed a series of Unfortunate events. Violet (the inventor), Klaus (the reader), and baby Sunny (the biter) are orphaned at the beginning of the book because their parents suddenly perished in a fire that consumed their entire home. The three young children then must go live with a crazy distant relative, Count Olaf, whom they had never met before. The giant house is dirty, Olaf is eccentric to say the least, and the three children miss their home. It soon becomes apparent that Olaf only has taken the children in order to control their inheritance, and schemes up a way to try and marry Violet in order to get the money. With Violet's skills and Klaus's knowledge (and maybe Sunny's biting) the children try to scheme a way out of the clutches of Count Olaf. Whether it works or not is another story. A probably sad, unfortunate story.


Review:


I really enjoyed this book, though I feel bad admitting it because it is sort of sad. Tweens will instantly love the Baudelaire children, sympathize with them, but find it difficult not to laugh at Olaf and become completely engaged in the story. Snicket is able to write an unfortunate story in a hilarious way, fortunately. This series has turned many tweens (girls and boys alike) into avid readers. The length isn't that of a Harry Potter book, thus making it readable for younger tweens. I highly recommend the hijinks of the Baudelaire children and the masterful writing of Lemony Snicket.


Reading Level:

8 and up

Characters:


Violet: Oldest Baudelaire, inventor

Klaus: Middle Baudelaire, avid reader

Sunny: Youngest Baudelaire, avid biter

Count Olaf: Crazy, money hungry count; actor by profession


Series Information:

The Reptile Room
The Wide Window
The Miserable Mill
The Austere Academy
The Ersatz Elevator
The Vile Village
The Hostile Hospital
The Carnivorous Carnival
The Slippery Slope
The Grim Grotto
The Penultimate Peril
The End

Similar Titles:

Harry Potter
The Graveyard Book
The Lightning Thief
Joey Pigza Series

Holes (The Movie)

Plot:

Stanley Yelnats is cursed, all thanks to his no good, pig stealing, great great great grandfather. The movie does an excellent job of depicting a somewhat complicated, yet engaging, story of a young boy that is always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Shoes fell from the sky, and the next thing Stanley knows he is at Camp Greenlake serving 18 months for stealing. At Camp Greenlake campers are forced to dig holes every day to build character. Soon Stanley begins to understand there is more to the hole digging than than just character building. The story flashes back and forth to Stanley's history, where his great great great grandfather failed to follow through with a promise to a fortune teller and his great great grandfather was then robbed blind by Kissin' Kate the bandit, proving the Yelnats have been cursed ever since. The movie flashes back to the pig stealing, how Kissin' Kate became Kissin' Kate (when Sam, her onion selling lover was killed for kissing her). Somehow everything comes together when Stanley discovers they are digging to uncover something lost by Kissin' Kate Barlow. When Zero, a fellow camper, runs off, Stanley eventually follows him. Stanley in Zero survive in the very same place Stanley's great grandfather survived in the desert, living on onions in the soil that have been growing from Sam's original farm (Kissin' Kate's lover). When Stanley carries Zero up to a stream (mind you, Zero is the descendant of the fortune teller, and Stanley is the descendant of his no good pig stealing grandfather), the curse is broken as Stanley has fulfilled his grandfather's end of the bargain. Stanley and Zero return to the camp and uncover the suitcase the warden (a descendant of Kate) has been looking for right when lawyers show up to save Stanley. Stanley survives an invasion of yellow spotted lizards because yellow spotted lizards hate onions; luckily that is what Stanley and Zero had been surviving on. In the end, the briefcase recovered says "Stanley Yelnats" on it, so the contents belong to him. The curse broken, Stanley and his inventor father become wealthy in the end.


Comparison to book:

The movie is almost EXACTLY the same as the book, making for a lengthy movie. The only real difference is that in the book Stanley is initially described as 'hefty', whereas that storyline doesn't really come about in the movie. However the intricate plot is depicted accurately in the movie. I had to admit, I wasn't sure it could be done.

Review:

The movie is REALLY good. It is completely appropriate, engaging, and heartwarming. I enjoyed the movie as much as the book, which is something I rarely find myself saying. The movie is older, yet the book is still so popular with young readers that the movie can be used to draw in new readers. The movie and book are difficult to book talk or even describe (see above) as the story is so complex. However, it isn't too complex to understand. Just complex enough to make it suspenseful and entertaining. Librarians can use the movie to support the book and vice versa. Tweens will love how accurate the movie is, and also tweens that may have some trouble understanding the book will enjoy having a movie to help them comprehend. I can't say enough about how great the movie, casting, and soundtrack are. They did Holes justice and I can honestly say that if you love the book, you'll love the movie.

A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Plot:

Meg and her brother Charles Wallace's father has been missing for over a year. He was working on a top-secret time travel experiment with the government and hasn't been heard from in a year. Charles Wallace, the prescient four year old of the family, is an old soul to say the least. He, his sister Meg, and a boy named Calvin are about to take the trip of a lifetime: through time and space. Charles Wallace befriends some odd neighbors that appear anything but human, and before they know it all three of them are traveling through space via a tesseract (a wrinkle in time that allows quick space/time travel). All three of them end up on a different planet all together, and the neighbors turn out to be creatures from a different place altogether trying to save the children's' father. Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin must battle 'The Dark Thing' on a distant planet alone in order to save their father. But what happens when The Dark Thing gets Charles Wallace, and Meg is the only one who can save him?

Review:

Somehow I made it through middle school without actually reading this book. To be honest, I was put off by the cover and the concept of time travel. Reading it now, I really enjoyed the book. I wish I could book talk it to my 11 year old self, and assure her that it is quite enjoyable despite being a science fiction book. For those who don't enjoy science-fiction, there are plenty of other plot lines and themes to keep you interested. Tessering aside, the budding interest between Meg and Calvin, the loss of one's father, and the love between siblings are powerful stories in the book that rise above the time travel and physics. And for those that enjoy science-fiction... get started! I highly recommend it, and now plan to read the accompanying books.

Reading Level:

10 and up

Similar Titles:
The Phantom Tollbooth
When You Reach Me
Bridge to Terabithia 

Series Information:

The Time Quintet:
Many Waters
A Wind in the Door
A Swiftly Tilting Planet
An Acceptable Time


Character Descriptions:

Meg: Charles Wallace's sister, oldest child, unpopular in school, at an awkward age

Charles Wallace: Youngest sibling, precocious and other-worldly

Calvin: Meg's classmate, seemingly popular yet other-worldly like Charles Wallace

Mrs. Which, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit: These 'ladies' help the children, are later described in the book as Angels

Sea of Monsters

Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Citation:

Riordan, R. (2006). Sea of Monsters. New York : Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children. 


Plot:

Percy was back at home, back in school, and trying to live a normal life despite being the son of Greek sea God Poseidon. However, at the end of the year, this becomes impossible when a team of laestrygonians (cannibalistic cyclops giants) invade his school. On top of that? Percy is told he can't return to camp half-blood because it has been under attack as well (apparently the protection around the camp has been failing). Percy returns to the camp that is under siege with Annabeth, his friend. Percy begins having nightmares about Grover, his satyr friend, and feels pulled to venture out and save him. Percy and Annabeth venture out on a quest that could not only save Grover, but also save camp half blood (by retrieving the golden fleece). Where is Grover? Do they succeed? Read Sea of Monsters to venture out with Percy and find out.

Review:

I think the Percy Jackson series is awesome. The way it ties in modern day life with Greek mythology is amazing. The best part? Students don't have to understand all of the mythology to understand the book. But by reading it, they will be introduced to key myths and historical figures, making their 9th grade reading of The Iliad and The Odyssey much more entertaining. Riordan makes an educational topic entertaining and engaging, which warms the cockles of my English teacher heart.  

Reading Level: 11 and up

Similar Titles: The Lightning Thief, Harry Potter

Character Descriptions:

Percy: Half-God, half-mortal, young Percy Jackson is the twelve year old son of the sea God, Poseidon. Percy shouldn't have been born, as Poseidon was not supposed to sire any more children, and now he must live up to the Gods' standards. In the first novel the twelve-year old Percy must go on a quest to find and return Zeus' master bolt, a large quest for such a young boy. Not to mention, Percy is also trying to save his mother and avoid monsters along the way.

Grover: Grover is a satyr that protects Percy, accompanies him on his journey, and hoped to someday become a 'seeker' such that he can find the God Pan.

Annabeth: Annabeth is Athena's (Greek Goddess of war) daughter. She has family issues with her mortal father and has lived at camp 'half-blood' most of her life. She accompanies Percy on his quest, having always wanted to prove herself in the field. She is strong, cunning, and the reader can't help but hope that she ends up kissing Percy at some point.

Personal Thoughts:  

I can admit it: I totally plan to finish this series when I have time.

Hoot

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen 


Plot: Roy Eberhardt relocates from Florida to Montana and experiences the typical things a new kid has to go through: making friends bullying, missing home. However, the day Roy spots a barefoot kid running past his bus stop, Roy's life takes an interesting turn. He decides to find the boy, nicknamed Mullet Fingers, and befriends him. Roy and Mullet Fingers join forces (in a way) to help save some local burrowing owls from a pancake restaurant chain. Somehow along the way, alligators end up in port-a-potties and a bully ends up naked and tied to a flagpole. But what about the owls? The pancake restaurant is huge, and appears to be moving forward despite the burrowing owls living on the land and being protected. Can Roy and Mullet Fingers beat the pancake house and save the owls? Maybe. But not without massive shenanigans along the way.

Review:

This is a funny adventure tale of a young boy taking on the establishment with the help of some interesting and unexpected friends. The book is super engaging, and is appropriate for younger tweens wanting to read-up. Tweens will immediately like Roy, relating to his struggles with having to move and deal with bullying. Roy outsmarts his bully in the end, and his tale of triumph is one that tweens of all ages will enjoy. 


Reading Level: 11 and up


Similar Titles: Flush, Holes


Character Descriptions:

Roy Eberhardt: The new kid in school who takes up the mission of helping Mullet Fingers save the burrowing owls.

Beatrice Leep: She's big, she plays soccer, and eventually she befriends Roy. But it wasn't easy. She also happens to be related to Mullet Fingers.

Officer Delinko: The police officer, who is trying to become a detective, that bumbled the pancake site investigation initially and became obsessed with solving it.

Curly: The supervisor of the pancake site, always trying to break ground and get started.

Mullet Fingers: The running, shoeless boy devoting his life to avoiding his mother and saving the burrowing owls.

Dana Matherson:The school bully with a penchant for torturing Roy on the bus.

Personal Thoughts:  


I am a huge fan of Hiaasen's adult fiction, so I was really excited to have an excuse to read is YA novels. Hiaasen even integrates some familiar characters and scenes from his other books into his younger novels. They are very characteristic of Hiaasen, with many plot lines coming together to create a hilarious, masterfully crafted tale that is of course set in Florida.

The Tween Wears Prada

 

The Kiddie Couturiers

Citation: Wilson, E. (2011). The Kiddie Couturiers. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/fashion/24KIDDIES.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=tween&st=cse&scp=3

Reflection:

The article begins by chronicling the reaction to a 'spoof' article about a tween fashion designer. The problem? The spoof didn't exactly work. People responded wanting more information and praising the tween designer, not getting the joke. However, the article continues by discussing actual, live tween designers (such as Cecilia Cassini pictured above). There are tweens, such as Cecilia, obsessed with and designing fashion at their young age. The article takes a somewhat negative stance against the tween couturier movement, presenting arguments that tweens lack the history, culture, and craft of older designers. Also, by being a fashion designer, tweens are being exposed to public scrutiny at a young age.

While I definitely see the merit of the argument regarding public scrutiny, I think the same argument would then apply to young actors and writers. If one views fashion as an art form, should we really be hesitant to let young children experiment with their dreams? Should we tell young writers that they should wait until they're older to write? I think we have to walk a fine line here. It is ultimately up to the parents to prepare public tweens for the scrutiny and to decide if it is right for their child. And while I personally am not sure what decision I would make, I think we as a public have to decide how to react and what our reaction means to the up and coming artists, inventors, and dreamers. Does talent have an age limit?  

Resources:

Cecilia Cassini's site:

http://www.ceciliacassini.com/

Tween GPS

GPS Tracking Services and Your Teen

Citation: (2011). GPS Tracking Services and your Teen. Retrieved from
http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/02/gps-tracking-services-and-your-teen/

Reflection:

Social networking technology has reached a new level by integrating GPS tracking services. Many people are familiar with Facebook places, foursquare, and gowalla. This article debates teens using these services that give away their actual physical location for safety reasons. A simple check-in could lead to big trouble.

What I thought was the most interesting about this article for me is that though I even use these technologies, and I am aware that young tweens and teens do so as well, I never really thought of what a problem this could be. Probably because I'm an adult, I don't have tween children, and I understand the importance of having privacy settings on my profiles. But may young tweens might not have the foresight to have appropriate levels of security, and even if they do, children posting there exact location is never a good idea. A predator would then have your picture, name, and location... all making their job much easier.

I think it is important for adults to understand these technologies so that we can better understand what is actually happening and how to protect our youth. I remember hearing 'foursquare' a while back and thinking nothing of it; I didn't know what it was. I can easily imagine a parent thinking something similar as their child pulls out their phones and checks in. Information is power, and I think it might be helpful for a middle school librarian to integrate safety about these web 2.0 tools into some discussions. In the era of findability, we're all going to have to work together to keep tweens and teens safe. I bet Mrs. Cleaver didn't have to worry about this...

Resources:

Google Family Safety Center:
http://www.google.com/familysafety/

NetSmart for tweens:
http://www.nsteens.org/

To Dye or Not To Dye

Bold Hair Hues Lead to Suspension for 6th-Grader

Citation: Sammons, Mary. (2011). Bold Hair Hues Lead to Suspension for 6th Grader. Retrieved from
http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/16/bold-hair-hues-lead-to-suspension-for-sixth-grader/

Reflection:

This article describes a young 6th grade girl who was suspended from school for having blonde and red streaks in her hair. Seriously. I did NOT just make that up. Click the URL above if you don't believe me. Do it... I'll wait.

On one hand, I understand the need for a dress code and a code of conduct in a school. It is important for safety, privacy, liability, etc. Apparently the hair dye conflicted with the student code, which states that students cannot dye their hair. But the girl streaked her hair with NATURALLY OCCURRING colors. She didn't dye her hair sea monster green, something which might actually distract fellow students. The girls mom actually paid to have it professionally done.

So she was suspended, because the principal can't have an outbreak of dyed hair. Watch out now, kids might get ideas and start expressing themselves. I mean, what if I am born a brunette, but I think I am actually a blonde? I can be suspended for righting that wrong? (This is hypothetical, of course). I suppose you can wait until you graduate, but I just thought we would have evolved as a society to the point where a girl could highlight her hair without being suspended.

Again, the tween age is a tricky one. Some girls may be wanting to highlight their hair, while others still don't even care about their hair. I think there should be some reasonable flexibility, where tweens can express their individuality within the confines of appropriate school rules. I can understand not dying your hair blue (maybe). But methinks this school may be a little on the strict (read: draconian) side.

Bathroom Doors: Right or Privilege?

Was Principal Right To Remove Bathroom Doors?

http://www.tweentribune.com/content/was-principal-right-remove-bathroom-doors

Citation: (2011). Was Principal Right to Remove Bathroom Doors?. Retrieved from http://www.tweentribune.com/content/was-principal-right-remove-bathroom-doors

Reflection:

I felt compelled to respond when I happened upon this article for a variety of reasons. First, this article really illustrates some of the issues that one deals with when dealing with tweens. The age gap between tweens is enormous. Some are vandalizing school property, while I've met tweens who wouldn't even understand what graffiti is. Obviously disciplining this age group effectively can be a rough task, same as instructing them can be.

While destruction of public property is serious and should be stopped, my initial reaction was against the action this principal chose. Especially at such a vulnerable age, removing privacy in the bathroom of all locations is risky and insensitive. While I must admit the punishment was effective, I can't help but wonder if there couldn't have been a different way to maintain privacy, dignity, and understanding and yet still deter vandalism. Not all tweens were destroying the bathroom, yet all tweens had to go to school and possibly use that restroom without doors.

I suppose my reaction is biased; I remember clearly being a middle school girl and what that would have felt like to me. Also, somewhere inside I disagree with punishing everyone for the acts of a few. I think when dealing with children, and especially this age, we have to be mindful of the changes they are going through, their needs, and the potential risks of doing something as extreme as removing the doors in a public restroom. The article cites many parents being upset, and even claiming the punishment may be unconstitutional. I have to say, I probably would've faked sick that week were I a tween.

Tiger Moms

Who Benefits From The ‘Battle’ Over Tiger Mothers?

http://www.ypulse.com/guest-post-who-benefits-from-the-battle-over-tiger-mothers

Citation: (2011). Who Benefits From The 'Battle' Over Tiger Mothers?. Retrieved from http://www.ypulse.com/guest-post-who-benefits-from-the-battle-over-tiger-mothers

Reflection:

When I first read a similar article about the book Battle Hymm of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua on Yahoo!, I couldn't really see how this would apply to 'tweens', though I was immediately inrigued and had a very visceral reaction to the article. When I saw a guest post on this book on Ypulse specifically applying it to tweens, I jumped at the opportunity to reflect a little more on the article and how it applies to today's tweens.

First, whether you agree with her or not, Chua has put forth some interesting parenting advice in her new book. It is now a spoken part of our culture, and that makes it worth discussing. In Chua's book she claims that her children were required to play an instrument, were forced to practice for hours, never praised, and even insulted. The article takes a negative stance towards Chua and her draconian parenting rules (such as no sleepovers or playdates -- ever). The author of the Ypulse article refutes Chua's claim that Chinese mothers do it best, because Chua's children are not even grown as of yet. Also, Chua relies mainly on stereotypes and attacks many common western parenting practices in her books.

Aside from the book, the article, and my own distaste for everything Chua has had to say about parenting thus far, I think it is important to take note of her. There are tweens being raised in this way, and I am hoping to some day serve tweens. Like it or not, I'd like to be open to tweens of all types, and having a better understanding of where a tween may be coming from is always important. So while I personally disagree with Chua, some tweens will have these 'Tiger Moms'. It is important to be culturally aware of what is going on with tweens if we want to support them properly, remaining objective in the library.

But at home, I can comfortably say that I think Chua is insane. The 'Little White Donkey' incident made me a little sick to my stomach. And aside from understanding from what tweens may be going through on the parenting front, this article helps me better understand how I can support them at school. It reminds me of what I believe, and how I personally want to treat children: with understanding, compassion, flexibility, honesty, and truth.

Resources:
 
Tiger Moms: Is Tough Parenting Really the Answer?

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2043313,00.html

Flinching From the Tiger Mom

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thinking-about-kids/201101/flinching-the-tiger-mom

Tiger Mothers: Raising Children the Chinese Way

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/11/132833376/tiger-mothers-raising-children-the-chinese-way

Update

I'm totally aware that I sucked hard in February. Also, my professional reading log is pretty much non-existent. I plan to take some Charlie Sheen this month and start WINNING.

In the meantime, please enjoy this appropriate picture: