Miranda Cosgrove

 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/magazine/mag-27cosgrove-t.html

*This post existed, with an appropriate picture and awesome, thoughtful, witty text. But Blogger ate it. However, were the text here at this very moment, you'd be impressed. 

On this post I discussed the tween queen industries, the pressure Miranda must feel, and how we may be setting ourselves up for constant disappointment by idolizing young girls before they grow up and then casting them aside when they finally start dating and smoking salvia in no particular order.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato: I Have Bipolar Disorder

Cotliar, Sharon. Demi Lovato: I Have Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20483380,00.html

Demi Lovato has recently left a treatment facility, and is now speaking out about her eating disorders and her bipolar disorder. Demi spent three months in a treatment facility, and now explains that she was cutting herself, depressed, and suffering from a variety of eating disorders. Demi was the star of Disney's Sonny with a Chance and also had a very successful vocal career, touring with the Jonas brothers when she abruptly stopped to seek treatment.

I find this story incredibly sad, and though I know it applies to tweens *somehow*, I couldn't exactly figure out what I thought. Is Lovato a bad role model for kids because of all this? Or is Lovato inspiration, humanizing herself and bringing a tween/teen voice to the aforementioned disorders? I'm deciding to go with the positive slant. I think it is sad that she felt such pressure and sadness, possibly a lot of it due to the limelight. However, coming forward and talking about it might help tween/teen girls feeling similar. Lovato was still suffering from her break-up with Joe Jonas, and was crumbling under the pressure to be prettier, successful, etc. While every tween girl may not be dating a JoBro, the feelings are universal. Lovato brings up the point that she needed HELP. Eating disorders, cutting, depression -- these are not normal, acceptable things. If anything, I think her story may inspire young tweens to seek help or help others. Lovato humanizes the 'tween queens'; sometimes this humanizing process is looked down upon or happens in a negative way (a la Miley and salvia), but I feel Lovato's story is real and can be helpful.

Willow Smith "Whip My Hair"

 

Summary:

In the video Willow Smith enters a bland, white, routine school and spices things up. With her colorful appearance and dance moves, Willow begins changing things up immediately. Pretty soon she unleashes her hair, dipped in paint colors, and begins whipping it back and forth (well, I really couldn't think of a better phrase here). She begins literally painting the walls and the people, adding color and personality to an otherwise bland and banal surrounding. On a deeper level, the lyrics in the song profess self-love and rising above conflict. Maybe I'm stretching it, but Willow sings about rising above haters and whippin' yo hair anyways. To me this is about being yourself and doing what makes you happy, no matter what is being said. Fine, I probably am stretching it. But it makes me happy.

Review:

The song is catchy, and young Willow Smith is age appropriate for young tweens. Her lyrics are appropriate, and the subject matter works well with tweens. It really helps that she is tween age herself, as tweens feel comfortable relating to her. Her song is fun and catchy (though I'll admit that it gets a bit annoying). Her video is wholesome and entertaining, and if you're trying really hard to steer your tween away from some of the other questionable music materials out there, I think this is a good, wholesome way to go. Now good luck getting it out of your head.

Age: 8 and up

Similar Artists:

Demi Lovato

Selena Gomez

Taylor Swift

Justin Bieber "Baby"

 

Summary:

What would a tween blog be without the Biebs? Here is Bieber in his popular video for "Baby." The video takes place in a bowling alley. The song is about a young teen experiences heartbreak for the first time. The song even features the rapper Ludacris, giving Biebs some street cred. In the song Bieber is trying to get back his first love, offering her everything, and singing about the pain of losing one's first love. In the video Bieber is chasing the girl around, trying to impress her with his super cool dance moves in the bowling alley. He's like, "baby, baby, baby, ohhhh...." And probably it works.

Review:

I'm not a huge Bieber fan. In my opinion, he looks and sounds a little too much like a teen girl for me to really get it. I mean, if I want to listen to a girl, I will. Bieber just confuses me, really. But tween girls are obsessed with him. The day I mentioned Bieber in a 6th grade classroom, there was standing, screeching, and nearly a riot as girls fought over which one was going to marry him. SERIOUSLY. I learned really quick to not ask a whole lot about Bieber unless you want to hear a WHOLE LOT about Bieber. I guess the song hits home with the age group, as lots are experiencing infatuation and loss for the first time at that age. And for some reason Bieber's non-threatening androgyny is like crack for tween girls. Thus, "Baby" is a HUGE hit.

Ages: 9 and up

Similar Artists:

I think tween students would be pissed if I put anything here, because according to them? NO ONE can compare to the Biebs.

BrainSurge

BrainSurge


About:

BrainSurge is a game show on Teen Nick. The show focuses on memory, asking tweens and teens questions about images they just saw or stories they just heard. If the contestants can recall details and patterns, they will advance. When you lose, you go down the brain drain, a slide filled with slime. In the last level the remaining contestant must recreate a pattern on a giant square of light squares. Of course, winners get lots of cool, age appropriate prizes.

Review:


This is a great, hilarious, entertaining show that is fun for the entire family. The questions are age appropriate, and it is a game that kids can play along at home with. It reminds me a bit of Double Dare from my generation, just with less obstacles and more slime. Or maybe it isn't really a lot like Double Dare at all, except for the slime part. Either way, the questions and stories are usually hilarious, the show is suspenseful, and who doesn't like to watch people slide down a tube of slime or win cool prizes?


Ages:


8 and up



Similar Shows:

I can't really think of any other game show type shows for this age group. I even Googled it. I mean, Jeopardy! does teen week. That's about it.

Phineas and Ferb

Phineas and Ferb


About:

Phineas and Ferb is an animated show on Disney XD. Phineas and Ferb are smart little guys, always coming up with insane inventions and creations that would get any other child into trouble. Phineas and Ferb are always getting away with their hijinks because despite the fact that their older sister Candace always catches them in the act, Phineas and Ferb somehow are always able to fix things and clean up before their mom or dad catches them. The show is hilarious, with Phineas and Ferb creating time machines and even monster truck racing tracks in their backyard.

Review:

This is a great, wholesome show for tweens. However, I do see it mainly appealing to younger tweens. The show is actually funny enough to where a parent can watch the show with a tween and not feel like jumping off of a tall building (I write from experience). The content of the show is age appropriate and family friendly, which is my favorite thing about it. I think tweens will enjoy the mischief that Phineas and Ferb get into and out of during the show. I see lots of 5th and 6th graders with Phineas and Ferb backpacks and folders, so I'm pretty sure the show is popular with at least some in the tween age group. Disney XD is really marketed towards the tweens, trying to separate itself from regular Disney (and shows like Handy Manny).

Ages:  I can't really think of an age that the show would be inappropriate for. However, interest and/or understanding would probably start at about 7, and the appeal lasting up until late tweens/early teens (maybe longer).


Similar Shows:
Kick Buttowski
Jimmy Two-Shoes

Big Time Rush

Big Time Rush


About:
This show is about a young boy band trying to make it in the big time. They are being managed by the same guy that allegedly has managed a bunch of other popular boy bands, and they have to live together in a small apartment and follow this guys rules. In many episodes he refers to them as the "dogs" as they are in training. The show pits the boys against the big time music execs, as the boys attempt to be successful in their own way in many episodes. Usually episodes end with BTR coming out on top, even if they accidentally installed a water slide into their apartment. There is occasionally some tension about the 'fame' getting to one of the members, and sometimes the boys lose their heads a bit, but they usually find their way back together and to the ground before the end of the episode.

Review:
This show is *really* corny, sound effects and all. Also, these boys are teengage boys (maybe early twenties) and really hot (can I say that without sounding like a cougar?) That just makes the whole show seem really unrealistic. The humor isn't even that funny, which makes it even worse. These boys may be from Minnesota.. but come on. I just think they look way to old to be selling the image they're selling. But I'm old and jaded, apparently, and young girls are eating this up. BTR is even big with boys in the middle school, they're on the cover of Teen Bop, and Snoop Dogg was in their most recent video. Obviously these guys are the next New Kids or something, and their singing is nice, but the show just seems silly to me. Probably because I'm not a tween girl.


Ages: 11 and up




Similar Shows:
iCarly
Sonny with a Chance
Zeke and Luther

Victorious

Victorious


About:
Victorious is a show about a group of friends in high school. Victoria is a really good singer, and her sister, Trina, is super annoying. Victoria secretly it would appear has a crush on her friend Beck, but Beck is going out with her other friend Jade. This creates some interesting tension, especially since Jade is a snot. One of the friends carries a ventriloquist dummy around with him and pretends it is a separate person. I watched at least 5 episodes of the show, and can't really figure out why he does this. Actually, one of the episodes I watched chronicled the dummy getting hurt and staying in the hospital, and unfortunately he recovered. I watched an hour long special where Victoria sung her new hit "Freak the Freak Out" in a karaoke bar, and there was some drama. It is like a 90210, but aimed at a much younger audience, throw in some humor, and the dummy, and then you have Victorious.

Review:
My son likes this show, and lots of tween girls were explaining to me how much they love this show. However, I found it really hard to get into the show. I mean, the Beck kid is cute, and I'd kinda like to see him date Tori, but not enough to keep watching. The whole ventriloquist dummy thing? Really weirded me out. I spent 2.5 hours of my life trying to figure out why in the hell this kid is carrying around a dummy. Seriously, why? I guess I get the appeal, but this isn't one of those shows I'd actually watch *with* my tween.


Ages: 11 and up




Similar Shows:
iCarly
Zack & Cody: The Suite Life
Zeke and Luther
Sonny with a Chance

iCarly

iCarly

About:
This show is about a teenager, Carly Shay, and her two best friends, Sam and Freddie, and their wacky web show that they do from home after school. The show follows them through high school, their home lives, and features their hilarious web show. Carly, Sam, and Freddie are always getting into hijinks at school (though Carly is definitely the good girl). In one episode they all try to get detention to film iCarly from detention (luckily the principal turned out to be a fan), they took a trip to Japan for the iWeb awards, were kidnapped by a psycho fan, and lots more.


Review:
This show is hilarious and addicting. The humor actually would appeal to such a huge audience. My six year old son loves it, and my husband and I secretly don't mind watching. The episode where they made fun of the Twilight phenomena? Had me and my husband rolling in laughter. The show is super wholesome, making it appropriate to have on even when younger siblings are in the room. There is the occasional smooch, but nothing inappropriate or graphic. Most of the web show antics are hilarious, such as attacking an army of raw eggs with Wii controllers. The show would definitely appeal to both genders, and tweens throughout the entire tweenage years.


Ages: 7 and up


Similar Shows:
Tru Jackson, VP
Sonny with a Chance
Victorious

Taylor Swift: "Mean"

Taylor Swift: "Mean" Music Video

Summary:

The video is a recording of Taylor Swift at the Country Music Awards show. The song is about being teased or somehow tormented by others and eventually overcoming that. In the lyrics Taylor points out how someday she's going to rise above it all, and be successful in spite of her naysayers. While she grows as a person, the people who have brought her down will only remain "mean", stunted in personal growth. A line that really sums up the song as a whole is, "Someday I'll be living in a big ole city/ And all you're ever gonna be is mean."
Review:


I really liked the song, and it is easy to see why Taylor is such a favorite among tweens (especially girls). Her lyrics are easily relatable to things going on in young girls' lives. I think this song will inspire a lot of tweens to rise above the teasing and pettiness that can happen in middle (and even high) school, and realize that we aren't defined by the comments other people make about us. Taylor is a great example, having been teased and bullied herself, and then growing up to be a famous singer. Tweens can understand that it happens to lots of people, and that it gets better. Also, you should be careful who you tease. They may grow up and write a song about you.

Victoria Justice: "Freak The Freak Out"

Victoria Justice: "Freak The Freak Out" Music Video

Summary:

Victoria Justice is the protagonist on a popular Nickelodeon show titled 'Victorious'. Victoria Justice is simultaneously pursuing a singing career, and fusing it with the show a la Hannah Montana. In an hour long special of the show Victoria premiered her new song "Freak the Freak out." The song is about being unsatisfied with someone who just isn't listening or responding in the way you'd like them to, and thus requiring you to then freak out. The video is the cast ensemble of the show all singing and dancing to the song.

Review:

The song is super catchy. I actually bought it on iTunes for my son, and was walking around humming it for a day or two. You can like the song even if you don't like the show, they're separate really. The show is a springboard for the song, but the song it its own thing. I speak from experience, because the show definitely isn't my favorite. The song is pretty age appropriate, without explicit language or sexual innuendos. However, the words "freak the freak out" sort of resemble the f*bomb a little, so younger listeners might have parents that disapprove. The first time I heard my son say the lyrics I thought he was swearing. Other than that, it's a catchy song with banal lyrics.


Ages: 10 and up


Similar Artists:
Miranda Cosgrove
Selena Gomez
Demi Lovato
Miley Cyrus

Big Time Rush: "Boyfriend"

Big Time Rush: "Boyfriend" Music Video

Plot:


The song is sung by Big Time Rush, a carefully designed boy band with a show in Nickelodeon. The song is about wanting to be someone's boyfriend, and despite being a couple minutes long, I really can't say too much more than that about the lyrics. The plot of the video is apparently the band visits a futuristic society through a time portal, wants to date a futuristic girl, meets Snoop Dogg, and then they come back. All the while, they still really want to be someone's boyfriend.


Review:


The song is *really* catchy, and I am really surprised Snoop Dogg is in it. Either he really likes BTR, or he's selling out big time to support his marijuana habit. Either way, I was just floored. He even sings in it. That's right, the rapper that came out with "Murder was the Case that they Gave me" is now in a music video on Nickelodeon. Anyways, tween girls are digging this band. The show is appropriate, and the video isn't bad really. The fact is, compared with a lot of other things on the market, this video and song are really tame.




Ages: I would say 11ish and up. Do they need to be worried about b-b-b-b-boyfriends much earlier?


Similar Artists:

Justin Bieber
Miranda Cosgrove
Selena Gomez

Savvy

Savvy by Ingrid Law



*All images in the video taken from Creativecommons.org

Citation: Law, Ingrid. Savvy. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008.

Plot:

Mississippi Beaumont (Mibs for short) is a lot like other kids. Well, except for one thing -- On their 13th birthdays? Beaumonts get their savvy. Their savvy is a unique, individual, almost magical power that they then must learn to control. Fish, Mibs' brother, controls water and weather. Rocket, Mibs' other older brother, controls electricity. Mibs? Well, she's just turning 13. But right before her most important birthday, Mibs' father is rendered unconscious by a terrible car accident. Mibs' mom rushes to the hospital, leaving Mibs and her siblings alone with the pastor's wife. Mibs is nervous about turning 13 in front of strangers, without her mother. Mibs, convinced her savvy may help her papa, sneaks onto the pink bus of a Bible salesman in hopes he may be heading towards the hospital. She is unexpectedly joined by her brothers, and Bobbi and Will (the pastor's children). Then? Mibs' savvy kicks in, as if the adventure weren't enough. The kids are in for a bumpy ride as Lester, the salesman, tries to keep his job and help the kids. Mibs is trying to tame her savvy, which is hearing what people are thinking when there is ink on their skin, and also trying to deal with the fact that this might not even help her papa. Do they ever make it to the hospital? Does Mibs' papa wake up?

 
Review:


I really, really loved this book. It was a quick read, mostly because I could barely put it down. I think middle schoolers would love this book, as it has a little bit of everything in it -- magic, siblings, love, family, cute boys, cute girls, and a giant pink bus. What else could a tween want? I thought the ending was perfect, and for being a fantasy book, it had very real elements in it. In my opinion, girls will identify with the awkward Mibs Beaumont, and boys will want to be like Fish or Rocket Beaumont.
 
Reading Level: 10 and up




Series Information: Followed by Scumble  
Similar Titles:  




Waiting for Normal
Harry Potter
Spiderwick Chronicles

School of Fear

School of Fear

Citation: Daneshvari, Gitty. School of Fear. Little, Brown, 2009.

Plot:

Garrison, Madeline, Lulu, and Theo all have paralyzing fears of water, insects, confined spaces, and death (respectively). These fears are crippling to the point where they cannot function normally in society. As a last stitch effort, their parents decide to send them to the elusive, secretive 'School of Fear' for the summer. Upon arriving, the kids notice immediately something isn't right with the old house (with no phone lines). Mrs. Wellington and Schmidty are the only people running the school, and appear to have a few screws loose. Mrs. Wellington focuses on beauty pageant tips and Schmidty is busy with his comb over. Just as the kids are sure they will get to help, the old lawyer Munchauser shows up with terrible news: Mrs. Wellington's one failure is back. This news (allegedly) kills Mrs. Wellington, she leaves her fortune to her dog Macaroni, and Munchauser tries to steal the dog (and effectively the fortune). The kids are sent on a wild goose chase after the disgusting Munchauser in an attempt to rescue the dog (and the fortune) for Schmidty. However, the kids all have top confront their fears along the way in order to save the dog. Can they succeed?

Review:

I thought this book was a little ridiculous. I also thought that there were many extended scenes and plot details that were completely irrelevant to the story, and I found myself slogging through the entire middle of the book. The end got interesting, and it was engaging to watch the kids confront their fears. Younger tweens will enjoy the book, and all the ones I know do enjoy the book. It is part of a series, and it is very popular in the 5th and 6th grades. It is appropriate, sometimes funny, and tweens will relate to the social dynamic that forms between the kids in the story (including the crush between Garrison and Madeline).

Reading Level: 9 and up






Series Information:

Followed by School of Fear 2: Class is Not Dismissed



Similar Titles:  

The Name of this Book is Secret
Hoot
Flush
Ook Gluk 

Trojans for Tweens

 

Free condoms offered for 11 year olds

Citation: Kenworthy, Pete. Free Condoms Offered for 11 Year Olds. Retrieved from: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/national/free-condoms-offered-for-11-year-olds

This article details the new program offered by the Philadelphia department of health named Take Control Philly that will dispense free condoms to tweens and teens, ages 11-19. The article details young tweens and teens that cut school to have sex, have sex in the bathrooms, or even on the school yard. Philadelphia is having a huge surge of tweens and teens affected by sexually transmitted disease and they're trying to combat these numbers by giving away contraceptives. This movement of course has been met with adversity, with many people outraged that children so young are being handed condoms. Many feel that abstinence should be taught, and many are wondering where adults and parents are when all of this is happening. Many articles and news segments are being written and filmed in opposition to Philadelphia's program. It really is hard to find an objective news piece on this topic.

On one hand, I definitely see both sides. Isn't 11 too young? We're talking about 5th and 6th graders here. Should we be handing them condoms? Is that tantamount to condoning sex for such a young age group? On the other hand, reports in Philadelphia are showing that they are doing it. So, is it better to at least protect them? I personally think that any contraceptives should be paired with proper education about sexual behaviors. Many thing discussing abstinence is unrealistic, however giving information about how sexual activity at too young of an age can be harmful to one's body might be beneficial. I understand those that say throwing free condoms at 11 year olds can be harmful; are we giving tweens permission to engage in sexual activity? In my opinion Philadelphia needs to be ramping up its sexual education programs as much as its contraceptive programs. And maybe even education for parents. I don't disagree with protection, but I think just as much information should be given regarding prevention.

And I do agree with some naysayers; how the heck is this happening on campus?

Resources:

Take Control Philly

http://www.takecontrolphilly.org/

Philadelphia Department of Health

http://www.phila.gov/health/

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Movie)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Movie)
Plot:

On Harry's 11th birthday he is informed that he is a wizard and will be attending Hogwart's school of wizardry and magic. Harry is living with his aunt and uncle, as his parents were killed when he was a baby. The aunt and uncle are hesitant to let Harry go, or even deliver him his mail, yet they can't overpower the giant Hagrid that comes to tell Harry about his abilities. Harry ends up heading to Hogwart's where he takes classes on potions and broom riding, makes new friends (namely the famous Ron and Hermione), and even makes the quidditch team. However the three friends soon discover that something is amiss at Hogwart's, as a troll is on the loose and a giant three-headed dog is guarding something in the basement. Harry is also in the process of learning who he really is, being the boy who lived despite being attacked by fame evil wizard Voldemort. The three friends fear Voldemort is attempting to use the sorcerer's stone to return to power and decide they need to get to the stone before Voldemort. After battling a maze of traps, Harry makes it to the stone only to find his professor, Quirrel, already there attempting to bring Voldemort back. Harry nearly dies, yet his touch burns Quirrel and he survives in time for Dumbledore to save him. Before Harry leaves for the summer he learns Dumbledore will destroy the sorcerer's stone. Yet Harry doubts he heard the last of Voldemort.


Comparison to book:

I'm currently in the process of re-reading the first Harry Potter novel, as it has been years since I have read it. Thus, I can't really relay any significant differences between the book and the movie at this time. I plan to update this section when I'm done reading. I do, however, remember thinking that the movie was a pretty accurate rendition of the book. Most of the Harry Potter movies have to remove some scenes for length reasons, but they are all pretty true to the original plot line.


Review:

This is an excellent movie that is very significant to tweens. Harry Potter was first published in 1998, yet every year the next generation of tweens checks out the giant volumes, carry them around school, and become completely immersed in Harry's world from beginning to end. The stories grow in maturity as the characters grow, making the first couple volumes the most appropriate for younger tweens. This series has significant staying power, with the final installments of the movie still coming out years later. Tweens have grown up alongside Harry Potter and will continue to do so for years to come. Librarians are mostly thankful to the series for encouraging children to read, and we can still use the popularity for this purpose today. Tweens that have seen the movies can be drawn into reading the series, and the movie is appropriate for the age group such that vice versa can be said. A media presentation on movies would really be remiss if it lacked the presence of the young wizard.

Eclipse (Movie)

Eclipse
Plot:


There have been a string of killings all over Seattle, and Victoria (a vampire, also enemy of Bella and Edward) is back and hunting Bella, determined to take Edward's lover as her's was taken from her. As it would turn out, Victoria is creating a newborn (new vampires) army to attack the Cullen clan. The Volturi (vampire secret police) are aware, but just letting it happen because they sort of don't like the Cullens. Mostly because the Cullens have super awesome powers, yet won't join the Volturi. The movie of course features the famed love triangle between Bella, Jacob, and Edward and has Bella constantly being pulled back and forth between the two as they both step in to watch her and protect her from Victoria. Jacob even cuddles Bella in a tent in from of Edward (awkward, right?) and then kisses Bella before the big battle between the Cullens and the newborns (even more awkward unless you're team Jacob) (Edward probably isn't team Jacob). In the end, the Cullens triumph, however the Volturi are all, "You need to turn Bella into a vampire. Or else we'll do something bad and Volturi like." So now Bella has to be a vampire. That'll probably happen in the next movie.


Comparison to book:

The movie is a lot like the book with just a few tweaks here and there. The newborn vampire army is handled a little differently, with Victoria using a human to control it. Also, the string of killings is presented a little differently, but I mean it's a movie, so it kinda has to be. Also, there is a newborn that tries to seek refuge, but the Volturi kill her anyways. That wasn't in the book. But to be honest, the movie mirrors the book almost completely.

Review:

I really went back and forth on including Twilight in *anything* because some of the content is really questionable for tweens. In my personal opinion, there is a level of violence and sexual tension that really may be more appropriate for older teens. But the reality is, this is what tweens are consuming. I decided to go for balance. Tweens are also watching the movie "Sucker Punch" but that doesn't even border on appropriate. Twilight is in a gray area, and I felt comfortable placing it at the "older tween" end of the spectrum because so many tweens and moms are standing in line for hours before each of these movies comes out. Tweens are coming to school in shirts that say "My boyfriend is a vampire". The 'vampire' craze is an important part of tween culture right now (like it or not). So, here is the latest Twilight movie: Eclipse. It is what it is, really. Bella isn't the best character, the story is a tad violent, and borders on inappropriate. However, if tweens are going to watch it, librarians can use this knowledge to encourage kids to 'read' instead. Maybe understanding what tweens like, we can try to find materials for them they may enjoy that are more on their level that include vampire love triangles. Or we can sigh, hand them the giant Twilight books, and just be thankful they are reading.

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Movie)

A Series of Unfortunate Events (Movie)
Plot:

The Baudelaire children are orphaned and must live with Count Olaf. However, when Count Olaf tries to kill them on the train tracks for their inheritance money, the children are removed from his custody. Which was just as well, because he is crazy, his house is dirty, and he is using them for their money. However before the children leave, Olaf vows to find them and still get their money somehow. The children then go to live with their Uncle, who seems actually nice (despite the fact that he has a giant room full of snakes). The uncle divulges that they are going to Peru with his assistant. But lo and behold, the assistant that shows up is Count Olaf in disguise! The children try to warn Uncle Monty, but he fails to hear in time and is killed by Olaf. Olaf escapes just as the authorities start to figure out what has happened. Then the children go to live with their aunt, and Olaf shows up as a fisherman trying to woo the aunt. The children start to see a pattern of their family members being targeted and many, including their parents, perishing in fires. In the end, the children are placed back with Olaf who tries to marry Violet in a final attempt to get the Baudelaire fortune. Before Violet is forced to say, "I do" in the play, Klaus discovers a giant glass in Olaf's tower that can be used to set fire to things (including the Baudelaire mansion). Klaus burns the wedding contract and Olaf goes to prison.


Comparison to book:

I have only read book 1 (The Bad Beginning), and the movie is a combination of the first three books. The end of the movie is where the plot from book 1 comes into play with the marriage debacle. However, the movie is very very different from the book in many ways, especially ending with Klaus discovering Olaf's secret.


Review:

Lemony Snicket's series is extremely popular with tweens, and the movie is funny and appropriate for this age group. The movie is a few years old, but tweens still talk about it and seek it out in relation to the series. New tweens are discovering the series each year, and as a result seek out the books or vice versa. The movie will remain significant because of its connection to this series for quite some time. Librarians can use the movie's popularity to introduce the series to young readers. Many tweens have seen and enjoyed the movie, but are unaware that there is a whole series of books that connect to the movie. We can use the popular Jim Carrey movie to attract readers, which is always a good thing. We can also encourage children reading the books to watch the movie and compare and contrast the two. Kids really love pointing out the differences.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Movie

Plot:

Greg Heffley has a bully of a big brother, a potty training younger brother, and a best friend that is the definition of a late-bloomer. On top of all that? Greg is starting middle school, a huge transition. Greg is determined to be 'cool' by middle school standards, but he is having trouble finding his way. He ends up on safety patrol (not cool), losing to a girl in wrestling (not cool), and eating lunch on the cafeteria floor (do I even need to say it?). Then he loses his best friend, Rowley (allegedly not cool) in the process. Diary is a hilarious movie, but also has an underlying theme of being true to yourself. In the end, Greg decides to let go of "being cool" and just be himself. But does that help him get Rowley back? Or avoid the dreaded rotting cheese on the blacktop? Or be more popular than Fregley? You'll just have to watch to find out.


Comparison to book:

I was surprised at how true to the book this movie was. There were slight changes, such as Greg wrestling a girl, sitting on the cafeteria floor, and his touching speech at the end when he is standing near the cheese on the blacktop. A few things were omitted, such as the haunted house Greg and Rowley built in the book. But aside from these few minor tweaks, the movie is almost exactly like the book and even uses some of the cartoons from the book. Tweens will love watching the book played out on the big screen.

Review:

I loved this book and I loved this movie, and I'm not even a tween. I love how it is so appropriate and relevant to the tween age group. It was written specifically for tweens, about tweens, and as a result is hugely popular. You don't have to worry about inappropriate content, and it is incredibly enjoyable. Greg is dealing with what many tweens are dealing with in transitioning into middle school, and tweens will be able to see themselves in his journey through the crowded halls of middle school.

Bieber Fever

 

Bieber is extra dreamy in 3D 'Never Say Never'

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110211/ap_en_re/us_film_review_justin_bieber

Fine, I can admit this. I've really been looking for an appropriate article on Justin Bieber to include in my professional reading log all along. A couple of weeks ago I was subbing a 7th grade English class and a riot nearly started when I said the words "Justin Bieber". Like it or not, he's HUGE with tweens right now. Mostly tween girls, though more and more tween boys are rockin' the Bieber bangs (despite claiming to very much dislike the Biebs). With the new movie "Never Say Never" tween girls are even more worked up over Justin Bieber. Like they needed one more reason to scream.

The article documents the new movie "Never Say Never" (in 3D mind you) and how the movie follows Bieber on his journey to being famous. Apparently his madison square garden concert sold out in 22 minutes. Really. Obviously, Bieber is a really important figure in tween culture right now. The article comments on his androgynous look, claiming he's non-threatening for young tween girls.

I, personally, didn't live through Beatle-mania. I mean, I had a poster of the New Kids on the Block on my wall, and I was a little partial to Donny Wahlberg, but I don't think I would've sent death threats to anyone he was dating. I think the Bieber movement is one of the biggest in quite sometime. It's worth paying attention to, at least a little. And while this article doesn't really detail anything that I didn't know already, I just wanted an excuse to vent about the movement that is Bieber fever. He's here, he's driving tween girls crazy, and if you're studying tweens and haven't listening to "Baby" you're just doing it wrong.

In a not completely unrelated note, my six year old insists that "Justin Beaver" is a girl. He has a point.

The Phantom Tollbooth

The Phantom Tollbooth

Citation: Juster, Norton. The Phantom Tollbooth. Random House, 1961.

Plot:



I mean, you've read it, right? This has got to be one of the most difficult books to summarize without taking up pages, just because so much happens. So, I'm going to miss a lot. But the main points? Milo is an easily bored, lackadaisical child that one day receives  a mysterious gift of a car, tokens, and a tollbooth. He heads to Dictionopolis (I forgot to mention he got a map), and ends up on a quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason. Along the way Milo goes through the valley of sound, where he rescues sounds, he jumps to the island of conclusions, he ventures through the number mines and the mountains of ignorance, and his sense of humor eventually helps him get past the mathematician in digitopolis. Milo may accomplish his quest, but the real conclusion is the effect his symbolic journey has on his reality.
 
Review:



I absolutely loved this book when I was in 5th grade. I read it a bunch, carried it around, and felt very existential about the whole thing. I'm currently NOT a librarian, and still heavily recommend this book when I'm teaching 5th or 6th grade. If I am being honest? it wasn't as fun reading it as an adult. However, in admitting this, I should probably also point out that I don't blame the book for this. Now that I'm older, I felt like I was just pushing through the book to get it over with. I appreciate all of the double entendres in the book, the symbolism, and how it makes you ponder existentialism (maybe) for a moment. Or else you just laugh about someone literally jumping to conclusions. Either way, great read for tweens... possibly loses that loving feeling as you age.
 
Reading Level: 10 and up



Similar Titles:  

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
A Wrinkle in Time
The Borrowers 
 

Joey Pigza Loses Control

Joey Pigza Loses Control

Citation: Gantos, Jack. Joey Pigza Loses Control. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2000.

Plot:





   
Joey is going to spend the summer with his dad for the first time ever. Joey doesn't even remember his father, as his father has been an alcoholic and an absentee parent for the majority of Joey's life. However, claiming being recovered, Joey's dad is ready to get to know Joey and maybe be a dad. Joey's mom is hesitant, but understands that this is something Joey needs to do. Joey is on medication (a patch) to control his hyper, ADD behavior. Things really go awry when Joey's dad decides Joey doesn't need his patch anymore, starts drinking again, and decides Joey is his key to winning a baseball championship. Joey battles whether he should tell his mom or not, and decides he'd rather try and stay with his dad. This doesn't work out so well, as the old, hyper Joey shows up and Joey is unable to perform in baseball like his father expected. Joey's dad runs at Joey, and Joey escapes to call his mother and tell her the whole story. But what happens to Joey and his dad?

Review:



This is really a well-reviewed book, even winning a Newberry medal honor. Joey is a loveable character, and his first person detail of his life is very well-written and engaging. As an adult, however, I found it to be a terribly sad book that contains possibly inappropriate content. Joey's father is an alcoholic, putting Joey in terribly dangerous situations throughout the entire book. Their disfunctional relationship is detailed, and it is heart wrenching. I understand that many tweens may relate to Joey for a variety of reasons, making a relevant choice for some. I do think that a librarian should use discretion when recommending this tale of Joey Pigza. Some tweens may find it upsetting, whereas others will be thankful to see themselves in Joey.
 
Reading Level: 11 and up (depending on the tween)

Series Information:









Sequel to Joey Pigza Swallows the Key


Similar Titles: 


Esperanza Rising
Al Capone Does my Shirts

How Young is Too Young to Push it Up?

Tween Push Up Bikinis: How Much is Too Much?

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/March/Parents-Outraged-over-Push-Up-Tops-for-Tweens/

Abercrombie and Fitch is marketing a new push up bikini to girls as young as 7 and 8 years old. Many parents are upset, arguing that the company is trying to sexualize young girls. In my opinion, these bikinis are really just on small example in a giant movement. Teens are being exposed to sexual content at a younger and younger age, and now it is reaching to the preteens. Music videos, clothing, magazines, commercials are all ovesexualized and being marketed to tweens as early as ages 7 and 8. Research has shown (Curry & Choate article below) that this can be damaging to young girls. They can develop poor body images and even do poorly in school.

What does this mean to tween librarians? I think it is important to be aware of what is going on culturally and attempt to help combat it by providing media literacy education, teaching our tweens to be thoughtful consumers of media and information. If tweens can think critically about websites, commercials, marketing in general, they may see past the glitz and glam and see the intention. This is similar to checking for valid sources; understanding what drives the information is as important as the information itself. We can also help provide access to positive information and sources, such as books on developing a positive body image. This isn't just about a bikini or about pants that say 'juicy' on the bum; this is about a larger message that society is sending to young girls. We need to prepare young girls to be careful consumers of said message.


Resources:

Tween make-up?

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2011/January/Too-Young-For-Make-Up-Walmart-Targets-Tweens-/

Tweens & The Spa

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/health/7488148/pampering-for-tween-princesses/

Oversexualization of Young Adolescent Girls:

http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleSchoolJournal/Articles/September2010/Article3/tabid/2256/Default.aspx