Reflection

Reflection

I feel so invested in everything below, I'd just like to tie it all together a little bit and give it some finality. First, there is a TON of other things I'd like to include that I just didn't have the time for. The more I read and watched, the more I discovered I should be reading and watching. Especially towards the end of the semester in watching everyone's digital advertisements, I'd really like to add a ton more books. Unfortunately, time is of the essence. So, for this assignment, I just couldn't fit it all in. However, I most definitely plan to continue, especially since now I'm so interested in tween literature.

Next, I tried to really plug in to the tween age group for this project. I didn't just want to read and watch things I think tweens would or should like; I wanted to actually experience materials that tweens ARE liking right now. I substitute teach in all of my local districts, and mostly focus on grades 4-10 anyways. So for my criteria for my blog I wanted to read, watch, listen to, surf, etc. the things that tweens are. This included me often times borrowing their books, interviewing them, grabbing their ear buds, etc. This created sort of a pattern in my blog, where you can see a cycle of younger material lumped together from when I was working with my 5th and 6th graders, and then all of the older tween materials lumped together when I was working with my 7,th, 8th, and 9th graders. It was very cyclical, but it worked for me. Also, the tweens? LOVED IT. They loved talking to me about their books, recommending more to me, asking me about what I've read, etc. Having someone take an interest in the stuff they like really excited them. They all ask about my project, and they are all sad that it is ending. I've promised them I'll keep reading their stuff, though. They're really excited for me to read the Eragon books and the new Rick Riordan series next. I think I have my work cut out for me.

Finally, this project really helped me see the awkwardness that is the tween years in a different light. The same group of kids that really like to watch Phineas and Ferb? Also were telling me all about Vampire Diaries. It really is such a transitional time in a person's life, I now believe that it is even more important to advocate for this group and provide proper materials for them. I'm relieved to have such a big project behind me, but I'm sad at the same time. I may even continue on the blog once in a while, as I'll be reading the material still. However, from this point on, it will probably be a lot less professional, and a lot more Jen-like. Stay tuned. ;)

Katy Perry: "Firework"

Katy Perry: "Firework" (I wanted to end my blog with a bang. What better bang than fireworks shooting from Katy Perry's boobs?)

About: The song is an inspirational song about reaching one's full potential. I like the positive message of the song, and how the lyrics urge you to love yourself and not being afraid to share what is beautiful about you. I really think the uplifting message about there being a spark inside of everyone is something that tweens having a rough time can relate to. The video is interesting, as it shows a larger girl coming to terms with her size and jumping into a pool with her friends, a gay teen kissing another boy at a party, a young boy sticking up for his mom in an abusive relationship, etc. The video may be inappropriate for younger tweens, depending on the parents. There is a scene with some domestic violence (not graphic), the gay kiss, and fireworks shooting out of Katy Perry's bosom. But video aside, I think the song is appropriate for all tweens.

Review: I think the song has a great message for tweens. Tween years are awkward and rough for a lot of tweens. They aren't all the same size, they aren't all maturing at the same rate, some are figuring out their sexuality isn't necessarily mainstream, some are having problems at home and trying to reconcile that with school life, and some are bullied and/or teased, being made to feel less than. The song is positive, and is about loving yourself, and finding what is special about you individually and sharing it with the world. Tweens sometimes need reminded that though they may be too young to be grown-ups, or too old to be kids, they are still special individuals capable of great things.

Ages: 9 and up (song), video at parents discretion, though I would say 12 and up would be fine

Similar Artists: 
Miley Cyrus
Britney Spears
Pink

Taylor Swift: "Back To December"

Taylor Swift: "Back To December"

About: The song is a song of apology and regret. The protagonist is reminiscing about a relationship at its peak, recalling the downfall of the relationship, and expressing regret over everything that went wrong. In the lyrics Taylor apologizes, expresses remorse for the failed relationship, and even hopes that someday the relationship can be rekindled. In the video, Taylor is singing in a room, and a guy is walking away down a wintery road. Each one has some sad facial expressions, and it is kind of a depressing video.

Review: I really had to include the song. Allegedly Taylor Swift wrote the song about her romance with Twilight hunk Taylor Lautner, making the song sort of a big deal among middle school girls. The whole Taylor-Taylor thing was a big deal, and girls love thinking about the whole romance thing while listening to it. I don't know if it makes them feel like maybe they vicariously dated Taylor Lautner or what, but they dig this song. They are a little young to have failed relationships, but they have crushes that didn't work out, and they relate to Taylor's lyrics.

Ages: 11 and up

Similar Artists: 
Miley Cyrus
Carrie Underwood
Miranda Cosgrove 

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender

About:
Ang is the last airbender, and also the avatar, meaning he is the only living person that can control all of the elements (earth, air, fire, and water) with the proper training. The fire nation has attacked, and it is up to Ang being properly trained to save the world from the fire nation. He has the help of Kitara and Sokka, both from the water nation. Zuko is after Ang before he can save the world to protect the fire nations. The episodes revolve around Ang's training, him evading Zuko, Zuko's strained relationship with his father (the fire lord), and the future of the world. Can Ang save it?

Review:
I've only watched about 6-7 episodes with my son, but I think the show is great. Aside from the fantastical elements, the show also contains real scenarios that tweens can relate to, such as first crushes, sibling and family issues, friendship, and loss. Add into that the power to bend the elements and you have a pretty cool, addicting show. The show is appropriate for the whole family, and none of the content that I've seen thus far is questionable. There is fighting (and it is based on real martial arts), but nothing gory. If you watch enough episodes, you'll get sucked in and want to watch the entire series beginning to end. Maybe I speak from experience. I also like how Kitara, the female protagonist, is empowered, learning bending from Ang also. The series will appeal to both genders, and tweens younger and older.

Ages: 9 and up

Similar Shows:

Power Rangers: Samurai
The Avengers
Supah Ninjas

Ages:

Similar shows:

 

BONE

Bone: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith

Citation: Smith, Jeff. Bone Out from Boneville. Scholastic, 2005.

Plot: Fone Bone and his two cousines, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone, have been run out of Boneville due to Phoney Bone's greedy, money-making schemes. The Bone cousins are trying to make their way back to Boneville when they find a mysterious map in the desert. Soon they are all separated, eventually all making it down into a valley filled with weird creatures individually. Bone eventually meets a human girl named Thorn who plans to help him find his cousins and get back to Boneville. However, mysterious rat creatures are after the Bone cousins, trying to thwart their journey back. And for some strange reason? A Dragon is guarding Fone Bone, showing up at every corner protecting him from the rat creatures. Can the Bone cousins find each other and make it back to Boneville alive?

Review: I have arrived! This is what I pictured in my head when I thought of graphic novel. I found one that is popular and appears to be the right reading level. Thank you 7th grade students! Also, I like that the pages turn the correct way. Manga messes with my brain too much. I tried DragonBallZ and I failed. Anyways, I read Bone and I'm really confused about it. How can my middle school students get it, but I don't? Are these creatures actually bones? Why is there a dragon? What are the rat creatures? I know this is part of a series, so maybe it comes together if you keep reading. I don't really plan on it... but you know. I read this one. And that makes me proud. But the little Bone guy? Has a crush on a human girl. I'm pretty sure that is just wrong. 


Ages: 11 and up


Series: First volume in the Bone series


Similar Titles:


Amulet
Lunch Lady
DragonBallZ

 

Guiness World Records 2011

Guiness World Records 2011

Citation: Guiness World Records 2011. Bantam, 2011.

About: The Guiness World Records book is just that: a book of world records. Inside the pages you'll find amazing, disgusting, interesting, mind-blowing bits of information. Flip through to find out who the most tattooed senior citizen in, who has the longest finger nails in the world, which country has the most land mines, what classical book is banned the most, who the hairiest teenage girl is, who the tallest person, and more! There is seemingly no end to the interesting facts within the pages.

Review: Kids really, really love this book. Especially boys, and especially grades 5-7. A lot of boys prefer non-fiction, and they also prefer being able to flip around and read short blurbs about things as opposed to a long prose piece. Reading is reading, and if having the record book or a Ripley's book around gets boys actually reading, then it is a good thing. I mean, sure they mostly flip through trying to find the most disgusting things possible, but they are reading. My six year old son came home begging me to actually buy this book, so the appeal is really for all ages. I think it is a great resource for reluctant readers, and really any reader.


Ages: 7 and up

Similar Titles:
Ripley's Believe it or Not
The Big book of Why
Weird but True

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney

Citation: Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days. Amulet Books, 2009.

Plot: Greg Heffley is back at it in the 4th installment of the Diary series. In this book, Greg is on summer vacation. He's bored and his family can't take their usual vacation. On top of that, Greg owes Rowley's dad over $80 because he ordered so many fruit smoothies while at the country club pool with Rowley. Greg attempt starting a lawn service business, but that doesn't pan out quite as expected. This book is as hilarious as the others, with Greg being traumatized at the town pool, falling for a lifeguard, dealing with his brother Rodrick, watching scary movies and being scarred for life, and eventually even looking forward to school starting again.

Review: I think this series is hilarious, and it is no mystery to me why it is appealing to tweens of all age and they are even making movies based on the series. The book is spot on, really capturing those awkward middle school years in the voice of young Greg Heffley. His friendships, school experience, and family relationships are things middle schoolers can relate to. Add to the mix that the books are hilarious with cartoons drawn in, and you have a hit. I see kids as youn as 3rd and 4th grade all the way up to 9th graders carrying these books around. I'll readily admit that I'm reading the entire series for pleasure, and my husband lies next to me cracking up, remembering what middle school was like.

Age: 9 and up

Series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

Similar Titles:
The Dork Diaries
Captain Underpants
 

Magic Pickle and the Planet of the Grapes

Magic Pickle and the Planet of the Grapes by Scott Morse

Citation: Morse, Scott. Magic Pickle and the Planet of the Grapes. Scholastic, 2008.

Plot: There is a magic, flying pickle that lives in a command center under Jojo's bed. The magic pickle was accidentally created in a lab accident, as was a bunch of other talking, animated produce. However, the pickle is the only that came out good, the rest? Well, they were all bad apples. Even if they weren't apples. Now it is the Pickle's job to round up all the bad produce and save the world. Unfortunately for Jojo, she's usually involved. In this edition, the Pickle must save Jojo's school from an evil raisin, attempting to turn everyone on the planet into a grape, starting with Jojo's class. Can the Magic Pickle and Jojo turn them back into kids and save the planet?

Summary: Yes, you read that all correctly. Magic Pickle. Evil Raisin. It sounds super ridiculous, probably because it is super ridiculous. The series is cracking 5th a 6th graders up, and has some pretty big vocab words in it. But you have to really be able to suspend logic to read it at all. It was hard for me to get through, as I thought it was terribly stupid. However, it is appealing to boys and girls alike, and younger tweens think it is funny. I read this one, but I definitely won't be finishing out the series. Talking pickle? Really?

Ages: 8 and up

Similar Titles:
Captain Underpants
Super Diaper Baby  

Mrs. Dole is out of Control

Mrs. Dole is out of Control by Dan Gutman

Citation: Gutman, Dan. Mrs. Dole is out of Control. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2008.

Plot: A.J. is in second grade, and his class is about to move up to third grade. The problem? Ryan's mom, the new PTA president Mrs. Dole, is going overboard. Ryan's mom is staging a huge graduation ceremony, fireworks, petting zoo, caps, gowns, and all. Add into the equation a special visit from President Bill Clinton and a Blue Angel flyover and you have a recipe for disaster. On top of the overboard Mrs. Dole, who is always bursting into tears because her son is growing up, A.J's teacher Mrs. Daisy is pregnant. Moving up to third grade is going to be harder than it looks.

Review: I've been teaching a lot of 5th grade lately, as you can probably tell by the last few titles. 5th grade is interesting, as I get a lot of kids reading these books and then a lot of kids reading Harry Potter. It really is an interesting mix in one class. A lot of kids are really into the My Weird School Daze series, and I decided to give it a try. It is an easy read, probably targeted more towards 3rd and 4th graders because the protagonists are 3rd graders. However, I'm finding a lot of 5th graders find them hilarious and they really relate to the subject matter. I personally observe a lot of my 'late-bloomers' reading these books, and a lot of boys really like them. I'd try and steer them towards a higher reading level book if possible, but similar with some Roald Dahl classics, some younger tweens are finding these books a comfort zone that they like to visit once in a while.

Ages: 8 and up

Series: My Weird School Daze series

Similar Titles:
School of Fear
Sideways Stories from Wayside School  

Night of the Homework Zombies

Night of the Homework Zombies by Scott Nickel

Citation: Nickel, Scott. Night of the Homework Zombies. Stone Arch Books, 2006.

Plot: One seemingly normal day Trevor Walton's class has a substitute teacher. However, after returning from a super long bathroom trip Trevor discovers that his entire class is LOVING homework and math and wanting more. They've been hypnotized, and Trevor is the only one not under the spell! The substitute is no teacher at all, but rather an escaped mad scientist attempting to make the world love science, math, and homework. Is it too late? Or can Trevor save his classmates from a lifetime of homework?

Review:
I grabbed this from a 5th grader during SSR because I saw that is said 'graphic novel' on the cover and I have been trying really hard to broaden my horizons and read graphic novels. I don't yet have a ton of experience with graphic novels, but I'm guessing that the reading level for this one is low. It looks like it would be better suited to 3rd or 4th grade rather than 5th or 6th grade, yet I had a lot of 5th grade boys reading it. I'm happy they're reading, and maybe it is the nature of the graphic novel to be an easier read, though I'm tempted to say this one is definitely reading down, even as far as graphic novels are concerned. However, it is a graphic novel with zombies, so I'd recommend it for a boy with a lower reading level that is refusing to read.


Ages: 8 and up


Similar Titles:
Captain Underpants
Super Diaper Baby
Magic Pickle

Blogger is the Devil

Blogger ate six of my posts. Fully fleshed out (and even witty) posts. My anger (and sadness) really knows no bounds at this point. They may come back, and if they do, I will hate Blogger a wee bit less (though not much). This was a learning experience, really, as I learned to back up my blogs in a word document and to not use Blogger. The titles of the posts were:

The Hunger Games
Boy Crazy?
Cyber-Bullying
Fun Brain
The Beacon Street Girls
Miranda Cosgrove

If these posts come back, HALLELUJAH. Until then, they have been marked with a super cool asterisk to show that they once existed. I really appreciate the understanding.

Hunger Games: The Movie

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/04/hunger-games-begins-to-fill-out-its-cast.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.

This was an additional PRL entry just for funsies because I am really excited about the Hunger Games movie, and I think it will be a big deal among tweens and teens to see Katniss brought to the big screen. I was wondering how they will balance the violence in the book on the big screen such that the movie can still appeal to its younger audience.

Boy Crazy?

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/apr/26/not-being-boy-crazy-normal-for-tweens-teens/?partner=yahoo_feeds

*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. 

(My favorite part of my insight on this post was discussing how if marketing is aiming towards what tween girls actually are, or if we are creating a self-fulfilling, boy-crazy prophecy.)

Cyber-Bullying

http://www.fox8.com/news/nationworld/kcpq-two-tween-girls-may-be-charged-with-cyberstalking-20110420,0,4615712.story?track=rss

*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. 

I had some really cool insight about information instruction, and teaching our students to be good digital citizens and the seriousness of not being so. I also had a link to the Nickelodeon/common sense media site that discusses cyber bullying.

Abracadabra to Zombie

Abracadabra to Zombie: More than 300 Wacky Word Origins by Don & Pam Wulffson

Citation: Wulffson, Don and Wulffson, Pam. Abracadabra to Zombie More than 300 Wacky Word Origins. Dutton Children's Books, 2003.

About: This is a book of hilarious etymologies. Tweens will laugh out loud literally when they read the origins of such words as lollipops, diaper, abracadabra, blockbuster, zombie, breakfast cereal, heebie-jeebies, and more. Hodgepodge originated after hotchpotch, which was a type of stew. A Tootsie Roll is called such because it had to be rolled by hand and the first person to try it was named Tootsie.

Review: I LOVED this book. I want to buy it and keep it forever. I find it to be hilariously interesting, and I think tweens would love to flip through it and get a laugh. There is a huge possibility that I am a geek that really enjoys etymology and reads the OED for funsies. However, I am sure that in middle school there are etymology geeks in the making, and this book is a fun way to get started. The book includes many modern pop culture references, it is informative, and fun. I think it should be a staple in a classroom with non-fiction fans who claim they have nothing to read during silent reading.

Age: 9 and up

Similar Titles:

The Boy Who Loved Words
Donovan's Word Jar

Swimming Upstream Middle School Poems

Swimming Upstream Middle School Poems by Kristine O'Connell George


Citation: George, Kristine O'Connell. Swimming Upstream Middle School Poems. Clarion Books, 2002.

Plot:
This is a collection of poems about and for middle school students. The poems are about things that middle school students can specifically relate to. I was actually surprised at how accurate the poems were, such as the one about forgetting your locker combination, or being the last person to turn in a piece of work in class. My favorite poem might be the one about how your ID card picture never really looks how you think you look in your head.

Review: 
I really loved this book. It isn't a tongue in cheek poetry collection at all; these are serious poems about middle school. The poems are short, and I think they would make for great lessons in a middle school. Also, the poems would be a great way to open up communication about tough topics and emotions, allowing tweens to understand that they aren't alone in their feelings at all. I definitely see myself keeping this book on hand while teaching middle school. Usually your lesson leaves you with an awkward five minutes left in class; it's too early to pack up, but too late to start something new. I think it'd be a great time to pull out the book, read a short poem, and talk about it.

Age: 10 and up

Similar Titles:


Paint Me Like I Am
You Hear Me?
Poetry for Young People

Selena Gomez & The Scene: "Who Says"

Selena Gomez & The Scene: "Who Says"

Summary: In the video Selena Gomez leaves a photo shoot (in what appears to be New York) and then wanders around the city barefoot while lyrics to her song pop up in the taxi, in the sky, and in the cityscape. The song is about accepting yourself and loving yourself. Selena sings about how she may not be what everyone else considers to be beautiful, but she considers herself to be beautiful and perfect just the way she is. She calls into question anyone that says otherwise, as we are all in control of our own self-image.

Review: Selena Gomez is a popular tween actress right now, starring in Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place", a popular tween show. Tween girls used to like her a lot more before she started dating Justin Bieber. Despite Selena's Bieber transgressions, her song is still a hit, as I hear girls singing (or attempting to sing it) in the hallways. I think the song is a little redundant and cheesy, and the video is pretty much boring. I also think it is ironic that she's singing about not being that beautiful when she's Selena Gomez... obviously she's pretty. But I can see why tween girls would like the song, as the tween years are awkward ones. It is nice to have anthems for loving yourself in spite of our flaws and differences.

Fun Brain

Fun Brain: www.funbrain.com

*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. 
 
I mostly talked about how I loved the appropriateness of this site, how grammar gorillas and math baseball was addicting, and how 5th and 6th graders love to sneak onto this site in the computer lab when they are supposed to be doing other things.

Beacon Street Girls

Beacon Street Girls: www.beaconstreetgirls.com

*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 reflection, I mused how I didn't like this site very much at all. I kinda wanted the five minutes of my life that I spent previewing this site back. It seemed corny, a little unrealistically cheery, and corny. I get that BSG are BFF... and I just didn't care all that much.

Lady Gaga: "Born This Way"

Summary:

The video begins with the description of an alien race and a battle between good and evil. The imagery in the video is of the LGBT community and birth for the most part. The lyrics are about acceptance, and describe that no matter what it is that we feel separates us from one another, that we were all created perfectly. The song has been described as an anthem for the LGBT community, but the lyrics also discuss race. Dance sequences in the video show people of all different races joining together despite differences. Symbols used in the video, such as the purple triangle, support the LGBT movement.

Review:

I love me some Lady Gaga, but this video really borders on inappropriate in my opinion, especially for tweens. I was a little surprised at a lot of the imagery, some of it bordering on a complete birth video (goo and all). Also, there is a ton of partial nudity, and lots of images that I am not sure a tween would really understand. Tweens love this song, and a lot of them are really into Lady Gaga. I appreciate the lyrics in the song, and how Gaga is trumpeting equality and acceptance. However, I'm going to err on the side of caution and not recommend this video for tweens at all.