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

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 

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

Tangerine

Tangerine by Edward Bloor

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

Plot:

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

Review:

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

Reading Level: Age 10 & up

Similar Titles: Holes, The Lightning Thief, Hatchet

Personal Thoughts:

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







                                                        * Images in video taken from creativecommons.org

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

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

Plot Summary:

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


Review (potential spoiler alert): 

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

Reading Level: 12 & up

Similar Titles:The Book Thief by Markus Zusack

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

Character Descriptions:

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

Prim: Katniss's younger sister

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

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

Personal Thoughts:

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