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
 

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  

Tales From The House of Bunnicula: It Came From Beneath The Bed!

Tales From The House of Bunnicula: It Came From Beneath The Bed! by James Howe


Citation: Howe, James. Tales from the House of Bunnicula: It Came From Beneath the Bed. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2002.

Plot: 
Howie is a dog that lives in the same house as Bunnicula. He gets a hold of a journal, and decides to be a writer. The tale switches between Howie journaling and his actual fiction tale. Howie writes about Pete making a potion that accidentally falls under the bed and creates a giant monster. Howie's fictional accounts of his friends actually make his friends upset, especially Delilah. Will Howie keep his friends? And what happens to the giant creature named Pudgykins wandering around? 

Review:
Really not a favorite. A 5th grade student gave this to me, insisting I'd like it. This Bunnicula thing is a big deal, and I was under the impression I was reading the first Bunnicula book. But really, it is a book about a dog that lives with Bunnicula, but the story actually has nothing to do with Bunnicula. I can see why students really into the Bunnicula series might like this book and find it funny. It definitely is reading down a bit for tweens, but they all are carrying these books around, so they apparently like them in spite of that. I suppose I'd recommend it to a Bunnicula fan looking for something to read. But I was pretty lost and not very amused.

Age: 8 and up

Series Information:
This is the beginning of a series titled Tales from the House of Bunnicula

Similar Titles: 

Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery
My Weird School Daze
Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. The Jurassic Jackrabbits from Jupiter 

The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Seeing Stone

The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Seeing Stone by Dony DiTerlizzi


Citation: DiTerlizzi, Tony. The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Seeing Stone. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2003.

Plot: In the first installment of the series, the Grace siblings (Mallory, Jared, and Simon) found a magical guide that describes all creatures supernatural. In this second book, some creatures are upset that the guide has been discovered (namely Goblins), and they come after the children. Thimbletack, a faerie, helps the children find a circular stone that if placed around your eye will allow you to see the supernatural, such as trolls and goblins. This becomes very useful as Simon is dragged away by a herd of goblins, and it is up to Jared and Mallory to save him. 

Review:
I actually am enjoying this series, and plan to finish it even after this project is done. It is interesting and reminds me of Harry Potter. It is shorter and the reading level is lower, making it very friendly for younger tweens wishing to read Harry Potter but feeling overwhelmed by the size. The fantastical content in the Spiderwick series is right up the alley of most tweens and young tweens, making them in high demand in most school libraries. Despite being better suited for younger tweens, it really isn't that uncommon for me to see some 7th graders revisiting the series in the library or during SSR, as the content really appeals to them. 

Age: 8 and up

Series: Part of the Spiderwick Chronicles

Similar Titles:
Harry Potter
The Ghosthunter Series
Magic Pickle

Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost

Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost by Cornelia Funke


Citation: Funke, Cornelia. Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost. The Chicken House, 2007.

Plot: Tom is 9 years old, and unfortunately has bigger problems that just his big sister. Tom has an averagely scary ghost (an ASG for short) haunting his cellar. No one believes Tom except for his grandmother, who hooks him up with her ghost hunting friend, Hattie. Armed with Hattie's information, Tom goes after the ASG haunting his basement. Tom attacks the ghost with flashlights, Mozart music, and even eggs... all of which everyone knows is perfect for fighting an ASG. Tom's real problems begin when the ASG talks to him, explaining that he is haunting the cellar because he was kicked out of his house by a different ghost. Tom soon finds himself on the hunt for an IRG (an incredibly revolting ghost) which is the worst of the worst. Tom and Hattie must arm themselves and venture to a really, really creepy house in order to help the ASG. What does it take to battle an IRG? Can they win? What happens in the creepy house?

Review:
I really liked this book. I grabbed it from a sixth grader when I noticed it was by Cornelia Funke, the same author that wrote Inkheart. I talked to the class, and a lot of them really like this series. It was a quick read, and it was pretty funny. It reminds me of a funny, less scary Goosebumps book. This book is better aimed at younger tweens, 5th and 6th graders. Though the content is appropriate for even a bit younger if you have a precocious reader trying to grab a Goosebumps book. 

Age: 9 and up

Series: 
Ghosthunters series

Similar Titles:
School of Fear
Goosebumps
Spiderwick Chronicles

The Adventures of Captain Underpants

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Citation: Pilkey, Dav. The Adventures of Captain Underpants. The Blue Sky Press, 1997. 

Plot:
George and Harold make homemade comics in their treehouse. One such comic is 'The Adventures of Captain Underpants' where a large super hero parades around in underwear saving the day with wedgies, toilets, and underwear. George and Harold sell their comics at school until one day they get caught playing pranks and the principal forces them to stop making their comics. The boys decide to try and hypnotize their strict and grumpy principal, only they accidentally turn *him* into Captain Underpants, and he begins running around town trying to fight crime in his underwear. Can George and Harold get their principal back? Or is he forever Captain Underpants?

Review:
The humor in the book is definitely potty humor (pun TOTALLY intended). In the comic pages there are spelling errors, and for me the book was a little difficult to find interesting. Thankfully it was a quick read. However, I have tons of students completely obsessed with Captain Underpants. Often, this is what boys are reading. At least they are reading! Granted, these books are definitely reading down for many tweens, as the reading level in this book isn't very high. But at some point you are just happy to get some of your reluctant readers reading, and the reading level isn't exactly something to squabble about. Dav Pilkey has a ton of books out that really appeal to boys, and it is a good idea to have some on hand for the boys that complain they don't like to read. My son was giggling for an hour about the wedgie power.

Age:
8 and up
Similar Titles:
The Magic Pickle
Super Diaper Baby
Ook and Gluk
Ricky Ricotta  

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar


Citation: Sachar, Louis. Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Avon Books, 1985.

Plot: 
This book is filled with wacky stories about the class on the 30th story of Wayside school. Wayside school is (accidentally) 30 stories high (though there is no 19th floor), with one classroom on each story. The children at Wayside are anything but normal. Mrs. Gorf turns children into animals, Sharie sleeps all class (and even falls out the window), one student turns out to actually be a dead rat, John can only read upside down, Mauricia loves ice cream flavored like her fellow students, and much more! The stories are short, engaging, and nothing less than hilarious.

Review:
I remember reading this book when I was in 5th grade, and I loved it. I bought it, and my copy is very worn. Reading it again for this assignment was almost as fun as the first time. This book definitely stands the test of time, being funny for all ages (even grown-ups). The stories are short enough such that young readers can take the book in manageable chunks. The book appeals to both genders, having hilarious stories about boys and girls. I just discovered in looking at the book again that there are other Wayside books, and I willingly admit that I plan to read them.

Age: 8 and up

Series Information:

Wayside School is Falling Down
Wayside School Gets a Little Stronger 

Similar Titles: 

How to eat Fried Worms
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Holes 

My Side of the Mountain

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George


Citation: George, Jean Craighead. My Side of the Mountain. Puffin Books, 2004.

Plot: 
Thirteen year old Sam Gribley decides to leave his home and survive in the wildnerness. Sam ventures into the Catskill mountains and must fend for himself, finding food and shelter. Sam takes a while to get everything figured out, but soon is living off the land and fending for himself. Sam has a few visitors, as people eventually begin to notice that there is a young boy living by himself in the mountains. Eventually Sam's worried family decides to do something such that the family can be reunited. Do they bring Sam home? Or do they bring themselves to Sam?

Review:

I absolutely adored this book when I read it with my class in the fifth grade. I loved the idea of having independence at such a young age. The survival aspect of the novel intrigued me, and I envied someone so close in age to myself being able to survive in the wilderness. As I re-read it, I was more concerned about some damn kid running around in the mountains without parental supervision. I kept waiting for a pedophile to jump out from behind a tree and then the novel would take a dark turn for the worst. I suppose now being an adult and a parent really colors thing, and I was a tad disturbed by the idea that some boy would read the book and decide to run out into the wilderness with a penknife. It might not be a bad idea to have some sort of disclaimer in the book. Just sayin'...

Age: 9 and up

Similar Titles:

Hatchet
Island of the Blue Dolphins
The Sign of the Beaver 

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary


Citation: Cleary, Beverly. Dear Mr. Henshaw. Scholastic, 1983.

Plot:
Leigh Botts writes a letter to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, as part of a class project. Surprisingly, Mr. Henshaw replies. This is the beginning to a back and forth pen pal relationship between Leigh and Mr. Henshaw. In the letters we learn a lot from Leigh, as he reveals details about how he feels at school and that his parents are divorced. Towards the middle of the book Mr. Henshaw suggests Leigh keeps a diary, and soon the format changes to Leigh writing to his diary. Through Leigh's interactions one is able to see the complex emotions that he is dealing with and how writing to Mr. Henshaw and his diary are therapeutic for him.

Review: 
Apparently I'm in a 'classics' or 'old stand-by' phase right now. I've been teaching a lot of sixth grade, and I tend to read what the kids I am currently teaching are reading. I am sure I read this book somewhere in the 4th or 5th grade, but a lot of my 6th graders were reading it this week. I don't remember my initial response to the book. This time reading it, I appreciated the format, as it was a different way of conveying complex tween emotions. I liked the letter format, and the content has really survived the test of time since children are still reading it. I just have to admit, I'm more of a fan of funny books as opposed to dramatic. So while it is not my personal favorite, I do think it is a good book.

Age: 8 and up

Similar Titles:
Bud, Not Buddy
The Indian in the Cupboard
Bridge to Terabithia

Hatchet

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen


Citation: Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007.

Plot:
Brian is on a plane headed to Canada to visit his father, who has recently divorced from his mother. Aside from physical baggage, Brian is also carrying with him emotional baggage in the form of a secret. Brian knows a secret; a secret about the divorce. During the flight the pilot has a heart attack and dies, leaving Brian to crash land the plane near a lake in the Canadian Wilderness. Brian tries to figure out how to survive, using only what was available on the plane. Does Brian ever make it to his dad?

Review: 
I tried to step out of my box with some of these books. I am a funny, fantasy person. I enjoy hilarious, maybe even scary, books. Complex, emotional, dramatic books don't really appeal to me. I remember my class in 5th or 6th grade read Hatchet, and somehow I pretty much missed the ENTIRE THING. I even remember this happening often; the class would read a book, but somehow *I* wouldn't read the book (cough Catcher in the Rye cough). Anyways, re-reading it the book was an easy read. Not my favorite genre, but I can see how it would appeal to tweens and teens. However, if I really think about it, I'm definitely creeped out by a boy surviving in the wilderness with a dead body and an axe. I mean, similar to My Side of the Mountain, the whole tween on their own thing disturbs me. I'm surprised the pilot didn't come back as a zombie and attack Brian (or something). 

Age: 9 and up

Similar Titles:


My Side of the Mountain
Indian in the Cupboard
Bridge to Terabithia
The Giver

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume 


Citation: Blume, Judy. Are you there, God? It's Me, Margaret. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2010.

Plot:
Margaret is stuck in an existential quandary throughout the entire novel: is she Jewish or is she Christian? She is pulled in both directions, by her mother and grandparents, throughout the book. As a result, she prays constantly to God about her life and beliefs, trying to figure things out. On top of her spiritual confusion, Margaret is also an adolescent female dealing with changes. Margaret's hilarious conversations with God include age-appropriate requests such as boobs and a period. 

Review:

I enjoyed that this book was a quick read and very funny. I remember (sort of) reading it in 6th grade, but I didn't enjoy it at the time for whatever reason. The spiritual conflict in the book sort of turned me off, and as a result I missed out on a great read. One definite thing about the book is that it is a female book for sure. I can't say a boy wouldn't read it and enjoy it, but at the same time I really don't see it happening that often. ESEPCIALLY tweens. That isn't always a bad thing, however. Books written for specific genders can be helpful, and Margaret definitely can help young females deal with changes and growing up in a funny and real way.

Age: 11 and up

Similar Titles:


The Dork Diaries
Harriet the Spy
Every Soul a Star

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 

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

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