Stone Soup Magazine

Stone Soup Magazine is the New Yorker type of magazine for tweens between the ages of eight and thirteen. Subscribers receive six copies of the magazine per year. Each issue is devoted to the creative writing of children, including only pieces written by tweens. Stone Soup may inspire children to take the time to seriously work on their writing. Seeing your prose and that of others your age in print is a powerful motivator to want to develop these skills. Moreover, Stone Soup builds a community of kindred spirits. Tweens that aspire to become writers can connect with like-minded peers through the pages of this inspirational magazine. Each issue includes a range of compositional styles. 

Muse Magazine for Kids

Awarded the 2010 Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, Muse Magazine for Kids is the perfect choice for aspiring artists, scientists, and scholars. Each issue includes a range of topics from historical articles to science and fiction. Muse “is a magazine for kids that want to know everything”. The November/December edition I reviewed featured articles on sea turtles and the history of flight, as well as book reviews on Shakespeare and another on shortness. 

Speak

Speak. By Laurie Halse Anderson. 240 pages. Speak, 2009. PB $11.99 ISBN 978-0142414736

Summary: When word spreads that Melinda Sordino called the cops to a party a few weeks before the end of summer, she effectively becomes the pariah at her high school. At the party Melinda is raped by a high-school senior, and hides this from everyone, virtually becoming mute the entire school year. Instead of speaking with others, she turns into herself. Initially a stellar student, Melinda is now failing every class with the exception of art. It is in art class that she feels comfortable to express her feelings. Will Melinda be able to escape from being raped, or will it continue to haunt her?

Critical Review: The transition form middle school to high school is tough, but it is especially so for Melinda Sordino. Laurie Halse Anderson powerfully illustrates the disgusting trend of senior boys preying on freshmen girls. Every tween girl should read this book before starting high school. As librarians working with tweens it is vital that we recommend titles that can positively impact the live of these girls. Melinda Sordino speaks for all tween girls that have been raped. Keeping silent is never the answer, as Melinda discovers with the help of her sensitive teacher, Mr. Freeman. Through his guidance she learns to confront her past and move on with her life. We owe it to tween girls to speak about these issues. However painful they may be to discuss, tween girls deserve to receive the information. 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 14-18 years

Awards: National Book Award Finalist; Margaret A. Edwards Award, 2009

Reviews: Publishers Weekly (2001, April 9); School Library Journal (2001, January 1); Voice of Youth Advocates (1999, December 1); Library Journal (1999, December 1)

Similar Materials: Laurie Halse Anderson’s Wintergirls

Subjects/Themes: depression, rape, under-age drinking, high school, high-school freshmen, high-school seniors, art class, loneliness, pariahs

Character Names: Melinda Sordino; Rachel Bruin; Any Evans; David Petrakis; Nicole; Heather Billings; Ivy

Author Website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/

Brief Annotation: At a party a few weeks before beginning high school, a senior rapes freshman Melinda Sordino. 

Things Not Seen

Things Not Seen. By Andrew Clements. Philomel, 2002. 272 pages. Tr. $16.99 ISBN 978-0399236266

Summary: After stepping out of the shower one morning, Bobby looks into the mirror and notices that he has vanished. As an “invisible person” Bobby thinks about how people will perceive his invisibility, and decides that activities such as going to school, playing sports, and connecting with friends are no longer in the range of possible choices. Even Bobby’s psychiatrist is unsure of what caused his patient to become invisible and his parents are also uncertain about how to make their son visible again. Tired of staying at home and desirous of human company, Bobby ventures out to the library and soon becomes friends with Alicia, a blind girl. With the help of Alicia, will Bobby be able to become visible again?

Critical Review: The invisible theme to Bobby’s story draws from Hebrews 1:11. Through the loving friendship of Alicia, Bobby learns the power of looking beyond physical appearances of others. We have all felt invisible at one point or anther, and developing a strong internal-support system is essential. It is internal qualities that are important.

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 10-14 years

Awards: Colorado Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Beehive Young Adults' Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
California Young Reader Medal (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Grand Canyon Reader Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Young Hoosier Book Award (WON AWARD) 2005
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Sunshine State Young Reader's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Iowa Teen Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Golden Sower Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
SCASL Book Award (South Carolina) (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Volunteer State Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Land of Enchantment Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2006
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (WON AWARD) 2007

Reviews: Booklist; Publishers Weekly (2004, March 8); School Library Journal (2002, March 1); Kirkus Reviews (2002, February 1); Voice of Youth Advocates (2002, February 1)

Similar Materials: Andrew Clements’ Things That Are

Subjects/Themes: invisibility, disabilities, Hebrew Bible, self-esteem

Character Names: Bobby Phillips; Alicia Van Dorn; Mr. and Mrs. Phillips

Author Website: http://www.andrewclements.com/

Brief Annotation: A fifteen-year old boy discovers that he is invisible after showering on morning. 

The Last Dog on Earth

The Last Dog on Earth. By Daniel Ehrenhaft. Turtleback, 2004. 240 pages. Tr. $16.00 ISBN 978-1417698066

Summary: Logan Moore detests life with his new stepfather, Robert, When Robert tells Logan that he would like him to have a golden retriever to teach him some responsibility, Logan is positive he wants to have nothing to do with his step-father’s plan. Instead of having a pampered pooch, Logan opts for a rescue from the local shelter. Perhaps then he would be able to train his dog to attack his stepfather? As time passes Logan bonds with his dog, Jack. Unfortunately a virile outbreak of “Psychotic Outburst Syndrome” is now spreading, and all dogs are to be exterminated before the syndrome passes to humans. Can Logan save Jack from extermination? 

Critical Review: Ehrenhaft’s Logan is initially a tough boy. Growing up Logan believed that his father abandoned him. However, he learns that his mother has been lying to him and that she was the party that asked for a divorce. Finding his biological father and bonding with Jack is highly therapeutic for Logan. He develops a stronger relationship with his stepfather and resolves issues with Devon Wallace, who lost his dog from Psychotic Outbreak Syndrome.

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 9-12 years

Awards: Mark Twain Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2006
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2007

Reviews: Voice of Youth Advocates (2003, April 1); School Library Journal (2003, February 1); Publishers Weekly (2003, January 27)

Similar Materials: Peg Kehret’s Ghost Dog Secrets; Katherine Paterson’s The Field of the Dogs; K. M. Peyton’s Blind Beauty

Subjects/Themes: divorce; remarriage; stepfathers; dogs; violence; biological fathers; forgiveness

Character Names: Logan Moore; Marianne Moore; Robert Moore; Jack; Dr. Craig Westerly; Rudy Stagg; Devon Wallace

Author Website: http://www.danielehrenhaft.com/

Brief Annotation: With Psychotic Outburst Syndrome, a friendship between a troubled adolescent boy and his dog is in jeopardy. 

The House of the Scorpions

The House of the Scorpions. By Nancy Farmer. Atheneum, 2004. 400 pages. PB $9.99 ISBN 978-0689852237

Summary: Matteo Alacran is ignorant of the fact that he is the clone of El Patron, the leader of Opium, Mexico. Within the town of Opium, illegal immigrants are captured by the Farm Patrol and subjected to a lifetime of toiling in the fields. Chips are also embedded into the enslaved or ejitt’s brains, making them more compliant with El Patron’s desires. With the exception of his caregiver, Celia, and his body guard, Tam Lim, everyone who lives in Opium abuses Matteo. When word travels that El Patron is in need of Matteo’s organs, Matteo understands that he is a clone. Will  Matteo outsmart El Patron?

Critical Review: Nancy Farmer has created an absorbing book of science fiction. The action and adventure in this story kept me interested in learning what would happen to Matteo. Amazingly the dark aspect of this book did not leave a sour feeling. This was particularly because the cheerful ending resolved the majority of negative aspects in the story. Matteo successfully challenges El Patron, becoming the leader of Opium. The fact that Matteo and El Patron share similar DNA leads to El Patron’s downfall. In addition to the cheerful ending, I also enjoyed the addition of Marxism to the plot. The story of the Lost Boys poignantly illustrates how Marxism functions, and would be a suitable book to introduce these topics to tweens. 

Genre: Science Fiction; Action and Adventure

Reading/Interest Level: 11 years and up

Awards: National Book Award, 2002, Newbery Honor, 2003, Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book, 2003, Buxtehuder Bulle, 2003 (Germany), ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, IRA Young Adults' Choices, Sequoyah Young Adult Award, Volunteer State Award, 2006, Arizona Young Readers Teen Award, 2005, South Carolina Junior Readers Award, 2005-2006, Rhode Island Teen Book Award nominee, 2004, Young Hoosier Book Award, 2006, Nevada Young Readers' Award, 2005, Senior Young Readers' Choice Award, Pacific Northwest Library Association, 2005, Bay Area Book Reviewers’ Association Award for Children’s Literature

Reviews: School Library Journal (2004, October 1); Publishers Weekly (2004, May 17)

Similar Materials: Nancy Farmer’s The Eye, the Ear and the Arm

Subjects/Themes: cloning; illegal immigration; Marxism; Mexico

Character Names: Matteo Alacran; El Patron; the Farm Patrol; eejits; Tam Lin; Celia; Maria Mendoza; Lost Boys; Esperanza; the Keepers

Author Website: http://www.nancyfarmerwebsite.com/

Brief Annotation: A tween clone learns about his identity and confronts his malevolent creator, in this science-fiction Marxist inspired novel. 

Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden. By Margaret Peterson Haddix. Simon and Schuster, 2000. 153 pages. PB $6.99 ISBN 978-0689824753

Summary: Imagine living in a country where food is rationed so heavily that it is illegal to have more than two children. Luke Garner is the first child in the Garner household, and this forces him to perpetually hide from the authorities. One day he notices another family with a third child and he soon becomes close friends with her. Outspoken Jen urges Luke to rally with her in opposition of the Population Law. Her father, a police officer himself, additionally opposes the law. Will Luke be able to successfully confront his fears, or will he spend his life hiding from the authorities?

Critical Review: Haddix’s futuristic novel is not that far fetched. Chinese families are disallowed from having more than one child, and this novel is a perfect example of the inhumanity of that system. Among the Hidden is very much a novel of friendship. With the help of Jen and her father Luke emerges out of his sheltered upbringing. The ending is bittersweet, unfortunately. George Talbot retrieves a fake ID card for Luke, which will allow him to live a normal life without having to hide. However, by accepting these conditions Luke is forced to hide behind the identity of an affluent boy and is forbidden from seeing his family again.

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 9-12 years 

Awards: Rhode Island Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2000
Beehive Children's Fictional Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2000
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2000
Young Reader's Choice Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2001
SCASL Book Award (South Carolina) (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2001
Georgia Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2001
Great Stone Face Children's Book Award (WON AWARD) 2001
Iowa Teen Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2001
Maine Student Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2000
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (WON AWARD) 2001

William Allen White Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2001
California Young Reader Medal (WON AWARD) 2001
Nevada Young Reader's Award (WON AWARD) 2001
Nutmeg Children's Book Award (WON AWARD) 2002
Sunshine State Young Reader's Book Award (WON AWARD) 2002
Golden Sower Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2002
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2002
Volunteer State Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2002
Young Hoosier Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2002
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (WON AWARD) 2002
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award (WON AWARD) 2003
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2001
Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2003
Iowa Children's Choice Award (WON AWARD) 2004

Reviews: Publishers Weekly (2000, February 7); Voice of Youth Advocates (1998, October 1); School Library Journal (September 1)

Series: Shadow Children series 

Similar Materials: The following novels in the “Shadow Children” series: Among the Imposters; Among the Betrayed; Among the Barons; Among the Brave; Among the Enemy; Among the Free

Subjects/Themes: futuristic societies, dystopias, friendship, birth control

Character Names: Luke Garner; Mr. and Mrs. Garner; Matthew and Mark Garner; Jen Talbot; George Talbot; Population Police; Lee Grant

Author Website: http://www.haddixbooks.com/

Brief Annotation: A boy is forced to hide from the Population Control police, in the first book of Cooper’s Shadow Children” series.