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. 

Interstellar Pig

Interstellar Pig. By William Sleator. Puffin, 1995. 208 pages. PB $6.99 ISBN 978-0140375954

Summary: When Barney was invited to play Interstellar Pig with his cottage neighbors he didn’t realize that his performance in the game could impact his non-gaming world. As he explores his cottage, Barney locates papers that lead him to Piggy. The player that controls Piggy ultimately decides the destiny for their planet and other worlds. When Piggy is found, all other words apart from the winner’s planet will instantly vanish. Will Barney be able to save his world and the entire galaxy?

Critical Review: Interstellar Pig is a fascinating example of science fiction writing at its best. Sleator’s prose vividly recreates Barney’s experiences. The rules and technological related aspects of the novel are clearly written in an engaging style. I heartedly recommend this novel to young fans of the genre.

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 10 years and up

Reviews: Publishers Weekly (2004, February 9)

Similar Materials: William Sleater’s House of Stairs and Singularity 

Subjects/Themes: human-alien encounters; pigs; board games; cottages; summer vacations; neighbors

Character Names: Barney; Zena; Manny; Joe; Captain Lantham

Author Website: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~sleator/billy/index.html

Brief Annotation: Can Barney save his world and the galaxy from complete annilhation when he joins his neighbors in a game of Interstellar Pig?

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl. By Eoin Colfer. Hyperion, 2001. 277 pages. Tr. $16.95 ISBN 978-0786808014

Summary: It’s been two years after his multimillionaire father’s disappearance in Greece, and Artemis Fowl II needs to step into his dad’s place and provide for his mother and himself. When searching online he finds a secret book that belongs to the people, a group of mythical, elf-like creatures, and threatens a member of the group to reveal the location of the tome. From here he can access the wealth of this group, but can he succeed without being caught by the police or being attacked by a biological weapon?

Critical Review: Others have compared Colfer’s Artemis Fowl to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. I do not see the connection. Artemis II is an evil, vile and selfish little boy. Though he comes to the aid of his insane mother, the moral values on display in Harry Potter are absent here. If you’re looking for Harry Potter readalikes, look to Lemony Snicket, Phillip Pullman, and Brain Jacques.

Genre: Fantasy; Action and Adventure

Reading/Interest Level: 9-12 years 

Awards: Costa Book Awards (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2001
Galaxy British Book Awards (WON AWARD) 2002
Original Voices Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2002
Nevada Young Reader's Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2003
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2003
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (WON AWARD) 2003
Bilby (Books I Love Best Yearly) Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2003
Young Reader's Choice Award (WON AWARD) 2004
Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Iowa Teen Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2005
Nene Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2006
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
SCASL Book Award (South Carolina) (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2004
Garden State Teen Book Award (WON AWARD) 2004
Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2008

Reviews:  Library Journal (2001, June 15); School Library Journal (2001, May 1); Booklist (2001, April 15); Publishers Weekly (2001, April 9); Kirkus Reviews (2001, April 1)

Series: The Artemis Fowl series

Similar Materials: The Following books in the Artemis Fowl series: The Arctic Incident; The Eternity Code; The Opal Deception; The Lost Colony; The Time Paradox; The Atlantis Complex

Subjects/Themes: law and crime, Europe, kidnapping, England, mothers and sons, fairies, fantasy and magic, action and adventure 

Character Names: Artemis Fowl II; Butler; Captain Holly Shorter; Commander Julius Root; Foaly; Mulch Diggums; Briar Cudgeon

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

Brief Annotation: A twelve-year-old criminal mastermind locates an Elfish treasure while surfing on the Internet. 

The Fairy Tale Detectives

The Fairy Tale Detectives. By Michael Buckley. Illustrated by Peter Ferguson. Amulet, 2007. 304 pages. PB $6.95 ISBN 978-0810993228

Summary: After moving from one foster home to another, Daphne and Sabrina receive word that their grandmother is alive and that she wants to care for them. Life with their grandmother is a shock to the girls. Their eccentric grandmother believes in fairies and informs her granddaughters that they are actually related to the Grimm Brothers. Sabrina is certain that this is not her grandmother, and urges her Daphne to runaway. On their journey the sisters meet many characters from the Grimm brother's fairy tales and learn more about themselves. 

Critical Review: Buckley’s novel magically intertwines stories from “A Midsummer’s Night Dream”, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”, “The Three Little Pigs”, and “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Prince Charming is also part of the story, as is the Magic Mirror from “Snow White”. The Grimm sisters learn that they are responsible for writing additional fairy tales, and learn that their grandmother is telling them the truth.

Genre: Mystery; Fantasy; Adventure

Reading/Interest Level: 9-12 years 

Awards: Beehive Children's Fictional Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2007
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2008
Grand Canyon Reader Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2009

Reviews: School Library Journal (2006, June 1 and January 1); Publishers Weekly (2005, December 19); Voice of Youth Advocates (2005, December 1); Booklist (2005, November 15)

Series: The Sisters Grimm series

Similar Materials: The following books in the Sisters Grimm series: The Sisters Grimm the Unusual Suspects; The Sisters Grimm the Problem Child; The Sisters Grimm: Once Upon a Crime; The Sisters Grimm: Magic and Other Misdemeanors; The Sisters Grimm: Tales from the Hood; The Sisters Grimm: The Everafter War

Subjects/Themes: monsters; multigenerational families; orphans and foster homes; siblings; sisters; grandparents; fairies; everafters

Character Names: Sabrina; Daphne; Grandmother Relda Grimm; Mr. Canis; Puck; Magic Mirror; Jack the Giant Killer; Mayor Charming/Prince Charming; Mama Bear; Tinman; Big Bad Wolf; Mr. Seven; Elvis

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

Brief Annotation: Unsure about whether their grandmother is telling them the truth, Sabrina and Daphne runaway and meet characters from several Grimm Brothers stories. 

The Face on the Milk Carton

The Face on the Milk Carton. By Caroline B. Cooney. Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 1996. 192 pages. Tr. $15.95 ISBN 978-0385323284

Summary: One day while having lunch at school, Janie Johnson is surprised to see her face peering back at her from a friend’s milk carton advertisement; Jennie Spring went missing from her parents twelve years ago. Seeing this picture of a twelve-year-old girl brings back a slew of unpleasant memories to Janie. Back at home she locates several pictures and school papers signed with Hannah’s name. Her parents explain that she’s actually their granddaughter, and that Hannah – a member of a cult - is her real mother.  Their explanation sounds fishy too Janie, and with the help of her boyfriend, Reeve, does some extra digging into her past.

Critical Review: The topic of Cooney’s mystery is especially dark. I have some definite qualms with recommending this book to tweens. If I toss my objections about the topic to the side, however, I can certainly see merit in this book. Cooney’s style of writing is so engaging, that I found it difficult to put the book down. If I experienced such an overwhelming urge to press ahead, despite my objections to disturbing plot, I can only imagine the effect this book might have on reluctant readers. I would heartedly recommend this book to tweens that can accept disturbing plots. For those looking for warm-hearted mysteries, I recommend Michael Buckley’s “Fairy Tale Detectives” series.

Genre: Mystery

Reading/Interest Level: 12-17 years

Awards: Young Reader’s Choice Award, 1993

Reviews: School Library Journal (1999, September 1)

Similar Materials: The following books in the Janie series: Whatever Happened to Janie?, The Voice on the Radio, What Janie Found

Series: the Janie books

Subjects/Themes: parental kidnapping; parents and child; social issues; parenting; identity

Character Names: Janice Johnson; Jennie Spring; Hannah; Mr. and Mrs. Johnson; Reeve, Lizzie

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

Brief Annotation: An adolescent girl sees a picture of herself as a missing child on a milk carton, leading her to question whether her parents kidnapped her.

Uglies

Uglies. By Scott Westerfield. Simon Pulse, 2005. 448 pages. PB $9.99 ISBN 978-0689865381

Summary: In the town of New Pretty, everyone under the age of sixteen is ugly. Fifteen-year-old Tally Youngblood is avidly anticipating her sixteenth birthday, when her ugliness will turn into her into a stunning beauty. Tally’s friend Shay is an anomaly. She wants to hold on to her ugliness, and opts to run away before her sixteenth birthday. Shay’s decision pains Tally and forces her to question her community’s values. However, to Tally the urge to become pretty is too strong, and when Dr. Cable informs Tally that her pretty operation will only take place if she finds Shay and brings her back to the community, Tally quickly sets out to find her friend. In the primitive town of Smoky, Tally finds Shay in a community where freedom is valued above all, and learns to appreciate this too. With time she decides that she doesn’t want to go through with her pretty operation. Unfortunately she hits her tracker in error, notifying Dr. Cable and New Pretty Town’s leaders of their whereabouts. Will Tally, Shay, and their friend David be able to escape, or will they be forced to become pretty?

Critical Review: Uglies leaves a lot for readers to look forward to in the series. Westerfield captures the anxiety that comes with physical development. Children have infinite freedom; they are not judged by their looks alone, and do not spend an infinite amount of time fretting about their appearance in front of a mirror. Yet, this all changes when children turn into adolescents. Tweens are different from teens and from children, as we’ve discussed in this course. However, the onset of secondary characteristics places tweens closer to the teen camp. Consequently tween girls are apt to pay attention to previously unheard of topics, such as fashion, diets, makeup, hairstyles, boys, etc. The media certainly does not help tween girls, by appropriating skinny models as the norm. It is wise to encourage tweens to rethink overly focusing on outer beauty. The Uglies series is a worthy step towards teaching tweens that genuine beauty comes from within.

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 12 and up

Awards: School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2005; Australian Science Fiction Achievement Awards (Ditmars) (Nominated for an Award) 2005

Reviews: Books in Canada; (2005, November 1); Voice of Youth Advocates (2005, June 1); Publishers Weekly (2005, March 21); Booklist (2005, March 15); School Library Journal (2005, March 1)

Series: the Uglies series 

Similar Materials: The following books in the Uglies series: Pretties, Specials, Extras

Subjects/Themes: beauty; individuality; social norms; conformity; Big Brother; body image; self-esteem; coming of age

Character Names: Tally Youngblood; Pevis; Shay; Dr. Cable; David; Az; Maddy

Author Website: http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/

Brief Annotation: A fifteen-year-old girl vacillates between choosing inner or outer beauty in a futuristic society.

Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought)

Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought). Written by Kathleen Krull. Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade & Reference Publishers, 2002. 96 pages. PB $12.00 ISBN 978-0152164362

Summary: Brief two-to-three page biographies are provided on musician-composers from Antonia Vivaldi through Woody Guthrie in this engaging nonfiction book for tweens. Hewitt’s illustrations are laugh-out-loud funny, and Krull’s prose does not disappoint. Did you know that Vivaldi was nicknamed the “Red Priest”, or that Bach had twenty-one children? Even tweens that pick up this book with a distaste for biographies and classical music will become enamored with Hewitt’s whimsical drawings and Krull’s insightful text.

Critical Review: It is unfortunate that a CD is not appended; however, lists of key pieces are cited, and a bibliography of related works is appended. Overall, the biography is a winner. This is a wonderful choice to introduce newcomers to the joys of classical music. After they’ve finished this book they could easily progress to more serious works.

Genre: Biography

Reading/Interest Level: 8-12 years

Reviews: School Library Journal (1993, May 1); Kirkus Reviews (1993, April 15); Booklist (1993, April 1); Publishers Weekly (1993, February 22)

Series: Lives of . . . Series

Similar Materials: Kathleen Krull’s and Kathryn Hewitt’s Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought; David W. Barber’s Bach, Beethoven and the Boys

Subjects/Themes: musicians; biographies

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

Illustrator Website: http://www.kathrynhewitt.com/

Brief Annotation: Nineteenth brief biographies on musicians between

Dork Diaries: Tales From a Not So Fabulous Life

The Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not so Fabulous Life. By Rachel Renee Russell. Illustrated by the author. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, 2009. 288 pages. Tr. $12.99  ISBN 978-1416980063

Summary: When her father loses his job, Nikki Maxwell is alarmed to be enrolling in Westchester County Day School for eighth grade. Her mother adds to her misery by bringing home a diary instead of an Iphone. Now she’ll never be able to fit in with her designer-clad classmates. Within the pages of her diary, Nikki confides the loneliness and angst she feels about her new school. Will her unpopularity make it impossible for her to make friends and win the new art competition?

Critical Review: Rachel Renee Russell’s “Dork Diaries” series holds the same place for girls that Jeff Kinney’s “Wimpy Kid” series does for boys. Russell accurately depicts tween’s use of technology. The book begins with Nikki lamenting the fact that her mother will not purchase her an Iphone. With the loss of her father’s job, money is incredibly tight in the Maxwell household. Nikki’s parents cannot afford to purchase designer clothes or expensive phones, making it difficult for her to fit in with her snobby classmates. Russell emphasizes the overarching need of many girls to fit in and be popular. Nikki’s friends are uniformly unpopular among their peers, but they shine through their multifaceted interests. Not only are the girls interested in typical tween pastimes such as boys and fashion, but they also enjoy reading and drawing. Nikki aspires to become an artist, and takes first place at her school’s competition. Her maturity and confidence springs off the pages. 

Genre: Humor; Realistic Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 9-13 years

Awards: Children’s Choice Book of the Year, 2010

Reviews: School Library Journal (2001, June 1)

Series: Dork Diaries

Similar Materials: Jeff Kinney’s “Wimpy Kid” series

Subjects/Themes: art; friendship; school and education; diaries; popularity; comics

Character Names: Nikki J. Maxwell; MacKenzie Hollister; Chloe Christina Garcia; Zoeysha Ebony Franklin; Brandon Roberts; Brianna Maxwell; Jessica; Violet Baker; Theodore L. Swagmire III

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

Brief Annotation: Nikki Maxwell embarks upon eighth grade at Westchester County Day School, and tries to

Crispin: The Cross of Lead

Crispin: The Cross of Lead. By Avi. Hyperion Books for Children, 2002. 272 pages. Tr. $15.99 ISBN 978-0786808281

Summary: Avi’s Newbery award-winning novel vividly recreates fourteenth-century England. Here a thirteen-year-old nameless boy’s life dramatically alters when his mother dies. Without relatives, Asta’s Son turns to his only friend, the village priest. Father Quinel presents him with his mother’s engraved cross, and tells him that his name is Crispin. He promises that he will identify Crispin’s father, however, before he can do this he is murdered by Aycliffe, Lord Furnival’s steward. The latter also falsely accuses Crispin with stealing, forcing him to flee the village. Homeless and friendless, Crispin travels blindly until he meets Bear, a former priest, now traveling jester, who hires Crispin as his servant.

Critical Review: Tween historical aficionados will cherish the first book in the Crispin series. There are very few books with male primary characters. This book will engage both male and female readers. Crispin grows up nameless without the knowledge of his father. At the end of the book he finally has a name behind the mystery: Lord Furnival. The novel is rife with mystery, adventure, history, politics and friendship. Initially Bear is quite demeaning to Crispin, however, with time a friendship develops. In an age when only the wealthy were literate, Bear is a rarity. Under Bear’s tutelage, Crispin learns to read and kindles a love for learning. Bear also introduces Crispin with political rebels, like John Ball, an authentic historical actor who organized the Peasant Rebellion of 1391. 

Genre: Historical Fiction; Adventure 

Reading/Interest Level: 10-14 years

Awards: Michael L. Printz Award, 2003; Newbery Award, 2003; American Library Association Notable Books for Children, 2003

Reviews: Books in Canada (2003, March 1); Publishers Weekly (2002, June 3); Voice of Youth Advocates (2002, June 1); School Library Journal (2002, June 1); Booklist (2002, May 15)

Series: The Crispin Series

Similar Materials: Marguerite De Angeli’s The Door in the Wall

Subjects/Themes: Medieval England; orphans and foster homes; peasantry; poverty; priests; illiteracy; servants; jesters; feudalism; self-esteem; self reliance

Character Names: Crispen (Asta’s Son); Bear; John Aycliffe (Lord Furnival’s steward); John Ball; Father Quinel; Widow Daventry

Author Website: http://www.avi-writer.com/

Brief Annotation: In the fist book in the Crispin series, a thirteenth-century English orphan boy learns of his true identity.

Twilight

Twilight. By Stephenie Meyer. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2006.

544 pages.  PB $10.99 ISBN 978-0316015844

Summary: When her mother marries Phil Dwyer, a minor baseball player, Bella moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to Forks, Washington, to live with her father, Charlie. In school, Bella quickly becomes friends with Jessica, Angela, Mike and Eric. However, she can’t understand how her biology partner, Edward, dislikes her so passionately. What could she have possibly done to anger him? 

Critical Review: Meyer’s novel is very much written for teenagers. However, it is important to understand what tweens are really reading. Twilight has become so popular with older audiences, making it tempting eye-candy for tweens. While the book is a romance, it is suitable for mature tween readers. Nothing happens in the novel that tweens will not be able to handle. Though Edward and Bella find each other unbelievably irresistible, they do not act upon their feelings. Instead there is a great deal of longing from afar. Edward saves Bella’s life on several occasions, and, though he is a vampire, feeds on animal instead of human blood. Meyer forces Edward to deal with his desire for Bella. It is painful for him to be near her, but it is also beautiful. Learning how to deal with this successfully, without harming his beloved Bella, is of primary importance to this series.

Genre: Fantasy

Reading/Interest Level: 14-17 years

Awards: School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2005

Reviews: Publishers Weekly (2006, August 28); School Library Journal (2006, February 1); Booklist (2005, November 15)

Series: The Twilight Saga

Similar Materials: The following books in “The Twilight Saga”: New Moon; Eclipse; Breaking Dawn

Subjects/Themes: love and romance; school and education; fantasy and magic; vampires; Washington State; horror and ghost stories; divorced parents

Character Names: Isabella (Bella) Swan; Edward Cullen; Charlie; Renee; Phil Dwyer; Edward Cullen; Jacob Black; James; Harry Clearwater; Tyler Crowley; Lauren Mallory; Mike Newton; Jessica Stanley; Angela Weber; Eric Yorkie; Emily Young

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

Brief Annotation: An adolescent girl moves to Washington to live with her father and falls in love with a vampire.