Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
One night, at a popular club, Clary Fray, and her best friend Simon, are having a great time until she sees hooded figures murder a guy. The murder is not like anyone she has every seen since he is covered head to toe in black tattoos and, mysteriously, the murder victim disappeared into thin air. In fact, the only people who can see them are their fellow Shadowhunters--an elite group of people who have the ability to vanquish demons.  Just when things could not get any worse, the murder, turn "stalker," finally reveals himself (his name is Jace) and learns all about the Shadowhunters and the the possibility that she may be one herself. Clary always knew she was different, but she didn't count on the becoming a demon hunter. Unfortunately, this news comes a little late when Clary's mother is kidnapped and the only way she can find her mother is with the help of the Shadowhunters and trusting a gorgeous guy she barely knows.

Critical Evaluation:
Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series is a blast. When I read the this title, I could not put it down since Clare hits the reader with an exciting moment that he or she did not expect.  Clary is an average teenager who is completely unaware of her capabilities. She has a strong affinity for art and readers will be able to relate to her story because she feels unfulfilled; all her life something has been missing and we will learn why as the story develops. The male lead, Jace, is the stereotypical bad boy who breaks hearts and is a loner. However, Jace is also unfulfilled because he eventually learns that his whole life has been one giant lie. The other Shadowhunters are tougher, more sophisticated, and deeply troubled as well. Although these teens have amazing abilities, they are also very vulnerable and insecure. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants to step away from the formulaic vampire and werewolf love stories (starring wishy washey or vapid characters), City of Bones is a great place to start.

Information about the Author:
The Mortal Instruments series is Cassandra Clare's first young adult series. According to her website, she has lived an extraordinary life where she spent most of her childhood moving around the world and actually spent a month of her infancy in her father's backpack as they trudged through the Himalayas. Clare was educated in Los Angeles where she begin writing her own short stories and an epic novel entitled "The Beautiful Cassandra."  After graduating college, Clare moved to New York and actually worked for tabloid magazines writing articles on various celebrities including Brad Pitt, Brittney Spears, and Paris Hilton. When Clare began writing the City of Bones, she quit her job and started writing fulltime.

According to Cassandra Clare:

[she] hates working at home alone because she always gets distracted by reality TV shows and the antics of her two cats, so she usually sets out to write in local coffee shops and restaurants. She likes to work in the company of her friends, who see that she sticks to her deadlines(para. 3).

The fourth installment of the Mortal Instruments is out on April 11, 2011.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to City of Bones:

• Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle Trilogy) by Libba Bray
• Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Awards/Recoginition:

•  ALA 2010 Top Ten
  

Plot Summary:
William Henry, assistant to Dr. Pellinor Warthrop, has seen too many things that a twelve-year-old should never see, do, or hear. In fact, William is "indispensable" to the Warthrop, which means that he cannot survive without him. One late night, a grave robber appears before Warthrop to show him that something horrific lay in his buggy and only Warthrop can identify it. When the grave robber brings the "thing" in, Warthrop immediately identifies this gruesome creature: Anthropophagi. The doctor is completely amazed that this creature still exists; more importantly, the fact that it is native to Africa, and is living in New Jerusalem, makes this finding even more intriguing since this creature cannot swim. In order to find out how this creature came ashore Warthrop must figure out how many of them exist, where this one was hiding, and who, or what is responsible, for their appearance.

Critical Evaluation:
Yancey provides an incredibly chilling and scary story that draws an unusual, but plausible comparison between the actions of monsters and people desperately fighting for survival.Although the Anthroprophogi eat humans, they eat because they have to survive. Moreover, they are called abominations since they consume human flesh, but the past proves that humans are also guilty of devouring their fellow man in order to survive (i.e., Donner Party). Just like Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, Warthrop is obsessed with the oddities of the world that he not only risks his own life, but that of his apprentice. For William, he has literally grown-up around the madness of Warthrop that he finds himself desensitized; however, with the discovery of the Anthropophagi, all of his fears break the wall that he has built up in his soul and mind. This book is not just a scary tale, but a warning of  how obsession, narcissism, and ignorance can not only destroy lives, but bring down the world. Lastly, Yancey clearly conveys that even though nightmares are not real, the very world we live is filled with more frightening things than we could every dream of, especially when people matters into their own hands under the guise of "the greater good." Readers will not be able to put this book down and some of them, unfortunately, will need to leave  the light on before going to sleep.

Information about the Author:
According to Rick Yancey's website, he had always wanted to be writer since he was very young. He earned his Bachelor of Art in English at Roosevelt University, in Chicago. After graduating, Yancey returned home to Florida where he started teaching and worked in the the theater (para. 1). Eventually, he ended up taking a job with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and worked there for ten years, which inspired his memoir entitled "Confession of a Tax Collector." The Wall Street Journal has praised his memoir calling it one of the five best books on taxes.

Yancey is also author of the Alfred Kropp Trilogy and the Teddy Ruzak adult mystery series that have quite a following and his titles have been nominated for prestigious awards. Monstrumologist is Yancy's first young adult series and the second book of this series, The Curse of the Wendigo, is available for libraries to purchase. Lastly, Monstrumologist was also selected as a 2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Award.

Genre:
Teen Horror

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Monstrumologust:

• Reckless by Cornelia Funke
• Bonechiller by Graham McNamee

Awards/Recognition:

• 2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Award
• Starred review Booklist (09/1/2009)

Plot Summary:
In the not-so-distant future, the world has changed. Not only has the government been overrun, and taken over, by the Feed Corporation. When a child is born, he, or she, has a "feed" implanted into their brains that not only plug them into the highly advanced technological world, but use them as a means to "feed" the Feed Corporation. In this tale, a teen named Titus, who is a product of his world, is partying on the moon with his buddies. When all seemed fine, a techno terrorist uploads a virus into the feeds of the party goers and Titus loses controls of all his senses. The next day, he wakes up in the hospital completely unaware of what happened and there, at the hospital, he meets a girl named Violet. Unlike most of his friends, Violet is different. Not only is she unfashionable, she is intelligent, opinionated, and a free spirit. Moreover, unlike Titus, she does NOT have a feed implanted into her brain. Violet gives Titus a chance to see the world differently and how technology, albeit convenient, can be cumbersome and desensitizing.

Critical Evaluation:
M.T. Anderson provides teens with a thought-provoking story that stirs great conversation and forces readers to think about society and it's dependence on technology. Anyone who works with teenagers know that they are the key audience marketing companies appeal to; teens are the  largest group of consumers that rake in profit. Not only does the "Feed" provide teens of the future with ESP-like capabilities (teens can close their eyes and talk to their cousins in Paris using brain waves) and they can also stake out the best deals anywhere with the help of the Feed. For example, a teen is looking for a pair of Seven Jeans. She walks into a store, thinking she will get a steal until an ad pops up in front of her face telling  her where she can get better or different deal. Teens are not only bombarded with marketing material on a daily basis, their entire existence relies on having the best clothes to wear, the best toys to play with, and listening to the best music ever. In this world, individuality is frowned upon and commercialism and consumerism are the new Gods.

Information about the Author:
M.T. Anderson is a critically acclaimed young adult and children's author who has written a variety of stories including Burgerwuss, Thirsty, and The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing. According to his website, Anderson, just like his repertoire, has lived an exciting life. His family moved around a lot (his father was in the military) and he had lived in Italy and England (where he went college at Cambridge University). Anderson has also held quite a few different jobs such as working in retail, an editorial assistant, and a classical music reviewer. Anderson also says that ever since he was a teenager, he always wanted to be a writer and threw himself into his novels and comic books. After graduating from college, and variety of jobs, Anderson went back to school and received an MFA in Creative Writing at Syracuse University. A few years letter, he started teaching "Writing for Children and Young Adults" at Vermont College, which played a huge role in the creation of his works. Between graduating and teaching, Anderson started writing stories for adults and children, which eventually gave birth to his first novel Feed.  Not only did he manage to wow audiences all of the country, his books won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and was a finalist for the National Book Award. 

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Romance

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up


Books Similar to Feed:

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
• Godless by Pete Hautman
• Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Awards/Recognition:

•     National Book Award Finalist
•     Los Angeles Times Book Prize Winner
•     New York Times Book Review Notable Books of the Year
•     Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards – Honor Book
•     Chicago Public Library Best Books for Children and Teens
•     ALA (American Library Association) Best Books for Young Adults
•     Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Books of the Year
•     Junior Library Guild Selection
•     Volunteer State Book Award Master List (Tennessee)
•     Riverbank Review Children’s Books of Distinction
•     Book Sense 76 Top 10 Picks
•     Horn Book Fanfare
•     Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books – Bulletin Blue Ribbons
•     Booklist Editors’ Choice

Plot Summary:
Melinda Sordino doesn't speak. In fact, it has been several months since she has said a word to anyone. Last summer, there was an amazing party that anyone who was anyone was there. However, the party was busted up by the police when they received a phone call from an anonymous source. Unfortunately, when the "anonymous caller" decided to confide in her friends, not only did she lose all her friends, her reputation has been destroyed for crashing the best party on her block ever. Lonely, and an outcast, Melinda has thrown herself into her art where everything she felt was expressed in color, sketching, and paints.  Although she is constantly bombarded by the millions of thoughts that she refuses to express in words, and the one memory that torments her all the time, Melinda struggles to block out all of the pain and suffering. With each passing day, Melinda tries to start over, but something always manages to break her. However, when she sees him again, for the last time, everything that she worked so hard to forget resurfaces with a vengeance that will would scare the devil himself.

Critical Evaluation: 
Speak is well-written story that tackles the horrors and pain of a girl who is violated by a boy she didn't know, abandoned by the very people she calls "friends," and surviving the pressures of high school. Halse Anderson has created a story that is very real, and, at sometimes, unnerving, especially towards the end when the reader puts the whole picture together and Melinda's attacker confronts her for the last time. Readers will also sympathize with Melinda, especially when her friends don't believe her when she tells them what happens. Moreover, reading this story as an adult, it was hard to read because no one would comfort her or ask why she stopped talking. Halse Anderson has received praise, and criticism, for this thought provoking text that should be read by every teenage girl who may relate to Melinda or those looking for empowerment and healing.

Information about the Author:
Laurie Halse Anderson is another well-known YA author who has felt the praise and the condemnation from parents, educators, librarians, and administrators all over the country. Just like Judy Blume, Halse Anderson has written a variety of books that deals with some very serious issues in a way that allows readers to assess the affects of these actions and how we can deal with them and offer support for those who fall victim to these deeds. In second grade, Halse Anderson knew she was going to be a writer and eventually became a freelance reporter for newspapers and magazines. According to her biography on her website, she did shed many a tear as the rejection letters rolled in from various publishers until she joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators who gave her the feedback she needed and she wrote her debut Young Adult Novel Speak (para. 4).

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading/Interest Level:
9 & up

Books Similar to Speak: 

• Cut by Patricia McCormick
• Splintering by Eileen Corrigan
• Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Awards/Recognition:

•  ALA Best Book for Young Adults
• ALA Top-10 Best Book for Young Adults
• ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults
• Edgar Allan Poe Award finalist
• IRA Young Adult Choice
• Junior Library Guild Selection
• Michael L. Printz Honor Book (American Library Association)
• National Book Award Finalist
• New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
• New York Times Bestseller List
• SCBWI Golden Kite Award
• YALSA Popular Paperback for Young Adults
• Printz Honor Book
• National Book Award Finalist

Plot Summary:
Life for Arnold Spirit (aka.Junior), on the Spokane Indian Reservation, is not at all glamorous. Not only does he have a bunch of medical problems, alcoholic relatives, mediocore access to education, lives in a run down trailer, and is the number one target on every bullies list (even the adults), he is also very lonely except for his grandmother. Junior is not only embarrassed by the poverty that has enveloped his family, home, and community, he longs for something greater where he can forget about the problems at home and within himself. Thankfully, the one outlet Junior can rely on to to relieve all the frustration and anguish is drawing. Just when life cannot get anymore "exciting," Junior has been accepted into an all white school that will require him to leave the "Rez," which brings a lot of uproar from the community.  Moreover, when he falls in love/lust with Penelope (whose father is a huge racist), his life takes even more interesting twists than he expected. Of all people to be on a basketball team, Junior is chosen to take on a task that is close to impossible since he has no physical talent other than outrunning the bullies on the reservation.

Critical Evaluation:
Sherman Alexie is probably one the greatest, and well-known, Native American in the United States. Although known for his adult fiction books, Alexie has written a book/memoir for teens to convey that no matter who we are and where we come from, we always have the choice to better ourselves. This story is absolutely hysterical simply because Alexie takes a "sensitive" issue and provides another aspect how history always manages to repeat itself. Through the use of cartoon bubbles and witty dialogue, Alexie uses these tools to express non PC (politically incorrect) thoughts in manner that makes them almost ridiculous.  Also readers who are unfamiliar with the issues that have been plaguing the Native Americans such as poor housing, limited access to resources, the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs), and continued isolation of these people, will be humbled by this well written account of one Native American teen. This book is filled with tons of information that would be great for any teen book club and as part of any school curriculum, especially when students are learning about American History.

Information about the Author:
Sherman Alexie is Arnold Spirit (this novel is based on his life). According to his website, Alexie planned on becoming a doctor, but ended up giving that up since he kept fainting in Anatomy and enrolled in creative writing. Alexie excelled in writing and has written numerous award winning titles such as: Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven and Reservation Blues.  In fact, Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven, was turned into a movie, entitled Smoke Signals, that one acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. Alexie has also received many awards for his poetry and he is actually an accomplished public speaker, director, and comedian. In 2010, he won the Faulkner Award for Fiction (War Dances), and his first young adult novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, won the National Book Award in 2007 and the audiobook of this titled won the Odyssey Award in 2009. Alexie continues to make a difference by encouraging dialogue between the many ethnic groups that make up this country.
  
Genre:
Teen Lit for Guyd, Teen Humor



Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian:

• American Born Chinese by Gene Yuen Lang
• A Step from Heaven by An Na

Awards/Recognition:

• Please see this website

Plot Summary:
It's senior year and Rob, the most popular guy in school, decides that he wants to leave his legacy by transforming the school geek into Mr. Popular. Meet Simon Glass.  Not only is he a brain, but he takes the term "geek: to whole new level, which makes him the ideal candidate for Rob's "Cinderella" project. With a makeover, lesson in the art of being "Cool," and an attitude change, Simon not only leave his reputation as the King of Geeks in the dust, but he actually manages to achieve the same rank as Rob, who has mixed feelings about this. Then, one day, Simon Glass does the unimaginable--he supersedes Rob as the coolest guy in school. However, Rob is unable to stop Simon just as Dr. Frankenstein was unable to put an end to his creation. In a desperate attempt to reclaim what is his, and to keep Simon from revealing how he hacked the school's computers to change his grades, Rob and his buddies, do something horrific to take back something that was never theirs to begin with.

Critical Evaluation:
When reader's read the first chapter, they are immediately thrown in a world entangled in violence and revenge. This story provides a grim look into the power of high school cliques and how desperate we can be to bring an end to our suffering by hurting those who hurt us. In this tale, the tables have turned on the popular guy who turned the nerd into someone that stripped him of his power and popularity. Giles' story is fast paced and incredibly well-written that readers cannot put it down. This books is a great title for the reluctant reader since it draws them in the moment they turn the first page. Although Simon Glass meets a horrible demise, readers will learn how popularity can turn anyone into monster.

Information about the Author:
Unlike most authors, Gail Giles didn't know she was going to become a writer until she wrote a funny story that helped her escape the wrath of the nun at catholic school. In her website, Gail Giles have lived in quite a few places that have inspired the various locations of her novels. The idea for writing this novel came about when Giles was substitute teaching an art class and overheard a bunch of cheerleaders teaching a nerdy guy how to dress and how they have to have a "seminar" to help him look better. When Giles overheard this conversation, she tucked it away and decided to use it, coupled with another story, told by a teen who was helping around her house.

In this story, the boy's father made a terrible decision where he had to drop out of school, lose all of his friends, and, eventually, ruined his life. By using different parts of the stories, and the influence of the Great Gatsby and Lord of the Flies, Giles crafted this tale of two guys with two very different agendas and the disastrous results of their decisions. Giles has written several other thrillers such as: Dead Girls Don't Write Letters, What Happened to Cass McBride, Playing in Traffic, and Right Behind You. Although most of her words revolve around some pretty intense situations, these novels drive home the moral of every story, which provides a cautionary tale for teens to make the right decision or suffer the consequences of their decisions.


Genre:
Teen Suspense, Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to Shattering Glass:

• Breaking Point by Alex Flinn
• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
• Lord of the Flies by William Golding
• The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Awards/Recognition:

• Starred Reviews from Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, and Booklis

Plot Summary:
From one of the funniest authors, ever, Job Scieszka brings this amazing collection of short stories just for guys, and guys, alone. In this star studded collection, in my opinion, 'tweens boys will not only enjoy the comedic stories from Dav Pilkey and Gordon Kormin, but well known authors such as Jerry Pikney, Paul O. Zelinsky, Richard Peck, and many, many more. There is an amazing variety of stories that avid readers and non-readers will enjoy simply because all of these authors bring something unique to the theme of the book, which is "being a guy."

According to Jon Scieszka, in regards to this collection, "it's is not required reading. It's reading to find what you like. And I know you are going to find something in here, because these are funny, action-packed, sad, goofy, gross, touching, stupid, true, and all very short" (forward). Not only is collection meant to be brief, but it hits all of the chords that guys dig, which not only make it enjoyable, but memorable as well. Along with these stories, are short biographies and bibliographies readers can refer to if they have questions about the authors and their works. Another great aspect of this word is that all of proceeds so straight to Scieszka's nonprofit literacy program, Guys Read.

Genre:
Tween Anthologies

Books Similar to Guys Write Guys Read:

• Knucklehead 
• Guys Read Funny Business

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 5 & up

This self-help book for 'tweens contains a variety information that will help them survive puberty, relationships, coping with emotions, and dealing with parents. This book provides practical advice and exercises to help teens cope with the many changes they will, or are, experiencing.Another great aspect of this guide, is that both 'tweens and parents can read this book together so everyone can get on the same page as the 'tween develops.

This books is divided into seven sections, entitled "Survival Tips," which focus on: body changes, self-confidence, feelings, connecting with family, friends, school, and decision making. Along with the information in each section, there are helpful tips and suggested readings that 'tweens can refer to if they have additional questions. Moreover, there are reproducible activities that 'tweens can utilize to help balance responsibilities, test their knowledge, exercise routines, and create workable spending budgets. Just like any self-help book for adults, this one is catered to 'tween needs that will help them gain confidence, and hope, that will survive the middle school years.

Genre:
Tween Self-Help

Books Similar to Too Old for This, Too Young for That!:

• Be Confident With Who You Are 
• The Worse Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School
  

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 5 & up

Hartley-Brewer, E. (2010). First Crush: When Your Tween Begins to Show Interest in the Opposite Sex. Scholastic Parent and Child, 18(3), 89-89. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from Education Research Complete.

In this brief article, Hartley-Brewer provides practical advice on 'tweens and their developing interest in the opposite sex. It is only natural, at this age, that boys and girls are starting to develop feeling for one another. As their bodies are changing, their brains are starting to transition from the "boys are icky" stage to "OMG! He is so hot!"

Altough 'tweens may not be developing sexual feelings for the opposite sex, Hartely-Brewer considers these "feeling" as harmless infatuations that 'tweens should actually be allowed to have. Although parents are terrified of the fact that their child is growing up, they need to allow their child to develop these social skills to find their place amongst their peers: "His future relationships will be more balanced if you allow these early, safe forays into real or fanciful "dating" to happen naturally"(p. 89). What the author emphasis is that we need to communicate with 'tweens about these feelings and how their idea of a relationship will evolve as they get older; in other words,  these "romantic" relationships are about social status and tend to consist mainly of hand-holding and friendly text messaging. It's not a bad idea, however, to explain that quality relationships are about enjoying time together—not primarily about sex—and finding someone who's right for you can take years" (p.89).

With this knowledge, and the fact that 'tween girls are going out of  their minds for the Jonas brother, it is only natural for them to react this way. However, what concerns me the most, is when this harmless infatuation becomes a full blown obsession that can get nasty. Moreover, especially among girls, the cattiness  has evolved so much that young girls are literally threatening one another over someone, or something, that is beyond unattainable. I guess my argument for this article is where do we, as parents, librarians, and mentors, draw the line and pop the bubble they live in. Although we should allow our 'tweens to have their fantasies, we need to take a proactive step to making sure they are not developing behaviors that will cause them emotional and social stress in the future.

As 'tweens librarians, we can help young girls with quality books and programs that will not only teach them confidence and self worth, but self control as well. I know series like "The Clique," "The A-List" and the "Private" series are highly entertaining, we need to provide alternative to balance the fluff with quality literature that will help girls suffering from self esteem and identity issues to move away from issues and make them feel better. For boys, we can do the same by providing literature that will not only guide them through their own issues, but make them feel recognized and important. Falling head over heels in love can be the greatest and worst thing to anyone, especially a vulnerable 'tween who thinks that one person will make their dream come true at the age of 12.

Cantrell, R. (2010). Giving a voice to ‘tweens and teens: Dallas Children’s Theater: Healthy Living for Young People Series. Incite/Insight, 2(2), 14-16. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from Education Full Text.

Honestly, there is no better way then to have 'tweens express themselves is to have them actually express themselves through creativity and the arts. In this article, the Dallas Children's Theater (DCT) established an initiative called the "Young Adult Drama Series" where 'tweens and teens wrote and acted out plays tackling hot topic issues such as: cyberbullying, drugs, alcohol, parental issues, and learning disabilities. With the help of therapists, educators, parents, artists, and consultants, this initiative came together to bring plays that deal with heavy issues to the stage. According to Cantrell: "Developing and producing these issue- type plays were only a part of the Dallas Children’s Theater’s commitment to addressing these difficult issues. Post performance  talk-backs, with expert facilitators for each topic, provided a forum for audience’s feedback and reactions, which was interspersed with the expert’s data and resource information" (2019,p.15). Not only are 'tweens being exposed to these issues, they are working with people who will help them make good decisions, but also cultivate empathy, especially when they have friends dealing with these issues.

As uncomfortable as these issues may be, 'tweens not only need to talk about these issues but learn how to deal with them; hence, acting, in my opinion, the best way to learn coping skills; when one becomes the character their point of view changes so not only are tweens learning about the decision making process, but how they, themselves, can make different choices. Linda Daugherty, the DCT playwright, states that "With an issue-type play, you hope that young people will take in the information they are presented and make healthy choices. Lectures and preaching to them don’t work. The challenge is to present a story about real people  with real lives and struggles, which the audience can slip into their shoes” (Cantrell, 2010, p. 14).

As 'tween librarians, we can create programs similar to this program where 'tweens can not only have fun, but learn valuable lessons through learning and acting. Moreover, this activity is a great way for 'tweens to recognize the Library as a body that advocates for them, but is truly interested in the trials and tribulations they are facing. Not only can we provide books that serve as therapeutic aids to get 'tweens through adolescence, we can partner with professionals and other community groups to show the community that there are positive methods to not only help their 'tween through puberty, but cultivate creativity, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Plot Summary:
In this installment of the Harry Potter story, Harry is faced with bigger problems then is ever before. After the death of Cedric Diggory, and the return of Voldemort, Harry is in greater danger then before, especially now, when the Dementors have escaped Azkaban  and he has been seeing and hearing Voldemort. In order to hide from the Dark Lord, Harry has moved into his Sirius' mansion to be protected by the Order before going back to Hogwarts.

As the school year begins, the Ministry of Magic has decided to replace Dumbledore with a horrible woman named Dolores Umbridge, who not only makes the students lives miserable, but Harry Potter has become her main target. With the threat of Voldemort, and the lack of a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Harry has turned the Room of Requirement into a practice room for the DA (Dumbledore's Army). Here, Harry is teaching everyone defense spells, especially the Patronus Spell.

Just when things cannot get any worse, Harry goes on another mission to find out if he truly is the "Chosen One" who is destined to defeat Voldemort. This installment, not only will 'tweens relate to the angst and the pressure that Harry is facing, but will feel more sympathy for this kid who not only has the world's worst luck, but loses yet another father figure in the battle against Voldemort. This book is packed full of twists and turns that will keep reader's reading from dusk till dawn!

Genre:
Tween Fantasy

Books Similar to Harry Potter:

• The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke
• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 6 & up

Plot Summary:
With the passing of Dumbledore, and Hogwarts is no longer safe, Harry Potter, Hermoine, and Ron are in search of the remaining horcruxes that store Voldemort's soul. The movie opens with Hermoine erasing her parents memories and the Dursley's leaving their home since muggles are no longer safe. The teens have decided to not return to Hogwarts, which leaves them in great danger so the Order of the Phoenix has decided to take great measures in hiding Harry from the Death Eaters. Unfortunately, with Voldemort's rising power, he has managed to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic, which  has put a bounty on Harry Potter's head.

When everything seems to be all right, the Death Eaters learn of Harry's whereabouts, and the teens are separated from their guardians, which leaves them all alone on their journey to find all of the horcruxes. With the Slytherin locket in tow, the third of the six horcruxes, Harry, Hermoine, and Ron must find a way to destroy it and the only way they can break it's powerful spell, the sword of Godric Gryffindor is needed. In the final installment of the Harry Potter story, things are getting more dangerous and, sadly, many beloved characters will lose their lives in the process of defeating Voldemort.

Genre:
Teen Movies

IMDB Rating:

Rating: PG-13

Fellows, M. (2010). Lights, Camera, Cook! Children and Libraries, 8(1), 36-39. Retrieved November 23, 2010, from Library Literature and Information Science Full Text.

In this amazing article is a great idea to not only engage 'tweens, but to connect reading with everyone's favorite activity...eating! Fellows provides readers with a great program that the Upper Hudson Library System created to bring new, and old, patrons back into the library. Along with this goal, one main objective is to assist the children of the communities with math, science, and reading skills. With the help of the cooking show, 'tweens will not only learn how to measure ingredients, but know how to read recipes: "We anticipated that the show would involve tweens in getting to know their public librarian, reading books, visiting their library and other libraries, and learning some of the math and science of cooking"(Fellow, p.37)

This entire articles explains not only the cooking show process (when to film, who is the chef in charge, which 'tweens want to participate, etc.), but how, we, as librarians, can create a plan that not only requires a lot of planning, but where we can get funding and publicity. In this particular community, famous chefs, cooking schools, and many legislators live in the are so there were plenty of people who Fellows could talk to about getting the people to help with the project. Furthermore, the Library was able to get an LSTA grant, which provided over 80k for the whole project. Clearly, this Library is much bigger than my one branch library, but the process for implementing these programs is not much different.

Another great aspect of this article is how learning and reading were the core principals that the cooking show is based off. Moreover, by hosting these lessons, 'tweens can not only enjoy themselves, but learn valuable skills such as cooking and socializing. I thought it was really neat to base the episodes around books so one episode was dedicated to "Ruby Holler" and the "Get-Over Homework Chocolate Cookies" and another was "Granny Torelli Makes Soup" and Minestrone soup. I never would have thought of connecting reading with cooking, especially in the Library. If I only had the money and the backing for our 'tweens...one can only dream. 

Soltan, R. (2007). Fairy Tale Characters Breathe New Life: A Fantasy Book Club Approach for Tweens. Children and Libraries, 5(2), 34-39. Retrieved November 23, 2010, from Library Literature and Information Science Full Text

Before reading this article, I never really understood while 'Tweens go bananas over Fantasy books. I was always under the impression that dragons, pirates, fairies, and magical adventure was just fun. However, according Soltan, this love of Fantasy is a lot deeper than I thought: " As children enter the tween and early teens years, their imaginative consciousnesses overcome their need to socialize, strive for independence, and cope in a realistic world. However, the fantasy in traditional literature serves as a vehicle for young people's growing awareness and a way to communicate some of life's deepest truths"(p. 34). After processing this genius notion, I thought about the Young Merlin series written by TA Barron. In these stories, we have the traditional hero archetype and journey. Whether it's old time literary theory, or great writing, these stories always manage to strike a chord in whoever is reading them. For 'tweens, Fantasy is not just another literary genre, but a unassuming tool that will help them deal with their demons (so to speak).

In this article, Stoltan provides a lot of great ideas on how to conduct a Fantasy book club that will engage readers and build critical thinking skills. Moreover, there are great analysis' on classic fairy tales, which compare and contrast the different version/interpretations and how these variations affect the overall tale. The discussion of  "Rumpelstiltskin" is incredibly intriguing because all of the versions of the tale are completely opposite; there seems to be no similarities whatsoever so 'tweens can have a great time talking about these differences and why authors did what they did. Lastly, Stoltan also discusses why novels based on fairy tales have become so popular simply because they provide a nee interpretation of the classic "good and evil" story. "Beast" by Alex Flinn is a great story based off "Beauty and the Beast," that puts a whole new spin on the Beast's character other than being a spoiled prince. These re-tellings have a lot to offer 'tweens audiences, especially when their problems resemble those of King Arthur and Ariel, but, in reality, ruling a kingdom and turning to sea foam are not as appealing as being a 12-year-old.

Kohn, A. (n.d.). How to Create Nonreaders. Alfie Kohn Homepage. Retrieved November 24, 2010, from http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/nonreaders.htm

According Kohn: "What a teacher can do--all a teacher can do--is work with students to create a classroom culture, a climate, a curriculum that will nourish and sustain the fundamental inclinations that everyone starts out with : to make sense of oneself and the worlds, to becomes increasingly competent at tasks that are regarded as consequential, to connect with (and express oneself to) other people. Motivation--at least intrinsic motivation--is something to be supported, or if necessary revived. It's not something we can instill in students by acting on them in a certain way. You can tap their motivation, in other words, but you can't "motivate them." And if you the distinction is merely semantic then I'm afraid we disagree"(p. 1).


How I loved this article. As an "Almost-English-Teacher-Turned- Librarian," I must agree with Kohn that all teachers really can do is create the environment that condones learning and cultivates motivation, but there is no way we can actually motivate, let alone, make a child learn. In this article, Kohn gives readers a great "what NOT to do" when it comes to teaching. For example, when reading is assigned, the best way to turn once avid readers into nonreaders is to make reading a chore. Secondly, giving lists of books of what they NEED to read limits reader choice. I have been working in public libraries for four years now and it drives me nuts when children and tweens ask for their school's reading lists and/or the AR book lists. I am, and always will be against the Accelerated Reader program. First of all, the AR program assigns reading level by vocabulary without taking into account comprehension or age appropriateness. Yes, a seventh grader can read "Les Miserables," but do they understand the literacy and historical elements or the fact that Cosette is a bastard child? Probably not. Furthermore, AR becomes a competition where children read to earn prizes, which turns this leisure activity into a race and, in some cases, a requirement.

Kohn also stated that test preparation is another great way to kill motivation. Sadly, schools are fighting over money so test scores determine who should get what. With the emphasis on standardized testing, the curriculum has shifted where most are teaching to the test; pending on the teacher, and how much time they are willing to commit to making lessons that meet these standards, generic test prep becomes the norm. With all of this pressure to succeed, teachers must realize that although test scores are important, the overall learning experience is absolutely necessary. It is better that 'tweens and teens are competent than knowing how to navigate test questions (i.e., STAR 9 & SAT's). More importantly, even if teachers have to teach to a stinky test, these lessons should be fashioned in ways that stimulate rather than sedate students.

After reading this article, as a librarian to be, the same concepts need to apply to our programming. If we lead a database workshop, we need to be able to captivate our audiences so a well organized and entertaining program is necessary to keep 'tweens and teens awake. Moreover, and Kohn will agree, 'tweens and teens will probably want to know what a Boolean operator and why "and" and "not" are not what they seem in a typical good search. More importantly, and school should consider this, snacks will keep them awake since brain functions require a lot of energy. If we want DON'T want to turn our 'tweens and teens nonusers, we need to take the extra steps to make sure they are encouraged to participate and engage in programs opposed to forced.