Kazumi Reads

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

Plot Summary:
Just when puberty cannot get an harder, it is now time for "the talk." Some parents may be just fine in explaining sex and body changes, but some, sadly, may not. This guide is probably one of the neatest guides I have come across. Bailey not only explains the basic functions of sex, sexuality, and reproduction, but she does an amazing job integrating the social aspects of sex as well. This book is divided into several sections that focus on: boy stuff. girl stuff, love, pregnancy, contraception, and why 'tweens need to know about their bodies and decision making. This book includes illustrations and examples that will not overwhelm readers; in fact, they may make them giggle, which is important since this such a heavy topic. Moreover, the section focusing on boy and girls issues includes important information that 'tweens may be to embarassed to ask their parents about (i.e., is a bendy penis bad or can a virgin wear a tampon). Bailey does a great job debunking all of the silly claims about sex, pregnancy, masturbation, and hormones, which is imperative since 'tweens tend to believe their friends over licensed professionals. Another amazing aspect of this book is the section that focuses on 'tweens and love (this particular area includes homosexuality, losing one's virginity, relationships, and saying 'No" to sex is actually a good thing. I definitely enjoyed reading this book and plan on buying it to save for my future 'tweens. :D

Genre:
Tween Nonfiction

Books Similar to Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff:

• What's Going on Down There?
• Period. A Girl's Guide
• The Care and Keeping of You: A Girl's Body Book.

Reading/Interest Level:
Ages 10 & up

Plot Summary:
For those who love manga, but have no clue how to draw, will find this book incredibly useful. This guide includes highly detailed instructions and illustrations that help new artists from start to finish. The introduction of this book is absolutely necessary. Not only does it provide a basic review of the manga process, but begins with the basic concepts of manga, which is to formulate a "word-chain" game, which provides the basis of the manga. As someone who loves Manga, I was actually suprised that this kind of technique is utilized to create manga. Although manga varies from traditional stories, it does require the same type of planning and outlining like a typical ficitonal work. Once artists have learned how to make these "word chains" they can learn how to spin it by forming applying a setting that has an historical, horror, romance, school, and/or action plot to get the story going.

Once artists have their storyline, the real fun begin. This book literally lays out all of the tools, materials, computer programs, and techniques needed to create an entire manga. Readers can easily refer to this section in case they make mistakes, but once artists have everything set they can begin their manga by learning how to draw different faces, emotions, actions, characters, and the manga outline (picture +words). Moreover, this guide teachers users how to use artistice techniques such as Perspective to make their drawing more realistic and professional. There is a lot to be learned in this books and 'tweens who are dying to become the next Tite Kubo (creator of Bleach) will need to start somewhere and this book is the perfect place.

Genre:
Tween Nonfiction

Books Similar to How to Draw Manga: Super Basics:

• Manga for the Beginner
• More How to Draw Manga Volume 1

Reading/Interest Level:
Ages 10 & up

Plot Summary:
This guide is essential for any 'tween and teen collection simply because it is just awesome. Fans, and avid players, of Guitar Hero, and musicians, will appreciate this songbook since it includes  the guitar tab for all of the songs from Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. From Social to Distortion to Black Sabbath to Guns and Roses, 'tweens have been introduced to some of rock's greatest bands, which will inspire them to not only take up real guitar lessons, but learn to play the music that has shaped the world and continues to remain a rock legend.

The guitar tab music includes music notes and tabs that makes playing a lot easier for beginners. Once guitarists become more skilled they can tackle the real action as they move from rhythm to lead guitar sections. When I first laid eyes on this book, I was impressed not only with the collection of songs, but was extremely happy that the entire score was included rather than an abridged version, which allows guitarists to improve their skills.

Genre:
Tween Nonfiction

Books Similar to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Songbook:   

• Guitar Hero Songbook,  
• Rock Band Songbook

Reading Level/Interest Level:
Anyone who can read guitar music

Plot Summary:
'Tweens who want to get in touch with their inner geek will not only find many easy projects to work on, they will be able to build these "toys" in the comfort of their own homes. Before young scientists begin their projects, it is imperative that they read the section on safety. Although these projects are simple, and small, they do require assembly that involves tools that could smash,cut, and burn young fingers.

Once readers become familiar with safety procedures, they are several different projects they can work on in the following areas: chemistry, aerodynamics, electricity and magnetism, computers and electronics, mathematics, and biology. Most of these projects require regular household items, which are easy to find; however, the more complex projects require specific tools that may take a few days to find and a little more money to purchase. Besides this element, this book is very well written with simple instructions and photographs to help tweens build their very own hydrogen cells, homemade ice cream, and computer-controlled radio transmitter.

Genre:
Tween Nonfiction

Books Similar to Return of Gonzo Gizmo:

• Gonzo Gizmos 
• Soda Pop Rockets 
• The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science

Reading Level/Interest Level:
Grades 5 & up

Plot Summary:
Teens who are interested in learning the art of Crochet can definitely learn a thing or two from this easy to use guide. Complete with step-by-step instructions, pictures demonstrating various techniques, charts, graphs, and tips to add flare to projects, or make the process easier, this guide will help all of those who want to make scarves, hats, purses, pillows, accessories, and clothing for themselves or for others.

There are also additional resources that teach 'tweens how to measure for custom fits, special stitches, and other tools. There is also a list of resources readers can consult for additional information such as: books, magazines, websites, and yarn companies. This guide is also useful for the clueless adults so 'tweens, older sibilings, and/or parents can read this book together and practice crocheting.

Genre:
Tween Nonfiction

Books Similar to Get Hooked:

• Get Hooked, Again, Way to Crochet

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 5 & up

Plot Summary:
This is the ultimate guide in helping 'tweens, and teens, create, manage, advertise, and market their very own bands on a very small budget. Of all of the DIY guides, this one is hilarious and highly relevant to the ambitious teen who want nothing more then to be super cool. Moreover, this guide also helps 'tweens and teens choose the right members for their bands and, not to mention, lots of instruction on how to be the baddest lead singer ever!

Complete with illustrations, sarcasm, and a little nudge here and there, 'tweens are given guidelines that will help them build a band from the ground up starting with "The Basics" (forming a band, songs and recording, putting music out, merchandise, and stage etiquette). Then the final section, entitled "Touring," helps teens get on the road and by providing advice on packing, booking gigs, promoting the band by visiting local hangouts, money management,getting enough to eat, and relaxing when the tour is over. 'Tweens who read this guide will not only get great advice, but a stage manager that is compact, doesn't talk back, and won't cost them a third of their earnings each time they perform. I definitely recommend this guide to the ambitious 'tween who wants to have fun and get his or her music out in the world.

Genre:
Tween Nonfiction

Books Similar to Punk Rock Etiquette:

• Guitar Hero Songbook

Reading/Interest Level:
Grades 7 & up