Jasper John Dooley Star of the Week by Caroline Adderson

So this book about a little boy is filled with down right scary mental stuff.

 If this was my kid -he would be in therapy so fast his head would spin. 

He not only collects lint and organize's it, but Jasper, god love him, spends time sniffing this lint in the basement of his house. He make frequent trips, under the cover of darkness, to harvest lint from his father's belly button as well. Jasper is also caught by his elementary school teacher sniffing the coats of the others students, as well as stealing lint from the pockets. When Jasper plays house with some girls from school they threaten to change his diaper. He then ruminates on this quite a bit. As if that were not enough this poor Jasper's favorite game is Jump the Hump. At first its just pillows, but it quickly escalates to him and his BFF taking turns acting as the humps. At one point he tells his best friend that he is his favorite hump. 

Ok. I just want to say that I think this author has some serious underlying Freudian issues that could use addressing before she writes any more for youth. 

Blow! Jesus Calms the Storm

He calmed someone's storm -that is for sure.

Bizarre World of Food by Andrew Zimmern

OBJECTION : Hidden Smut

In this seriously horrible book for "Young Adults" the author describe one of his favorite clam's as resembling "a certain male appendage (wink wink)". 

Who wants this old, bald, self-absorbed, snobby creep winking at their pre-teen while he talks about male bits! BLECH! 

(To give poor old Andrew a fair trial, only because I like his show, I seriously think the publishers took excerpts from his book for adult 'foodies' and he might not have had much to do with this kids edition.)

How to be a werewolf

Objection: Hidden Smut

This book for kids, recommends HBO's "True Blood" TV Show. 

The author describes the show as 'Sultry'.

If that show is simply 'sultry' and that make it suitable for kids young enough to believe they can become an actual werewolf, then I really am a monkeys uncle.


(Don't get me wrong, I love the show, the books even more, but its pretty much rated NC17 or even X).

The Dagger Quick

Objection: Hidden Smut

Quote from inside cover: "Left with only the dagger his father gave him and his own inner resolve, he goes in search of the elusive treasure, and along the way discovers not only his notorious uncle -William Quick, a Jamaican pirate- but also his manhood."

My Question: Whose manhood did he discover? Something is just plain wrong with this sentence.

Hilarious!

Just to note: I loved this book! It was one of my very favorite that I have reviewed!

The Canticle Kingdom

Objection: Hidden Smut

Quote from page 6: "Now it was Johann's turn to sigh. Brutus was the blacksmith to whom he was apprenticed, and his muscular arms were not the only thing that caused sparks to fly in the shop"

My Question: What else caused the sparks to fly?
There is something just plain wrong about the sentence. 

Hilarious!

Also I feel compelled to add that this was an awful book!

Book: Who Will Toss my Salad?

Objection: Title Conflict

See this Alternative Definition.

Hilarious

Book: The Bent Sword

Objection: Title Conflict

The Bent Sword.

Also.......

Back Cover Quote:

"It was the Bent Sword and symbol of his life-potentially glorious but whacked out of shape"


This title is used in pop culture to elude to this problem.

Quote from page 157 "He tried to hold the heavens, closing one eye and then the other. He milked them, squeezing and pulling, summoning and gathering."
ICK.

Hilarious!

Book: The Rogue Crew: A Tale of Redwall

Objection: Spelling Conflict

 "T'aint", in text, used to create an accented form of 'It Ain't'.

I object. Hilarious!

See alternative meaning

Book: The Alphabet Doggie Style

Objection: Title Conflict

While this book looks absolutely adorable, its title was not well thought out. 

See alternative meaning.

Hilarious!! 

Website: Powerhouse -a free online green game to AVOID!

Objection: Hidden Smut


I had to review quite a few websites looking for eco/green games for kids. I stumbled across this one, that is very very naughty and worth a mention. (And a Lesson!)


Powerhouse


http://games.teennick.com/games/powerhouse/


For this game you are in a house that is using too much power. Its your job to go from room to room and find out how to reduce power. Once the power meters in each room are all green you win! There is rocking music and cool animation. The trickiest part is that you start in the basement and have to turn the light on! Hovering your mouse arrow over items reveals funny things and power saving hints.


It is of note that this game came recommended by the National Resource Defense Council.


But there is a problem. Well only if your intent is to let children play this game (which is who the game was made for!). Here's how it goes....


You go into the boys room (who appears to be a teenager) and suddenly the cursor hovers over an suspicious item...

Yes, we would like to know what that is too!
 
 

 
I am very sure that more than the fictional mom would be mad about the porn mag under the bed. You know who would be REALLY mad? All the parents of the 3rd to 7th graders that played this game!
 
Lesson Learned: Always play any game, all the way through, before recommending it/allowing it to be played by children.

Mystic & Rider by Sharon Shinn

Mystic & Rider by Sharon Shinn


Another book from the Friends of the Library sale bin from the Teen Section. This romantic fantasy features a relatively complicated maze of politics for the country of Gillengaria. But where it comes into focus is through the interactions between the main characters. Mystics Senneth & Kirra & Donnal are escorted by the Kings Riders Tayse and Justin. (They later pick up the teenage mystic Cammon). Their mission is to discover the source of discord in the kingdom. As they travel together, the reader gets to know the character’s as they get to know one another. The magic in this story is seamless and interwoven in such as way that it is as natural as breathing. The group dynamic is so interesting that you almost wish the rest of the story would quit interfering with their fun banter, stories, and interactions. Further into their travels southward the group realizes that magic is becoming feared and the moon goddess influence grows stronger. Will they be able to overcome the walls between them and make it home safely?

For Tweens?
I think that Tweens will dislike the confusing politics of this story as well as the fact that only one character is a teenager. On the other hand, it’s a great book with an amazing plot, as well as dialogue and characters that make the book absolutely come to life. There is romance, but nothing inappropriate for Tweens. The violence is also minimal. I would recommend this book mainly for teens.

Final Word?
The names in this book are great, my dogs for decades to come will have this author to thank for their names!

Shinn, S. (2006). Mystic and Rider (The Twelve Houses, Book 1). New York: Ace.

Aurian by Maggie Furey

Aurian by Maggie Furey


A Note on Great Reads in Youth Literature. ....

Throw the baby out with the bathwater ?
Its my opinion that in a library we tend to push out older books to make way for newer ones. This implies that you have the exact same patrons who need fresh things to read. For adults, this may very well be the case (especially if your ability to bring in new patrons is on a low note). However I don’t think this same philosophy should apply to the childrens & teens (and hopefully tweens) section. They grow up and move on. The best books should be kept so that the next set of youth can enjoy them, along with discovering the latest releases. If a great book become unreadable due to a plethora of cultural ties that are no longer recognizable or, outdated politically correct terms, or historical corrections something, well that’s one thing. But a great book should not be booted from a youth book section to the booksale just because its getting older.

So back to the review. I found this book in the teen section of recent library booksale. It was published in 1994. It rocks. I really liked this book. What on earth was it doing in the bin? (Especially since the shelves in the adult section for fantasy are very sparse).

The story starts with Aurian as a young and neglected girl secretly practicing magic in the woods by her home. An old friend of her fathers, Forral steps in to take the place of her dead father. Although she is eventually parted from Forral, moving into the Mage Academy in Nexis to live with the Archmage and other Mages, she never forgets him. Through the help of the Archmage, Aurian grows into her powers and when Forral returns she discovers she doesn’t want to play by the rules anymore. The Archmage had other plans for Aurian and her magic, and he releases a horror on the city that no one can possibly imagine. An interesting secondary plot involves a boy names Anvar who is subjected to being a slave at the academy. His perspective helps to provide a well-rounded view of the story. Will Aurian be able to cope with the havoc that is coming her way?

For Tweens?
I think its acceptable for those Tweens who like to read up. They will connect with her need for rebellion. However there are some ‘passionate’ scenes that may be offensive to parents. I would stick this book firmly in the Teen Section.

Final Word?
I really want to go to magic school! And no, being a master hypnosis therapist does not count as magic! (Until I make you chicken dance)

Furey, M. (1994). Aurian (First Book). New York: Spectra.

hangPROUD Website Review

hangPROUD Website Review


http://www.hangproud.com/Home/Story

What an interesting idea!

Here is the mission of this website:

“We are a community of girls and women, connecting from all over the globe, uniting with a common goal—to embrace our unique beauty and individual strengths and to use our power to make a difference in our lives, communities and the world. Dare to join us, and let your voices be heard...”

Well it’s about time that girls find a way to move past negativity about themselves and do something positive. This website is attempt to find a way to do just that!

The website starts with three doors divided up by age group. I found that very intriguing. It was girls age 13-17, girls ages 18-25, and proud women.

The site has a lot of great features. They have sign ups for e-mentors, blogs, workshops, and an advice column from a mother/daughter team!

They offer extensive listings for how to ‘Pay it Forward’

Some of the faults were that there is just not enough stuff to do behind each of the three doors. Once you get inside, there isn’t much to find! I suggest they allow people in those age group to chat, submit articles, ect.

Also they claim to offer a scholarship called, On The Move Scholarship, but I only found one mention of it. That is lame!

For Tweens?
Yes, most of all!
Librarians & Educators would find this website a great source of ideas for programming for Tween girls, both for self-esteem improvement as well as creating a positive outlook.
It is an amazing resources for getting involved on both a national and local level.

Last Word:
If I joined I would be a ‘Proud Woman’ (that’s the oldest age group. Thanks).

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

I would say that 99% of the time when a movie is made based on a book there are too many hurdles to overcome. I decided to list the reason for that.

1. Each reader envisions the characters so differently, that most of the population is bound to be unhappy with the chosen actors.
2. Each reader has experienced the full story, a movie cannot show that due to time constraints, so there is upset at what has been missed.
3. Each reader fills in the blanks that are left around descriptions and those blanks cannot be accounted for in a movie, not matter how great.

But this book has proved to be one of the few exceptions –the movie version of Stardust it much much better. This book is like the rough outline used to create a script for a movie. Bare bones, needs smoothing, needs filling in, needs vibrancy. The movie takes these empty words and literally breathes life into them.

Not familiar with either? Tristan Thorn is madly in love with the much admired Victoria Forester. He promise’s to bring her a fallen star in order to marry her. Unfortunetly that star is on the other side of the wall to the east of his village, which is a the mysterious land of Faerie. Even worse, he is not the only one after the star. So are the heirs of Stormhold and the witch-queen and her sisters. Tristan makes a few friends, finds he has the ability to see a ‘true path’, walks by candlelight, and meets the cranky girl Yvaine. Together they travel, encountering unicorns, sky-ships, and adventure. Will Victoria keep her word, even if Tristan can find the star before everyone else?

For Tweens?
Yes, but they may get annoyed with Tristan, I did. A few racy scenes are actually pretty tame, unless you use your imagination.

Final Word:
Am I really going to say this?? Apparently I am.
Skip the book, watch the movie.
I am going to Librarian hell now, already the soles of my shoes are smoking.

Gaiman, N. (2009). Stardust. New York: HarperTeen.

Just4girlstv

Just4girlstv

http://www.youtube.com/user/just4girlstv

This is a great You Tube channel of short video’s created for Girl Power. It specifically list’s Tweens as an audience.
The scary part of this channel is the who’s and why! That probably something that should be listed, especially if you are catering to those under 18.
There are tons of little webisode’s. I reviewed three.

#1 That’s Hot –From Drab to Fab
The host interviews a pre-teen girl about how to make a plain outfit into something fabulous. Mimi add accessories to her plain outfit, and adds with each addition how cheap these items are.
There is also a video specifically on thrift store finds! Score!
http://www.youtube.com/user/just4girlstv#p/u/4/e56BP3ZJCA8

#2 Secret Angel: School Bullies
This artistic snippet tells the story of a 13 year old girl who wants to be popular, but when that involves
bullying, she creates an anonymous letter to tell an authority figure. It was a a great portrait of the experience
http://www.youtube.com/user/just4girlstv#p/u/9/tBe0RUAQBoM

#3 The Guys View on Girl Power Talk
Two guys (one is 14 and the other is 18) are interviewed about Snap Bracelets. The guys think they are gross and demeaning. They compare wearing them into turning them into dogs with collars. The think they are disrespectful and that girls that wear them are “not loyal, not trustworthy, and not a girl with a lot of self respect”.
I had no idea that snap bracelets had this much meaning!
One of the guys interviewed said they lead to teen pregnancy! Wow! They should give these out at fertility clinics!
Remember Snap Bracelet =Sex degradation
http://www.youtube.com/user/just4girlstv#p/u/3/uTx1D8jWWdg

For Tweens: Yes!

Final Word:
This inspires me to create super fun projects when I become a librarian. The elementary school could have its own Youtube channel for news, events, and projects!!!! It will bring the community in, help parents get involved, and provide no end to learning projects and fun! I won't be wearing Snap bracelets every again. Especially not the brown ones!

The Color Meanings of the Snap Bracelets
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/jelly-bracelets.shtml

The yellow one means your willing to 'HUG'. 

Thank god one of them is wholesome.

Hadassah: One Night with the King by Tommy Tenney

Hadassah: One Night with the King by Tommy Tenney

I am not religious at all and know little about biblical history and lore so that is why I picked up this book. It was in the teen section at the local library and I wondered why.

It’s the wholesome historical fiction version of the story of biblical Queen Esther. The story begins by tracing the history of the Agagite’s and their grudge against the Jewish people. Then it seamlessly melds with the traumatic childhood of Hadassah and the death of most of her family. Raised by a cousin, Mordecai and a neighbor Rachel, Hadassah grows up sequestered in their home. As she grows up she yearns to have freedom, and begins to sneak out and explore the city with her childhood friend Jesse. She is spotted and turned into the palace as a potential candidate to be the new queen. Taken with a hundred other virgins to the palace, she spends months in training to have one night to convince King Xerxes to make her queen. Know as Star (Esther is a version of that), she finds the support of friends, Hegai the King’s Chamberlain, and most importantly –God. The political upheaval in the city, against Jews, threatens her life and those she loves. She must find a way to save them all.

I thought this book was really interesting and I learned a lot of historical and religious tidbits. I liked the characters and the intrigue.

Of Note:
There is also a children book version for age 9-12
There is also a movie!
Author Interview about Book.
Wiki Site.

For Tweens?

Recommended for older Tweens due to some suggestive talk about sex. Overall though, this is a chaste and extremely non-racy book –despite its implications. For the majority of the book, Esther is ages 6 -20, so Tweens will relate to her need for freedom and rebellion. While there are many interwoven plots and threads (such as a modern day girl reading the story), it flows easily and is extremely understandable. Still worried? Get the children’s edition.

Final Word:
Now I want to know the real history of Esther's story! Hey that means this entertainment book made me want to go find an educational one. I must be getting old!

Night World No. 1 by L.J.Smith

Night World No. 1: Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness; Spellbinder By L.J. Smith

This large book is a simple read comprised of three fun stories.

The first story is called Secret Vampire. Don’t let the title give this away but one of the characters comes out of the coffin in this story. Poppy is a teenager that is going to die. There is a way to prevent that, bet you cannot guess how. My dog was surprised at least.

The second story is called Daughters of Darkness. Three vampire sisters in a small town with nosy neighbors! Mary –Lynette soon finds more trouble than she is looking for. Ash, a dashing young vampire swoops in to add extra mischief for everyone involved. Throw in a telescope, a murder, a smothered kitten, and the soulmate principle and you are all set.

Spellbinder the third story is about two witch ‘sisters’ who fight over one hapless human boy. Thea and Blaise play the roles of good witch and bad witch. Eric is the boy stuck between. Thea has always let Blaise take the lead, and now they are on their last chance. Will Thea grow some backbone and learn from her mistakes? Can Eric fight off the romance magic of the beautiful Blaise? Are Thea and Blaise really enemies at heart or true family?

If you’re a fan of Twilight (2003), here are the books it might have been stolen from, re-published in fresh covers for your reminding that vampire teen-angst romances have been around for a long time. (Originally published from 1996–1998).

For Tweens?
Yes. Everything about these books is perfect for Tweens. While the writing and plot lines are not super complex, the stories are well written and portray characters tweens can relate to.

Final Word:
Only for hopeless romantics. Like little bits of twilight, all wrapped up in tiny bon-bon shaped packages.

Fan Site: http://www.nightworld.net/

Smith, L. (2008). Night World No. 1: Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness; Spellbinder (Night World). New York: Simon Pulse.

Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull

Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull

I love this series, definitely on my favorite list.
But I really think the story is sort of lame and stupid and unbelievable.
(Especially the part where Nero is given a deep tissue massage. Eww!)
However Brandon Mull pulls off the ridiculous plot spectacularly.

Why? Because Brandon Mull is a great writer. A great writer can write about almost anything and make it fun, readable, and interesting. (Given a great plot and they are over the moon). The Fablehaven series is the product of a great writer. The character’s and their interactions, the descriptions, the way it’s woven together, the pacing…all are excellent.

While I am writing my review about the entire series, the book I am specifically thinking of is the recently released final book called Keys to the Demon Prison. Having been given the first two books as a gift (autographed!!), I was reluctant once I delved into the first one. But I was quick to come to my senses and have a been a fan ever since. If you have not yet read this series, then get on with it! Book a weekend for it. Lock yourself in a room with rations.

In this series Tweenage Kendra and her younger brother Seth discover that their Grandparents, the Sorensons, run a preserve for magical creatures, one of many across the world. Unlike a zoo though, Fablehaven is not a safe place, both good and very very bad creatures live there. Kendra and Seth soon are involved heavily in the magic going’s on of running a preserve. Mostly through mischief, accident, and sheer bravery they are led on a series of adventure’s that are amazingly fun. An overriding plot is the Society of the Evening Star wants to open the demon prison Zzyzx, but it will take collecting secret artifacts to do so. Who is behind such madness? Kendra and Seth are sucked even more into the mystery and plot when they are affected magically by their adventures. I won’t risk spoiling anymore with a cash bribe. Good Luck.

For Tweens?
Get many many copies. Love it, promote it, keep it forever.

Final Word:
I would be willing to be involved in a conspiracy to force Brandon Mull to continue the series. Please email for more information. I am master hypnotherapist. (really!)

Author Website: http://www.brandonmull.com/
Author Interview Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWajjsJu1HU

Mull, B. (2010). Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven). United States: Shadow Mountain.

Wii Game: Okami

Wii Game: Okami

If you can make it past the super boring, exceedingly long introduction story then you are in for a major treat!

This award winning game is unique both in style and plot. It is a absolutely stunning combination of Japanese art styles (both current and modern) that comes to life in an explorable environment. Best of all you get to play a beautiful white wolf god named Amaterasu. Running around barking, jumping and digging is only the start of the fun this pup gets to have. Guided by a tiny little ball of light called Issun, the adventure is fairly straightforward, but there is endless time given for play and exploration. There is fighting, but the only difficult thing about it is the arm workout it provides!

One of the most interesting aspects of the game is the Celestial brush. Once enacted it freezes the scene into a japanese paper parchment style look, and the giant paintbrush appears. It can be used quite easily to hurt enemies, heal trees and even create lily pads for crossing water. The controls are simple and easy, some of the most natural I have used. Its like being sucked into a magical land and carried away by beautiful music.

Wiki Page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Ckami
Art of Okami Website: http://www.artofokami.com/

For Tweens?
Yes. I think the only reason this game is rated T for Teen is due to a busty goddess character who is rarely seen. There are battles, but they are extremely tame in the violence department.

Final Word:
I fully intend to donate hours of my life to playing this game.

Okami. (2006) [Wii Platform]. Mateo, CA: Capcom. Rated: T for Teen

The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1) by James Patterson

The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1) by James Patterson

Who care’s about the plot!? This book was action packed and super fun to read!
Ok I guess I should mention the plot, I can’t help myself. A group of children were genetically enhanced with wings, and with help, escaped the lab where they were created. Living on their own, 14-years old Max takes care of the whole group. They range in age from 6-14 but for all intents and purposes are all 14. Besides a lame attempt to have the youngest bond with a stuffed bear, the dialogue, thoughts and actions of these children were all at a pre-teen level. The easiest thing to do is just pretend they are all the same age and get over it.

Also created at the lab were various other half-breeds, including the half-dog Eraser’s who continually come after the small flock. Although at one point its discovered that Max is implanted with a chip, and a mention of how pets are chipped and tracked with them, the group never fully gets it that the Erasers keep finding them due to this chip. Which can get really annoying, I keep thinking of the saying that the definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. The flock keeps hiding and getting found over and over again without rest. Stupid. Despite the fact that this plot is all over the place, growing increasingly stranger and stranger, the books is truly an addicting read.

For Tweens?
Just enough creepy lab stuff, fighting, and male characters to appeal to Tween boys. Just enough wings, flying, and girl characters to appeal to the girls. A must have!

Final Word

What editor on earth allowed this author to include a reference to “Seven of Nine” in this book! This is an obscure reference to a character from the TV show Star Trek: Voyager that was featured from 1997-2001. This is so lame for a number of reasons. First off this book came out in 2005! So already the reference is outdated. Secondly even if the characters in the book were cooped up watching old TV shows it is a stretch to believe that the average reader would have done the same. This is actually quite telling about the author. Seems like a typical Sci-Fi guy to me -all in a bundle for a hot woman who plays “Seven of Nine” subsequently everyone else should be to. Men.

Patterson, James. Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride). New York: Little, Brown Young Readers, 2007. ISBN#0316067954

Club Penguin

Club Penguin

In this free online game, sponsored by Disney, kids get to create a penguin avatar and join an interactive world. There is filtered chat with moderators to help keep everyone swear free and safe. Club Penguin is also a Nintendo DS game, so I assuming this online world is an offshoot. I did have to create a login to sign up and send an email to my ‘parents’ for permission. This does bring up a great point. There is no way at all to control that age of the players who sign up. It is not just a world for kids.

I had to wait for my boss to go to lunch……..

I made my penguin, named Burnbright and walked around. I went to the snowfort, a clothing store, the dock. I tried to play in a snowfight but a few other penguins yelled at me to Join a Team. But I never did find out how. I had money but wasn’t allowed to spend it unless I signed up for ‘membership’ which I thought I had already done. My penguins name didn’t show up like the other user’s, just an id number and I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. I thought this game was a big yawn!

For Tweens?
This is a game for kids, who don’t mind a lot of button pushing trying to explore.

Final Word:
Does my penguin too fat in this outfit?

http://www.clubpenguin.com/

Wren to the Rescue by Sherwood Smith

Wren to the Rescue by Sherwood Smith

Actually, truth be known, this posting is about the entire Wren Series. The books are very short but draw you into their world so completely that they feel much longer. Wren is an amazingly normal girl raised in an orphanage. Turns out her best friend is a princess in hiding, who shortly thereafter is kidnapped. That’s when all the magic and adventure break loose. As the series continues Wren and her group of friends, Tyron the magician, Conner the prince, and of course Princess Tess, continue to grow up. They are fully children when the book starts, but find that young adulthood brings a new dynamic to their lives, both through responsibility but also possibilities. While this is a good vs evil story, the richness of the world and characters is so striking, that any stereotypical elements so the plot are overcome quite easily.

This is a classic and a keeper. A must have for every library. While I am on it..why not have a shelf dedicated to endearing classics of the modern age. Screw the Scarlet Letter, and give us a shelf full of C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, and hell even Stephenie Meyer. These are the books that children and young adults will be reading for a long time.

Best news yet, a bit of snooping revealed that a long-awaited fourth book to the series,
Wren Journeymage will be coming out in e-book format only. More information can be found on the authors homepage. She is a prolific writer, and if you like this series, you will love this author.

For Tweens?
100% go read it now

Final Word:
Here is a nifty magic school... long before Hogwarts.

Smith, S. (1990). Wren to the Rescue. New York: Harcourt.

Spirits out of time by Annie Wilder

Spirits out of time by Annie Wilder

A world about The Special Shelf....

Its exists soley in the tween/teen area of the library I visit, and is filled to the brim with non-fiction books that are extremely interesting and fun. I love this shelf, I want this shelf. If I could have a magic bookshelf, this would be close to my wish coming true. It has everything - from “how to start a band” to ‘a history of skateboard design’ and much more in between. The materials on this shelf are constantly rotating and many are brought in from the adult section.

I found the book for this review on it. A true-ghost story book. A hot topic, a fun topic, a popular topic…but the book was better off staying the authors family annuals. Wilder has a huge Irish family and she knows literally everything about them. This book is their history. Yawn! Reading someone else’s family history in excruciating detail is sort of my idea of hell. But interspersed, randomly, were little nuggets of ghost stories. I felt sort of like a rat in a maze, desperately hoping to find those little nuggets, and once I had finally found -my sense of accomplishment was so great that I wanted to find more. I honestly think this book could have been kept just in the author’s own family, for their personal enjoyment because it was over the top. Sarcastic example: ‘My cousin’s grandma’s foster sister visited me in a séance once”. Please! Spare me! Save me!

For Tweens?
Although I was patient (?) enough to glean some heebie-jeebies out of this book, I am positive a tween would be having none of this.

Final Word:
The author writes like I speak, so it was great to hear someone else saying ‘I was freaking out!’ I do, however, think that any other book by this author might be more interesting. She has written a book called, House of Spirits and Whispers about living in a haunted house, which might have been a better choice for The Special Shelf in the Teen Section.

Wilder, A. (2009). Spirits Out of Time: True Family Ghost Stories and Weird Paranormal Experiences. st.paul: Llewellyn Publications.

Bonus:
In honor of this book, I am including my own ghost photo. I was living in an old home at the time (built in the 1800’s) and took a series of photos to try to sell the house with. One of those photos showed this woman in MY BEDROOM window! I was truly horrified and did a number of experiments to see if somehow it could be my own reflection. I even emailed the photo to a psychic who said it was an Imprint -only a memory of ghost or a strong emotion. I didn’t feel any better, and made my ex-boyfriend sleep on the couch for weeks.

Never After by Dan Elconin

Never After by Dan Elconin

A word on re-tellings…

As far as I am concerned, if there is a story or tale that an author believes that they can upgrade in some fashion (whether that be to continue the story, re-tell it or just use it as a framework) the original better be lacking in some way that necessitates the tribute. For instance Beauty and the Beast was a traditional fairy tale, but sparse and linear in plot. The author Robin McKinley retells this story in her book Beauty. She takes that lacking framework and breathes life and vibrancy into it, creating an amazing tale.

So what in the #$%^* was Dan Elconin thinking when he wrote Never After?



Never After is based on plot elements from Peter Pan. Which was already a great story, so get your own idea buddy!!! It starts with Ricky, the angst filled teen who is taken away on a flight through the clouds by a persuasive Peter to Never Never Land. There things are a bit off and a daily fight for survival. Captain Hook, the crocodile, the Indians, the Lost Boys, and even a fairy are introduced. (With a groan of disappointment from me at the introduction of each). I would have just barely slipped into the author’s world: via wonderful descriptions and amazing character dialogue/banter, then another reminder of copy-cat plot would come up. While the author probably intended to give the story of Peter Pan a modern twist, the result was like mixing too many colors of paint together, leaving a dull puddle. Also I estimate that this book will be outdated within 5 years –it is chocked full of current cultural references that will have been forgotten or be considered lame in the near future. Hopefully by then your library patrons will have lost or destroyed it anyway. On a happy note, this author is one not to give up on and I will keep him on my radar for hopefully future improvements.

For Tweens?
Older spectrum only. Contains lots of sexual content.

Final Word:
Like Pop Singer who has a great voice and stage presence but performs others peoples work…Elconin is a great writer who needs to get create his own stories.

Elconin, D. (2009). Never After. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN#1416979670

AddictingGames Website

AddictingGames Website.

http://www.addictinggames.com/index.html

This game website has free games for all ages. It is owned by MTV, and Nickelodeon Casual Games is also referenced. The games all divided into categories by type ranging from Action to Shooting to Adventure. One must join/login to access some features, like the ability to review games. But other than that, the games load quickly and you are off!

I was super stoked to discover that most of the games are embedded (you don’t have to download anything for them to work), they load right into the browser. I decided to try a few games that look fun for Tweens.

#1 Potty Racers. (If my boss catches me playing this I will die of mortification).

What a ride! I jumped on my very own port-a-potty and flew down a hill! Sadly the contents of the very full biffy drizzled out the back during the wild ride. I was rated on tricks, speed, and jumps. It was hilarious! On my next run I tried to do a trick and destroyed the outhouse! What can I say, its like living the dream.

#2 Cannibal Cuisine


This game was like being a chef at a sushi bar. Instead of fish though, a large spread of body parts, such as hands, are prepared and laid out. A customer sits in front of you and asks for a meal. In this case..kidney pie. As you move up levels, multiple customers come and you have to manage getting them beverages, preparing and cooking their food. Since I am already at work, playing game felt like hard work. (Wait..thats sort of an oxymoron.)

#3 Tattoo Artist 2


Wow! This game is really well made! First off, I got to choose if I was male or female artist. Then I chose my skill level, then my clients. It was really hard to outline the tattoo’s properly. (As in real life –and yes..as a failed tattoo artist, I do know!). I didn’t even get to fill them in as I did so bad outlining them. I eventually got fired for causing the clients too much pain. I thought that was why they were there. Confused!

#4 Fashion Expo

Since I can’t shop myself due to budget issues (tuition went up), I decided to try this game. I got to choose three female models, then dress them up, put makeup on them, and have a fashion show. It was like playing Barbies!

For Tweens?

There are tons of fun games for Tweens. The only catch is that there are a ton that are so not for tweens. (and would cause a huge problem at a public library computer). I saw (not played!! I know what you were thinking!) games like ‘Spank the Naughty Celebrity’ and ‘Perry the Sneak’ (Who is spying on a showing women in the promo picture) There is a saving grace however. Many of the games are embeddable. You can embed them in a blog of ‘recommended games’ and the Tweens can play them straight from there.

Final Word:
I am too busy gaming. Leave me be.

The Fledging of Az Gabrielson by Jay Amory

As reviewers we pretend, based on our experience, education, and intelligence, that we can actually determine whether a book will be popular with Tweens. But ultimately, we are not in that foggy, unsure, adolescent hormone ridden mindset –unless we are actually a tween age reviewer. Which leads to reviewing complications due to age.

The book I read for this review presents just such a problem. When asked to buy into a post-apocalyptic world full of people that have evolved wings because they live above the permanent cloud layer, I am thrilled. But when I find out that below the cloud layer there are normal people who live in near darkness, but run through forests and fields, I hit a wall. There can’t be trees and forests without sunlight!! Everything would be dead!!!! A tween reader might find themselves able to image this fictional world with ease and not hit this same educational based roadblock, but not me. Infact I wanted to stop reading the book and was quite huffy about the whole thing.

The main character Az (short for Azriel) is a wingless boy in a world of winged people. Though he has a loving and supportive family, he does feel handicapped and different. The lives of his people are supported mostly in part by supplies that arrive mysteriously by elevator from the world beneath the cloud layer. Turns out those ‘Groundlings’ have been filling those elevators for religious fear-based reasons, and were now rebelling. Az is sent down, being better suited to blend in, to find out more information. The ensuing debacle introduces a romantic interest, an evil rebellion leader, and non-stop action sequences.

Beyond my educationally induced glass wall against bonding with this book, there was another factor that did not endear me. This author uses the world Chortle! I couldn’t believe it! The only thing I can think of is that these writers must be reading each others books and picking up the same language patterns. I refuse to accept that tweens and teens chortle. Or I guess it might be just a neurotic personal flaw. I have a favorite author who I think over-uses the phrase ‘beat a hasty retreat’. I have taken to scratching it out with pen in all of her books that I own. Sadly I know what is under the pen marks and still think it in my head as I am reading it. (Arg, it sucks being weird!)

For Tweens?
This book is a fine example of teenage angst, feeling different, overcoming disabilities, being brave, taking chances, family loyalty and doing what is right. It is fast paced, action filled, and an interesting concept. Although you couldn’t pay me to read it again, but I still think that Tweens will like it a lot!

Final Word:

Its makes for a distracting read when the main characters name Azreal is constantly reminding you about a certain cat who craves Smurfs for dinner! Won't be a problem for Tweens, having not grown up with this cartoon -yet another age related complication!


Amory, J. (2008). The Fledging of Az Gabrielson (The Clouded World Book1). London: Gollancz. ISBN#0575079800

Persistence of Memory by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

In this book the main character Erin has mental problems, and not just the everyday 16 year old kind, the padded cell kind. (So endearing, don’t you think?). Add to this a lovely vampire named Shevaun, and a strange bond between them that drives them both mad = a whole rats nest of plot! Supportive and strong boyfriends (because every teen has one those!) are there to help unravel the situation, but its all mixed up in magic, history and a host of useless characters. (See rats nest below for a visual).

What it boils down to is: readable. I found the characters lacking enough in substance that I didn’t care about what happened to them, but the book is short and fast paced enough I figured I’d follow through to the end (as if I were a lawyer following an ambulance to a car crash).

For Tweens?
As a whole this book is acceptable for Tweens –there is an appealing fantasy meshed with today's world element, the language is simple, the plot is not adult-only content, and the characters are few. If you need something to fill the shelves, this might do the trick! But as a recommend for an excellent book, it falls extremely short.

Final Word:
I must add that I found the use of the word ‘Chortle’ in this book extremely upsetting and find myself wondering if many tweens spend time chortling? Have you chortled lately? As for myself, I prefer to guffaw. (I once found a children’s book that featured the word Masticate, so I think I will put Chortle as a close second). So now I am off to try my best not to chortle while I masticate. Wow, that sounds wrong.

Atwater-Rhodes, A. (2010). Persistence of Memory. New York: Delacorte Books For Young Readers. ISBN#9780440240044

Carnival Games: Mini-Golf (Wii Game)

I played a 9 hole round of mini golf today on the Wii, and wow…I did just as good as I do at real life mini-golf. (That means I sucked, but had fun). The first thing I liked is creating and dressing up my character. (There are also custom equipment you can win). Some of the girl outfits are kind of trampy so watch out when playing with little kids. I don’t think this kids game anyway, it might be just a touch too hard for them, on the other hand it might be kind of slow and tame for an older teen…so that makes it just perfect for Tweens!

The second thing I liked were the themed levels. I have got to be honest, Golf is so incredibly boring to me. I see those vasty expanses of grass, and all I can think is how much water is being wasted. Mini-golf is a whole different ball game and this game has done everything right. There are 9 of the themed levels, the range from a ghost/haunted house one, pirates and a cowboy town. There are three holes to each theme. Best of all there are tons of mini-games, and if you pass them..well you go straight to a hole in one! This is a great four player game since Tweens don’t only just get to play with their friends, but taunt them! All you do is shake your Wii controller when another player is taking their turn and your character pops up on the screen, making random noises, in essence to taunt and distract them. That is my kind of mischief! The only thing that a video game can’t replicate is that trick last hole, the one that if you get a ‘hole in one’ you get a free game - I miss that!

For Tweens?
Yes!

Final Word:
I rock at this game!

Carnival Games: Mini-Golf. (2008) [Wii Platform]. Novato, CA: 2KPlay. Rated: E for Everyone
http://www.amazon.com/Carnival-Games-MiniGolf-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B001B1W3HA

Sabriel by Garth Nix

This book is like a cold clear day in the mountains, calm and refreshing. (Not like a mint! I know what you were thinking!). There is a stillness that stays, even when dead scary monsters are chasing the main character, as they tend to do. But thankfully Sabriel not only has charter magic, she is a trained necromancer. (She is the kind that makes the walking dead go back to being just plain dead). Unfortunately, she doesn't have much experience. But when the top job of the Abhorsen opens up suddenly its time for her to shine. Well only if she wants to save the citizens of the magic filled Old Kingdom and the mostly normal country of Ancelstierre (which are separated by a wall). Although the wall which separates these two places is guarded like the former Berlin Wall, trouble is spilling out, threatening both places. This setup reminds me of the movie/book Stardust by Neil Gaiman, where a magical world Stormhold, is separated by a wall from the village called, surprise, Wall. (Score 1 for Nix on creativity).


Its up to Sabriel to fix the entire dilemma, so she must test her untried magic against the dark powers that stand against her. Nix includes a host of memorable characters, my favorite being Mogget, the cat with a secret. Bring a blanket because this book has just enough ice to make you feel chilly!

There are many books that Nix writes about this world, with a rotating host of characters that overlap. But this is the only one I like, maybe it’s because it feels like he loved writing this book. It’s full of little details that bring this book to life and feels unrushed –despite the frantic pace of the plot.

For Tweens?
This is a great book for Tweens. Not only is Sabriel’s life in transition, but she must face her fears, and most of all..have confidence in herself.

Final Word:
Classic. Keeper.


Nix, G. (2008). Sabriel (Abhorsen). New York: HarperTeen. ISBN# 0061474355

Dragon's Blood by Jane Yolen (Book 1 of Pit Dragon Trilogy)

Let’s ignore the review for now and talk about Covers. You know that you judge a book by its cover, I mean literally. Once that initial honeymoon stage is over and the books is a keeper, then the cover doesn’t matter as much. As far as Tweens go, the cover does more than just catch their attention, but also can act as a status symbol. (Like wearing a cool new set of headphones or sweat pants that say Juicy on the backside). So the cover better be super cool. This book has gone through many cover up-dates and the age of the main character just keeps going up! I think the original cover on the left shows a 10 year old boy, while one in the middle shows a 13 year old, while the cover on the right shows a full out 16-18 year old teen. So depending on the book cover this book might find its way into the children’s section or teen section.

The main character, Jakkin is facing a crossroads. He can stay the same, a slave to dragon breeders -a monotonous yet mostly safe, life sentence. Or Jakkin can step up, take a chance and become a man. He can steal a dragon egg, raise it, and help it to win money at the dragon fights so he can buy his freedom. That is a big mountain to climb, but Jakkin has a secret, an in-born trait that gives him an advantage. On top of everything else, he has his slave duties, his friends, his enemies, the need for sleep to deal with, and his first crush to deal with.

My favorite thing about this book is that Jakkin has the opportunity to move beyond the normal challenges for a person his age, to excel and to dream big. My second favorite thing is that there are two more books already published to keep reading more about Jakkin’s story. Dragons are a popular genre now, so don’t let this one get swept out with the old, it’s a keeper for many more generations.

For Tweens?
This book is an ageless classic and also a great book for Tweens. Because it is science-fiction/fantasy there is nothing to 'date' it -like mentions of old technology or no longer current media references. The unique world presented by Yolen is enthralling and her characters are stunning.
Final Word?
Classic. Keeper.

Yolen, J. (1982). Dragon's Blood: The Pit Dragon Chronicles, Volume One (Pit Dragon Chronicles). New York: Magic Carpet Books. ISBN #0152051260

Tween-Teen Librarian from Hell

As far as I figure it, this blog should also include reviews of Tween Librarians, since they are the gatekeepers/marketer/inspiration provider for Tweens. This past weekend, I visited the amazing space set aside for Tweens/Teens in the main library of downtown Salt Lake City. This fun setup includes booths, tvs, and has music playing at all times. I needed materials to review for this blog, but wasn't sure how to choose them. Well hell, isn't the Librarian the best place to start!? There is a special reference desk just for this section so I figured there person would be highly knowledgable. My first impression was that this Librarian was as comfortable and settled as Jabba the Hut. (No she wasn't overweight, just unmovable- a crowbar would not convince her to get out of her seat). Continuing with my snap judgment, I thought she might show me a picture of her cats or start knitting at any moment. My expectation and hope was that she could tell me what is really hot right now, what her favorites are, and some classic reads. Ahh, how easily the hopes of the hopeful are crushed and how fragile are our dreams. I explained to her that I was a graduate student in Library Science and I needed some books for a class on Tweens. She tried to convince me that pre-teens/tweens were actually children, and I would not find material for them in this section. When I asked her for some book ideas (as listed specifically above), she replied to me after a long pause, "There are alot of books in this section, so be sure to have a look around before you go". I can recognize pretty quickly when I am not going to get what I want (an only child thing). So I politely thanked her and chose books at random (ok..mostly fantasy..what can I say..I tried to get help!). Eventually I was browsing the non-fiction section and she called out to me, 'those books there are non-fiction'. Wow! You learn something new everyday!


Truthfully after my visit, I was dumbfounded. Here I am, not working in a Library, and look who gets to! Un-enthusiastic lumps who are half-awake (was that too harsh?). I tried to do the right thing, and asked at the main customer service desk for a 'comment card'. Is that not the normal phrase? They had no idea what I was talking about. I had to explain in detail, and after much conferring amongst themselves, I was given a 'what do you think of our services' card. I would really like to see a approachable, high-energy, knowledgeable reference Librarian in this section of the library.

So after some heart-ache and a healthy does of examination, I have had to come to the conclusion that my expectations are too high given my current education and my unfulfilled dreams of librarianship are expressed as jealously through critical judgment. (I was a psych major, cantcha tell?) Since the 'comment card' was too short to include my full review of this Librarian, I have decided it will be summed up in two words as represented by the picture accompanied by this blog. ____ HER. Any guesses?

Introduction

Hi Everyone. Welcome to my Blog! I will be posting my reviews of items that are relevant to Tween culture. I will be discussing books, magazines, culture, music, movies and TV shows that are accessed by this age group.
Now for the important part, why is this a Rogue blog? I have found that many job-necessitated blogs are created by bloggers who choose to forgo personality in an effort (no doubt noble), to be professional and non-offensive. I am not holding myself to these same standards. I am full of mischief and that will be represented in these postings. On the other hand I am creating this blog for a school project, so you won't be seeing anything too disastrous. (Ok that remains to be seen). I hope you have as much fun reading this blog as I do creating posts for it.