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The Field Guide to ParentingChildren's BookstoreGreat Books to Read With and About the Children in Your Life
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Reading level: Ages 9-12
The graphic novel was based on the movie that was based on the Newberry Medal winner novel. Those who loved the original book, and/or the movie, will enjoy reading the tale in the new format, and for those reluctant novel readers, this is the perfect way to enjoy the story. Well done. |
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Atheneum, 2008 Reading level: Ages 9-12
In case you didn't know it, "plays make for great reading... and are great for reading aloud," according to the editor. The enticing introduction offers every reason that children will love reading and acting out plays that have been created just for them. The genius of this work is that the editor asked six of the best children's writers in America to participate (from Avi to Richard Peck), and then added some fun by asking each playwright to choose one word, like "hoodwink," that each must include somewhere in their play.
Themes include the nature of bad and good, and EdgarAllen Poe and 'The Raven;' settings range from a 1901 one-room schoolhouse to a construction sight, some are realistic while a voice with special powers appears in another, and in one fantasy play, the Cubs even win the World Series. In other words, a wealth of well-written, fun choices that has something for every kid.
These short plays beg to be performed; while rights to perform them are reserved and you must request performance rights, the authors intend to grant permission to perform free-of-charge for non-profit productions in schools; how and where to make those requests are included. |
It
Sucks to Be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen
Vampire, Maybe by Kimberly Pauley
Mirrorstone, 2008
A teenager finds out that her parents and uncle are vampires,
and not only that, but she has to decide if she wants to become
one herself. You might be asking by now, as I did, "Really?"
I'm not sure how she did it, but the author has managed to
create a normal family and a teen with typical problems, except
for the fact that the family is full of vampires. The Myth/Truth
at the top of each chapter and the plays on words (remember "It
sucks to be me?") add to the delightful, often zany adventure of
an average girl dealing with an out-of-this-world problem.
The style is conversational, as if Mina is just telling you her
story, and the writing is great: "I'm a kind of hair-styling
agnostic...I'm just no good at it. If I were to try for a French
twist, for instance, I'd wind up with something resembling a boa
constrictor wrapped around my head."
Definately not lost on the reader is the idea that at this time
of life, teens tend to feel insecure about themselves, that life
sucks, and sooner or later, they recognize that they have to
make a choice about who and what they want to be.
The will-she-or-won't-she? tension rises, and just when you
think she might, something else convinces you that she won't.
So, are you wondering by now if she does indeed choose to become
a vampire like her parents, uncle, and new-found friends? I'll
never tell!
Original and witty, it leaves you wondering how suddenly
vampires don't seem so strange after all.
A Beginning, A Muddle, and an End by Avi
Harcourt, 2008
In this sequel to the charming and delightful The End of the Beginning, the ant & snail friends are at it again, this time determined to write a story. As before, what ensues is a feast of language fun as the best friends explore the meaning and creation of story and writing.
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
Houghton Mifflin 2008
Four children make do with neglectful parents until the parents go off on a long adventure leaving them with a nanny and a much-improved home life. Making reference to classic children's tales of old and with tongue firmly planted in cheek, the characters are winsome and the plot fortuitous--a journey home by a lost boy, the widower/candy-maker next door, odious parents, and even a baby left on the doorstop all intertwine in a most agreeable fashion. The parents place their house up for sale, even though the children still live there, but nanny and the four will not be defeated. They are destined for a happy ending, being old-fashioned children with good character who can pull themselves up by their bootstraps.
The writing is divine, characters well-defined or at least well-caricatured, and the language is glorious. If one does not know the meaning of words like "nefarious," "lugubrious," or "winsome," a glossary near the end explains and is as fun to read as the story itself. But above all, dialogue is king, masterfully crafted, and brings humor to even the humorless characters. Consider this exchange between the dolt-ish parents before they plot to abandon the children:
"Do you like our children?"
"Oh, no," Mrs. Willoughby said..."And then there are the two
that I can't tell apart..."
"The twins."
"Yes, them. Why on earth do they look so much alike? It confuses
people and isn't fair."
Refreshing, delightful, wickedly funny--what more can I say? Simply a best book of the year.
Could You? Would
You?: A Book to Tickle Your Imagination by Trudy White
Kane/Miller,
2007
Could
you imagine waking up one morning as a baby again?
Make a list of words you like saying.
Would you swap your arms for wings?
An ENTIRE book of questions and creative suggestions to notice, explain,
use your senses, and imagine yourself and the world--Fantastic! If ever
a book should be read by parent and child, or teacher and student, or
any caring adult and young child, this is it. I can imagine the
beginnings of creative, unique conversations from every page. Not a
storybook, but maybe even better; kids can use their knowledge and
imagination to write their own stories.
LOVED Could You? Would You?
-- Highly recommended!
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