Homework Machine

Biblio Bits The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman, Simon and Schuster, 2006 (ISBN 0689876785)

Reading Level/Interest Age 690 lexile/Ages 10+

Genre Realistic Fiction, Humor

Plot Summary

A homework machine seems too good to be true, but the other members of the D Squad believe it when they see it. The D Squad is a small group of four fifth graders, who all have last names beginning in "D," put together by their teacher, Miss Rasmussen: lackluster Kelsey, smart-aleck Snikwad, goody-goody Judy, and Brenton, the class brain who invented the Homework Machine. Brenton agrees to let his group-mates use his invention but, oddly enough, he doesn't want anything in return for the favor. That just proves how eccentric Brenton is; he invented the Homework Machine because he didn't like the busy-work that his teacher was giving out, he'd much prefer to pursue his own interests and studies. The four students start going to Brenton's house after school to use the Machine and begin to get to know each other a little better. And they quickly get hooked by the ease of using the Machine and don't want to "go back." But someone is trying to find out more about what they're doing each day after school. Is it the CIA? The FBI? The secret has leaked: what is the D Squad going to do?

Critical Evaluation

This book might appeal to reluctant readers, since the narration is in short segments, by the various players in this drama. It's a fantasy that many of us have dreamed of: the ease of life without the time-drain of homework. Gutman's writing style is straight-forward and conversational, as though the narrators are speaking directly to the reader. The plot moves quickly with a bit of mystery thrown in, as the D Squad tries to discover who has leaked the story of the Homework Machine. Each character responds differently to this new development and pretty soon the conclusion winds up, with a couple of plot twists that are quite unexpected. The primary characters slowly develop a friendship through this drama, even though they have some prejudices about each other (slacker, goody-goody, trouble-maker, geek).

Reader's Annotation

A machine to do your homework for you? Sounds like every kid's dream, right? More free time to do the things you want, great grades, and it's all so easy. Except you're living a lie.

Author Information

Dan Gutman was born in 1955 in New York City and grew up in New Jersey. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Rutgers University, in psychology. He turned his attention to writing after a couple of years in graduate school, and began writing humorous essays in 1980. Gutman has 86 published works to date including fiction and nonfiction, for adults and children. HE currently lives in New Jersey with his wife and two children. (Information for this author biography is from his official site.)

Challenge issues

Some people don't like the word "sucks" and that's in here. There are devious kids here, bucking the time-cherished tradition of homework, and that's pretty scary too.

Booktalking Ideas

Someone mentioned that this book might be a good one to recommend to fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (Kinney, 2007). Though this one is lacking the copious illustrations, I think that it's a good read-alike for the school setting, friends/enemies, and the humorous aspects. I think a booktalk called "If you like the Wimpy Kid books, try these next..." could be a good one. Other books might include Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Sachar, 1985), Julia Gillian (and the Quest for Joy) (McGhee, 2009), The Boys Start the War (Naylor, 1993), and Frindle (Clements, 1996).

Curriculum Ties

Certainly an obvious curricular connection would be related to instruction and guidelines on academic honesty. When did Miss Rasmussen begin to suspect that there was something up? How do people get caught cheating? Can teachers "tell" if you've plagiarized? Why do people cheat? Are these the same reasons (or are there different ones) that the D Squad started using the Homework Machine? Also, students might draft their own Ten Commandments of Homework, like Miss Rasmussen's.

Why this book?
Aren't you just a little intrigued by the title? I tried listening to it on audio but found the full-cast narration to be confusing since there are so many (and frequent) switches in point of view. It seemed like a pretty great selection for this list, so I went back to it in book form.

Series/Sequel

The Return of the Homework Machine (2009), which I see from Gutman's site addresses the one remaining loose end of the first book: What the heck was that red blinking light on Brenton's computer, that never went off even when the power was killed?

Awards
Maine Student Book Award, Second Place, 2007-2008; Booklist Editors' Choice, Books for Youth, Middle Readers Category, 2006.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Horrid Henry

Biblio Bits Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon, illustrated by Tony Ross, SourceBooks Jabberwocky, 2009 (ISBN 9781402217753)

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9-11

Genre Humor, Realistic Fiction

Plot Summary

In this, the first book in this series, we meet Henry and his family, including his brother, Perfect Peter; we also encounter Moody Margaret, Henry's arch-nemesis. In every Horrid Henry book there are four stories or installments; they are not chapters in a continuing story, but always follow Henry and his latest naughty capers. This book opens with Horrid Henry's Perfect Day, in which he spends the whole day being perfect, like Peter always is. Consequently, the family is late for Cub Scouts because the parents slept in (no sounds of fighting to wake them up!). This new and unexpected turn of events infuriates Perfect Peter, who doesn't quite know what his role is now and even tries out being Horrid himself! This story is followed by Horrid Henry's Dance Class, Horrid Henry and Moody Margaret, and Horrid Henry's Holiday. Horrid Henry is rude, disagreeable, disgusting, conniving, difficult, and manipulative, but somehow totally hilarious at the same time.

Critical Evaluation

This series is as perfect as Henry is horrid, particularly for reluctant readers, fans of humor, anyone who has a sibling, or as a classroom or family read-aloud (if you don't mind being interrupted by hysterics). It's Henry against the world, which is a feeling that we can all relate to: a perfect brother (Peter loves veggies, going to bed early, dance lessons, and he gets perfect grades); parents who make us do terrible things (dance lessons instead of karate, wilderness camping instead of cushy camping); and his rival, Moody Margaret, who is always out to thwart Henry at every turn. It's a little bit like the picture book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Viorst, 1972). The illustrations reminded me of Roald Dahl's books and sure enough, Ross illustrated my own copy of Fantastic Mr. Fox. There is always at least one anecdote per Horrid Henry episode that has my own family rolling off the couch with laughter (ages 7-35).

Reader's Annotation

He's awful, he's rude, he's disagreeable----He's Horrid Henry! What happens when Henry decides to try being perfect for a day? Can he do it? If Henry's being Perfect, where does that leave Perfect Peter?

Author Information

Francesca Simon was born in St. Louis (MO) and was raised in California. She majored in Medieval Studies at Yale and Oxford Universities, and then "threw away a lucrative career as a medievalist" to pursue a career in journalism. She worked free-lance for the Sunday Times, The Guardian, and The Mail (all British publications), and Vogue (US). Simon is a best-selling children's book author in the UK; over 12 million Horrid Henry books have been sold, in 24 countries around the world. Simon now lives in London with her husband, son, and dog. (Information in this author biography is from her official site.)

Challenge issues

Any responsible adult might worry about Henry's thoroughly reprehensible behavior and would surely hate to think that the children in their care adopting Henry's antics.

Booktalking Ideas

The Trouble With Siblings would be the theme of this booktalk and I would try to focus on books that are also funny. I would include The Penderwicks (Birdsall, 2005), Superfudge (Blume, 1980), Beezus and Ramona (Clearly, 1955), and Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear (Mazer, 2007).

Curriculum Ties

It would be a great writing prompt to ask students to develop their own Horrid Henry story, inspired by an autobiographical anecdote. Have they ever had one of those days when EVERYTHING goes wrong? At every turn, you are thwarted by your parents who want you to wash your hair or change your shirt, or siblings who insist on having that one LEGO piece that you can't live without?? I could create a character called Irritating Iris whose husband, Jesting Jacob, is constantly making jokes that are just not that funny if she's in a grumpy mood. Irritating Iris bothers Jesting Jacob by telling him that sometimes his jokes really stink! Anyway, it would be a good group activity to "brainstorm" the type of story that makes a "good" Horrid Henry installment: the element of cringing horror that the stories elicit in readers, the interaction between characters, the roles of each character and how that advances the plot, etc.

Why this book?
Isn't it thrilling to read about characters who are horrible and get in trouble? Who do things that we do (or wish we could)? It's satisfying to read about one who is so predictably devious as Henry. Since, chances are, we are not as bad as he is, we delight in his antics.

Series/Sequel

Yes, indeedy, there are plenty more Horrid Henry books. Check the website, here, for the full list.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

No. (But we own others in the series!)

Drita My Homegirl

Biblio Bits Drita My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006 (ISBN 9780399243806)

Reading Level/Interest Age 690 lexile/Ages 9-12

Genre Realistic fiction

Plot Summary

Drita is a ten year-old refugee from Kosovo who arrives in Brooklyn with her family. Her father, an engineer, escaped over a year ago and has been driving a taxi so he could bring his family to the safety of the U.S. Drita just wants to fit in and be liked by her peers, but things start out pretty lonely for her, with her limited English skills, strange-smelling lunches, and unfashionable clothes. To top it off, Drita's mother is in a deep depression about leaving home and the safety of her extended family .Maxie is an African-American girl who is in Drita's new class. Maxie is one of the homegirls of the fourth grade: she's funny and athletic and has a lot of friends, but she's often impulsive and gets into trouble. Maxie is being raised by her dad and grandmother; her mom died when she was just seven years old and Maxie really wants her back. Maxie is definitely not ready for her dad to have a new girlfriend. Maxie's teacher suggests an unusual social studies project: to study Kosovo, the homeland of the newest class member, and introduce Drita's story to the whole class. This sensitive story includes a lot more than just a book about two friends: it's about the things that we all have in common and about how our differences make the world a smaller place.

Critical Evaluation

This story includes a lot of "food for thought" without being too preachy about it, mainly because the characters and plot development are so well-constructed. The chapters are very accessible, alternating between chapters by Maxie and Drita. Chapters are short and the pace of the story is steady, which may make it a good pick for reluctant readers. Both characters have very distinct narrative voices and, just to underscore the shift in perspective, two different fonts are used in the text. The story of Drita's immigrant experience included many details that readers will find familiar (like any student at a new school) and also surprising. Lombard writes English as Drita hears it, when she is beginning to learn: "Ov curs, Drita. Tek va pass" ("Of course, Drita. Take the pass." p.37). While Maxie at first comes off as a smart-aleck, we quickly see that her antics are to cover the pain that she is hiding about her mother's death. Overall, this book was engaging and readable, a moving story of friendship and family.

Reader's Annotation

We all have things that are hard for us. Some things are obvious, like being a refugee from Kosovo and starting a new school with hardly any English skills. Some things are hidden, like when your mom dies and you don't tell anyone because that would make it real.

Author Information

This is Jenny Lombard's first novel, though she has written a nonfiction book for adults and several plays and TV treatments. She is a public school teacher in New York City and says that she got the idea for Drita's and Maxie's story when she realized that there were nine languages other than English spoken in her classroom. Since the war in Kosovo was constantly in the news at the time, Lombard began to wonder what it would be like for a refugee family. Lombard lives in New York City with her husband, son, and two cats. (Information in this author biography is from the book's official site.)

Challenge issues

Pretty wholesome story here, though some might be turned off by Maxie's behavior at times.

Booktalking Ideas

There are several books about friendship and its benefits and challenges, geared to this audience: Ruby Lu Brave and True (Look, 2004), Julia Gillian and the Quest for Joy (McGhee, 2009), Moving Day (Cabot, 2008) and Ivy and Bean (Barrows, 2006), and The Year of the Dog (Lin, 2006) to name a few. I would focus on Drita's point of view: Imagine being woken up in the middle of the night and leaving your home with only the clothes on your back...Going to a new school and not being able to talk to anyone or understand them...

Curriculum Ties

This book wants to be read aloud and discussed as a class. It would be great to read in a community where there is a large refugee population, or just to raise awareness about refugees and immigrant issues in general. How are Drita and Maxie alike? How are they different? How are their families alike/different? These questions could spark some good conversation. Perhaps this class conversation could lead to a classroom code of conduct for social behavior for all new students (making them feel welcome but not overwhelmed, introducing them to classroom culture, school culture, etc.). Or the class could come up with ideas about how to approach a non-English speaker, which may not sound like an issue for most people, but in Maine this is something we need to teach (and not just to kids!).

Why this book?
The cover of this book caught my eye and was recommended to me by a former youth services librarian.

Awards
MSBA Reading List 2007-2008.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Cigars of the Pharaoh

Biblio Bits Cigars of the Pharaoh by Herge; Little, Brown, 1975 (ISBN 0316358363) [First published in Belgium as a comic serial between 1932-1934, then as a black-and-white album in 1934, then redrawn in color and published in 1955.]

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9+ (really, All Ages)

Genre Graphic Novel, Adventure

Plot Summary

Tintin and Snowy are relaxing aboard a cruise through Asia, "for a change." Pretty soon, as per usual, the two are embroiled in a new adventure. They meet Professor Sarcophagus on board, who is absent-minded and eccentric, as well as the hot-tempered film tycoon, Rastapopoulos. When unseen evil forces identify the "young journalist" as a nuisance and demand his disposal, the detectives Thomson and Thompson are brought in to arrest him. (This is the first time in the series that we meet this bumbling pair.) Tintin escapes, of course, and follows Sarcophagus into the Port town to the tomb of Kih-Oskh where they are all drugged and disposed of in coffins and set to sea. The adventure unfolds with almost non-stop action from here, including Tintin and Snowy's rescue by a gun-running captain, capture by a vengeful sheik (who is a Tintin fan, we find out), thwarted firing-squad death and burial of Tintin, escape by plane into the Indian jungle, learning elephant language, an evil fakir who is a hypnotist, poison blow darts, etc. Until, finally, Tintin solves the mystery in an intense conclusion, uncovering an international crime ring in the process.

Critical Evaluation

Herge's art is masterful, and in this installment those moments of beauty and clean composition come during the desert and ocean scenes. Cigars of the Pharaoh is one of the earlier stories, so Herge is still pretty tied to the narrative boxes. Sure, as referenced above, the plot is pretty predictable: capture, escape, capture, escape, repeat until Tintin thwarts the evil forces in a stunning conclusion. There are many readers who, especially as they are building their fluency and skills, find Tintin stories accessible and engaging. This is also true for reluctant readers, for the fast pace and simple text. Unlike some comics, Herge's are easy to navigate in terms of the flow of the boxes and text.

Reader's Annotation

Great snakes, it's Tintin! He's on another global adventure with Snowy, on the trail of an international crime ring, that begins in the Middle East and ends up in the jungle of India. (For the Tintinologists out there: What other Tintin adventure is visually referenced in this installment?)

Author Information

The Belgian author/illustrator known as Herge was born Georges Prosper Remi in 1907 and died in 1983. He is best known for his Tintin adventures, but began his career as a journalist and illustrator for the Catholic newspaper Le XXe Siecle. This position soon began to include more illustrative work and then a comic strip called Totor. Herge was the recipient of many awards, both within his lifetime and posthumously, and in 2009 the Herge Museum opened. (Information in this author biography is from Wikipedia and Tintin.com)

Challenge issues

Oh, Tintin, how tweens (and others) still love you, though you are dated in your sexist and racist ideas. Somehow Tintin adventures continue to captivate readers of all ages, though we know these things, and that is what makes this book a classic. Racist: nonwhite people are usually portrayed stereotypically in their features. They are also likely to be "bad guys" or servants and to speak in a simplistic manner. Sexist: Bianca Castafiore is the only female character in the whole series who has any significance. There are also frequent references to drugs and smuggling and some violence.

Booktalking Ideas

Again, another book that won't need a booktalk. But I think any booktalk on graphic novels would be incomplete without some sort of Tintin presence, since Herge is considered the godfather of the graphic novel. Since these are books that are pretty much entirely in the genre of adventure (a little humor!), any Tintin book would also work in an adventure booktalk.

Curriculum Ties

This would be a great series to use to identify stereotypes and bias and to discuss the historical context that created them. Is it still OK to read them today, when we know differently? How might these books be offensive and to whom?

Why this book?
What kind of tween list would this be without Tintin on it? Tintin books are read to death in the library, until their pages are falling out, and they've been repaired until they can't be repaired any more. My twenty-three year-old brother still returns to his collection of Tintins, particularly when he's sick, re-visting stories that he has known since before he could read them himself.

Awards
Herge's awards include Adamson Awards for notable cartoonists, Sweden,1971; Grand Prix Saint-Michel comic award, Belgium, 1973; Hall of Fame, Harvey Awards for notable cartoonists, 1999; Eisner Award, Judge's Choice, 2003; 2007 commemorative coin motif, 20 Euro value, to celebrate the anniversary of Herge's birth.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes. (Volume 1, which includes three adventures.)

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

Biblio Bits One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones, Simon and Schuster, 2004 (ISBN 9780689858208)

Reading Level/Interest Age 820 lexile/Ages 14+

Genre Realistic Fiction, Poetic Narrative

Plot Summary

When Ruby's mom dies, she has to go live with her father in Hollywood. She leaves her best friend and boyfriend behind to go live with the man who never took the time out of his very busy life as a famous movie star to know her. Ruby's life is over! Now she's a celebrity daughter whose dad is trying annoyingly hard to make up for lost time. She attends an alternative private school with lots of other celebrity-offspring and weird classes like: Dream Interpretation, Organic Gardening, and The History and Uses of Aromatherapy. Ruby is trying to hold the pieces of her old life together, while figuring out how to trust this new life with a dad she's never known.

Critical Evaluation

Sones has created an engaging story with a realistic protagonist. Ruby's concerns about leaving her friends behind, her surliness with her dad, her concerns about her new school all ring very true. Sones' poetry is comprised of very visual, cinematic vignettes, or chapters, that strongly evoke emotions, details, and nuances that move the plot along. Although the plot was predictable, it was an enjoyable read. The amount of white space on the page will entice reluctant readers or readers with challenges. Because the content is suitably mature for upper-middle and high school, older readers with low skills might find both the content and presentation accessible.

Reader's Annotation

It's not just that her mom died, but Ruby's being shipped off to Hollywood to live with the dad that never took the time to know her. Oh, and to make matters worse? He's a totally famous movie star!

Author Information

Sonja Sones grew up in Newton (MA) and earned her B.A. at Hampshire College in film-making and photography. She moved to Hollywood to work as a personal assistant, but when she realized she was awful at making coffee she found work as a film editor, animator, production assistant, and photographer. Sones is married with two children, and lives near Hollywood. (Information in this author bio is from her official site.)

Challenge issues

Oh yeah. Lots of material here, like some swearing, mature themes, sexual themes (wanting/thinking about having sex, not doing it), homosexuality, references to drugs (not doing them), etc.

Booktalking Ideas

If the middle school girls that I know are any indication, this is another title that probably won't need booktalking because the students will be promoting it among themselves. I think it would liven up a poetry booktalk to include this title (or some of Sones' other books), showing that poetry can be narrative. I would want to read a short selection to students so they can hear the authenticity of Ruby's voice.

Curriculum Ties

Poetic narrative is such an intriguing notion that I think an 8th grade language arts class might try it as part of a creative writing unit. I would envision an assignment that asks students to sketch the outline for a short story and then translate it into a short story told in poetic narrative. The "chapters" have a way of capturing a moment, providing evocative imagery, yet still giving information about relationships and plot. It is a very visual way of telling a story, almost like a story told in pictures.

Why this book?
Well, Sonya Sones. The 8th grade girls all love her and the books are hardly ever on the shelves, but I had resisted reading one of her books until now. I was surprised to actually like it!

Awards
MSBA Reading List 2005-2006.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Out of the Dust

Biblio Bits Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, Scholastic Press, 1997 (ISBN 0590360809)

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 11-14

Genre Poetic narrative, Historical fiction

Plot Summary

This 1998 Newbery Award winner introduces fourteen year-old Billie Jo Kelby, a girl living in the Oklahoma dustbowl in the 1930s. Billie Jo narrates the story through spare, poetic free verse, and conveys a story of struggle and devastation, small victories and hope. The Kelby’s own a piano, which is unusual for a family of their position, and both Billie Jo and her mother play, though in differing styles. When Billie Jo loses her mother and newborn brother after a fire, she and her father must recover from their grief and forge a new relationship. Billie Jo’s hands have also been badly burned, which means she cannot play the piano without pain. This is an engaging portrait of personal triumph, set in a unique time and place.

Critical Evaluation

Hesse succeeds in drawing a vivid portrait of this period of hardship from American history; the land itself and the weather play important supporting roles in this story. Each entry includes a title with a month and year; sections are marked by the seasons, which underscores the importance of the land and growing periods at this time and in this place. There is a lot of white space on the pages, and though it "looks" like a book of poetry the narrative element and character development makes a strong, and sometimes suspenseful, plot that will carry readers along. This could also be a good historical fiction selection for a reluctant reader.

Reader's Annotation

Sometimes just the act of living is courageous. When Billie Jo is responsible for a terrible accident, she loses her mother, her baby brother, and her music. What will her new life be like, with just her dad, surviving the Great Depression?

Author Information

Karen Hesse was born in 1952 and grew up in Baltimore (MD). She credits her fifth-grade teacher with encouraging her love of language and writing, and though she worked at a variety of jobs, she "never gave up dreaming about publication" (Scholastic, n.d.). Hesse currently lives in Vermont with her husband and two daughters. (Information in this author biography is from her official site at Scholastic.)

Challenge issues

Bleak and devastating, in keeping with the historical time period, and some references to the dancehalls. Nothing explicit, however.

Booktalking Ideas

I would want to give listeners a feeling for the vastness and importance of the landscape and land in this book. The land is sometimes fickle, untrustworthy, difficult, and punishing. I would choose to put this in a booktalk with other engaging, historical books from various time periods. But it could also fit as an obvious choice with books on the Great Depression, both fiction and nonfiction. Showing some of Dorothea Lange's or Walker Evans' photographs could round out a presentation.

Curriculum Ties

Well, it's an obvious choice for a historical fiction unit in a language arts class, as well as for a social studies class on the Great Depression; it's a deeply atmospheric book that offers insight into the life of a real girl living during this time. But it could also be a great book for small literature circles or book groups since there is so much that is said and unsaid on the pages, giving readers a lot to discuss.

Why this book?
This book was the first that brought poetic narrative for young adults to my attention. There's something about the spareness of the page and the words that makes for a powerful impact on a reader. Since then, others have experimented with the genre including Sharon Creech and Sonja Sones.

Awards
Newbery Award, 1998; Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award; Booklist Editor's Choice, Books for Older Readers; ALA Notable Children's Books, 1998; School Library Journal Best Books, 1997.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing)

Biblio Bits Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing) by Alison McGhee, pictures by Drazen Kozjan, Scholastic Press, 2008 (ISBN 9780545033480)

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9-11

Genre Realistic fiction

Plot Summary

Julia Gillian is the only child of two academic parents and, this summer, they are busy with their studies. They are attentive and loving, just a bit unavailable at the moment. Julia Gillian's Saint Bernard dog, Bigfoot, and her older, downstairs neighbors, Enzo and Zap, form members of her close network of friends. Julia Gillian is artistic and creative: she makes papier mache animal masks that she sometimes wears when she needs to feel brave. She's afraid of how the book she's reading is going to end; it's about a dog who is old, and she worries that the dog may die. Julia Gillian must navigate the small hardships of her life (and growing up), but has a good group of supporters to carry her through. The humorous and evocative illustrations by Kozjan, as well as the layout of the book, make this an appealing choice for younger or reluctant readers.

Critical Evaluation

This may be one of the best younger tween books that I have yet to come across. McGhee conveys the delicate moment when a child begins to know more about the world, sees flaws in him/herself and the people around him/her, and begins to grow into a new understanding. Julia Gillian is a likeable character whose emotions and feelings are familiar to us. It is notable that Julia Gillian is an only child who is cherished not just by her parents, but by her 20-something downstairs neighbors; it is clear that this is a child who is connected to her community in a refreshing way. It is a gentle book that is character-focused, mainly on Julia Gillian, and her small triumphs and challenges. Though not a lot "happens" the story is compelling and readers will want to know if Julia Gillian ever masters the claw machine or finishes "the green book."

Reader's Annotation

Julia Gillian has a mission: to master the Claw Machine at her local hardware store. She wants that meerkat! But can she do it? Will she become the Claw Machine Master?

Author Information

Alison McGhee was born in 1960 and writes for all ages. She has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She teaches on the creative writing faculty at Metropolitan State University (MN). (Information for this author biography was found here.)

Challenge issues

I suppose the downstairs neighbors, Enzo and Zap (a brother/sister team), could be perceived as unconventional, since they don't live with their parents.

Booktalking Ideas

I would definitely play up the things Julia Gillian is focused on: the claw machine, her dog, the uncertain book ending, and bubble tea. She is such an engaging and central part of this story that I might even read a small portion of the narration so listeners could get a "feel" for the narrative voice. This title could fit in a booktalk about kids and their pets or about the books with real main characters that readers can relate to.

Curriculum Ties

This could be a good book to discuss as part of a life skills class, particularly focusing on the support network that Julia Gillian has in place. The character of Enzo is interesting because she doesn't always take Julia Gillian at face value or even agree with her. How does she still manage to show Julia Gillian that she is there for her? Can students identify adults in their lives who support them in a similar way?

Why this book?
I came across this title last year and loved it and have since read the sequel. It was too perfect for this project not to include.

Series/Sequel
A trilogy is planned for this series. This one is followed by Julia Gillian (and the Quest for Joy) (2009).

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Special Edition 2010

Biblio Bits Ripley's Believe It or Not! Special Edition 2010, Ripley Entertainment Inc. , 2009 (ISBN 9780545143455)

Reading Level/Interest Age Ages 9-12

Genre Nonfiction

Plot Summary

Everything you ever wanted to know about what's wacky, weird, and wonderful in the world. Chapter headings include "On the Road," "Take Off," "Way to Live," "Art and Minds," "All Shapes and Sizes," and "Call of the Wild." Ever wonder about great triumphs of toothpick-sculpting? A LEGO tower that is almost 100 feet tall? How about a ten-mile-long gum-wrapper chain that took 40 years to make? Glow-in-the-dark tattoos? The Human Jigsaw Puzzle who is covered with tattoos, has horn implants, body piercings, and reshaped ears? All of this plus many more weird facts, people, and strange things---believe it or not!

Critical Evaluation

This title, like The Guinness Book of World Records, has great appeal for tweens. There is lots of potential for gross-out and wonderment within these pages. It is a great choice for magazine-lovers, as the pages and format read like a magazine: brief "articles" and lots of sidebars and photographs. The reading level is not high, so it may also be a good selection for reluctant readers.

Reader's Annotation

The most miniature knitted gloves, the tallest LEGO tower, mosaic art made with fruit stickers, a Cooper Mini with a toupee, and a man who cured his cancer by eating sand---all this and more within these pages! A great book for browsing and flipping through.

Author Information

Robert Ripley lived from 1890-1949 and worked as an illustrator for The New York Globe. He collected and published the quirky real-life wonders in a cartoon for The Globe. The cartoon was so popular that Ripley began traveling the world in search of new stories. According to the preface in the book, he traveled to over 200 countries and covered over 464,000 miles. There are 30 Ripley's Believe It or Not! museums worldwide, it was a TV show, and it is an annual publication. (Information in this biography is from the book itself.)

Challenge issues

There are plenty of things one might object to in this book, both aesthetically and morally (see above for examples). The larger issue of spectatorship with regards to other human beings and their choices or anomalies, could raise some lively debate.

Booktalking Ideas

A perfect book to include in a booktalk that features the theme of gross, weird and wacky. Coupling this title with The Guinness Book of World Records, The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science (Connolly), and maybe featuring the magazine National Geographic Kids could make an appealing booktalk for reluctant (boy?) readers.

Curriculum Ties

A fun creative writing prompt for this title might be to choose a page at random and to create some sort of backstory for one of the entries listed. What's it like for the Chinese waitress whose feet are turned the wrong way? How did she learn to walk? How did the man who created the longest gum-wrapper chain get his idea? What was he like as a kid, when he started it? What would it have been like to be involved with making the world's largest donut sculpture, sculpted out of real donuts?
The options are endless. It could also be an opportunity for a social studies research project or teaching research skills, to examine some of the places and details of the events and locations that are mentioned.

Why this book?
I had to have some representation of the gross-out genre in this project!

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes.

Babymouse, Queen of the World (v.1)

Biblio Bits Babymouse, Queen of the World, Vol.1, by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, Random House, 2005 (ISBN 0375832297)

Reading Level/Interest Ages 9-12

Genre Humor

Format Graphic novel

Plot Summary

Babymouse is a middle-school-aged mouse with frizzy whiskers who attends school with lots of other kinds of animals (her teacher is a hippo). Babymouse's best friend is Wilson the weasel, who has been there for her since kindergarten. The queen of the girls is Felicia Furrypaws, who is cool, has smooth whiskers and great clothes. When all the girls except Babymouse get their invitations to Felicia's exclusive sleepover, Babymouse knows she must procure an invitation at all costs. When Felicia asks Babymouse for her homework in exchange for an invitation, and it turns out that Wilson's movie night is happening at the same time, Babymouse must make some difficult choices.

Critical Evaluation

Babymouse is a lovable and fallible hero. The illustrations are perfect: black on a white page, with pink as an accent. Babymouse indulges in some alternative fantasies (in space, as a detective, Babymouse vs. The Squid, etc.) that show us inside her creative mind, similar to Calvin's fantasies (Calvin, of Calvin and Hobbes fame). The story is predictably familiar: the social complexities and attractiveness of the "in-crowd." It's a theme that will never be overdone for middle-schoolers: this is perhaps the most important tween story that can be told, because it's a story that is re-told and re-enacted every day in middle school. The language is simple, the illustrations are engaging, and this would be an excellent selection for younger tweens, particularly girls.

Reader's Annotation

Babymouse wishes for more glamor and adventure in her life, but all she has is "an overdue library book and a locker that stuck." Will she ever get a coveted invitation from Felicia Furrypaws for an exclusive sleep-over party?

Author Information

Jennifer L. Holm was born in California but spent her growing-up years in Pennsylvania with her parents and four brothers. She attended Dickinson College (PA) and moved to New York City to work in television production. Holm received a Newbery Honor book for Our Only May Amelia. She currently lives in the northeastern part of the United States with her husband, son, and cat. This was her first collaboration with her brother, Matthew, who is a freelance writer and graphic designer. (Information in this author biography is from the book jacket, as well as the author's official site.)

Challenge issues

Oh come on! It's a comic about a mouse with common social issues!

Booktalking Ideas

I would definitely focus on Babymouse's character by asking my audience some questions. Have you ever wanted a little more adventure in your life? More glamour? Ice cream for lunch? No homework? Straight whiskers? I would build up their empathy with Babymouse, and then allude to some of the social challenges she faces, such as: How about wanting an invitation to a party that "all the cool kids" are going to?

Curriculum Ties

This would be a really fun study for an art class focusing on comics. The illustrations are deceptively simple and would lend themselves to a lesson on the expressiveness of Babymouse's face. Studying the ways that Matthew Holm shows Babymouse's emotions could be a great way to inspire the aspiring comics illustrators. Students could develop a simple animal character and draw their faces in several moods.

Why this book?
My local YA librarian reported that Babymouse is a hit with tween girls, so I thought I should see what all the hype is about.

Series/Sequel
Yes!

Awards
ALA Notable Children's Books, middle readers' category (2006); Gryphon Award (2006).

Rockport Public Library owns?

No.

Knucklehead

Biblio Bits Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Mostly True Stories About Growing Up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka, Viking, 2008 (ISBN 9780670011384)

Reading Level/Interest Age 600/9-14

Genre Nonfiction, memoir

Plot Summary

Growing up in a family of 5 brothers (with only male pets!), Scieszka has many funny tales to share about his youth with readers. Although the subtitle alludes to some embellishment on the author's part, there are so many anecdotes that seem to ring true to life. There is a lot in this volume that has to do with living in a large family (sharing Halloween costumes and hand-me-downs) and growing up during the 1950s. Profiles of Scieszka's parents and grandparents, the disappointments of sending away for a toy from the back of a comic book, and the problems of having teachers who are also the wives of God (the nuns at his Catholic school) are sure to amuse readers of all ages. In lieu of illustrations, the book has many black and white photographs from the Scieszka family album.

Critical Evaluation

Short and funny chapters make this an obvious choice for reluctant readers, in addition to an eye-catching cover that looks like a comic book. It makes a fantastic read-aloud---if you don't mind pausing for your audience to get over their fits of giggles. A special favorite with my own family (35, 34, 10, 7) was the one where the boys were in a hurry to get out the door to church, so they decided to economize on time and encircle the toilet en masse. This meant that some of the shorter guys up front ended up getting peed on. Our second favorite was when the family cat ate a candy on a car trip and the brothers had a total barf-o-rama in the back seat. Scieszka has crafted an author autobiography, with all the right details, that kids will actually read. It seems like one that will be recommended by word of mouth!

Reader's Annotation

A kaPOW! of an author autobiography that gives the real scoop on what life is like in a family of six boys---smelly, funny, loud, and potentially hazardous!

Author Information

Appointed as the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in 2008, Scieszka is the popular author many children's books, including the Time Warp Trio series. He studied creative writing at Columbia University in New York and was employed as a teacher at Trevor Day School, a private elementary school. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children. Information about his family and growing up in Flint, Michigan can be found within the pages of Knucklehead. (Author information in this biography was obtained at the author's website here and here.)

Challenge issues

There's bathroom humor here and no mistake! There are questions about God and religion that kids think about, told in a humorous way, which might offend the religious reader. There are also descriptions of the dumb things kids do (with warnings not to try these at home), like letting their younger brother eat a cigarette butt.

Booktalking Ideas

Author memoirs and autobiographies, stories about childhood, and funny stories are all natural themes for booktalks in which this title might be included.

Curriculum Ties

Again, not to be repetitive, but the obvious tie is to autobiography, mainly because it shows that even the smallest anecdotes can feature in an autobiography and be funny and poignant, adding to a portrait of a subject, time, and place.

Why this book?
In addition to being a great book for a reluctant (probably boy) reader and an excellent family read-aloud, this book might appeal to a reader from a small family to see how the big families get along. Funny, funny, and funny, with the family photos to prove it (like the sweater that is passed through the brothers and featured in several school pictures of different brothers).

Awards
ALA Notable book 2009, Maine Student Book Award reading list 2009-2010

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes

The Pocket Guide to Mischief

Biblio Bits The Pocket Guide to Mischief by Bart King, Gibbs Smith, 2008 (ISBN 9781423603665)

Reading Level/Interest Age 9-14

Genre Nonfiction

Plot Summary
This small volume is full of all sorts of fun, with chapter headings such as "Practical jokes inspired by ancient Rome," "Mischief of the Rich and Famous," and "Mischievous foods." The content is diverse, with information about why bellyflops hurt, the best comebacks for various situations, how to interact with your elders, some good insult-worthy vocabulary ("flocculent," "lurdane," and "mucopurulent," to name a few), and practical jokes. The tone is breezy and conversational, and even somewhat snarky. There's a bibliography of mischief-worthy titles at the back for further reading.

Critical Evaluation

This title will be thoroughly appealing to a broad age range (into adult!) for its value on the playground or by the watercooler. The vocabulary and miscellanea are cleverly aimed at the tween audience who may have also enjoyed The Dangerous Book for Boys and the Daring Book for Girls. The layout is accesible, with frequent sidebars and lists that relate to the chapter. Local tweens describe this book as a page-turner and one in which they didn't want to miss any of the tidbits included. Adults should be wary of readers of this title, as some of the skills they may acquire through reading it are not necessarily ones we might want them to have!

Reader's Annotation

All the tricks, insults, and comebacks you'll ever need in one handy, pocket-sized book! Fun for all ages.

Author Information

Wow. You can read more about Bart King and his family (eight siblings), his wife, in-laws and spouse-in-laws at his author website than you probably want to know. It's funny reading, just like the book. King grew up in Sebastopol, CA but now resides in Portland, OR with his wife, Lynn. He has written several other books in the Pocket Guide series, including The Pocket Guide to Magic, The Pocket Guide to Games, and more.

Challenge issues

Some might react negatively to the tone of this book (which is not always respectful), as well as to some of the tricks and mischief inside its covers. There shouldn't be any unpleasant surprises, however, given the title of the book.

Booktalking Ideas

So many potentials, but I would select it for a booktalk in which I highlighted books I would like to have along with me if I were to be stranded in a boring airport, a desert island, or an elevator. Great miscellany, like the Guinness Book of World Records, but funnier. It would also be a perfect selection to have in an April Fool's Day themed booktalk, or just jokes and humor in general.

Curriculum Ties

As mentioned previously, this title has bits of history, biography, vocabulary, and cross-cultural connections sprinkled liberally throughout the text. But mainly, it's for fun and quirky edification.

Why this book?
An adorable size and vintage look drew my eye immediately. It seemed like the perfect sort of book to browse or thumb through, though others who have enjoyed it tell me that have read it cover-to-cover. A terrific selection for a reluctant reader who might not have found a niche with non-fiction yet, because the tone is so captivating and the information is delivered so well. I recommended it today to a reader who was looking to purchase a gift for a 9 year-old boy; when I described this book to her, she told me I'd nailed the perfect gift for him.

Awards
None.

Rockport Public Library owns?

No

Ottoline and the Yellow Cat

Biblio Bits Ottoline and the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell, MacMillan Children's Books, 2007 (ISBN 9780061448799)

Reading Level/Interest Age 760 lexile, ages 8-11

Genre Humorous mystery

Plot Summary

Ottoline is a privileged young girl who lives with her Norwegian bog creature, Mr. Munroe (small and hairy, a bit like Cousin Itt from the Addam's Family), while her parents travel the world collecting unusual things and sending postcards. When Ottoline and Mr. Munroe discover that small lapdogs and jewels are disappearing around Big City, they quickly formulate a plan to investigate. They uncover a crime ring headed up by a cat burglar (who is actually a cat) and a tricky plot to steal jewels from unsuspecting wealthy ladies. Mr. Munroe goes undercover and, with the help of Ottoline, the two make a plan to foil the crime ring.

Critical Evaluation
Though not a graphic novel per se, this book has Riddell's illustrations on every page which could be a great hook for reluctant readers. Although the mystery is fairly light and there is not a lot of text, the detailed and funny graphics (maps, postcards, annotations, etc.) enhance and add depth of pacing and emotion to the story.

Reader's Annotation

Thumb through this one and I dare you to not get hooked into the story by the amusing illustrations in black, white, and red. Ottoline and Mr. Munroe are on the case of the missing jewels in Big CIty.

Author Information

Chris Riddell is an award-winning illustrator and political cartoonist who lives in Brighton, England with his wife and three children. He has collaborated with Paul Stewart on the Edge Chronicles and the Far Flung Adventures series for children. (The information for this brief biography was obtained on the author's website on August 22, 2009.)

Challenge issues
Probably none, but I suppose absentee parenting, bears that talk, and mysterious and fantastic creatures from Norway might offend some.

Booktalking Ideas

This book would be great in a booktalk on mysteries, one that highlights books with a graphic component, or nontraditional storytelling methods.

Curriculum Ties

Not a lot of content to work with here, but Ottoline and the Yellow Cat is definitely a story that exhibits creative problem solving skills. One fun option could be to find an action sequence in another book and then "map" it out, similar to the very funny illustration that highlights the action of the climactic capture.

Why this book?
Just the right amount of silly mixed with a mystery along with those fun graphic details makes this book a great choice for a reluctant reader or a low-skills reader. Particularly for a young (emotionally or physically) tween, this title looks and feels like a chapter book without being very challenging in terms of content, complexity, or length.

Series/Sequel
Yes, more Ottoline books to come! Next up: Ottoline Goes to School (2009).

Awards
Maine Student Book Award Reading List 2009-2010

Rockport Public Library owns?

Yes