Tuesday
Monday
Googling...if you're going to do it, then do it right!
Best reference-resource ever for using Google for research...
http://lifehacker.com/5864111/the-get-more-out-of-google-infographic-summarizes-online-research-tricks-for-students
http://lifehacker.com/5864111/the-get-more-out-of-google-infographic-summarizes-online-research-tricks-for-students
Mr. Morris Lessmore Finds Book Heaven
A true gem...http://morrislessmore.com/?p=film
Sunday
The Voyages of Dr. Doolittle
When Dr. Doolittle sets out sailing to Spider Monkey Island with 9 and a 1/2 year old Tommy Stubbins neither of them really know what adventures await them. The story is narrated by Tommy and he fills us in on all of the wonderful creatures that accompany Dr. Doolittle on his adventures. In search of the great knowledge found in nature, Dr. Doolittle also hopes to come in contact with another knowledgeable chap named Long Arrow.
Lofting describes Dr. Doolittle's world so well that the reader is quickly transported into these spectacular voyages. The narration, provided by Tommy, is replete with fabulous tone and insight. The world painted by Lofting is suitable for any tween between the age of 9 to 12, and would also do a world of good for any adult to read that wishes to see the world through the eyes of a child. A classic for all time...
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
The boredom ensues, but not for long, when Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie are sent to live with a very strange Professor during World War II in England. Thankfully, his house is one fit to repeatedly explore and this is much to the delight of the Pevensie children. However, little does Lucy realize that an oddly placed wardrobe is not all it seems to be. Once she, and eventually her other brothers and sister, enters they are quickly transported to a strange land called Narnia where lions and fauns reside. There is an abundance of conversation and exploration to be had, but it is at a cost. Beware of the witch...
C.S. Lewis has reaped praise as well as his fair share of ridicule. However, this tween novel offers plenty of wonderful language and creativity comparable to few writers. A novel similar to the Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan, in terms of being able to transport its reader to a different land. A highly suitable read for any tween 9-12, but also suitable for any adult.
A Christmas Carol
When Ebenezer Scrooge is evil to people it affects them profusely. However, he has no clue how his miserly ways will affect him when he is visited by three ghosts. The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future take Scrooge on a journey to let him see just how rude and crude he has been. Yet, the journeys affect him even more profoundly than he can possibly imagine.
Dickens will always warm the hearts of the young and old, but this timeless classic is truly a gem. It offers insightful and heartfelt insights into how we can all be a little nicer to one another. It is a perfect classic read for any tween and this is an excellent way to introduce the wonderful writings of Dickens. Albeit, Dickens can be dark at times, this will usually appeal to many tweens.
The Call of the Wild
When Buck, a wonderful family dog, is stolen from the Miller's estate in California he has no idea what his future has in store for him. He is transported to the cold tundra of Canada and is traded from owner to owner. However, Buck finally settles in with his last true owner--Thronton, but it is after Buck has encountered some terrible individuals. Buck vows to be a loyal dog to Thronton, but time is not so forgiving and Buck eventually becomes known as a Ghost Dog amongst the wild wolves.
London is a spectacular writer and this novel is not exception. Tweens will be transported into Buck's world and the world of a sled dog. However, there are some very gripping scenes within the novel, so it should err on the older side of tweendom when suggested. It is a wonderful tale of survival and bravery.
Black Beauty
Have you ever wanted your own black stallion? Here is the tale of one beautiful horse that is transferred from owner to owner. Told here, by Black Beauty, the story unfolds as somewhat tragic. Black Beauty suffers an awful fall and thus kills the man who is riding him. Afterward, Black Beauty is sold a few times but eventually comes to a boy and his grandfather for some TLC and a different life indeed.
This classic story is wonderful for any tween that loves animals, and more specifically horses. It is well-written and this illustrated versions offers some wonderful drawings/pictures. The book provides an emotional roller coaster at times and this is part in parcel of what has made it such a beloved tale.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Ichabod Crane and 'Brom Bones' are in competition for the love of one Katrina Van Tassel. All of the characters reside in a creepy area of a Dutch settlement known as Sleepy Hollow, Tarry Town. One night Crane leaves the Tassel family home and encounters a headless horseman who appears to be after him. Crane mysteriously disappears from town and questions arise regarding the identity of the horseman.
An eerily attractive read, albeit a short story in book form, that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and will certainly be appealing to tweens who enjoy a chilly read. This classically written book has appealed to audiences for decades and is truly a timeless tale during Halloween. The headless horseman alone is worth staying the house and not venturing outside for anything!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car
The Pott's family has many adventures in their stupendous flying machine--their car! Professor 'Crackpot' invents a particular whistle and sells so many that he is able to buy his ultimate vehicle, the Panther. After some serious alterations, the car is turned into one amazing machine that will transport Mr. and Mrs. Potts, along with their twins, to a whole host of exciting places. The family uses their car to try and capture a grip of robbers throughout Europe. Get ready for some real adventures as a quirky family experiences life with an emotional car.
Even though Ian Fleming is mostly well-known for his Bond novels, this classic is surly to please even the most finicky, imaginative, and creative tween. The story is reminiscent of Mary Poppins in terms of the level of adventure and the style of writing. The creativity poured into this book is unparalleled and will withstand the test of time.
Saturday
Old Yeller
In Texas, during the 1800s, a friendship is formed between a boy named Travis and his dog, Old Yeller. Travis endures the hardships of the times, but is comforted in his adventures with his beloved dog. However, Travis did not love Old Yeller from the start. Rather, it takes a heroic effort on Old Yeller's part to bring around the love from Travis. However, tragedy is not always curtailed.
A timeless story that will cause laughter as well as tears. A well-detailed story that will warm the hearts of all tween animal lovers. The story is the classic struggle between man and nature as well as man and animal. By far, this is one of my favorite stories of all time even though it is heart-wrenching in the end.
Little Women
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March, all provide for hours of entertainment in this novel. The 'Little Women' grow up with their mother in New England while their father is off fighting in the Civil War. Each daughter has their own distinct personality and experience all that life and love has to offer. Meg marries in the latter half of the novel, but the novel primarily follows the antics of Jo.
A true coming of age novel that will appeal to many tween-aged girls. It is very well-written, despite some of the antiquated vocabulary, and is worth the time spent reading it. While the New England winters can offer some troublesome times, so can raising four girls in the absence of their father. A classic that will remain a beloved treasure to anyone who reads it.
Anne of Green Gables
Avonlea is an enchantin place found on Prince Edward Island, where friendship is forged between three unsuspecting individuals. When a brother and sister send for some help on the farm, in the form of a male, they are initially shocked to find a female arrives instead. The three wonder what they can possibly offer one another, but soon realize that they all have something to offer to one another.
Written with wonderful imagination, this novel provides a range of emotions for any tween reader, but is especially appealing to female tweens. A timeless classic that has been around for over a century continues to be widely read. The novel will appeal to children who may not always feel as though they initially fit in, but soon learn that everyone struggles with this concept at one time or another.
James and the Giant Peach
Poor James is sent to live with his evil aunts after the unimaginable death of his parents--sadly they were eaten by a wayward Rhinoceros! James is given a bag of crystals by a mystical man one day and he tosses them on his aunt's peach tree. Ironically, the tree grows one gigantic peach and James crawls inside to take off on some wonderful adventures. In the process, he makes some wonderful creature friends!
Dahl has a way with words and a way of painting a scene unbeknownst to most pieces of literature. This book is highly appealing to any tween that enjoys adventure and imagination. The story is reminiscent of the animals we meet in Alice in Wonderland due to the comedic conversations James has with the insects, and it offers some equally creative scene descriptions.
The Wind in the Willows
Mole, Water Rat, Badger and Toad, are among the creatures that play close to the ever-enchanting river and experience never-ending adventures. Toad seems to get his conceited self into a large number of misadventures causing great difficulty for himself and his friends that have to rescue him from the mishaps. Mole and Rat become fast friends who frolic and play the days away with the other creatures.
This book provides more lessons than can be imagined at first glance. Recommendable to any animal-loving tween, Wind in the Willows has enchanted children for decades and will continue to do so. A beloved tale that resonates with children and adults, alike. The lessons of life and hard knocks provides for hours of discussion and reflection.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Tom Sawyer is a boy amongst rambunctious boys. He loves to get "engaged" to new girls and wreak havoc whenever possible. However, when he teams up with another wayward boy named Huckleberry Finn the adventures he has are beyond his wildest imaginations. He witnesses a murder and is on the run, with his good buddy Huck, for much of the novel. The boys find themselves living big when an unexpected discovery occurs in a cave.
Twain proves his passion for writing in another novel that is highly appealing to tween boys. This novel, much like Huckleberry Finn, has provided a great deal of debatable fodder for book banning. However, this novel does provide a fine example of boyhood imagination and adventures that should stand alone in its appeal without the ridicule it has repeatedly received.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Huckleberry Finn's life is turned around in the novel before this entitled Tom Sawyer. When this novel begins, Huck has gotten a large sum of money and has been taken in by a widow. However, his nasty 'Pap' returns to ruin his life, once again. Huck takes up with a runaway slave and even stages his own death to escape his father. He has amazing adventures on 'The River' hopping from rafts to steamboats.
A truly well-written novel by one Mark Twain that has stood the test of time despite numerous challenges. This novel has been banned on more than one occasion and coupled with young boys who love a bit of mischievousness, this novel truly appeals to most tween boys. Mark Twain never misses his creative, pun-filled mark and he certainly did not when it comes to this novel.
The Mysterious Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes teams up to solve various mysterious with his trusty assistant Dr. Watson. In this compilation the world's greatest detective, "rescues a king from blackmail, to capture an ingenious bank robber, and to save an innocent son accused of patricide."--Barnes and Noble.
This book provides ample insight into the curious world of a master detective and is certainly recommendable to a variety of tween males. Any of the Sherlock Holmes stories are extremely well-written and draw readers into an action-packed world of solving crimes.
Charlotte's Web
Her name is Charlotte and boy does she have a way with words, or she does according to Wilbur. Charlotte is a spider living on a farm and Wilbur, the farm pig, becomes fast friends with the little eight-legged creature. There are a whole host of talking animals on the farm, but only one prize pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte that can describe in her web just how great Wilbur truly is. Where Wilbur goes, so does Charlotte, but their tale is not always a happy one due to the circle of life.
A heartwarming story that is sure to melt any young tween's animal-loving heart. A well-written novel that translates poetically on the page. E.B. White provides a timeless story of friendship and the circle of life. Written in the same tone as The Secret Garden.
The Little Prince
A magical story of a little prince who hails from an asteroid far away from planet Earth. However, the Little Prince leaves the asteroid one day due to a distrustful rose. The Little Prince eventually lands on Earth and ends up in a desert with a pilot who's plane is grounded. The Little Prince, through his travels, meets some adults and is very displeased. His only wish is to return to his one true love, but obstacles stand in his way.
An eloquently written story that not only teaches clarity, but offers advice for and about the important things in life. This classic tale has stood the test of time, like most of the classics. A wonderful tale of enlightenment and exploration that shares the dangers of narrow mindedness. This tale offers ample opportunity for tweens to discover a deeper meaning in a beloved children's picture book, turned novel.
The Secret Garden
A heartfelt story about Mary a ten-year old little girl who has lost everyone near and dear to her. She has a difficult disposition and it is certainly not improved when she arrives to live with her uncle at a sprawling English estate. Mary hears about a secret garden from the housekeeper and is determined to find the locked away garden no matter what it takes, but there are a wealth of other secrets that lurk on the estate that Mary soon learns.
A classic tale that has stood the test of time with readers. It offers healing through the beautiful nature it describes and the idea of how happiness brings more happiness. A well-written story that brings hope to all readers, but a world of imagination to any tween that reads it. A delicately styled book that will speak to any tween that enjoys a book about secrets unearthed.
Book Trailer: Mary Poppins
Travers, P.L. Mary Poppins. Sandpiper Publishing. ISBN 978-0152017170
Mary is not just any average nanny, but a nanny above all nannies. She is magical and determined, to say the least. Mary Poppins has a bag full of tricks when it comes to taking care of the Jane and Michael Banks, and she is willing to use them. Traveling with Mary is a whimsical feat that transports the children to visit polar bears and has them sitting on ceilings. However, the parents of Jane and Michael question the motivation of Mary Poppins, nanny extraordinaire.
This is a delightful tale, told in the same fantasy evoking style as Peter Pan and Wizard of Oz. It has delighted readers for ages, and continues to hearken everyone back to a whimsical childhood of yore. It is well-written and will certainly be embraced by any tween, between the ages of 9-12, who enjoys an adventure wrapped in a neat little package like Mary Poppins.
Book Trailer: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Baum, Frank. The Wizard of Oz. Puffin Publishing. ISBN 978-0141321028
Dorothy does not know what is in store for her once she is taken by storm from her home in Kansas to a magical land called Oz. While in Oz, Dorothy makes some truly wonderful friends in the form of a lion, a scarecrow and a tin man. Over the course of her time in Oz, she must fight the evil with the good in order to meet the great 'Wizard of Oz.' However, she is detained by some evil flying monkeys and one wicked witch.
A well-written novel that has stood the test of time and held a dear place in all the hearts that have read this book or watched the movie. Done in the same fantastic style as Peter Pan, Baum draws us into a world rich with detail and creativity. Highly recommendable to tweens and teens who enjoy being transported away to a world less known and mundane that the real-world.
Book Trailer: The Story of Wendy and Peter
Barrie, J.M. Peter Pan and Wendy. Harper Festival Publishing. ISBN 978-0060563073
A truly magical story centering around a boy named Peter Pan who not only enters the home of the Darlings, but their hearts as well. Peter Pan flies feverishly between Neverland and the real-world of London, where the Darling children live. Peter becomes extremely close to the children--Wendy, John, and Michael. All of the children find themselves caught between the real-world and a land of true imagination. Peter forms a special bond with Wendy while having spectacular adventures with the Lost Boys throughout Neverland. Ultimately, Peter and the Darling children encounter a ticking crocodile, Indians and one nasty Captain Hook.
Originally written as a play in 1904, Barrie later adapted his stage masterpiece into a few novels. Even though this classic, much like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, is typically targeted to younger children J.M Barrie provides a sophisticated writing style appropriate for any age, but especially relevant for tweens. The fantasy-adventure story captivates readers with rich textual elements only J.M. Barrie could have captured. Furthermore, the personality found in Peter is a quintessential piece to classic literature as well as the world of psychology. Highly recommendable to anyone, but will certainly capture the need for any tween to escape the world in which they reside.
Book Trailer: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Trailer Viewable at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBIpNnshpoY
Carroll, Lewis. (2010). Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Create Space Publishing. ISBN 978-1452843834
A whimsical story about a young girl named Alice who becomes very sleepy while frolicking with her sister on the banks of a river. Alice follows a curious rabbit down a hole and discovers a magical world of talking animals and potions. She even enjoys tea with the Hatter and other curious creatures. Leaving the tea, Alice runs into a clever, yet cynical, hookah-smoking caterpillar. Alice encounters several creatures and gets involved in some serious incidents, like the run in with a nasty Queen.
This is an excellent read for any child, but will certainly be appreciated by tweens and teens who love fantasy. The story has several puns and inside jokes only understandable to older children, yet the story has generally been targeted to younger children. It provides an excellent array of scenes to stimulate any imagination. Alice's character encounters some of the most beloved characters ever read in any novel. The Cheshire Cat alone has stood the test of time, as has the Mad Hatter. However, while the plot of the story always seems to be very vague, the creativity is certainly not on the short side of things. Overall, the nuances and innuendos within this classic tale can be repeatedly dissected by even the most advanced readers.
Monday
Book Trailer: Pippi Longstocking
Trailer viewable at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU70RQBXJAs
Lindgren, Astrid. Pippi Longstocking. Puffin Publishing. ISBN 978-0140379099
What happens when you take a rambunctious little girl and turn her loose on her own? A great deal of adventures and mishaps, that's what. This sweet little tale about one Miss Pippi Longstocking involves a great deal of antics coupled with some hilarious characters, as well as animal friends.
A well-written classic that is sure to draw in a load of tweens, since it appeals to those who want independence, but cannot have it. Those who read this can live vicariously through Pippi and see the happy little world she creates for herself and those she comes in contact with on a daily basis.
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