The Arrival by Shaun Tan

Tan, S. (2007). The Arrival. (p. 128). Arthur A. Levine Books.

ISBN: 0439895294

$19.99 Hardback

Reader's Annotation: A father leaves his family for a foreign land in hopes of creating a better life.

Summary: The Arrival is an immigration story. The protagonist leaves his family behind to forge a better life for them in a strange, downright fantastical, new land. There are no words in this story, only a foreign alphabet, which gives the reader an idea of what it would be like to struggle in a place where you didn't speak the language. The protagonist finds a job in a massive factory and begins to make new friends, though he obviously misses his family very much. Though the sepia toned pictures that seem to come from an old family album, the reader understands how much struggling goes into setting up a life in a new place.

Genre: adventure, family, fantasy, fiction, graphic novel, friends, identity

Series : This graphic novel is not part of a series.

Evaluation: This is a lovely example of a compelling story with absolutely no words. Beautifully executed, and this book will make readers cry.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: This immigration story is one that will be familiar to most readers but it is told in a way that is unlike any other book. Tan's graphic novel is a stunning example of visual storytelling, and thus a fantastic choice for reluctant readers. There is nothing "easy" about this rich and complex story, but the lack of words makes it perfect for those who struggle with reading.

Readalikes :

• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
  
• The Absolutely True Diaries of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
  

Other Useful Info:
Shaun Tan's Webpage

Reviews:

from Booklist
*Starred Review* Recipient of numerous awards and nominations in Australia, The Arrival proves a beautiful, compelling piece of art, in both content and form. Tan (The Lost Thing, 2004) has previously produced a small body of off-kilter, frequently haunting stories of children trapped in surreal industrial landscapes. Here, he has distilled his themes and aesthetic into a silent, fantastical masterpiece. A lone immigrant leaves his family and journeys to a new world, both bizarre and awesome, finding struggle and dehumanizing industry but also friendship and a new life. Tan infuses this simple, universal narrative with vibrant, resonating life through confident mastery of sequential art forms and conventions. Strong visual metaphors convey personal longing, political suppression, and totalitarian control; imaginative use of panel size and shape powerfully depicts sensations and ideas as diverse as interminable waiting, awe-inspiring majesty, and forlorn memories; delicate alterations in light and color saturate the pages with a sense of time and place. Soft brushstrokes and grand Art Deco–style architecture evoke a time long ago, but the story's immediacy and fantasy elements will appeal even to readers younger than the target audience, though they may miss many of the complexities. Filled with subtlety and grandeur, the book is a unique work that not only fulfills but also expands the potential of its form. Karp, Jesse

Fly Away Home

Ballard, C. (2001). Fly Away Home. DVD, Sony Pictures.

ASIN: B00005LK94
$14.94

Viewer's Annotation: Fourteen year old Amy Alden and her dad lead a flock of geese on their annual migration using ultralight planes.

Summary: When Amy's mom dies in a car accident, she moves from New Zealand to Canada to live with her dad. She has a hard time adjusting to life at her dad's house. He is an inventor and sculptor and a pilot of ultralight planes. He also has a girlfriend he failed to mention. When developers knock down part of the woodland nearby, Amy finds several goose eggs that have been abandoned by their mother. She collects and incubates them until they hatch. When her dad, Thomas, discovers the hatchlings, he asks a local game warden for advice. The warden points out that the geese, raised without geese parents, will not know how to migrate. They will have the urge to fly, but will become disoriented and lost when they take off. Amy and Thomas decide they will lead the geese on their annual migration in ultralight planes.

Genre: movie, environment, adventure, family

Series : This movie is not part of a series.

Evaluation: One of the best movies I watched for this project.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Amy is a daring and likable heroine and tweens will probably find her inspiring. The environmental message will also speak to a tween audience. If neither of those two things call out to tween viewers, there is also about an hour of cute gosling footage, sure to win anyone over. This is another great family movie.

Watchalikes :

• Flicka
• Moondance Alexander
  

Other Useful Info:

• Fly Away Home IMDB page
  

Reviews:
From Common Sense Media

FLY AWAY HOME is a thrilling adventure, exquisitely told, by the same director and photographer who made The Black Stallion. Ballard has the patience to let the story tell itself, and the quiet moments are breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly touching.

Nim's Island

Flackett, J., & Levin, M. (2008). Nim's Island. DVD, 20th Century Fox.

ASIN: B001APZMJI
$29.99

Viewer's Annotation: Nim must protect the secret island home she and her father inhabit from invaders while her father is stranded at sea.

Summary: Nim and her dad live on their own tropical island in the South Pacific. Nim's mom died when she was a baby, and her dad works a lot, so her friends are a seal, a lizard, and a pelican. When Nim's dad goes on a research expedition and gets shipwrecked, Nim is on her own. She writes to the author of her favorite novels, Alex Rover, asking for help from the great adventurer. What she doesn't realize is that the author, Alexandra Rover, doesn't even like to leave her apartment, let alone rescue kids stranded on remote islands. Then, Nim spots invaders headed towards her beach. She must keep the island secret and safe!

Genre: movie, adventure, family, fantasy,

Series : This movie is not part of a series, but it is based on the book by Wendy Orr.

Evaluation: Plenty of adventure, a good choice for families with tweens.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: This is another Abigail Breslin movie, so tweens who enjoyed Kit Kittredge may be interested in this film. Also, this is a great adventure title, with plenty of fantasy mixed in, so it's a good choice for thrill seekers or would be Swiss Family Robinsons.

Watchalikes :

• Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
  
• Swiss Family Robinson
  

Other Useful Info:

• Nim's Island on IMDB
• Trailer:
  
  

Reviews:
from The New York Times

If “Nim’s Island” were anything but a children’s movie, the casting genius who suggested Jodie Foster as a potential love interest for Gerard Butler would be looking for a new occupation. But miscasting isn’t the only problem with this sweet but ho-hum adaptation of Wendy Orr’s novel, a comedy-adventure that never quite finds its tone.

The island in question lies deep in the South Pacific (beautifully played by the Gold Coast of Australia) and is home to Nim (Abigail Breslin) and her father, Jack (Mr. Butler). Motherless and near-fatherless (Jack spends his days studying plankton), Nim amuses herself with a stable of performing pets and the literary adventures of an Indiana Jones-style hero named Alex Rover. When Jack is trapped by a storm at sea, and Nim sends an e-mail message to Rover for help, she’s unaware that the recipient is his agoraphobic creator, Alexandra (Ms. Foster).

Playing yet another tightly wound woman, Ms. Foster makes a slapstick meal of rushing to Nim’s aid. Yet this is a story about hiding from the world — whether on a remote island or inside your head — and the film’s sensitive notes are too often jarred by its attempts to score cheap comic points from sea lion flatulence and obese Australian tourists. The message that lifelong connections can be forged through books is a lovely one; too bad it’s obscured by flying lizards.

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

Rozema, P. (2008). Kit Kittredge - An American Girl. DVD, New Line Cinema.

ASIN: B000WGVEAC
$28.98

Viewer's Annotation: Kit uses her ace reporting skills to help two friends who have been unfairly accused of stealing.

Summary: Kit Kittredge is nine years old during the Great Depression, and determined to be a reporter. There is plenty of news in her world. She and her friends have a treehouse club. Her mom has given work to two hobo children in exchange for food. Her dad has gone to Chicago to look for work. They have boarders living in their house now. Kit still finds time, after her chores to write to her father and to write articles for the Cincinnati newspaper. Then, two of her friends are accused of stealing, and Kit is sure they are innocent. Can she use her reporting skills to help her friends?

Genre: adventure, family, friends, historical fiction, movie

Series : This movie is not part of a series, but it based on the Kit Kittredge books which are part of the prolific American Girl series.

Evaluation: A sweet film with an amazing cast -- even my husband enjoyed it!

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Kit is nine years old, so this film may appeal more to younger tweens. Girls fresh from their American Girls years will want to see this film adaptation. It's a great choice for families, and a good way to get a glimpse of life during the Great Depression.

Watchalikes :

• Nim's Island
  
• Molly : An American Girl on the Homefront
  

Other Useful Info:

• Official Kit Kittredge movie page
  

Reviews:
from Newsweek

Three TV movies have been spun off the popular American Girl book series (and the dolls, outfits, accessories and furniture that accompany them). Now we have the first feature film, "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl," aimed squarely—in all senses of that word—at the female demographic that's too young for "Sex and the City" (3-to-12 is the American Girl target audience). The movie, like the books, is both history lesson and inspirational tale, filled with commendable life lessons.

Kit's story is set during the Great Depression, and comes complete with bank foreclosures, soup kitchens, hobos and photos of Eleanor Roosevelt. When the producers (who include Julia Roberts) dreamed up the project, they couldn't have predicted that it would reach the screens amidst the home mortgage crisis, soaring gas prices and NEWSWEEK cover stories on recession, all of which give director Patricia ("Mansfield Park") Rozema's film added resonance—at least for the parents in the audience, some of whom may have to explain to their daughters that the American Doll ensembles are a luxury few in the Depression could have afforded.

Kit, the plucky 9-year-old heroine, is played by "Little Miss Sunshine"'s Abigail Breslin in a blond wig (read an interview with Breslin here). Kit wants to be a reporter: her dream is to convince the cranky editor (Wallace Shawn) of the Cincinnati Register to publish her child's-eye view of the Depression. Over the course of the movie, she gets an eyeful. Her dad (Chris O'Donnell) loses his car dealership and heads to Chicago to search for work, while her mom (Julia Ormond) is forced to take in boarders (and sell eggs) to hang on to their home. The colorful boarders liven up Kit's life (and the movie) considerably: Stanley Tucci's traveling magician; Jane Krakowski's husband-hunting dance instructor; Glenn Headley's prim, censorious mom accompanied by her sensitive, big-eared son (Zach Mills), and Joan Cusack's ditsy librarian. There is also a cute stray basset hound Kit takes in, along with two young hobos (Max Theriot and Willow Smith), who will figure in the tale's mystery. A rash of robberies has been plaguing the neighborhood, and the finger of suspicion--fueled by anti-hobo hysteria—points to the two boys, at which point Kit merges her reportorial expertise with a touch of Nancy Drew to uncover the true villains.

Rozema has a soft, unhurried touch (even the bad guys are more clownish than truly threatening), and Ann Peacock's screenplay, based on the Valerie Tripp stories, takes its sweet, didactic time getting its mystery plot in gear. Whether young girls, used to jazzier movie editing, will find this pokey, is beyond my expertise, but I like that Rozema doesn't condescend to her target audience, and there are only a few moments when the cuteness gets out of hand. Breslin, so pitch perfect in "Little Miss Sunshine," was a little too much the professional kid actress in "Definitely, Maybe": with her wide, laser-beam eyes, she can turn on spunk like a spigot and has to be carefully directed. Here, surrounded by a formidable cast, her go-get-'em energy works well. As role models go, an aspiring journalist with a dawning social conscience beats Barbie any day.

Kiki Strike : Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller

Miller, K. (2007). Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City (p. 387). Topeka Bindery.

ISBN:1417808128

Price : $17.50 library binding

Reader's Annotation: Ananka Fishbein, Kiki Strike and the rest of The Irregulars are determined to discover the hidden city beneath the streets of New York.

Summary: Ananka Fishbein's adventures begin when she looks out her window to see a pale figure climbing out of a hole that has suddenly appeared in the park across the street. The hole leads to an city beneath the streets of New York. The girl is Kiki Strike, who calmly responds to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" by saying only "Dangerous." Kiki befriends Ananka, and together they gather other girls to form The Irregulars, a group of slueths determined to map the Shadow City. Then, Kiki disappears, and The Irregulars begin to wonder if she really was who she claimed to be.

Genre: action, adventure, book, friends, mystery, royalty

Series : The sequel to this book is Kiki Strike: The Empress's Tomb.

Evaluation: A fantastic read, with twists and turns in each chapter. This book was sassy and quick, I hardly noticed it was 387 pages long.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Kiki and The Irregulars are strong, smart and bold, and scoff at those who underestimate the power of tween girls. This is a fantastic longer read for fans of mysteries and adventure, or for anyone who thought Nancy Drew was too outdated for their tastes.

Readalikes :

• The City of Ember by Jeanne Du Prau
  
• Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
  

Other Useful Info:

• School Library Journal with Kirsten Miller
• Kiki Strike Website -- discover which of The Irregulars you are!
  

Reviews:

From Booklist
*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. White-haired, leprechaun-size Kiki Strike is a new student at Atalanta School in New York City when she meets 12-year-old Ananka Fishbein, the narrator of Miller's debut novel. Together they begin a detailed exploration of the Shadow City, the subterranean rooms and streets under New York's subway system, and Kiki recruits a team of other precocious 12-year-olds, whose skills include hacking, chemistry, lock picking, forging, making handmade explosives, and mechanical engineering, to join them. Ananka, the team's urban archaeologist, will supply her family's extensive library and learn everything about rats, the current Shadow City inhabitants. As the girls try to obtain layered maps of New York City's infrastructure, they fear that terrorists with the same goals are putting the city in terrible danger. The peripheral plotline about a nefarious, exiled princess of Pokrovia, who is a fellow Atalanta School student, adds intrigue. First-time author Miller has created a fascinating, convoluted mystery-adventure, which features early-adolescent girls with talents and abilities far beyond their years. The novel will attract both male and female readers, as Harry Potter did, especially since many chapters conclude with perspectives on such universally appealing topics as "How to Be a Master of Disguise" and "How to Foil a Kidnapping." While some discerning readers may complain that the conclusion is too quick and tidy, readers will welcome the hints of sequels, all hopefully narrated by Ananka, the most intriguing and carefully developed of Miller's characters.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Miyazaki, H. (2005). Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. DVD, Walt Disney Home Entertainment.

ASIN: B0001XAPZ6
$29.99

Viewer's Annotation: Princess Nausicaa must protect her people from both the toxic poisons of the jungle covering the earth and her many warring neighbors.

Summary: Nausicaa's people live peacefully in a valley safe from the toxic jungle and the insects that live there. They are a self-sufficient peaceful people who do no harm to the jungle or the insects. When a ship carrying prisoners, toxic spores and an ancient weapon crash lands at the end of her valley, Nausicaa has to leave her people to search for answers. She learns that the forest they all dread is actually healing the planet that was polluted by humans. But she must convince her people to leave the forest and insects in peace, and stop a war between her neighbors if any of them are to survive.

Genre: movie, family, fairy tale, love story

Series : This movie is not part of a series, though there is a series of graphic novels about the same characters.

Evaluation: This is a fantastic movie with complex characters, a moving message, and spectacular artwork.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: This is another film for fans of Hayao Miyazaki particularly and anime films generally. The content is suitable for most families, though there is some violence so parents of very young tweens might have concerns. Tweens, girls particularly, will identify and appreciate Nausicaa as an able and fearless heroine.

Watchalikes :

• Castle in the Sky
• Spirited Away
  

Other Useful Info:

• IMDB page for Nausicaa
  

Reviews:
from allwatchers.com
The adventurous princess Nausicaa, who spends a large amount of her time exploring the Toxic Jungle, is the heiress to Jhil, ruler of the kingdom of the Valley of the Wind. One day that an aircraft from the city of Pejite crashes in the Valley of the Wind, leaving among its ruins a large stone. Shortly after, King Jhil is murdered by the invading Tolmekain army, which is led by Kushana, who intends to resurrect the monster contained within the stone for the purpose of burning down the Toxic Jungle which has been encroaching upon human land. Nausicaa believes that the jungle exists for the purpose of cleansing the earth of its ancient pollutants, an thus attempts to convince Kushana to both leave the Valley of the Wind and spare the Toxic Jungle.

--Adam , Resident Scholar

Nausicaä, the princess of a small nordic type nation in the Valley of the Wind, lives in a world devastated by the "Seven Days of Fire". Huge ecosystems have evolved to rid the world of pollutants, but the flora and fauna in them are extremely toxic to humans. Humans perceive these ecosystems as dangerous and a plague (they expand rapidly, and humans are unaware of their function as poison filters). Groups of humans flee the expanding ecosystems and end up in the Valley of the Wind. They try to take over the land from the previous occupants. Nausicaä comes to realize the real function of the ecosystems and tries to save them from being destroyed by other humans.

The most lyrical and beautiful of Hayao Miyazaki's films, was adapted from his manga. It is undeniably his best film.
Deals in an early manner with some of the issues that would show up later in "Princess Mononoke".
1984 / 116 minutes. (Avoid at all costs something called "Warriors of the Wind" it is an edited version of this excellent film). Highly Recommended.


--Herman the German, Resident Scholar

Howl's Moving Castle

Miyazaki, H., Dempsey, R., & Docter, P. (2006). Howl's Moving Castle. DVD, Walt Disney Home Entertainment.
ASIN: B000CDGVOE
$29.99

Viewer's Annotation: To break a spell that makes her appear old, Sophie leaves her life at the hat shop and seeks help from the dreaded Wizard Howl.

Summary: Based on the book by Diana Wynne Jones, this adaptation was created by Hayao Miyazaki, who is well known for movies such as Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. While the movie takes some surprising detours from the book, the heart of the story is the same. Sophie feels nothing excitng will ever happen to her, because she is the eldest of three sisters, and she thinks she is quite plain. She falls under a spell cast by the Witch of the Waste, that makes her appear to be old, though she is still in her teen years. Unable to tell anyone what has happened, she sets off to find help. She ends up in the mobile castle of the evil Wizard Howl. Here she finds friends, in the wizards young apprentice and the resident fire demon. After working as Howl's cleaning lady for awhile, she also begins to learn some things about the wizard. To break her own curse, she must find a way to help her new friends.

Genre: movie, adventure, coming of age, fairy tale, fantasy, friends, identity, love story, magic,

Series : This movie is not part of a series.

Evaluation: Even people who haven't read the book will enjoy the action and heart in this charming story. There's really something for everyone in this film.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: This film has several "built in" audiences. Tweens who've read the book will want to see it. Fans of Miyazaki will want to see it. Families looking for something for all ages will want it. More than likely, you'll want to have two copies in your collection.

Watchalikes :

• Whale Rider
• Nausicaa, of the Valley of the Wind
  

Other Useful Info:

• IMDB page for Howl's Moving Castle
  
• Long review on Slate.com
  

Reviews:

A-

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Lisa Schwarzbaum is a film critic for Entertainment Weekly

There's no confusing the wizards and goblins who populate the dazzling animated adventure Howl's Moving Castle with their relatives from Harry Potter's branch of the wiz biz. The conjurer named Howl — part romantic human dreamboat who fancies emerald earrings and tight pants, part massive bird — may be voiced with whispery gravity, in the English-language version, by Christian Bale (soon to be whispering gravely as Batman). But the worldview, the sense of childlike fun shaded with adult melancholy, and the joyful, serene attention to visual oddity and wordless beauty could only be made in Japan. And, specifically, made by Hayao Miyazaki.

When the peerless master of hand-drawn animation last cavorted with the supernatural, in Spirited Away, the director unfurled his marvelous tale from the perspective of a child, true to the real fears and equally real thrills experienced by a little girl learning how to separate from her parents. With Howl's, Miyazaki brings the wisdom of his 64 years to a story, dense with complications, about a workaholic teenage hatmaker named Sophie who comes into a true appreciation of love, passion, playfulness, and even politics, as well as of her own beauty, only after she is transformed by an evil spell into a stooped and wrinkled 90-year-old woman. (Long story short, Sophie's meet-cute encounter with Howl on a city street irks the jealous Witch of the Waste, a mountainous matron of a competitor for Howl's affections. This sorceress boasts the look of Marx Brothers regular Margaret Dumont and the imperious, Fancy Feast voice of Lauren Bacall.)

In other words, maturity is achieved working backward from experienced seniority rather than forward from wide-eyed youth. And in moments of developmental breakthrough, the young Sophie reemerges out of the contours of the old one. (Emily Mortimer voices young Sophie with a combination of Cinderella pluck and Notting Hill class; Jean Simmons gives old Sophie a lovable layering of tolerance and self-confidence.)

But enough about developmental psychology — how about that humongous castle?! Howl's mobile home heaves and clanks around the countryside (a landscape of indeterminate Euro provenance, over which a war of indeterminate provocation is about to be fought against an indeterminate enemy) on intrepid mechanized feet that appear to be part steel, part chicken. The fixer-upper is cobbled together from a million wheezing parts, the whole thing running on flames from a combustible blob named Calcifer (voiced by Billy Crystal). And naturally the ambulatory domicile is accepted by the populace as part of the regular way of doing things. Because, unlike the Muggles-vs.-Hogwarts crowd, the inhabitants of Miyazaki's enchanted universe understand that spirits are as much a part of everyday life as the fishmongers and soldiers and airplanes crowding the confines of the movie frame in set-piece scenes of spectacular detail.

And curses happen, many of them cast by Madame Suliman (Blythe Danner), resident magician and foreign-policy meddler in service to the king. A surfeit of mishaps and catastrophes accrue, requiring bravery along with a very Asian sense of acceptance. Unlikely alliances are made, primarily among squatters in the moving castle itself, as old Sophie's competence and unflappability work their own kind of domestic magic; even a barkless dog has his day, providing sweet diversionary canine silliness during times of darkest heroic crisis. As Howl's Moving Castle makes ravishingly clear, coming into one's own is the most heroic — and magical — experience of all.

Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka

Scieszka, J. (2008). Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost True Stories of Growing up Scieszka (p. 106). Viking Juvenile.

ISBN:067001138X

$12.99 paperback

Reader's Annotation: Author Jon Sciezka describes growing up one of six brothers, and answers the question "Where do the ideas for your books come from?"

Summary: Jon Scieszka has written many outstanding children's books, including The Stinky Cheese Man and Guys Write for Guys Read (well, he was the editor and contributed to this one.) In Knucklehead, he tells the story of growing up as the second oldest of six boys, in Flint, Michigan. Each chapter is its own story, and they are all between one and three pages long. One story describes the time his older brother tried to sell him his own shirt. Another is about what happens when you pee on an electric heater. They are all hysterical, and full of boyish adventures.

Genre:book, adventure, coming of age, family, nonfiction, siblings

Series : This book is not part of a series.

Evaluation: This book made me laugh out loud, even though I was trying to read it on the sly while I was at my desk working. A great, great, great nonfiction choice for reluctant readers.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Tweens will likely know Jon Scieszka from his pictures books or Guys Write webpage. The idea of growing up with five brothers will be appealing. Most of all, the humor and short, easy chapters will make this a great book to recommend for reluctant readers, and for "biography" or "nonfiction" assignments.

Readalikes :

• Science Fair by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
  
• Guys Write for Guys Read by Jon Scieszka
  

Other Useful Info:

• Jon Scieszka's Website
• Guys Read Website
  

Reviews:
From School Library Journal ages 9-12
To adults that don’t normally wander through the shelves of children’s literature the notion of the autobiography for kids is a pretty odd beast. You write a book about yourself, sure. But why would you make the primary audience for that book people who think that boogers and farts are the height of wit and sophistication? Fact of the matter is an autobiography written with a child audience in mind needs a hook. Your life, particularly your life as a kid, has to have had something interesting about it. Many of us probably look back on those years only to sigh and determine that absolutely nuthin’ interesting went on back then that would sufficiently engage a ten-year-old. Not Jon Scieszka. You want a hook? Try five brothers. Five brothers and Catholic school. Five brothers and Catholic school and a mess of stories involving bodily functions and super cool (and not so cool) toys. Mr. Scieszka proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that when it comes to recounting your youth, there’s nothing like a plethora of XX chromosomes to keep the readers reading. (read the rest here)

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Jones, D. W. (2001). Howl's Moving Castle (p. 336). Eos.

ISBN: 006441034X

$6.99 paperback

Reader's Annotation: Sophie upsets a witch, who turns her into an old lady, and she seeks help from a wizard to get back to her true form.

Summary: Sophie doesn't expect much excitement in her life, because she is the oldest of her siblings, and interesting things don't happen to oldest siblings. She settles into a life of hat making, while her sisters are apprenticed to more exciting careers. But it is in the hatmaker's shop that Sophie runs into a witch, who, displeased with the service, turns Sophie into an old woman. Sophie cannot tell anyone who she really is, or explain the curse. She leaves the hat shop and ends up at Howl's Moving Castle, the home of the local wizard with an unpleasant reputation. Once there, Sophie makes a deal with the fire demon, that if she will help him, he will change her back. Life at Howl's Castle is unusual, but not unpleasant, and Sophie manages to have several adventures, even though she is the oldest of her sisters.

Genre: book, adventure, coming of age, fairy tale, family, fantasy, fiction, identity, love story, magic, siblings

Series : The sequel to this book is "The Castle in the Air."

Evaluation: A classic sort of fantasy story with an unexpected ending. The middle sections of the book may prove challenging for slower readers, but the payoff at the end is worthwhile.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Robin McKinley has written many fine books with strong girl characters and this is right up there with her classics. Her stories often advocate determined study to solve problems, and trial and error processes. Nobody has told Mirasol how to solve her problems, she has to try different things until she gets it right, and she has to trust her instinct. A good selection for fantasy readers. Also, like other McKinley classics, Chalice is full of animals helping the heroine. Bees and horses in this case.

Readalikes :

• Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
• The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
  
• Spindle's End by Robin McKinley
  

Other Useful Info:

• Diana Wynne Jones' Website
  

Reviews:
From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up Sophie Hatter reads a great deal and soon realizes that as the eldest of three daughters she is doomed to an uninteresting future. She resigns herself to making a living as a hatter and helping her younger sisters prepare to make their fortunes. But adventure seeks her out in the shop where she sits alone, dreaming over her hats. The wicked Witch of the Waste, angered by "competition" in the area, turns her into a old woman, so she seeks refuge inside the strange moving castle of the wizard Howl. Howl, advertised by his apprentice as an eater of souls, lives a mad, frantic life trying to escape the curse the witch has placed on him, find the perfect girl of his dreams and end the contract he and his fire demon have entered. Sophie, against her best instincts and at first unaware of her own powers, falls in love. So goes this intricate, humorous and puzzling tale of fantasy and adventure which should both challenge and involve readers. Jones has created an engaging set of characters and found a new use for many of the appurtenances of fairy talesseven league boots and invisible cloaks, among others. At times, the action becomes so complex that readers may have to go back to see what actually happened, and at the end so many loose ends have to be tied up at once that it's dizzying. Yet Jones' inventiveness never fails, and her conclusion is infinitely satisfying.

Flicka

(VI), M. M. (2007). Flicka. DVD, 20th Century Fox.
ASIN: B000LV63MW
$14.98

Viewer's Annotation: Rebellious Katy attempts to tame Flicka, a wild mustang, though her father has forbidden her from trying.

Summary:Based on Mary O'Hara's classic "My Friend Flicka," this movie version has an updated feel and a female lead character. Set on a modern working ranch in Wyoming, Katy has come home from her boarding school for the summer far more interested in horses and ranching than in studying. She catches Flicka, one of the few wild mustangs left in the mountains of Wyoming, and wants to train her, but her father forbids it. Mustangs could ruin their quarterhores business, and he's afraid for her safety. The ranch is losing money and can't afford another expense. This is the story of a family that learns to communicate with one another, to take risks, and to value the sometimes unexpected dreams they all have.

Genre: movie, family, siblings, adventure, coming of age, horses

Series : This movie is not part of a series.

Evaluation: Though you know how the story will end from the moment you insert the disc into the drive, it's still a good film. Beautiful scenery, lovely music, and plenty of heartwarming action will make this a great family film.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: This movie has a familiar plot, but it's beautifully done. The heroine is spunky enough to appeal to tween viewers, and who doesn't love a good horse story. Parents will feel good about their tweens watching this film as there is little violence or sex. A crowd pleaser all around.

Watchalikes :

• Black Beauty
  
• Dreamer
• Becuase of Winn Dixie
  

Other Useful Info:

• IMDB page for Flicka

Reviews:
Review from Variety magazine

Kiki's Delivery Service Film Comics by Hayao Miyazaki

Miyazaki, H. (2006). Kiki's Delivery Service Picture Book, Volume 1

(1st ed., p. 111). VIZ Media LLC.

ISBN: 1421505967

$9.99 paperback

Reader's Annotation: As she approaches her 13th birthday, Kiki begins life as a witch on her own, running a delivery service from a small town.

Summary: When witches turn 13, they have to spend a year on their own, away from their families, to hone their craft. Kiki, and her cat Jiji, set off on a perfect night, to find their new lives. They find a lovely town to settle in, and a kind baker takes them in. Kiki is determined to earn her keep, and at the suggestion of the baker, begins her own delivery service.

Genre: graphic novel, adventure, coming of age, fantasy, series

Series : There are four books in this series, titled "Kiki's Delivery Service Picture Book, Volume 1-4."

Evaluation: This series is adapted from the movie that was made in conjunction with Disney, which was itself adapted from the Japanese version of this comic. An extremely sweet series, that would be a good even for younger tweens.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Kiki is sweet and clumsy and in search of adventure, and should be recognizable to most tween girls. Because these are a retelling of the movie version with the same name, they would be a good choice for reluctant readers. Additionally, as she grows into her powers, Kiki must develop a healthy self-esteem to be the best witch she can be.

Readalikes :

• Babymouse by Jennifer Holm
  
• Nausicaa by Hayao Miyazaki
  

Other Useful Info:

• Movie website
  

Reviews:
from animeworld.com/reviews/
In a place like a Europe of the 50s, untouched by the ravages of war, where witches aren't bad (as a matter of fact, they're just like the rest of us, and everybody knows about them), Kiki is a young witch just coming into her own. Having reached the age of 13, she follows tradition and sets out into the world to make her way, accompanied only by her knowledge of magic, her trusty flying broom, and her familiar, a cat named Jiji. Kiki finds her way to a good sized town, and is taken in by a kindly baker. Soon, she sets up shop as a one-girl flying delivery service (think the pizza guy only cuter and with a flying broom). While making her rounds and living on her own in the big city, Kiki meets interesting folks of all types, and runs into a number of adventures and misadventures.

Houdini the Handcuff King by Jason Lutes and Nick Bertozzi

Lutes, J. (2008). Houdini: The Handcuff King (Reprint., p. 96). Hyperion Book CH.

ISBN: 0786839031

$16.99 hardcover

Viewer's Annotation: A glimpse into the life and stunts of Houdini, whom the authors suggest is the first guy to be famous for having a cool job.

Summary: The entire graphic novel tells the story of one stunt performed by Houdini. Along the way, the reader learns not only how Houdini performed the stunt, but also about how much work went into his fame. Over the course of his day, he has to generate his own hype, he relies on his wife for support (both emotional and in his stunt), he faces prejudice for his religion, and he has to perform a death-defying stunt. While this isn't a biography, it is a glimpse into the life of a well known showman.

Genre: graphic novel, nonfictin, adventure

Series : none

Evaluation: I expected more information from this graphic novel, overall, but I do think it would be a good starting point, to get readers interested in the life of Houdini. The illustrations and storytelling were very straightforward and approachable.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: This very short story would be extremely approachable for tween readers, and I think they would be interested to learn how Houdini pulled this stunt off. It would be a good starting point for a middle school homework assignment. I think too that tweens will be interested in someone like Houdini, as a celebrity figure from a different age.

Readalikes :

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
• The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis
  

Other Useful Info:

• Nick Bertozzi's website
• Jason Lutes website
  

Reviews:
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Following Houdini on the morning of his leap (while handcuffed) into the frigid Boston River, readers gain a remarkably complete picture of his world. They will meet his wife, Bess; his strong-arm man, Beatty; reporters desperate to get a quote; and crowds hungry for a glimpse of him. Most of all, they get to know Houdini himself, who, as an extensive introduction notes, was probably the most famous man in the world at the time. Proud and obsessed--with his skill, his fame, and his wife--Houdini was a showman of the highest order who knew he represented hope to his adoring American public. He also knew that he had an unprecedented talent for self-hype. Avoiding overt, showy tricks themselves, Lutes and Bertozzi^B use clean, simple storytelling and crisp, clear black-and-white art to create not only a portrait of the man but also that sense of suspense and anticipation Houdini generated in his performances. Endnotes linked to specific pictures offer background on everything from anti-Semitism (Houdini was Jewish) to handcuffs. A bibliography of mostly older adult titles is appended. Jesse Karp

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Oppel, K. (2005). Airborn (p. 544). Eos.

ISBN : 00060531827

$17.99 hardcover

Reader's Annotation: Matt, a cabin boy on a luxury airship, helps a girl discover a new creature, battles pirates, and tries to save the home he loves.

Summary: Matt Cruse was born in the air. His love for life aloft has led him to a job as a cabin boy on the Aurora, a luxury airship. One night he is stationed in the crow's nest, and he spots a balloon drifting aimlessly. The Aurora goes the aid of the balloon, and Matt finds an elderly man, nearly dead, in the basket. Before he dies, the man asks Matt if he's seen them. He tells Matt that Kate would love them. Matt has no idea what the man means, until a year later, when Kate de Vries, a wealthy girl about his own age, comes aboard the ship. She is the man's granddaughter, and she has his journal. The man saw flying creatures, something like cats or bats, unlike anything ever seen before. Kate wants Matt's help tracking them down. And then, the Aurora is boarded by pirates and makes a crash landing on an island. That's when things really start to get interesting.

Genre: fiction, fantasy, action, adventure

Series :

1. Airborn
   
2. Skybreaker
   
3. Starclimber (to be published in 2009)
   

Evaluation: A fantastic adventure story, with well developed characters and plenty of action. This is one of my favorite reads of the semester, I couldn't put it down. Beautiful descriptions of life in the air. I want to fly on the Aurora.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Plenty of fantastical elements and lots of action, this book would appeal to tween readers, either boys or girls. There is something in this book for nearly every reader. I have heard the full cast audio is also fantastic. This was a Michael L. Printz honor book, the winner of the Governor General's award, and several others. It is being made into a movie, as well.

Readalikes :

• Maximum Ride books by James Patterson
• His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
• Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer
  

Other Useful Info:

• Airborn Website
• Kenneth Oppel's Website
  

Reviews:
From School Library Journal
Grade 6–10—Once in a long while, an adventure story captures the mind and the heart of listeners/readers, creating a miniature world that makes a deep impression on them. Such is the case with Kenneth Oppel's Printz Honor Book (Eos, 2004) which weaves a magical tale of adventure, treachery, friendship, and courage. Taking place in a future where airships and blimps travel across the Atlanticus and the Pacificus Oceans, cabin boy Matt Cruse, on board the Aurora, battles pirates and prehistoric cloudcats, accompanied by spirited heiress Kate DeVries. A cast of 32 actors, including high school sophomore David Kelly (as the voice of Matt Cruse), delivers riveting narration and excellent vocal special effects (such as the ship's captain speaking through his radio). Full of fun, adventure, and heart, Airborn makes for a one-of-kind listening experience. Fans of period history, science fiction, and adventure will cheer Matt along. This ALSC 2007 Notable Recording and YALSA 2007 Selected Audiobook for Young Adults is a must for young adult collections.—Larry Cooperman, Seminole High School, Sanford, FL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Patterson, J. (2005). The Angel Experiment (p. 432). Little, Brown Young Readers.

ISBN : 031615556X

$16.99 hardcover

Reader's Annotation: A family of genetically altered bird-humans return to the lab that created them to rescue their youngest sibling, who has been recaptured.

Summary: Fourteen year old Max, short for Maximum Ride, tries to look out for her adopted siblings, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel. They're an unusual family (if you couldn't tell by their names) or rather, flock -- they are 98% human, and 2% bird. The flying part is great, but the flock has some big problems. They escaped from "The School," the lab that created them and kept them in cages for testing for the first years of their lives. Now, the Erasers, genetically engineering werewolves, are after them. They capture Angel, the youngest. The others return to the School they've always dreaded to free her. They make new friends, and are betrayed by old friends. Then Max starts to hear a voice in her head, telling her she needs to do more than protect her flock....she needs to save the world.

Genre: fiction, sci-fi, siblings, fiction, adventure, action

Series : Maximum Ride Series

1. The Angel Experiment
2. School's Out -- Forever
3. Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
4. The Final Warning
5. Water Wings (to be published March 2009)
   

Evaluation: An exciting tale for anyone who's ever wished they could fly, I tore through this book in a matter of hours. The book is violent, with scientific experiments being conducted on children as if they were lab rats. I would give this book out with a warning, most likely.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: A fast paced action story that is hugely popular with tween readers, a tween collection would not be complete without it. There is a movie in the works, and Patterson is well known for both his books for young readers and his books for adults.

Readalikes :

• Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
  
• Eva by Peter Dickinson
• Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
  

Other Useful Info:

• Maximum Ride Website
• James Patterson's Website
• IMDB Movie Page
  

Reviews:
From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up–A group of genetically enhanced kids who can fly and have other unique talents are on the run from part-human, part-wolf predators called Erasers in this exciting SF thriller that's not wholly original but is still a compelling read. Max, 14, and her adopted family–Fang and Iggy, both 13, Nudge, 11, Gazzy, 8, and Angel, 6–were all created as experiments in a lab called the School. Jeb, a sympathetic scientist, helped them escape and, since then, they've been living on their own. The Erasers have orders to kill them so the world will never find out they exist. Max's old childhood friend, Ari, now an Eraser leader, tracks them down, kidnaps Angel, and transports her back to the School to live like a lab rat again. The youngsters are forced to use their special talents to rescue her as they attempt to learn about their pasts and their destinies. The novel ends with the promise that this journey will continue in the sequel. As with Patterson's adult mystery thrillers, in-depth characterization is secondary to the fast-moving plot. The narrative alternates between Max's first-person point-of-view and that of the others in the third person, but readers don't get to know Max very well. The only major flaw is that the children sound like adults most of the time. This novel is reminiscent of David Lubar's Hidden Talents (Tor, 1999) and Ann Halam's Dr. Franklin's Island (Random, 2002).–Sharon Rawlins, Piscataway Public Library, NJ

Stormbreaker : the Graphic Novel by Anthony Horowitz and others

Horowitz, A. (2006). Stormbreaker: The Graphic Novel (Alex Rider) (p. 144). Philomel.

ISBN : 0399246339

$14.99 paperback

Reader's Annotation: Alex Rider attempts to avenge his murdered uncle by helping a British spy agency stop a terrorist from unleashing a deadly virus.

Summary: An adaptation of the book by the same title. Alex Rider knows something is suspicious about the car accident that killed his uncle, and only living relative. But he is surprised to discover his uncle, whom he always knew as a banker, is actually a spy for Britan's top spy agency, MI6. Even more surprising, the MI6 folks want Alex's help. He's given a bit of training, and sent in to finish the mission his uncle started. Darrius Sayle is an entrepreneur who has developed a new supercomputer, the Stormbreaker. He's offered to give one to every school in Britain, and a ceremony has been planned to commemorate the occasion, with the Prime Minister flicking the switch to activate all the computers at once. The MI6 officers think there is more to Sayle than generosity, and it's up to Alex to find out what the computer are really supposed to do.

Genre: adventure, series, action

Series : Two Alex Rider graphic novels have been published to date:

1. Stormbreaker
2. Point Blank

Evaluation: Having read this back to back with the novel, I was rather put out by the changes that were made to the story. With a bit of research, I decided the graphic novel was closer in plot to the movie version than the novel version of the story. I enjoyed the graphic novel more than the book, even with the changes.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Having another version of this popular story in a tween collection would be a good idea. Tweens who have read the book might pick up the graphic novel, and reluctant readers could be drawn to the novel via the graphic novel version.

Readalikes :

• Hardy Boys graphic novels by Scott Lobdell
• Redwall graphic novels by Brian Jacques
  

Other Useful Info:

• Official Alex Rider Website
• Anthony Horowitz's Website
• Stormbreaker Website
• Movie Trailer
  

Reviews:
From Booklist
An ode to rampant commercialism, this is not exactly based on Anthony Horowitz's thrill-a-second novel about 14-year-old Alex Rider, who discovers that his deceased uncle was a superspy and that Alex himself must face an evil businessman and his multitude of gruesome killers. No, this graphic novel springs from the screenplay for the recent movie, which is based on the novel--which, itself, is a clever compilation of James Bond movies. If it's possible, this is even more rapidly paced than the novel. Alex remains an appealing hero here, and the idea of a heroic teen up against insidious adults continues to be an extremely powerful draw for readers. The female art team casts the action in exciting manga style, and the digital colors produce an anime-like sense of depth and motion. Readers who already like Alex Rider will want this; even adventure lovers unfamiliar with the books will find it difficult to resist the hyperkinetic fun, although they may feel they have sold a bit of their souls to get it. Jesse Karp
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Horowitz, A. (2004). Stormbreaker (p. 256). Puffin.

ISBN : 014240165X

$17.99 hardback

Reader's Annotation: Alex Rider attempts to avenge his murdered uncle by helping a British spy agency stop a terrorist from unleashing a deadly virus.

Summary: Alex Rider knows something is suspicious about the car accident that killed his uncle, and only living relative. But he is surprised to discover his uncle, whom he always knew as a banker, is actually a spy for Britan's top spy agency, MI6. Even more surprising, the MI6 folks want Alex's help. He's given a bit of training, and sent in to finish the mission his uncle started. Herod Sayle is an entrepreneur who has developed a new supercomputer, the Stormbreaker. He's offered to give one to every school in Britain, and a ceremony has been planned to commemorate the occasion, with the Prime Minister flicking the switch to activate all the computers at once. The MI6 officers think there is more to Sayle than generosity, and it's up to Alex to find out what the computer are really supposed to do.

Genre: adventure, series, action

Series : Seven Alex Rider novels have been published to date:

1. Stormbreaker
2. Point Blank
3. Skeleton Key
4. Eagle Strike
5. Scorpia
6. Arkangel
7. Snakehead
   

Evaluation: This was certainly a non-stop action sort of book. While it's not exactly my favorite sort of book, I would certainly have no trouble recommending it to readers in search of action adventure stories.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: This would be a great pick for a reluctant reader who craves action stories. There is no extraneous descriptions, the writing is tight and focused. Alex is a great hero, well trained and rarely complaining, smart and strong. Additionally, there are six more books to read after this one, plus graphic novel adapations and a movie tie in. With all the slick publicity surrounding these books, a tween collection without them would be unthinkable.

Readalikes :

• Young James Bond books (Silverfin, etc) by Charlie Higson
• Maxium Ride series by James Patterson
• Among the Hidden series by Margaret Peterson Haddix
  

Other Useful Info:

• Official Alex Rider Website
• Anthony Horowitz's Website
• Stormbreaker Website
• Movie Trailer
  

Reviews:

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-Alex Rider's world is turned upside down when he discovers that his uncle and guardian has been murdered. The 14-year-old makes one discovery after another until he is sucked into his uncle's undercover world. The Special Operations Division of M16, his uncle's real employer, blackmails the teen into serving England. After two short weeks of training, Alex is equipped with several special toys like a Game Boy with unique cartridges that allow it to scan, fax, and emit smoke bombs. Alex's mission is to complete his uncle's last assignment, to discover the secret that Herod Sayle is hiding behind his generous donation of one of his supercomputers to every school in the country. When Alex enters Sayle's compound in Port Tallon, he discovers a strange world of secrets and villains including Mr. Grin, an ex-circus knife catcher, and Yassen Gregorovich, professional hit man. The novel provides bang after bang as Alex experiences and survives unbelievably dangerous episodes and eventually crashes through the roof of the Science Museum to save the day. Alex is a strong, smart hero. If readers consider luck the ruling factor in his universe, they will love this James Bond-style adventure. With short cliff-hanger chapters and its breathless pace, it is an excellent choice for reluctant readers. Warning: Suspend reality.

Lynn Bryant, formerly at Navarre High School, FL

Mister Monday by Garth Nix

Nix, G. (2003). The Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1: Mister Monday (p. 368). Scholastic Paperbacks.

ISBN : 0439551234

$16.45 school and library binding

Reader's Annotation: Arthur Penhaligon discovers a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. Mister Monday wants his key back, and Arthur's adventure begins.

Summary: Arthur Penhaligon is an unlikely, asthmatic hero. He was destined to die, until a small key, shaped like the minute hand of a clock, saves his life. The key was delivered by a stranger, Mister Monday, from another dimension, along with a plague that threatens to destroy the world Arthur knows. He takes the key into a house that only he can see, in an attempt to save everything he knows. This key is only the first of seven, and Arthur's adventures have only just begun.

Genre: fantasy

Series : First of seven books in the "Keys to the Kingdom" series.

1. Mister Monday
2. Grim Tuesday
3. Drowned Wednesday
4. Sir Thursday
5. Lady Friday
6. Superior Saturday
7. Lord Sunday (not yet released)

Evaluation: I had been meaning to read this one for a while, given how popular they are with older readers in the Kids Room at my library. The cover art and clever titles have also appealed to me. I found the story very compelling at the start, I had a hard time tearing myself away from the book. As it went on though, my interest waned a little, and I found myself ready to get to the end. I'd read Tuesday, though, for certain.

Why it belongs in a Tween Collection: Readers finished with Harry Potter and looking for their next fantasy series would enjoy these books. The world is fully realized, the characters are approachable (boys and girls are friends, so far no romance) and while the violence is fairly tame, the overall timbre of the book is slightly dark, which makes it feel unlike a children's story. The plot and vocabulary are rich and varied, but not prohibitive. Additionally, the hero is asthmatic, which is an unusual character trait, and could possibly be inspiring to a reader with the same condition.

Readalikes :

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer (for younger tweens)
• Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
• The Wrinkle in Time books by Madeline L'Engle
• The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula LeGuin

Other Useful Info:

• Wikipedia entry for Keys to the Kingdom series (good for sorting out who ruled what house, what their deadly sin was, etc.)
• Scholastic's Keys to the Kingdom website
• Author's website

Reviews:
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-Arthur Penhaligon's school year is not off to a good start. On his first day, he suffers an asthma attack while running cross country and dreams that a mysterious figure hands him a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. However, when he wakes up, he still has the key. That's when strange things begin to happen. Mister Monday dispatches terrifying, dog-faced Fetchers to retrieve it, a bizarre sleeping illness sweeps the city, and only Arthur can see the weird new house that appears in his neighborhood. The seventh grader knows it all has something to do with the key, one of seven elusive fragments of the Will to which he has become heir apparent, and a mysterious atlas. When he ventures inside the house, he meets more strange characters than he could have imagined, none of whom are what they seem. And, of course, he must battle Monday, who will do anything to get the key back. With the help of the key, Arthur must fight his way out. The first in a seven part series for middle graders is every bit as exciting and suspenseful as the author's previous young adult novels. Readers will eagerly anticipate the sequels.
Ginny Collier, Dekalb County Public Library, Chamblee, GA