I have tried to use the same format for all of my entries to this blog and provide information so that anyone reading it would be able to find the same item that has been reviewed. All images were found using google image and are not my property; they are only used to give an example of the exact edition I read. To that end, all the images are of the exact edition I reviewed so readers may know how old/new the printing/release may be. I have reviewed a majority of adventure/sci-fi titles due both to my preference for the genre and the fact that by reviewing more of one type of title, one can compare any two items more easily.
There is a 'blog archive' box on the right side of the page, but by scrolling back through the pages or following the various tags at the top right one can more easily navigate the blog. There are slightly more than 50 reviews contained in the blog with less than 20 being movies and television while the remainder are in book format.
I hope you enjoy the reviews,
Grant
The Limit by Kristen Landon
Title: The Limit
Author: Kristen Landon
ISBN: 978-1-4424-0271-3
291 pages
Aladdin Books, 2010 edition
Description:
Set in a not-so-strange and not-so-futuristic world, 'The Limit' tells of a world where children are taken away from their homes and their schools and taken to what amount to be big factories, called workhouses, if their families cannot abide by the laws. The main law that sees many kids taken away is called 'the limit' and is a limit on how much federal debt anyone family can accumulate. Early in the book, the protagonist Matt sees a number of his peers taken away by the government. To his surprise, the government soon comes for him too. His father is too slow in trying to protect his son from being taken away, and Matt is brought to a workhouse to serve his sentence. To his surprise Matt has been placed in a different area of the workhouse where only certain kids are sent. He is allowed and computer and a cell phone and may order up just about anything he can desire (except freedom). Matt's sister is too taken to the same workhouse but sent to a much different section. He soon learns the truth behind the workhouses, but will he be able to stop it?
Review:
Not the most thrilling of the books I have read, but it is unique in that it fully understands the use of cell phones and technology by 'tweens'. There is texting and computer use going rampant throughout the book (as is the case in real life) and the kids are never far from their devices. The plot is sort of cheap science fiction/mystery and nothing too surprising (to my mind). The pace moves pretty fast and the reader is drawn up into the world of Matt and the workhouses before they even realize it. While not an exemplary piece of 'tween' fiction, it does get some things right and many a 'tween' might very well enjoy it, if only for the use of technology and its pivotal role in the novel.
Author: Kristen Landon
ISBN: 978-1-4424-0271-3
291 pages
Aladdin Books, 2010 edition
Description:
Set in a not-so-strange and not-so-futuristic world, 'The Limit' tells of a world where children are taken away from their homes and their schools and taken to what amount to be big factories, called workhouses, if their families cannot abide by the laws. The main law that sees many kids taken away is called 'the limit' and is a limit on how much federal debt anyone family can accumulate. Early in the book, the protagonist Matt sees a number of his peers taken away by the government. To his surprise, the government soon comes for him too. His father is too slow in trying to protect his son from being taken away, and Matt is brought to a workhouse to serve his sentence. To his surprise Matt has been placed in a different area of the workhouse where only certain kids are sent. He is allowed and computer and a cell phone and may order up just about anything he can desire (except freedom). Matt's sister is too taken to the same workhouse but sent to a much different section. He soon learns the truth behind the workhouses, but will he be able to stop it?
Review:Not the most thrilling of the books I have read, but it is unique in that it fully understands the use of cell phones and technology by 'tweens'. There is texting and computer use going rampant throughout the book (as is the case in real life) and the kids are never far from their devices. The plot is sort of cheap science fiction/mystery and nothing too surprising (to my mind). The pace moves pretty fast and the reader is drawn up into the world of Matt and the workhouses before they even realize it. While not an exemplary piece of 'tween' fiction, it does get some things right and many a 'tween' might very well enjoy it, if only for the use of technology and its pivotal role in the novel.
Up (Film)
Title: Up
DVD, 2009
Directed by Pete Doctor
One of those movies that, in my opinion, is great for 'tweens' because of its combination of real life, grown up problems and the sense of wonderment that only a child possesses.
Description:
The film begins with a young boy named Carl who is full of spunk and zeal and a love for adventure and exploration. He finds that one of his heroes has to face claims of fraudulence yet never gets a chance to return, to Paradise Falls, the site of a legendary bird. Carl meets his future wife Ellie and they vow to build a house above Paradise Falls together. Fast forward to the present day, we find Carl living in the same place he did with his wife Ellie, but now she has passed away and Carl has retired. After fighting with his neighbors over the recent urbanization of his neighborhood, Carl is told he must move out of his home and into an old folks home. Deciding to fulfill his promise to his deceased wife, Carl ties hundreds of balloons to his house so that he can take his house with him to Paradise Falls.
Believing himself to be alone, Carl soon finds that a young boy from the neighborhood has accidentally tagged along. Russell draws the grumpy side of Carl out, as he had hoped to go on his voyage unimpeded. Russell and Carl find their way to Paradise Falls and discover that Carl's childhood hero still lives their in secrecy, still searching for the rare bird he had fraudulently claimed to have found. Muntz, as the man is named, turns out to be unworthy of the hero status Carl had once given him. It is up to Carl and his young friend Russell to find the bird for themselves and the process, Carl learns more about himself than he had anticipated.
Review:
It is difficult to cover all of the scenes in the film in such a short description but, needles to say, the film is filled with awe-inspiring animation and heart-warming relationships between the characters that are sure to satisfy the most stingy viewer. Real life problems like death and loss are not skirted over in this film, and in many respects this is a very, very sad film. The curmudgeonly old man and the chubby naive boy make for quite the disparate pair, but through Russell, Carl sees the young adventurous spirit he once was (and in some respects still is). A very beautiful movie and one worth revisiting over and over again.
DVD, 2009
Directed by Pete Doctor
One of those movies that, in my opinion, is great for 'tweens' because of its combination of real life, grown up problems and the sense of wonderment that only a child possesses.
Description:
The film begins with a young boy named Carl who is full of spunk and zeal and a love for adventure and exploration. He finds that one of his heroes has to face claims of fraudulence yet never gets a chance to return, to Paradise Falls, the site of a legendary bird. Carl meets his future wife Ellie and they vow to build a house above Paradise Falls together. Fast forward to the present day, we find Carl living in the same place he did with his wife Ellie, but now she has passed away and Carl has retired. After fighting with his neighbors over the recent urbanization of his neighborhood, Carl is told he must move out of his home and into an old folks home. Deciding to fulfill his promise to his deceased wife, Carl ties hundreds of balloons to his house so that he can take his house with him to Paradise Falls.Believing himself to be alone, Carl soon finds that a young boy from the neighborhood has accidentally tagged along. Russell draws the grumpy side of Carl out, as he had hoped to go on his voyage unimpeded. Russell and Carl find their way to Paradise Falls and discover that Carl's childhood hero still lives their in secrecy, still searching for the rare bird he had fraudulently claimed to have found. Muntz, as the man is named, turns out to be unworthy of the hero status Carl had once given him. It is up to Carl and his young friend Russell to find the bird for themselves and the process, Carl learns more about himself than he had anticipated.
Review:
It is difficult to cover all of the scenes in the film in such a short description but, needles to say, the film is filled with awe-inspiring animation and heart-warming relationships between the characters that are sure to satisfy the most stingy viewer. Real life problems like death and loss are not skirted over in this film, and in many respects this is a very, very sad film. The curmudgeonly old man and the chubby naive boy make for quite the disparate pair, but through Russell, Carl sees the young adventurous spirit he once was (and in some respects still is). A very beautiful movie and one worth revisiting over and over again.
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi
Author: Avi
ISBN: 078682647-9
262 pages
Hyperion Books, 2002 edition
Having heard so much about Avi, and being recommended so many of his works for this assignment, I would be remiss if I did not include at least one review of his work. After reading up on his literary output, I selected 'Crispin' based solely on my own personal interests as the novel that sounded most interesting.
Description:
Asta's son is the only name he has ever been called and after her death, Crispin feels lost in the world. The year is 1377 and the place is rural England. Shortly after his mother's death, Crispin overhears a conversation between the local steward John Aycliffe and a mysterious man, but the two notice him and his flight in terror begins. After narrowly escaping from Aycliffe and his henchman, Asta's son has a bounty placed on his head. A public announcement is made that proclaims Crispin a wolf's head, a persona-non-grata who may be captured, and killed, upon sight. A rogue jester and juggler, nicknamed the Bear due to his great size, is the only person willing to aid Crispin in his flight. The Bear turns out to be a much more complicated man than Crispin had bargained for, and the two make a hasty dash across the English countryside to evade the constant pursuit of Aycliffe and his men.
Review:
A very fast paced tale of flight from one of the biggest figures in children's books, 'Crispin' gives kids a good glimpse into the life of medieval England. Avi gives just the right amount of background information and historical data without making 'Crispin' seem like a history lesson. The characters are vividly detailed, especially the boy and the Bear, and the veil of Christianity shrouds all aspects of this exciting novel. While some might be turned off by the overtly religious nature of the book, it is in keeping with the superstitious and devout nature of people from that time. There is a nice balance struck between making the book realistic and true to its' time period and making the novel palatable for younger readers. The images of torch and sword wielding pursuers come from both the cover and the pages within, and anyone looking for an interesting and exciting book need look no further.
Enchanted (Film)
Title: Enchanted
DVD, 2008
Starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey
Essentially a reinvention of the classic fairy-tale love story. Came highly recommended by my sister.
Description:
The fairy-tale princess Giselle lives in the magical land of Andalasia, which in the film is an animated land (except for the humans) filled with the requisite courts and royalty and animals that speak. However, an evil-stepmother-like character played by Susan Sarandon grows jealous of Giselle and sends her hurtling through time and space, when finally she lands in downtown Manhattan. She runs into a very handsome lawyer who's daughter convinces him to let the pretty princess stay with them in their home. Prince Edward, Giselle's husband-to-be from Andalasia, travels through the portal to save her, but he is followed by workers for his evil stepmother who will stop at nothing to make sure he fails. Combining elements purposefully copied from classic Disney films like 'Snow White' and 'Cinderella', Giselle learns much about herself and true love through her adventures in Manhattan.
Review:
Not exactly my cup of tea, but I can see why my sister enjoyed it so much. The talking animals are cute and funny and the inevitable misunderstandings and laughs that arise from a fairy-tale princess taking to the streets of New York are entertaining. The true love bit is beaten over the audiences head a little, but there is plenty of fun to be had. The story, the situations and the expectations outlined for young girls are totally unrealistic, but not in so unforgiving a fashion. While it might not portray the most realistic goals for a young lady, it is surely a film that 'tweens' will enjoy (maybe not so much for the boys, however).
DVD, 2008
Starring Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey
Essentially a reinvention of the classic fairy-tale love story. Came highly recommended by my sister.
Description:
The fairy-tale princess Giselle lives in the magical land of Andalasia, which in the film is an animated land (except for the humans) filled with the requisite courts and royalty and animals that speak. However, an evil-stepmother-like character played by Susan Sarandon grows jealous of Giselle and sends her hurtling through time and space, when finally she lands in downtown Manhattan. She runs into a very handsome lawyer who's daughter convinces him to let the pretty princess stay with them in their home. Prince Edward, Giselle's husband-to-be from Andalasia, travels through the portal to save her, but he is followed by workers for his evil stepmother who will stop at nothing to make sure he fails. Combining elements purposefully copied from classic Disney films like 'Snow White' and 'Cinderella', Giselle learns much about herself and true love through her adventures in Manhattan.Review:
Not exactly my cup of tea, but I can see why my sister enjoyed it so much. The talking animals are cute and funny and the inevitable misunderstandings and laughs that arise from a fairy-tale princess taking to the streets of New York are entertaining. The true love bit is beaten over the audiences head a little, but there is plenty of fun to be had. The story, the situations and the expectations outlined for young girls are totally unrealistic, but not in so unforgiving a fashion. While it might not portray the most realistic goals for a young lady, it is surely a film that 'tweens' will enjoy (maybe not so much for the boys, however).
Title: The Swiss Family Robinson
Author: Johan Wyss
ISBN: 0-448-06022-1
388 pages
Grosset & Dunlap, 1999 edition
When I asked my local librarian for books intended for 'tweens' and told her about the course I was taking, this is the first book she pointed out. I had heard the name before, but did not really know what it was or what to expect. The cover is horribly cheesy and although it is a 1999 printing, the book looks ancient.
Description:
Narrated by the ever-so-manly father of the family Robinson, the story details the account of the family as they attempt to travel to Australia. On their way, the family becomes shipwrecked and must rely on their knowledge of flora and fauna as well as their carpentry and other learned skills to survive. While it is considered one novel, it plays out more like a series of interconnected short stores. Some of them include the family building a bridge across treacherous terrain. Another example is the building of a tree house in which the family so famously lives. Others include buffalo hunts and salt cavern and even the discovery of a skeleton. Through it all the family with their four sons must rely on their wits to survive their strange and tropical new surroundings.
Review:
This is one of the few books that I have selected for review where, from reading, there was derived almost zero satisfaction. The initial few chapters were fun as we learn about the family and their shipwreck. But once the family settles in, the book reads more like an Audobon Society manual or a how-to guide than a children's book. So much of the text is concerned with the flora and fauna of their tropical home and the skills needed to tame it. The author goes on, ad nauseum, over the most trivial of details. There are some exciting adventures mixed in to the story, but the building of tree-huts and bridges is not exactly my idea of fun. I have co-worker who's son loves engineering, building and mechanical types of things and I have a feeling he may very well enjoy a book like this. However, for most 'tweens' or adults, they may find this book quite the bore.
Author: Johan Wyss
ISBN: 0-448-06022-1
388 pages
Grosset & Dunlap, 1999 edition
When I asked my local librarian for books intended for 'tweens' and told her about the course I was taking, this is the first book she pointed out. I had heard the name before, but did not really know what it was or what to expect. The cover is horribly cheesy and although it is a 1999 printing, the book looks ancient.Description:
Narrated by the ever-so-manly father of the family Robinson, the story details the account of the family as they attempt to travel to Australia. On their way, the family becomes shipwrecked and must rely on their knowledge of flora and fauna as well as their carpentry and other learned skills to survive. While it is considered one novel, it plays out more like a series of interconnected short stores. Some of them include the family building a bridge across treacherous terrain. Another example is the building of a tree house in which the family so famously lives. Others include buffalo hunts and salt cavern and even the discovery of a skeleton. Through it all the family with their four sons must rely on their wits to survive their strange and tropical new surroundings.
Review:
This is one of the few books that I have selected for review where, from reading, there was derived almost zero satisfaction. The initial few chapters were fun as we learn about the family and their shipwreck. But once the family settles in, the book reads more like an Audobon Society manual or a how-to guide than a children's book. So much of the text is concerned with the flora and fauna of their tropical home and the skills needed to tame it. The author goes on, ad nauseum, over the most trivial of details. There are some exciting adventures mixed in to the story, but the building of tree-huts and bridges is not exactly my idea of fun. I have co-worker who's son loves engineering, building and mechanical types of things and I have a feeling he may very well enjoy a book like this. However, for most 'tweens' or adults, they may find this book quite the bore.
The Black Stallion (film)
Title: The Black Stallion
DVD, 2009
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
One of the most famous kids' movies of all time, this was one that I found in the stacks at my local public library. I vaguely, and I mean quite vaguely, seeing it as a kid and thought it might be fun to revisit.
Description:
'The Black Stallion' tells the story of Alec and his Arabian Stallion simply known as "the Black". Set in the 1940s, the movie begins with Alec and his family on-board a cruise liner and he becomes enamored with the Arabian Stallion. The ship, in a horrible accident, catches fire and creates a panic on-board. After the accident, Alec finds himself on the beach of a deserted island, and the only other soul he finds that has made it to the island is the horse. Initially reluctant in dealing with the boy, the horse and Alec soon gain the trust of one another. After much trial and tribulation, the boy finally manages to climb atop the horse and ride him up and down the beach. Eventually rescued from their deserted island, the boy returns home with horse in tow. Their relationship grows and Alec soon learns just how fast of a horse 'The Black' is, signing the horse up for a hugely important horse race for the movies climactic scene.
Review:
Although, quite honestly, I found the film quite boring I can see how it has become a classic. The scenes of Alex and his horse on the beach are some of the most easily recognizable scenes in cinema. There is this feeling that pervades the movie that Alec, a kid, is the only one who truly understands and loves the horse. This is a very common theme in kids and 'tween' titles and is certainly at work here. There is a scene in which Alec loses the horse and searches frantically to find him. He finds that an old jockey has found him and claimed him as his own. After seeing Alec with the horse, he soon sees the errors of his ways and knows that the boy is the horse's real owner. A classic kids movie that many, especially horse-lovers, will cherish but that others may find a bit slow.
DVD, 2009
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
One of the most famous kids' movies of all time, this was one that I found in the stacks at my local public library. I vaguely, and I mean quite vaguely, seeing it as a kid and thought it might be fun to revisit.
Description:
'The Black Stallion' tells the story of Alec and his Arabian Stallion simply known as "the Black". Set in the 1940s, the movie begins with Alec and his family on-board a cruise liner and he becomes enamored with the Arabian Stallion. The ship, in a horrible accident, catches fire and creates a panic on-board. After the accident, Alec finds himself on the beach of a deserted island, and the only other soul he finds that has made it to the island is the horse. Initially reluctant in dealing with the boy, the horse and Alec soon gain the trust of one another. After much trial and tribulation, the boy finally manages to climb atop the horse and ride him up and down the beach. Eventually rescued from their deserted island, the boy returns home with horse in tow. Their relationship grows and Alec soon learns just how fast of a horse 'The Black' is, signing the horse up for a hugely important horse race for the movies climactic scene.
Review:
Although, quite honestly, I found the film quite boring I can see how it has become a classic. The scenes of Alex and his horse on the beach are some of the most easily recognizable scenes in cinema. There is this feeling that pervades the movie that Alec, a kid, is the only one who truly understands and loves the horse. This is a very common theme in kids and 'tween' titles and is certainly at work here. There is a scene in which Alec loses the horse and searches frantically to find him. He finds that an old jockey has found him and claimed him as his own. After seeing Alec with the horse, he soon sees the errors of his ways and knows that the boy is the horse's real owner. A classic kids movie that many, especially horse-lovers, will cherish but that others may find a bit slow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)