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.

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.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

Title: Crispin: The Cross of Lead
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.

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.

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.

The Navigator by Eoin McNamee

Title: The Navigator
Author: Eoin McNamee
ISBN: 978-0-375-93910-5
342 pages
Wendy Lamb Books, 2006 edition

Description:

A sort of fantasy/science fiction combination, 'The Navigator' tells the story of a young boy named Owen. His father has taken his own life and his mother has sunk into the depths of a deep depression. Owen's world is filled with anxiety and fear. He hears murmurs about his family being crazy and has an overwhelming fear of water. His one refuge is his den, a place out in the woods where he can be secluded from all the world's problems. After meeting a tiny man only known as the Sub-Commandant who tells his daughter Cati to essentially be Owen's bodyguard, and is recruited into a group called simply the Resistors. When Owen is brought amongst the Resistance the are skeptical of him due to some of his similarities to their greatest enemy, the Harsh (namely that both hold a phobia toward bodies of water). Owen must not only prove that he belongs, but must take on the mythic role of the Navigator, the only hope against in the battle of good versus evil.

Review:

I found this title to be extremely derivative of other good vs. evil, 'the chosen one' type of stories where one seemingly unaware and none-to-special (initially) child turns out to be the only hope for the 'good guys'. While not poorly written in any sense, one gets the feeling that we've all already read this book (or maybe just so many others like it). I am sure that some young people, especially boys interested in the whole good guys versus bad guys aesthetic, will enjoy this book. But, for me, it was very run-of-the-mill and offered little in excitement or innovation.

Toy Story (Film)

Title: Toy Story
DVD, 2010
Starring Tim Allen and Tom Hanks

My younger brother and sister, both in the 'tween' age range, were insisting that I review 'Toy Story 3' for this digital record. But, having not seen the second installment and barely remembering the first, I decided I would do a little reminiscing of my own and revisit the first film in the series.

Description:

'Toy Story' tells a tale set in a world where, when no one is looking, all of the world's toys come to life. Andy is a young boy with plenty of toys, but the old cowboy Woody is his favorite. He doesn't go anywhere without his pal Andy and has even scrawled his name on Woody's shoe (a distinction of honor and contention between Andy and the other toys). This is all fine and well until on Andy's birthday he gets a Buzz Lightyear toy. The coolest space hero and coolest toy in the world, with his "To infinity and beyond!" catch phrase. Buzz Lightyear is not only Andy's new favorite plaything, but he also believes he is a real space hero and that he can really fly and convinces all of the other toys of these beliefs much to the chagrin of Woody. After a mishap at a pizza restaurant the two toys fall into the hands of the vicious and twisted neighbor of Andy; the dreaded Sid. Woody and Buzz must work together to escape their captor and return to their rightful owner Andy.

Review:

Much of the above description may be unnecessary, as this movie is ever so popular. But seeing it again, after 10 or more years, I forgot just how good the music, the voice acting and the story are. An absolutely great movie for kids of all ages. While not a particularly 'tween' title, even though the boy in the picture may be within that 'tween' age range, this movie is fun for your entire family (and I do mean entire). Everyone from the youngest to the oldest, for those who have yet to see it, will enjoy every minute to the very last drop.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Title: The Phantom Tollbooth
Author: Norton Juster
ISBN: 0-394-82037-1
257 pages
Bullseye Books, 1988 edition

Another one of those books that many kids in the 'tween' age group undoubtedly read, this was also another title on the shelf of non-checkout books available at my library with no library card needed. Illustrated by world-renowned Jules Fieffer, this book was one that me and many of my friends read when we ourselves were 'tweens' and one that I am sure many other kids are, and will be exposed to.

Description:

A young boy named Milo is presented with a strange gift; a turnpike tollbooth. The gift has no name on it and says simply, "For Milo, who has plenty of time". This cryptic message is a hint of what is to come. After constructing the tollbooth, Milo finds that this is no ordinary tollbooth. Upon paying the toll one is ushered into a whole new world of fantasy, where time acts a little differently than in his normal, boring life. Milo gets lost in the Doldrums, a place of where no fun or excitement is allowed and happens upon a watchdog (a literal term, as attached to the dog there is a massive clock) named Tock who accompanies him on his journey. Milo finds himself on an adventure letters are sold in bazaars and numbers are mined in favor of precious gems. Milo meets a cast of interesting and eccentric characters, like the 22 sided Dodecahedron, and learns that Rhyme and Reason have gone missing (like most of the characters in the book, Rhyme and Reason are literal translations of their names). Milo and Tock must save the day and find Rhyme and Reason. Milo is finally ushered back into his room where the tollbooth is nowhere to be found, but his adventures have instilled in him a new interest in his previously dull life.

Review:

Truly an original piece of fiction for children. Re-reading the story brings back so many memories, like the subtraction stew and the Dodecahedron. Milo's adventures in the lands beyond the tollbooth are filled with strange creatures and items that are unaffected by normal time and space. Soup that makes you hungrier and other such anomalies are possible in this magical land. Milo and his friend Tock learn much about the nature of things as well as themselves, and are better off for it (as is the reader). What a fun and silly story that is still, somehow jammed full of that sense of wonderment that eludes much of adult literature. The author, Norman Juster, is sort of an anomaly himself. Most children's authors who have written books as popular as this one have a least some sort of sequel or other book that comes close to matching the renown of their 'big hit'. But in Juster I can find no such book. His bibliography in my copy states he has other books, one of which was transformed into an Academy Award winning short film, but I have never physically seen another book of his on the stacks. At any rate, this is truly a great book that will get the kids' imaginations firing on all cylinders.

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

Title: The Magicians Nephew
Author: C.S. Lewis
ISBN: 0-06-447110-1
221 pages
HarperTrophy, 1994 edition

This is the much less famous first book in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' which is set roughly 40 years before the oft-mentioned 'Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe'. While this is the first book in the series, it was one of the last of the series to be published (the initial copyright in my book dates to 1955) and thus is different than most series of books in that it is more of a prequel. It may be due to these facts that the story from this book does not hold as strongly in my mind as its more famous companion novel.

Description:

'The Magician's Nephew' tells the story of two English children living around the turn of the century in London. Polly Plummer lives in one of the homes in a row of tightly bunched houses began to dominate London after the industrial revolution. When a young boy is seen living in the house of the old, strange man Mr. Ketterley next door, Polly decides to investigate. Digory, the name of the boy which Polly tells him is quite odd, is the nephew of Mr. Ketterley who has been forced to live with his uncle while his father is away in India. The two become quick friends and begin to spend their time in a secret compartment that Polly knows of in her house. One day, through their secret compartment of tunnels and caves, they stumble upon the secret workshop of Digory's uncle. It turns out that Mr. Ketterley is in fact a magician and is working on a strange, bewildering experiment. When he gives Polly a magic ring, she disappears into the world of Narnia. Digory must take a magic ring himself, and bring two other magic rings for the return voyage, and go to Narnia to save Polly. And thus begins the first adventure in the land of Narnia.

Review:

While not as famous as 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' this book is nevertheless very entertaining. The book has a few illustrations per chapter and one really gets the old-timey feel of turn-of-the-century London through Lewis' writing. The story does not stick in one's head as strongly as the more famous novel in the Narnia series, but that may be a product of having the other story repeated to me and people my age through reading and the watching of movies. The book gives the reader a real sense of wonderment, especially in a scene where Digory and Polly find a series of pools each leading to an alternate universe (and hopefully one that leads back to London!). While not as awe-inspiring as its more famous counterpart, this novel is still quite a treasure and worthwhile for any reader seeking a little adventure.

The City of Gold and Lead by John Christopher

Title: The City of Gold and Lead
Author: John Christopher
ISBN: 0-02-042701-8
218 pages
Aladdin Paperbacks, 1988 edition

The sequel to one of the first books reviewed here, I had some trouble finding this book (although I did not look too hard). I read all of the trilogy as a kid, but I remember not being too enthralled with the third one, so I'll leave my reviewing to the first and second installment.

Description:

Following the events of the first book in the Tripod Trilogy, 'The City of Gold and Lead' follows the story of Will, Henry and Beanpole after they made their valiant escape from the Tripods to the distant White Mountains. The boys decide to make a trek to the worldwide Games held in Germany. The Tripods choose the most fitting of these young men to be their servants inside their domed cities (the cities of gold and lead from the title). The boys must don fake caps, the mark of humans controlled by the Tripods, in order to make it to the Games and be selected. Two of the boys make it past the trial of the competition and are selected to work for the Tripod masters. Once inside the city, Will gets a chance to live with and see up-close one of the alien conquerors that fly the Tripods. He sees a massive sickly, massive and grotesque creature with long, slimy tentacles. From inside the domed city the boys find the secret to defeating their alien overlords, but must escape in order to spread the word.

Review:

The sequel follows much in the same vein as the first book and the world of the Tripods is well visualized and executed. The way in which the author portrays real-life places in this futuristic world as strange and new is a pretty exciting conception. The aliens, when I was a kid, read like a horror story. But as an adult, they seem much more cliched and predictable than I had remembered. The suspense of the book is kept up throughout, as Will (the protagonist throughout all three books) is nearly discovered to not be capped (how the aliens control the humans) on numerous occasions. A cool, sci-fi book for kids and the third book, while too much of a good thing for me, might be of interest to 'tweens' already invested in the first two books.

Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson

Title: Whales on Stilts
Author: M.T. Anderson
ISBN: 0-15-205340-9
188 pages
Harcourt Inc., 2005 edition

I essentially picked up this title solely for the fact that its' title and cover illustration caught my eye. I almost had to review this one!

Description:

Lily is 12 and her dad has a weird job for a weird man. Her dad's boss is bent on taking over the world and will stop at nothing to do it (even though Lily's dad says that adults use something called "irony" and that she shouldn't take him seriously). Larry, her dad's boss, plans to take over the world with an army of mutant whale fighters with lasers shooting out of their eyes. Lily's two friends Katie and Jasper are nearly as eccentric as her father and his boss Larry, and with their help maybe she can make sense of the ever-stranger situation.

Review:

This book is extremely quirky and self contradicting (on purpose). The illustrations are accordingly strange and the instances that Lily and her friends find themselves in are preposterous. The chapter titles are hilarious ("whale control to major tom" being a really good one) and the text is interspersed with strange, over-sized text. For my taste, Anderson's book seems like it has no attention span and jumps all over the place with the plot seemingly unimportant at times. With that being said, some of the chapters are truly hilarious and the illustrations match them perfectly. The book comes with a fake study guide and fake interview with the author that are totally silly and outrageous (I just hope they don't confuse any of the readers). While not my cup of tea, I could easily envision 'tweens' and younger teens getting a real kick out of this book

Spy Kids (Film)

Title: Spy Kids
DVD, 2001
Starring Antonio Banderas

One of the kids at my work was very quick to tell me that I just had to watch this movie, once I told him about my assignment for my class. It is the type of movie where the grown-ups are in trouble and the kids have to come in and save the day; I can see why he likes it so much. So, at his request, I checked it out.

Description:

Carmen and Juni are pretty typical kids and have two loving and supportive parents. The only difference between Carmen and Juni and other kids is that their parents are spies. The brother and sister duo go about their daily lives oblivious to this fact until one day their parents are kidnapped by an evil villain Fegan Floop (played very well by Alan Cumming). The kids flee to a secret house their parents have set up and begin to learn the skills and techniques to become spies and save their parents. They try to get help from their uncle Machete, but he is still angry with his brother (their dad) and refuses to help the children. Carmen and Juni are forced to infiltrate Floop's hideout and save their parents themselves!

Review:

The two kid actors that play Carmen and Juni are quite good in the movie and the plot is fun and silly with just enough seriousness. The underlying tension between the characters is interesting and provides a surprising amount of moral evolution for the kids. For instance, Carmen has a bed-wetting problem (despite being the older sister) and Juni is very insecure and scared of the bullies at his school. The kids overcome their differences and help to show their Dad and Uncle of their ways. The family is of Latino heritage and it is nice to see that reflected in the movie. 'Spy Kids' is a really fun movie for kids, if only short of classic, and the characters take the film a little past a purely entertaining experience and make the kids think (if only a tiny bit).

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
ISBN: 0-590-35340-3
309 pages
Arthur A. Levine Books, 1998 edition

An obvious classic in the world of kids books and one that has sparked a worldwide craze, this is the first story in J.K. Rowling's set of seven Harry Potter books. This is the only of the series that I have read, but my not reading the others is no indication of my dislike for the movie, I just never got around to reading any of the others.

Description:

'The Sorcerer's Stone' begins the tale of Harry Potter, the young wizard whose time at the Hogwarts school has no made its' way into the world of popular culture. However, Harry's life does not begin so fantastically. Harry is left on the front step of his nasty aunt and uncle after his parents are killed by Voldemort, the evil wizard known as "he who must not be named". Harry is miserable in his life with his aunt, uncle and their son Dudley when around his eleventh birthday he begins to receive a vast number of letters in blank envelops that he never gets to read on the account of his mean uncle. Harry soon is saved from his horrid life by Hagrid, who informs him of his wizard ancestry and the school at Hogwarts. While on his way to catch the train to Hogwarts from the strange platform numbered 9 and 3/4, Harry meets Draco Malfoy and Ron Weasley; his enemy and best friend (respectively) throughout the rest of the books and subsequent movies. At Hogwarts, Harry gets caught up immediately in an adventure that puts not only his own life at rick, but places the whole of Hogwarts in his hands.

Review:

Beloved by fans all over the world and I can see why. The story is fun, exciting and keeps up an incredible pace that will surprise readers. Having seen the movies (not all of them) before reading the book, I was surprised to find how much of the book takes place before Harry makes his way to Hogwarts. In the movie, the transition is made much earlier. I guess normal humans (called muggles derisively throughout the book and films) are not as exciting. The chosen one, Luke Skywalker type aesthetic is laid on pretty thick and the good versus evil dynamic is a little bit too much. But the story is really enthralling, making you not want to put the book down even for a second. I am sure that I don't really have to recommend this, as it seems almost as if everyone has read it already. With that said, it really is a great book that is truly a fun ride.

Bolt (Film)

Title: Bolt
DVD, 2009
Starring John Travolta

Description:

This film tells the story of an action-hero dog named Bolt. The only problem is, Bolt hasn't a clue that his whole life is really a television program! He jumps over helicopters and saves his human counterpart Penny from danger; but then the cameras stop rolling. One day, Bolt sneaks out of the studio where he lives and encounters the 'real-world'. A cat named Mittens (voiced by Susie Essman) shows Bolt that he really is just a regular dog that has no super powers whatsoever. Bolt is initially reluctant to accept the truth, but in one scene out in front of a billboard for his show, the reality of Bolt's situation is immediately evident to him. The hamster Rhino is one of Bolt's biggest fans and it is his trust in Bolt that saves Bolt from his depressed state and convinces him to go and find Penny.

Review:

In a kind of 'Truman Show' type of plot, 'Bolt' is a pretty entertaining movie. The first few minutes of the movie (if one has not read anything about the movie previously) make the viewer think bolt really is a super-dog. The voice acting is really well done with the cat Mittens and the hamster Rhino really taking the cake. The fact that the hamster rolls around in a ball the entire movie and the fact that Bolt's presence drives him to delirium is sure to get the kids laughing. It is by no means the best movie out there, but it was certainly entertaining and is one that I am sure most kids would get a kick out of.

The First Men in the Moon By H.G. Wells

Title: First Men in the Moon
Author: H.G. Wells
ISBN: 0-460-87304-0
201 pages
Everyman Paperbacks, 2000 edition

While not specifically a 'tween' or even a teen book, my mother reminded me of how much I liked it when I was in middle school, so I decided I would take another crack at it.

Description:

'The First Men in the Moon' Tells the story of a young businessman named Bedford who meets a struggling scientist named Cavor. Mr. Cavor develops a new, gravity defying substance, naming it 'cavorite', that nearly tears his house clean off of the ground from its awe-inspiring force. Bedford convinces Cavor that they should build a rocket and use Cavor's new scientific breakthrough to propel them to the Moon. Upon their arrival, the two men find the surface of the moon a cold dead desert of rock and rubble. But once the sun rises across the Moon's surface, the two men cannot believe the flora and fauna that spout out of the planets surface. The two soon realize that the planet is run by a race of insect-like men called the Selenites. Ruled by their "Grand Lunar", the Selenites soon find out about the presence of the two men from Earth. Keeping their wits about them, the two humans must find away to escape from the Selenites and make their way back home.

Review:

I forgot how much I liked this book as a kid; and now I know why. The scene where the two men witness the morning on the surface of the Moon is unforgettable. While it might be little bit difficult for some of the younger 'tweens' the kids on the older end of the spectrum will truly enjoy this sci-fi adventure. Written in a sort of serial format, which may be unintentional, the book is very fast paced and will keep just about anyone enthralled. A really good book for kids on the older end of the 'tween' age range.

The Seven Keys of Balabad by Paul Haven

Title: The Seven Keys of Balabad
Author: Paul Haven
Illustrator: Mark Zug
ISBN: 978-0-375-83350-2
275 pages
Random House, 2009 edition


Just a random book that caught my eye and sounded like it might be a good read. I had not received any recommendations for this book or anything of the sort, just thought I might give it a try.

Description:

'The Seven Keys of Balabad' takes place in the mystical land of Balabad (which, in the author's note at the end of the book, is based on the author's time in Afghanistan and Pakistan). The book tells the story of a young boy named Oliver who feels out of place in his new home in Balabad. Being from New York City, his expectations and perception of his new surroundings are tainted by him missing home. The story really begins when an ancient and sacred carpet comes up missing, stolen from the shop of Mr. Haji, where Oliver and his new friend Zee hangout. When Oliver decides to get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings he finds himself drawn in to the world of Agamon the Great, King of Balabad, and his seven sons with their seven horses (sevens are a constant throughout the book). One day, Mr. Haji is nowhere to be found, so Oliver and Zee must find him and get to the bottom of the mysterious brotherhood and the seven keys of Arachosia.

Review:

A well researched book based on the author's real life travels, 'The Seven Keys of Balabad' is a fun, Middle Eastern inspired mystery tale perfectly suited for 'tweens'. There is a little love interest in the story, a beautiful young girl that Oliver and Zee meet, but their romantic inclinations are silly and awkward (like real-life 'tweens') The story is well paced and is funny and the reader is pulled into an involving mystery. Some of the character and place names seem a little bit like they are poking fun at Muslim names and places, but the author's intent is in no way malicious. The author has really done a nice job with this book; a great read for any 'tween' interested in a little bit of mystery.

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Title: The BFG
Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quinton Blake
ISBN: 0-590-97500-5
208 pages
Scholastic, Inc. 1982 edition

One of my favorites when I was a kid (I believe I was in 4th or 5th grade when I read it) "The BFG" is a classic kids' book by one of the giants in the field; Mr. Roald Dahl. Fast paced and nicely illustrated, it is a book that I have foisted on my younger siblings in hopes that the might enjoy it as well.

Description:

"The BFG" tells the story of a young girl named Sophie who is snatched from her bedroom one night by a mysterious giant. Sophie is taken off to giant land which, as the name suggests, is inhabited by many a foul and frightening giant. Luck would have it that Sophie has been kidnapped by the only nice giant in all of giant land (the Big Friendly Giant or BFG) and she soon learns that every night the giants make their way to England and snatch a few young English children on each of their visits. The BFG is the only friendly giant of the lot and is a sort of dream-catcher; he bottles up good dreams that he hears with his overgrown ears and blows them into the bedrooms of children with his trumpet. Sophie and the BFG quickly become friends and Sophie decides to end the plundering of the nasty giants with the help of the BFG, of course.

Review:

A really fun book, Dahl's collaboration with the illustrator Blake is reminiscent of the work of Dr. Seuss, where the images and the story itself become inseparable in the minds of the reader's looking back fondly on the stories. "The BFG" is filled with lots of fun inventions and with just the right mix of scary and silly. The BFG himself eats lots of funny-named items like the disgusting snozzcumber and the names of the various giants follow in the same vein (Gizzardgulper and Meatdripper being two of my favorites). The story is very sweet and one gets a real treat in the growing relationship between Sophie and her giant friend. The chapter in which the BFG explains his huge and very special ears (and what he uses them for) is one that I remembered from when I was a child and upon re-reading was just as awe-inspiring as I remember it. While "The BFG" might, depending on the reading level of the individual 'tween', be a little on the young side for the 'tween' age group, it is nonetheless a great book that has a magical quality about it that every kid should experience.

Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

Title: Journey to the Center of the Earth
Author: Jules Verne
ISBN: 1-59308-252-5
248 pages
Barnes and Noble Classics, 2005 edition

While not specifically a book for 'tweens', many of Jules Verne's books have been popular with younger teen readers (including myself at that age) and have been associated with this age group, albeit at the older end of the spectrum.

Description:

Professor Otto Lidenbrock and his nephew Axel come across an old piece of paper lodged in the pages of an old Icelandic book. After deciphering the code written on the paper, the Professor and Axel realize that the note describes a route, through the Snaefels Yokull volcano in Iceland, to the center of the earth itself. The two then decide to pack up their things and make their way to Iceland, where they will begin their journey.

The two adventurers follow the deciphered code into one of three openings in the crater of the volcano, just as the shadow of one of its' peaks reaches the center. The Professor and Axel make their way deeper and deeper into the earth, facing treachery in the form of rock slides and roaring rivers of water until they find themselves in a sort of subterranean world, with lakes filled with hideous monsters and an underground race of giant humans that tend to strange herds in their long-lost pastures. As the two make their way to the end of this strange world, filled with such curiosities as a giant mushroom forest, they are caught up in the current of a powerful stream of water, which they soon realize is headed for the surface in the form of a geyser! After the Professor and Axel regain their wits, they find that they have been deposited by the geyser somewhere in Italy, thousands of miles from the beginning of their underground journey.

Review:

A fast-paced story full of references to old scientific theories now seemingly ridiculous, Verne's book offers a fun and fantastic ride through the Earth's underbelly. While the version I read included a long introduction and a literary criticism in the afterword (obviously intended for older readers) there are many versions of this book (abridged, unabridged and in audio form) that are targeted more toward the younger reader. This copy contained nice illustrations which were added at convenient intervals which added a nice touch to the text. Overall, a really fun read that tweens and early teens should truly enjoy.

The White Mountains by John Christopher

Title: The White Mountains
Author: John Christopher
ISBN: 0-02-042711-5
214 pages
Collier Books, 1988 edition

One of my favorite books as a child, The White Mountains by John Christopher is part of a trilogy, The Tripods Trilogy, that follows the story of a young boy named Will Parker as he and his friends face their Tripod overlords. One of the first series to pique my interest in science fiction, this book holds a special place for me and is one that I was eager to review.

Description:

A young boy named Will Parker finds himself in a world where the Tripods, invaders from another planet, rule over the Earth. Will lives in a sort of medieval village with his family, where he hears rumors of a past before the Tripods; a time known for fear and chaos and of cities as far as the eye can see. Will cousin Jack is fast-approaching his Capping ceremony, a time for every child during which the Tripods come down from the heavens and place a metal cap on the child, marking their transition to adulthood. Fearing his own Capping, Will hears of a far-off land where people live without caps and free of the Tripod's rule and he decides to run away from home.

Will is joined in his journey by his sworn enemy and cousin Henry, and along the way they meet a strange young boy with a strange accent whom they nickname Beanpole. Set in what the reader soon can discern is Europe (England and France), the boys travel through the wooded countryside and a ruined Paris on their way to the White Mountains; the fabled land where people live in freedom. Will and his comrades find it a difficult road, but along their way the learn more about the world in which they live and the Tripods that rule their planet.

Review:

As with many popular works for tweens, The White Mountains does a nice job setting up a situation wherein only young people have a chance to save the day. In this case, due to the fact that Will and his friends have not been Capped, the young people are the only ones that find themselves outside of the Tripod's control. A very nice instance of escapism for kids; a fantastic world in which young, pre-teens are the world's only hope. Re-reading this book, I repeatedly had those type of "Ah-Ha" moments in which you remember something from your past that you had completely forgotten. One such moment was the portion of the book in which the boys find themselves in the ruined city of Paris. I was brought back to the exact moment when I read that section and began to foresee what was to come; as if I had just read it yesterday!

All in all, this book is a great example of science fiction for tweens. While it does not present the most challenging read, in terms of reading level or of ideas, it nonetheless should be an enjoyable read for tweens interested in science fiction or adventure books in general.