Club Penguin. (2009). Disney Online Studios Canada Inc. Online Game.
· Plot Summary
Children and tweens create penguin avatars to explore this virtual environment. Costumes, houses, pets, etc available to members, and earn special items by playing games. Paid account members receive even more to chose from, and can attend events designed for others like them. High degree of social interaction, despite the online format, due to monitored and pop-up chat function.
· Critical Evaluation
The need to purchase a membership for some items in the game can become expensive, and there is a possibility of tweens becoming addicted. Members may become banned for using inappropriate language or references, and other players are encouraged to report activity of this type.
· Reader’s Annotation
Online gaming for younger tweens. Suitable for all types of children, but creative tweens will thrive with options.
· Genre
Games, Online Gaming
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 5-9/10-13
· Challenge Issues
Online addiction-parental monitoring will prevent tweens from spending too much time online
Cheating-use as a tool for explaining why cheating is not a good idea; ties to schoolwork
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
Daughter and her friends are avid users, but I still retained some doubts. Reviewing the policies and precautions reassured me that this game is suitable for my daughter's age group.
