World of Zoo (Game)

THQ. (Released October 26, 2009). World of Zoo. Nintendo. Rated: E for Everyone

· Plot Summary
As an acting zookeeper, players can create and customize over fifty forms of animals and environments to make their own zoo. Animal creations are not limited to the varieties we know, however, and species can be mixed in with one another to make creatures worthy of investigation by a cryptozoologist.

· Critical Evaluation
A colorful, and challenging game, with two different points of view: zoo and habitat. With zoo view, players can see the entire property: the habitats, main building, nursery, etc. In habitat view, you can take care of your animals, decorate their habitats, and take inventory of your possessions.

· Reader’s Annotation
Some violence, and while it is rated for everyone to play, combining species requires considerable skill.

· Genre
Game
Online Gaming

· Booktalking Ideas
Zoology
Game nights

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 11-13

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
This game was one of only a few that came out during the period of this course, and the cover looked exciting.

Super Mario Bros. (Game)

Nintendo of America, Inc. (Released May 16, 2006). Super Mario Bros. Rated: Everyone. Nintendo DS.

· Plot Summary
Mario and Princess Peach are back in this DS platform game by Nintendo. The Princess's castle is struck by lightning, and while Mario charges ahead in an effort to save the residence, Peach is kidnapped by Bowser Jr. Enlisting the aid of his brother, Luigi, and their other friends, the group sets off to rescue the Princess of Mushroom Kingdom.

· Critical Evaluation
Original storyline, with over 75 levels, and traditional side-scrolling. Various forms of tests are given (coins to collect for instance) in order to allow player to level up. A multi-layer version sets the brothers against one another in order to collect stars. Great to see the old characters in a new way, the series given a new life.

· Reader’s Annotation
DS platform. If played on a DSi, the wireless ability means only one card is needed for multi-player with a DS or DSLite. Refined version of the original graphic content.

· Genre
Game

· Booktalking Ideas
For use as part of a gaming night or engender friendly competition.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 5-9/Ages 10-14

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
Daughter's friends have played this game for months, though I never really caught on as to why, since I don't use the DS game systems.

Club Penguin

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.