Hocus Pocus

Ortega, K. (Director). (Released June 4, 2002). Hocus Pocus. [Motion Picture]. United States: Walt Disney Studios.

· Plot Summary
Max Dennison and his little sister (Dani) are new in Salem, the town that has become synonymous worldwide with the idea of witchcraft. Max believes it's all a joke, especially when it comes to the legend of the Sanderson sisters, a trio executed in 1693 for sucking the life out of children. The legend goes on to say that Winifred cursed the town, and that if a virgin were to light a notorious black flame candle held in their home, the witches would return. Unable to resist the temptation of seeing the house for himself, Max breaks in with his sister, and the prettiest girl in Max's class, Allison. When Max lights the candle, and the sisters do return, it turns out to be a Halloween to remember.

· Critical Evaluation
An oddly macabre/enjoyable twist on the horrifying event that was the Salem Witch Trials. Max, Dani, and Allison must fight the Sanderson sisters in almost every corner of Salem, but the sequences at the Halloween party attended by Max's parents and the confrontation with Winifred's ex lover (Billy), are almost enough to make the movie worth watching. Best of all, Max and his fearless hunters are able to reunite Thackery Binx (who Winifred cursed into being an immortal black cat), with his little sister, Sarah.

· Reader’s Annotation
Good film for seeing how tween boys interact with their younger siblings. Max and Binx are both positive role models for boys, a rare thing in today's cinema. The young cast is gifted, and often fare better with their lines than the adults, with the possible exception of Bette Midler.

· Genre
Fantasy

· Curriculum Ties
History (Point out actual events v Hollywood dramatization)

· Booktalking Ideas
Halloween
Paranormal
Boy interests

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-14

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I've always been keenly interested in the events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, and in fact when I was able to choose the family vacation destination at age 15, Salem was one of the places I insisted we visit. The sad circumstances of the victims aside, however, Salem is a beautiful location. I wanted to see if again, and film was the only way. The scenes in this movie didn't disappoint, and the story is delightful. I plan to purchase it on DVD so it can become a part of my annual Halloween tradition.

Someone Named Eva

Wolf, J.M. (2007). Someone Named Eva. New York: Clarion Books.

· Plot Summary
Milada lives in Lidice, Czechoslovakia with her parents, siblings, and her grandmother. It's 1942, and Hitler seeks revenge on the village due to the attempts of freedom fighters to end his activities. Taken from their homes, the citizens are divided by gender, and some few chosen girls are made part of a special Nazi project. Milada is one of the chosen, her perfect blonde hair and blue eyes making her the epitome of Hitler's Aryan ideal. At the Lebensborn Center, she and the other girls are given new names, and forced to learn all things German. Denied their own language, and eventually given to new families to raise, Milada (now called Eve) and her peers are meant to fulfill the destiny of providing Germany with further Aryan children. Throughout it all, Milada must struggle to remember who she really is, and hope that one day she will be reunited with her family.

· Critical Evaluation
Excellent representation of actual events as explained by those that experienced them. Many are the novels that express the horrors felt by groups such as the Russians and Jewish communities, but few are the ones that indicate how those considered "superior" also suffered at the hands of the Nazis. This is especially true of novels for this age group, but this book provides the reader with an exemplary understanding of how changing history can be as simple as retelling the events to suit the tastes of those in power.

· Reader’s Annotation
Powerful book without ever giving mention to anything traditionally thought of as horrific. Good example of the trauma historical revision can inflict on a single person, and an entire people.

· Information about the author
Joan M. Wolf grew up in South Dakota with her parents and sister, but attended Hamline University in St.Paul, Minnesota for the purposes of receiving her MFA in Writing. Someone Called Eva took seven years to write, and began as part of an assignment for one of Wolf's graduate courses.

· Genre
Historical Fiction

· Curriculum Ties
History

· Booktalking Ideas
Childhood WWII experiences.
Nazi propaganda and the effect on the German people.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 5-8/Ages 9-11

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I was drawn in by the cover, and didn't realize at the time that the book was a perfect counterbalance to The Devil's Arithmetic, which I had already read. Both are novels about girls that lose their identities as part of Hitler's goal of a perfect Germany and European domination.

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.

Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Harper Collins.

· Plot Summary
Jess Aaron is the only son of a poor family in post-Vietnam New England, an average student at best, and a lover of cartoon drawing. When Leslie Burke moves into the Perkins House next door, the two become fast friends, and create their own sanctuary in the woods: Terabithia. With Leslie, Jess is able to finally see something of beauty in his own world, no longer resorting just to pictures for his mental escapes from the depressed life his family leads. When tragedy strikes though, Jess must once again face the world on his own, stronger than he was before because of the friendship of his beloved lost friend.

· Critical Evaluation
A warm account of how two people, with almost nothing in common, can cross gender and socioeconomic boundaries to find friendship with one another. The characters are rich, and the reader can easily become lost in the escapades of Jess and Leslie.

· Reader’s Annotation
Leslie is a positive role model for the tween audience, even so long after the original publication of this novel. The treatment of death and grief is well done, and plausible for this age group.

· Information about the author
Katherine Paterson was born in China, but lived there as well as America and Japan. Her first three novels took place in the latter. Besides the Newberry Medal for this novel and Jacob Have I Loved, she has also received a National Book Award. She lives in Vermont with her husband, and has four children.

· Genre
Fiction

· Curriculum Ties
History
Social Science

· Booktalking Ideas
Post-Vietnam War attitudes in America.
Handling grief after the death of a friend.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 10-12

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
This book is one that has always been at the back of mind, because it was written the year after I was born. It was lauded a great deal when I was younger, but I never picked it up, possibly because I did feel that eventually I would read it when the times was right. I saw the movie when it came out two years ago, mainly because of my daughter, and because I like the actress they had portraying Leslie. I enjoyed the film, so it made sense to read the book for this assignment, and I was not disappointed (although there are differences in the two).

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman, A. (2007). The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York: Little Brown and Company.

· Plot Summary
Junior is a member of the Spokane Indians, and has spent his life on their reservation in Washington. Due to poverty and isolation, the reservation is plagued by alcoholism and neglect. Junior, who was born with spinal fluid on the brain, is the downtrodden among the downtrodden. After throwing his geometry book at his teacher because of his anger over its aged state, Junior is encouraged by that same teacher to attend a school for white people, off the reservation. The events that follow include Junior surprisingly becoming popular through dating white-girl Penelope, and his unexpected skill on the basketball court. Unfortunately for Junior, his actions have repercussions, and he not only loses his best friend to the hatred between the two groups, but also his sister who flees to Montana to be married.

· Critical Evaluation
An amusing, but truthful, account of life as a Native American trying to live in modern society. Where the author might have easily made this book a heartbreaking piece, he chose to instead instruct through humor. Seen through the eyes of Junior, the events are colored with his acceptance of how things have been, and will be, for him. Semi-autobiographical in nature, the health issues and events like Junior experiences, were also known by Alexie.

· Reader’s Annotation
Modern reservation life, and the hardships experienced by those that live on them.

· Information about the author
Prolific author and poet, Alexie writes the majority of his material about the life on a reservation, and how their dynamics effect those that stay, as well as those that move on. Winner of The New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the Year, the Bram Stoker Award, the PEN/Hemingway Award, and the National Book Award. He lives near Seattle with his wife and two children.

· Genre
Fiction

· Curriculum Ties
Social Sciences

· Booktalking Ideas
Native Americans and reservation life.
Comedy as a literary device for diffusing tension.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-8/Ages 10-12

· Challenge Issues
Alcoholism-importance of education and support to lower income groups
Language-rare use, used in instances of extreme mental anxiety

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
Required reading for class. Enjoyed Alexie's movie Smoke Signals.

Jungle Dogs

Salisbury, G. (1998). Jungle Dogs. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers.

· Plot Summary
James "Boy" Kahekilimaikalani Regis lives in Hawaii, a place usually synonymous with beauty. In this novel, Boy reveals the uglier side of island life, with wild dogs that roam looking for food, gang violence in which his brother (Damon) is involved, and elements remaining from the island's bombing during World War II. When Boy's teacher, Ms.Chang, gives the students a report to do on someone they admire, Boy writes his essay on the deceased family dog. As it turns out, there was never such an animal, and it was merely a tale Boy created in order to combat his fear of the dogs that he encounters in the jungles. Eventually, Boy learns that people simply fear that which they don't understand, and he hopes to use this knowledge to convince Damon to make peace with his rival.

· Critical Evaluation
This novel shows a grittier side to an area that traditionally is only framed as a place of wild beauty. The characterizations are solid, and while the events are not remarkable, the two in combination make for an entertaining story.

· Reader’s Annotation
A rather simple read, but with a hopeful message. Boy's fear of the dogs serves as a helpful reminder that even tween boys can have fears that the rest of us may not understand.

· Information about the author
Graham Salisbury grew up on Oahu, and is a descendant of some of Hawaii's first missionaries. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his family, and manages an historic office building. He's won several awards for his novels, including ALA Best Book for Young adults award, a Parent's Choice Silver Honor Book award, and a PEN/Norma Klein Award.

· Genre
Fiction

· Curriculum Ties
Geography
History

· Booktalking Ideas
WWII aftermath and its effect on Hawaiians
Overcoming fears through better understanding.
Results of gang violence on native communities.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 4-6; Ages 9-11

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I chose this novel because so many of my titles were suitable only for older tweens, and this one seemed to have a positive message without much of cumbersome weight that accompanied the other books.

The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story

Hahn, M.D. (2007). The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story. Moolabula, Queensland, AU: Sandpiper Publishing.

· Plot Summary
On the face of things, Dianna and Georgie are just two regular children, with some rather strange habits. They don't bathe, run around in the woods a great deal, and can avoid craving even the most delectable foods when they set their minds to it. In reality, they are the ghosts of two children once locked in the basement of the Old Willis Place by Miss Jillian, an horrific woman that had a stroke and had to be taken to the hospital before she released the children from confinement. Dianna is immediately fascinated by the new caretaker's daughter, Lissa, and despite the rules she and Georgie have established to avoid detection by the living, sets out to be Lissa's friend. Things start out rocky as the two children borrow, and subsequently destroy, Lissa's new bike. Matters become worse when Dianna sneaks into the trailer where Lissa lives with her author father, to take her diary, favorite stuffed animal, and her copy of Lassie. Eventually, the true nature of the children comes to light, and Lissa tells the police that the bodies of Dianna and Georgie are still in the basement.

· Critical Evaluation
The main characters in this book are tweens, but until the point where the truth of the children's existence comes to light, the plot and writing is somewhat simplistic. To some extent, this might be explained by the time period from which Dianna and Georgie originate, but not entirely.

· Reader’s Annotation
Suitable ghost story for tweens that have trouble with real horror, because the characters are sweet and approachable. The title and foreshadowing takes away most of the surprise factor, but the plot is interesting.

· Information about the author
Mary Downing Hahn grew up in Maryland, where most of her books take place. She was a children's librarian, and did not publish her first novel until she was forty-one. Making up for lost, she has published twenty novels to date, and won Scott O'Dell award.

· Genre
Fiction, Paranormal

· Booktalking Ideas
Paranormal events and haunted houses.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6 and 7/Ages 11 and 12

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I'm a huge fan of books, films, and shows about the paranormal. My mother is too, and sent this book to my daughter to read. She never completed it, but I wanted to give it a try.

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.

Tales of the Greek Heroes

Green, R.L. (2009). Tales of the Greek Heroes. (3rd ed.). London: Puffin Classics. ISBN: 0141325283

· Plot Summary
Nineteen of the greatest myths in Greek literature, adapted for reading by tweens and young adults. Among the chapters included are the stories of Prometheus, Heracles, the Golden Apple, Theseus, and the Fall of Troy. Each tale begins with a poem relevant to the tale about to be told, though not all are a part of the original Greek literature, several being poems inspired by the myths. Also includes: a list of Greek deities, a map of Greece with important features from the myths labeled, a list of characters from the legends, a section on ideas to consider and activities, and a glossary of important terms.

· Critical Evaluation
A fantastic introduction to Greek legends, particularly for reluctant readers that may otherwise never absorb the material because of its length, language or an idea of the material being too antiquated for interest. Added material is helpful, especially the idea and activity sections.

· Reader’s Annotation
Abbreviated versions of Greek myths, and materials beneficial for further research.

· Information about the author
R.L. Green was born in Norwich, England in 1918, but lived with his family in the home in Oxford that they had owned for over 900 years. Sickly during his childhood, he spent a great deal of time in the library, and he enjoyed the books on myths and legends. He was a member of the Inklings Club, a group that also included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Green died in London at the age of sixty-nine.

· Genre
Myths
Fantasy

· Curriculum Ties
Literature
Greek

· Booktalking Ideas
Famous myths and legends in Greek history.
Influence of the hero model on self perception.

· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-7/Ages 11-12

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I discovered Greek myths in the fourth grade, because my teacher had just returned from a vacation in Greece and decided to do a curriculum unit on it. Since my daughter was beginning to learn them in her own classes this year, I purchased this book for her.

Midnight Magic

Avi. (1999). Midnight Magic. New York: Scholastic Signature.

· Plot Summary
The Kingdom of Pergamontio is in peril from unseen forces, and its Princess Teresina is at the heart of the mystery. Magus the Magician has already been told not to practice his sorcery, but is brought into the court in order to determine the reason behind a series of hauntings that have the Princess terrified. Bringing with him his trusted servent, Fabrizio, Mangus must use all his skills of reason to find out the truth. Without the help of Fabrizio, however, all may be lost.

· Critical Evaluation
Suspense at its best, a hard book to put down. The banter between Mangus and Fabrizio is first calibre, the and the Princess convincingly naive even as she tries to secure the kingdom from the evil Count Scarazoni who wishes to force her into marriage, and claim the throne for himself. Some tweens may figure out the identity of the scullery boy early on, particularly since the Prince of Pergamontio is said to be missing or dead, but this does not detract from the gem that is this novel.

· Reader’s Annotation
A rich book, full of detail, and with absolutely superb dialogue. It is hard to imagine a tween that would not find some point of interest in these pages.

· Information about the Author
Avi is an author of several genres, including historical fiction, animal stories, sports fiction, and documentaries. He has authored almost forty novels, and received the Christopher Medal, a Boston Globe/Horn Book Award, and a Newberry Medal. He was a librarian before becoming an author and lives in Denver, CO.

· Genre
Mystery

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

· Booktalk Ideas
Magic tricks and illusion.
Renaissaince Italy and politics of the era.

· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
When I was in my undergraduate program at UCSB, I took a course on Renaissance Italy. It was one of my favorite classes, and I enjoy this setting in novels. It's rare to find it used for literature outside of the adult genres, so I was excited when I found this book in a used shop.