Newbury Books

Well, this concludes our week of Newbury books.

Next week's theme is somewhat more complicated. Usually, a book series inspires the creation of a documentary or a series of documentaries. Recently, documentary series began producing the creation of books. We will look at the series and the books they inspire next week.

Property of Olaf Leillinger
Taken from Wikimedia Commons

Justin Morgan Had a Horse

Henry, Marguerite Henry. Justin Morgan Had a Horse . Chicago : Rand McNally, 1954.

Plot: Joel Goss, much to his delight, is allowed to "gentle" Little Bud, a tiny foal given to his schoolmaster to cancel a debt. However, the realities of horsemanship mean Bub will work hard for other owners. Nevertheless, Joel is determined to one day own the horse that managed to out-work, out-pull, and out-race every challenger. His dedication eventually allows him to keep the foal he once cared for, and lead to the creation of a breed representing the United States.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Animals, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: King of the Wind, Black Beauty, Misty of Chincoteague

Personal Thoughts: The book won a Newbury Honor.

Like many of Henry's novels, the story focuses on a horse and how it affected its child caretakers. Unfortunately, it does not relay the actual history of the Morgan breed well. Apparently, the "first" Morgan was a stallion named Figure. Figure's lineage, as implied by the novel, remains debatable. However, he was not a random farm horse. Justin Morgan actually bred horses, including the stallion that eventually took his name. To learn more about the history of the Morgan horse, please view here and here.

My Father's Dragon

Gannett, Ruth Stiles. My Father's Dragon. New York : Random House, 1948.

Plot: Elmer Elevator longs to fly one day. While he expects he will have to wait until he is grown up to reach his dream, a stray cat offers another way. On Wild Island, a baby dragon is forced by lazy jungle animals to work as a ferry. If the boy frees him from the inhabitants of the island, the dragon will certainly allow the boy to ride his back. Armed with six hair ribbons, toothpaste, bubble gum, rubber bands, and two dozen pink lollipops, Elmer sets out to free the dragon.

Genre: Fantasy, Animals

Reading Level: Ages 9-12 (but younger readers will probably enjoy it if someone reads it to them).

Similar Titles: The Dragons of Blueland, Mr. Poppers Penguins, The Little Prince, Peter and the Wolf

Personal Thoughts: The title won a Newbury Honor.

Simply put, reading the book is fun. It reminds me of the cartoons I watched as a child. The descriptions of the animals and the pictures appear like old-fashioned animations. Additionally, the story focuses on nothing other than being a good story. Instead of artificially creating drama through moral dilemmas or emotional outbursts, Gannett simply describes a story about a boy on an adventure. Apparently, the effort of storytelling reached international acclaim. The novel provided the basis for a anime in 1997 (it was not published in the United States).

Since the copywrite has expired, the book can also be downloaded at: Project Glutenberg.

Side note: of course dragons like daffodils.

The Cat Who Went to Heaven

Coatsworth, Elizabeth Jane. The Cat Who Went to Heaven. New York : Macmillan 1958.


Plot: A poor artist reluctantly yields to his housekeeper's desire to keep a small calico kitten. Despite the stigma against cats as unholy, Good Fortune (as the housekeeper calls her) shows pious tendencies, such as releasing sparrows and meditating before the household's shrine. When the artist receives a request from the local temple to paint a portrait of the dying Buddha, he pours his efforts, time, and very soul into the project that may establish him. Good Fortune watches and appears to encourage him, until she realizes he will not paint a cat. According to Buddhist belief, cats refused the teaching and cannot enter Nirvana. Yet, Good Fortune does not show anger or vindictiveness. Instead, she appears depressed and seems to cry. After spending days reflecting on the Buddha to create the portrait, the artist realizes the need for compassion. Despite the religious and economic pressures, he paints a cat in the picture, realizing it will cost him his future.

Or will it?

Genre: Fiction, Animals, Folklore

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: The Boy Who Painted Cats, King of the Wind

Personal Thoughts: According to some of the reviews on Amazon.com, some people find the Newbury Metal winner offensive because the people are mean to cats, the cat dies, and the people are exclusive. I think such reviews miss the point. Yes, the cat dies. Yes, people are mean to the cat. Yes, some kids probably will not like the book because of that. Yet, the story also brings up important concepts like mercy, compassion, and courage.

Often, people encourage each other to do the right thing through stories. The prince saves the princess. The girl stands up for herself. The little group changes the world. Such stories are good and should be told. Yet, it seems most tales neglect the cost of such actions, such as physical pain, social intolerance, and long-lasting consequences. To show compassion, the artist risks ridicule, poverty, and dishonor. Yet, he does not regret it. His actions were worth taking because they were right and compassionate, even if no one ever acknowledges or even understands them. Only after he runs the risk does he find the glory.

The story is not about one good cat. It is about realizing what is right and doing it, no matter the consequences.

Island of the Blue Dolphins

O’Dell, Scott. Island of the Blue Dolphins. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1960.

Plot: When her people prepare leave their island home following a bloody battle with a group of otter hunters, Karana happily boards the ship. However, she realizes her younger brother was left behind. Ignoring the attempts to calm her, she jumps overboard and swims out to him. She and her brother prepare for the return of the ship but, after only a few days, he is killed by wild dogs. Karana must survive on her island alone. The story follows her many years as she finds food, makes weapons, avoids the hunters, dreams of friends, and survives the natural disasters common to the islands off California.

Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Survival

Reading Level: Grades 4-7

Similar Titles: Hatchet, My Side of the Mountain, Julie of the Wolves

Personal Thoughts: The book won a Newbery Medal in 1961.

The book is a good survival story about a survivor. While most survival stories focus on people in completely foreign situations, this is a story about a girl who knows what to do to survive and even thrive. In a sense, she learns to live in her own home. Still, the reader gains a sense of the loneliness and trials she faces. At the same time, the readers realize life on the island becomes a part of her. While the book ends happily, the reader also understands what she looses by leaving the island.

As a side note, I loved this book when I was younger. I literally read the cover off of my copy, taped it back together, and read it until the cover and the first few pages became completely destroyed.

Ninjas

So we regretfully end our review of ninjas. Naturally, there are more resources out there, including Ninja Burger, Naruto, Shogun Assassin, and Enter the Ninja. Yet, the reviewed items may provide a good overview of some of the variety surrounding shinobi.

Next week, we will focus on something a bit more formal. We will look at some Newbury Award and Newbury Honor Books.

Apparently, the Newbury logo is copywrited.

So here is a picture of Jerome stuck in LA traffic.

Ask a Ninja Presents The Ninja Handbook : This Book Looks Forward to Killing You Soon

Sarine, Douglas and Nichols, Kent. Ask a Ninja Presents The Ninja Handbook : This Book Looks Forward to Killing You Soon. New York : Three Rivers Press, 2008.

Plot: Ninjas represent the epitome of killer sapiens. Yet, most non-ninjas remain sadly uninformed of the ninja, their powers, and their sheer awesomeness. To remedy the situation, the "Ask a Ninja" Ninja, with the permission of the International Order of Ninjas, produced this handbook. The book will guide non-ninjas to the path of "Is That A Ninja," the highest order of non-ninja attainable. Packed with pop culture references, mythical mash-ups, and quick guides, the book reflects the creativity and quick-thinking of the Ask A Ninja podcasts.

Genre: Humor, Ninjas

Reading Level: Some language, gore, and sexual references, so not suitable for younger readers.

Similar Titles: REAL Ultimate Power: The Official Ninja Book, Ninja Burger: Honorable Employee Handbook

Personal Thoughts: I read this after reading Ninja Attack! True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws. It was a contrast. True, I like the crazy humor of Ask a Ninja, but the comparison between the "real" ninjas and cultural perception of ninjas was overwhelming. A similar contrast would be watching Monty Python's Holy Grail after reading Malroy's Le Morte d'Artur. Both are very different, but experiencing both creates (in my opinion) a more complete picture of history and its long-term effects, since even the humorous interpretations reflect, admittedly distantly, a mostly-fictitious historical concept.

As a side note, Toothless seems to be practicing for something between movies.

Ninja Attack!: True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws

Yoda, Hiroko and Alt, Matt. Ninja Attack!: True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws. New York : Kodansha International, 2010.

Plot: Yoda and Alt make a solid attempt to separate fact from fiction in this history book. Ninjas, they explain, were not the black-clad shinobi recognized today. Instead, ninjas provided information and assassinations, usually for a price or for country, disguised as "plainsclothes" - farmers, servants, and other, normal, people. Yet, ninjas enjoyed a mythical status even early in their creation. As a result, the two authors discuss factual ninjas, mythical ninjas, non-ninjas (with ninja-like behavior), and Oda Nobunaga, the ultimate ninja killer.

Genre: History, Ninjas, Myth, Folktales

Reading Level: Most of the writing is fairly high-brow, but information about assassins, spys, and femme fatales may not be suitable for younger readers.

Similar Titles: Ninja: The Shadow Warrior, 101 Great Samurai Prints

Personal Thoughts: I would definitely recommend this to any ninja (and even most non-ninja) fans. The book considers both the modern view and influence of ninjas as well as the actual origins of the so-called dark warriors in a comprehensible manner without being patronizing. Additionally, the illustrations attract attention while adding to the stories of the larger-than-life individuals.

As a side note, there is nothing special about the photo. It is just a standard mosasaur in a woven jewelry box.

Ask A Ninja

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ask_ninja.png

Ask A Ninja

Plot: Everyone knows about ninjas...or do they? The "Ask A Ninja" Ninja attempts to reveal the power, awesomeness, and pop culture savvy of ninjas every week through his vblogs/podcasts/videos. Users are invited to ask the ninja questions about ninjas, family, social situations, politics, and more to get direct answers from the man in the black mask. Expect hyberboles, obscure references, and mythical mash-ups on a weekly basis. Also, the ninja has varied his usual blog, adding interviews, "The Stare" (a review of the week's news and popular YouTube videos), and "Ninja Movie Show" (the ninja's methodical links between the week's movies, both on screen and in video).

Genre: Website, Ninjas, Humor

Reading Level: Usually pretty clean, but occasionally some language, so sensitive viewers may need caution.

Similar Titles: I usually do not follow podcasts, so I am not sure. Leave a comment if you know of a good one.

Personal Thoughts: This is the website that made ninjas wonderful for me. I just love how over-the-top the ninja is.

Side note: I tried a mirror shot for this picture. I'm not sure if I'll try again.

Edit: The photo just did not work. So I replaced it with a screenshot from Wiki Commons.

Mythbusters: Ninja Myths 1 + 2

Mythbusters: Ninja Myths 1 + 2. Produced by the Discovery Channel.

Plot: How do you test the mythical? The Mythbusters, never daunted by a challenge, seek to prove or bust some myths about the shinobi. In the first episode, they test if a ninja can catch an arrow or stop a blade with his (or her) bare hands. Additionally, they discover if ninjas could, in fact, walk on water. Sadly for ninja fans, they manage to bust all myths. Some fans apparently refused to take "busted" for an answer, and the Mythbusters revisit the myth of catching an arrow in a second episode. They also prove ninjas could have used blowguns underwater to commit assassinations and the power of the one-inch punch.

Genre: Documentary, Ninjas

Reading Level: The shows were not rated, but I think they were labeled TV-Y or TV-G.

Similar Titles: Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters: Pirate Myths 1 + 2

Personal Thoughts: The Mythbusters provide the usual entertainment and education in two shows. Also, the first episode also includes the "Ask A Ninja" Ninja as a cameo, which displays their goal to connect with viewers on an everyday basis. Adam also gets very wet, which is an additional plus.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles Forever

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles Forever. Produced by 4 Kids Entertainment. 2009.

Plot: In some way or form, most people have had contact with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The series has spawned several television programs, movies, video games, and comic books. Yet, each incarnation remained independent of the others...until 2009.

The turtles from the original 1987 cartoon inexplicably find themselves in the more "serious" world of the 2003 cartoon. As the eight turtles find themselves foreigners to their own selves, they discover multiple universes of turtles stalked by foes (old and new), allies (old and new), and an unexpected origin.

Genre: Ninjas, Movies

Reading Level: Not Rated, but I think it was labeled as TV Y-7.

Similar Titles: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003)

Personal Thoughts: While some may argue (justifiably) that the turtles are a bit of a stretch of the "ninja" theme, they provided many childrens' first encounter with the concept of a ninja. As such, this merits inclusion. Anyway...

By all rules, this should not work. The context is geeky, the series are too wide apart, 2003 Splinter's design is wrong, and the original actors are all silenced by the union. Yet, despite the rules, the movie works believably (in a sci-fi kind of way), unexpectedly, and naturally. The characters remain true to their sources and respond to the situation in a characteristic way. However, the story also manages to avoid becoming contrite or predictable. Even the ending, which could easily become sappy, manages to provide a pleasant surprise. Overall, the movie is definitely a must-see for any TMNT fan.

Video Game Guides

So our week of video game guides concludes. Granted, the week focused mostly on free, online services produced by companies. Please be aware of many, equally useful fan-based wiki sites, such as Halo Nation, Bulbapedia, Mass Effect Wiki, and Super Mario Wiki. Still, with growing interest in video games and increasing strain on budgets, users may find such resources useful.

Next week, we will focus on a topic near and dear to my heart...NINJAS.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ninja_in_Edo_Wonderland.jpg

I promise I will focus on a more "serious" topic after next week.

GameFAQs.com

GameFAQs.com

Plot: Much like IGN Guides, the website offers news, guides, screenshots, and boards about various video games. The games can be found through the "Search" bar or by browsing through systems. Also, the main page offers a daily poll, links to the most recent guides, and a list of the day's most popular game guides and boards.

Genre: Video Game Guide

Reading Level: It is a website aimed at multiple tastes and reading levels with active boards. Use courtesy and common sense.

Similar Titles: IGN Guides

Personal Thoughts: The librarian in me prefers the low-frills, user-friendliness of GameFAQs to the image-oriented, navigationally-complex IGN Guides. However, the actual guides are similar (if not occasionally identical) to each other. As such, individual users must select their own preferences.

IGN Guides

IGN Guides

Plot: An extensive website about video games and video game guides. A dropdown menu at the top of the main page allows viewers to browse various systems. Additionally, users can access a "Search" option to find information on specific games. The colorful graphics are eye-catching, the information is reliable, and the board is interesting.

Genre: Video Game Guides

Reading Level: Most of the website is pretty user-friendly, but, like most websites dealing with multiple age groups, approach with caution, particularly when utilizing the boards.

Similar Titles: GameFAQs.com

Personal Thoughts: Personally, the graphics tend to be more of a distraction than an assist. Still, the site offers good information, particularly concerning news about new or upcoming games.

I think I tried to move Toothless a little early. Oh well.

Serebii.net

Serebii.net

Plot: A fan-based website consisting of extensive information. Guides are arranged by game, although some specific guides, such as the Itemdex (which lists items available in the games), span multiple titles.

Additionally, the site offers information about the anime, manga series, movies, and spin-off games (such as the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon and Pokemon Ranger series).

Genre: Video Game Guides

Reading Level: While most of the information pages are civil, the site offers forums. The forums are moderated pretty well, but, like all forums, some language manages to sneak in on occasion. Additionally, to use the forums, personal information such as e-mail address and name must be provided, so adults may wish to be involved.

Similar Titles: Bulbapedia, Pokemon.Marriland.com

Personal Thoughts: One of my favorite video game websites. This is an example of a fan-based site providing information more rapidly than the official sites. A good alternative to expensive printed guides, although it does not offer the maps or art present in official resources.

Pokemon.com

Pokemon.com

Plot: The Pokemon website offered by Nintendo. The site includes online games, news, links to specific games, anime information, and card game updates.

Genre: Video Game Guides

Reading Level: Much like the games, the website is for everybody. That said, to use the "Pokemon Trainer Club", users will need to provide personal information such as Country and Date of Birth, so parental units may wish to get involved.

Similar Titles: Serebii.net, Bulbapedia

Personal Thoughts: While the website is attractive and useful, it does not really offer game guides. Rather, it provides game information, such as availability, events, and products. While this is very useful information, it does not help the player against the Elite Four.

Nintendo Official Guides

Nintendo Official Guides. Published by Nintendo.

Plot: Generally, these video game guides exemplify ideal information in print. The books offer general tips, maps, and advanced strategies, but also manage to avoid most major plot spoilers. Additionally, official art typically decorates the pages, creating eye-catching but professional formats.

Genre: Video Game Guides

Reading Level: Typically, the guides follow the kid-friendly format Nintendo is famous for. However, just the guides' appropriateness for all readers does not necessarily extend to the games they represent. Remember to check ESRB folks!

Similar Titles: Playstation Official Guides, Prima Guides

Personal Thoughts: Nintendo really knows how to produce attractive and useful video game guides. However, most libraries do not carry them. Contrary to popular belief, though, most librarians do not have a problem using video game guides in their collection. Video games information is still information, and most libraries feel, if nothing else, a professional interest in providing information. So the issue is not with "libraries should be about books, not technology/entertainment/kid stuff." Rather, other factors prevent guide collections. Simply put, guides are temporary. Most video game systems only last half a decade. Additionally, games change or loose popularity fairly quickly. When a library is strapped for resources, they need to focus on items with long-term use. Still, libraries can offer video game information without necessarily purchasing $18-$24+ guides. Online resources may be an ideal method for doing so.

Side note: I like Pokemon. Can you tell?