Pokemon: Rise of Darkrai

Takamisaki, Ryo. Pokemon: Raise of Darkrai. San Francisco : Viz Media, 2008.

Plot: Ash, Dawn, and Brock find there way to a new town. However, the town's Pokemon garden seems under assault. Most of the town's occupants believe Darkrai, a shadowy and powerful pokemon, is responsible for the damage. As the city's strongest trainers challenge the dark creature, the disturbances town expand, affecting people and pokemon alike. A pair of citizens, however, suspect Darkrai may be innocent of the accusations. Their suspicions are confirmed at the arrival of two dueling monsters. The fight between the two threaten to break the town into the realm beyond time and space. Ash and friends must find a way to stop the two creatures, but they have an unexpected ally.

Genre: Movies, Graphic Novels, Manga, Video Games

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Personal Thoughts: The novel is a manga version of a film released in English in 2008. As a rule, novelizations are tricky to review, since they rely on a completely different medium than the original source. Also, the original plot determines the value of the story determines much of the novelization's capacity, limits, and direction. That said, this manga presents the plot rather well. The style, while more simplistic than the anime, fits the medium well while following the story accurately. Fans of the Pokemon anime will probably enjoy it, although it will not convert any anti-Pokemon players/watchers/readers.

Side Note: Tee hee. I took a picture of a Pokemon reading Pokemon.

Peach Fuzz (Vol 1)

Cibos, Lindsay and Hodges, Jared. Peach Fuzz (Vol 1). Los Angeles : Tokyopop, 2005.

Plot: Nine-year-old Amanda gets the opportunity to have her own pet. Determined to find the most exotic pet available. She finds a ferret, which seems to meet her standards, despite its tendency to nip. However, her pet, Peach, quickly reveals she has an agenda of her own. The ferret, convinced she is royalty, immediately escapes and claims the household as her own. Eventually, the ferret's demands overwhelm her owner. Amanda must face her own fears and responsibilities if she wants to become friends with Peach.

Genre: Animals, Manga, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Van Von Helsing, Hamtaro, Tama and Friends

Personal Thoughts: The novel is an example of an English-Language manga. English-Language mangas tend to be absolutely loved or absolutely hated by manga fans. Simply described, this variation of manga is written in English, but presented in the Japanese manga style. Personally, I think the saga of Peach and Amanda would not work in another medium. Text-based formats would shatter the story completely. Even traditional comic books would not convey the over-the-top emotions and situations quite as well as asymmetrical format and emoticon-based art in manga. So, while the genre will always have its critics, it also seems to have its place in storytelling.

The manga began as a 17-page winner of Tokyopop's Rising Stars of Manga competition. The comic also appeared briefly in North American newspapers in 2005.

Dragon Ball Z

Toriyama, Akira. Dragon Ball Z (Vol 1).San Francisco : Viz Comics, 2002.

Plot: Following the events of Dragon Ball, Goku reunites with his friends and teacher. Much to their surprise, the young man arrives with his son, the four-year-old Gohan. The meeting is cut short by the arrival of an aggressive, flying foe. The man claims to be Goku's older brother, and alerts his younger brother of his mission to destroy all life on Earth. To force Goku to participate, the stranger kidnaps his son and hold him for a ransom of one hundred dead humans. Furious at the alien's demands and determined to rescue his son, Goku finds an unlikely ally. The two manage to defeat the foe, but two more, stronger, opponents promise to come in a year's time...

Genre: Manga, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Science Fiction

Reading Level: Rated Teen for violence and sexual innuendo

Similar Titles: Lum, Naruto, One Piece 

Personal Titles: The novel is one of the most famous manga worldwide. It, as well as its sequels and prequel, instigated a number of movies, video games, and television shows and led to the recognition of manga as a genre. That said, it does not age particularly well, in my opinion. The plot seems much slower than it needs to be due to the frequent action sequences, which seem to distract from the story rather than add to it. The characters are broad stereotypes, such as the determined fighter, arrogant prince, smart but flakey girl, and goofball friend. Some critics also argue it becomes too formulaic, particularly in its later volumes.

It should be noted the original translation was aimed at adults, not tweens. As such, some of the imagery and humor is not intended for younger audiences, so use caution before recommending the novels.

Side Note: Dreamworks dragon disapproves of lack of dragons in Dragon Ball.

Owly (Vol 2): Just a Little Blue

I forgot to update again...this week, we're looking at graphic novels.

Runton, Andy. Owly (Vol 2): Just a Little Blue.  Marietta, GA : Top Shelf, 2005.

Plot: Owly, and his new friend Wormy, enjoy the luxury of their garden. As they enjoy the growth and harvest of the apple trees, a peculiar bird snubs their feeder. Eager to make amends, the two friends go to buy more birdseed. At the garden store, they find an advertisement displaying the strange birds. Apparently, the birds, known as bluebirds, have lost much of their habitat. To help the birds, Owly and Wormy sacrifice their wagon to build a birdhouse. Yet, Owly's predatory appearance keeps the birds from using the house. While it seems the work was for nothing, a recent storm may change the opinions of the bluebird pair.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Animals

Reading Level: Ages 9-12, but the lack of text may appeal to younger audiences while the graphics may easily appeal to older readers.

Similar Titles: Circle of Friends, Owly & Wormy: Friends All Aflutter

Personal Thoughts: As I mentioned once, writing a book with minimal text is a challenge that, when accomplished well, can appeal to multiple generations. Also, the simplicity of the character design allows the author to focus on the expressions of the drawings to convey the story, which manages to reveals a comprehensible textless plot. In addition, the story offers an important, but subtle, environmental message regarding local wildlife. Usually, any attempt to introduce concepts such as habitat loss and environmental responsibility becomes preachy. Yet, the novel introduces it simply without undermining the message. An impressive feat, indeed.  

Side Note: Do you like how the one plushie with a bit of blue is reading Owly (Vol 2): Just a Little Blue? Let me think I'm clever.

The Blizzard of 1896

Bird, E. J. The Blizzard of 1896. Minneapolis : Carolrhoda Books, 1990.

Plot: Uncle Tim, one of the family's oldest survivors, often reflects on the intense blizzard of 1896 and the strange stories that arose from it. Such stories include a farmer loosing his white barn in the snow, a prospector's sudden night vision, and a failed but successful feast. While the stories contain a solid, home-grown feel, they lead to the "author's" own blizzard story. His story of the blizzard lacks snow, but includes the assault of a fierce bearskin rug.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Folktales

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: American Tall Tales, The Tales of Uncle Remus

Personal Thoughts: Often, readers view historical fiction as a fairly new phenomena. However, it dates back to the stories of Romulus and Remus in ancient Rome. The novel reminds readers of the agelessness of historical fiction through its slightly larger-than-life stories of the everyman in a large blizzard. A good complement to a collection of tall tales or American folklore.

Al Capone Does My Shirts

Choldenko, Gennifer. Al Capone Does My Shirts. New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2004.

Plot: Moose's life has never been easy. It becomes even more complicated when his family moves to Alcatraz. While his parents hope to get Moose's sister, Natalie, into a highly recommended school, Moose wishes he could leave the criminals and crazy warden to return to Santa Monica. His wish intensifies when the warden's daughter gets him and nearly every other junior higher on the island in trouble. To further complicate things, his mother wants him to watch Natalie while she teaches piano. Despite her three year seniority over Moose, Natalie requires the utmost care, especially with so many criminals in their own backyard. Yet, Natalie is not the only one in need of help. Moose must learn how to grow despite his stunted relationships with his parents.

Genre: Coming of Age, Historical Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 8-16

Similar Titles: Al Capone Shines My Shoes, A Year Down Yonder, Budd, Not Buddy

Personal Thoughts: The book is interesting, but I do not think I would have liked it as a tween. It tries to include too much. The novel's main themes involve Natalie's autism, the history of Alcatraz, Moose's issues with his mother, and coming of age. As a result, the novel becomes skewed, focusing on so many topics it fails to adequately address any, causing much of the setting's potential to fall by the wayside with an abrupt ending. The issue of growing up in Alcatraz, the inspiration for the novel's title, seems especially muted. In addition, despite the title's implications, the book is not particularly humorous and is, in fact, rather depressing. True, the novel does provide the necessary service of addressing past grievances and current issues, particularly regarding society's response to older autistics. Yet, it is not fun or easy to read about.

Changes for Molly: A Winter Story

Well...I forgot to mention this last time, but we will look at American Historical Fiction this week.

Tripp, Valarie and Backes, Nick. Changes for Molly: A Winter Story. Madison, Wis. : Pleasant Co., 1988.

Plot: After waiting for several years, Molly's family finally gets the letter they have longed for. Molly's father will be returning safely after serving his country as a doctor during World War II. His letter expresses how he missed his family, and how he eagerly waits to see the changes in his children. Molly, however, has not changed. She is still plain old Molly. Determined to greet her father perfectly, Molly tries out for the dance show at the veterin's hospital. She receives the star role after changing her stick-straight hair into bright curls. She is convinced everything will be perfect. Yet, perfection often comes at a price.


Genre: Historical Fiction, Coming of Age


Reading Level: Ages 9-12


Similar Titles: The Struggle, Missing in Action, The Art of Keeping Cool

Personal Thoughts: A light read that offers a link between historical issues and perminent concerns. Many works of historical fiction focus on the participants of World War II, but this member of the American Girls series takes note of the majority of the families in the war. Molly never spies on the Germans, falls in love with the enemy, or works for the government. Instead, she struggles with growing up, learns to work in a strained situation, and participates in community services. Reading the novel provides insight to the life of the everyman (everygirl?) in WWII. Also, the novel looks into topics still facing girls, particularly the desire to be "grown up." Molly wants her father to see how she has grown, but her appearance does not reveal the maturity she has accomplished. People still struggle with looks and growing, so the novel can still be applicable post-war.


A section at the end of the novel provides a brief historical review of the story's setting.

Jackie Chan Adventures

Jackie Chan Adventures presented by Kids'WB!

Plot: The series follows the adventures of the legendary martial artist, Jackie Chan. Throughout the cartoon's five seasons, Jackie, with the assistance of Uncle, Jade, and Toru, fight supernatural powers seeking to conquer the world. Further help comes through the enigmatic Section 13, strange allies, and legendary talismans. Yet, the world is one of balance, and where one evil power falls, another, stronger one must take its place. Fortunately, the J Team will always be ready to defeat such powers.

Genre: Animation

Reading Level: I believe it was rated TV-G.

Similar Titles: Teen Titans, The Batman, Xiaolin Showdown

Personal Thoughts: The series combines the action and humor of a Jackie Chan film in a semi-sequential, kid-friendly television show.

For those wondering how the show relates to dragons, a dragon named Shin Du is the main antagonist in four of the five seasons. In the remaining season, the power of the dragon allows the J Team to make its last stand. So dragons (or at least one dragon) are prevalent throughout the series.

How to Train Your Dragon: Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon: Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon presented by DreamWorks.

Plot: Some time after the events of How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup's village rushes to put out a fire at the blacksmith's home. Despite the scoffs of the elders, Gobber insists the fire was deliberately set by the mythical boneknapper dragon. Hiccup manages to convince the other trainees of the village to assist Gobber in his quest to finally destroy the monster. During the group's travels, the blacksmith relates how he first encountered the dragon and the creature's subsequent attempts to destroy him. However, Hiccup questions the cause of the creature's apparent vendetta.

Genre: Animation

Reading Level: Not rated, but the movie it is based on is rated PG

Similar Titles: Secrets of the Furious Five, Your Friend the Rat, Penguins of Madagascar 

Personal Thoughts: The movie was a bonus to the How to Train Your Dragon DVD. The show bounces between the 3D animation of the movie and the 2D animation of tradition. While some find the switch unnerving, it really adds to the separation between the "real" world and the world of Gobber's stories.


Strangely enough, Toothless does not appear in the film (he's very upset, I'm sure).

A Book of Dragons

Manning-Sanders, Ruth. A Book of Dragons. New York : E. P. Dutton & Company, 1964.

Plot: A collection of folk and fairy tales involving dragons. The stories range from the cruel princess devour in "The Thirteenth Son of King Erin" to the benign companions in "Pepito". Some, like the Yellow Dragon and Chien Tang, possess a near-deity status, bringing rain and prosperity to those who gain their favor. Others use their powers to steal whatever or whoever they see fit, such as in "The Nine Doves," "The Three Dogs," and "Baskets in a Little Cart." However, all manage to provide opportunities to raise heroes and create legends.

Genre: Folklore, Fairy Tales, Fantasy

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: How to Train Your Dragon, Grimm's Fairy Tales, My Father's Dragon

Personal Thoughts: The collection manages to include stories capturing every major literary dragon type. Dragons may act as villains, heroes, providers, and problems in the tales and, unlike many collections, Manning-Sanders does not seem to favor one role over another. Instead, readers enjoy each of the variants in a single resource.

Eragon

Paolini, Christopher. Eragon. New York : Distributed by Random House, 2003.

Plot: While on a hunting trip, Eragon finds a bright blue stone. Yet, it bears a secret for him on one clear night. The stone cracks to reveal a dragon hatchling. The dragon, later named Saphira, bonds with the teenager. Yet, the politics, legends, and fears surrounding dragons and their riders quickly overwhelm Eragon, costing him his home and his uncle. During his escape, Eragon encounters elves, dwarves, traitors, and rebels. Still, as Saphira reminds him, farmboys are not named after the original Dragon Rider for no reason. A much-needed revolution depends on the boy and his dragon.

Genre: Fantasy, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Ages 10-16, but older teens and adults may find it interesting as well.

Similar Titles: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Sea Trolls

Personal Thoughts: I was surprised by the book. Dragon stories, unfortunately, have a tendency to rely on the "novelty" of the creatures to define their setting. However, Paolini presents a realistic world with believable politics, traditions, and superstitions. The dragon, while exceptional, still meshes with the world in a natural manner. The book is highly recommended for fans of fantasy looking for something "lighter" than Tolkien but "heavier" than Rowling.

The novel provided the basis for a movie in 2006. While critics praised the graphics, the overall film received poor reviews.

Eragon is the first novel of a four-novel series. The final novel, Inheritance, will be published in November.

Next Week: Dragons

Well, this week's readings were...pretty depressing. Next week, we'll read about dragons. Dragons are fun, right?

Meet Laputa. She is not a dragon, but an archeopteryx. 

Isn't she cute?

Tiger Eyes

Blume, Judy. Tiger Eyes. New York : Dell Pub. Co., 1981.

Plot: After the brutal murder of her father, Davey and her remaining family are locked in deep sorrow. Seeking assistance, her mother takes her two children to the safety of her brother's New Mexican home. Davey, with the help of Wolf, a young hiker, eventually faces her grief. Her journey through the mourning process faces challenges, as she faces her depressed mother, overprotective relatives, alcoholic friend, paranoid community, and racist neighbors. Life without her father will not be easy, but Davey may learn to grow into a woman capable of handling sorrow without losing herself in the maze of fears and escapism surrounding her.

Genre: Edgy, Coming of Age, Society, High School

Reading Level: Ages 10-13

Similar Titles: It's Not Summer without You: A Summer Novel, A Time for Dancing, Wrecked

Personal Thoughts: As an adult, I thought the novel portrayed the stages of grief in a clear and sympathetic manner. However, I hated the novel as a tween. To me, the story seemed to offer a mish-mash of alcohol, teen angst, rebellion, and anger issues, not a story of grief.  I am not entirely sure why I like the novel more as an adult than as a tween. Perhaps learning about psychology helped me understand Davey's actions better. Maybe age gave me the maturity necessary to recognize the logic behind the protagonist's responses. Experiencing some grief of my own may allow me to appreciate the story. However, the answer may be much simpler. Perhaps, despite the popular insistence that tweens are emotionally mature, they just do not understand things the manner way an older reader will.

I do not think I would recommend this book. For someone experiencing grief, the novel seems like a parody of sorrow under layers of social issues. If someone has not experience loss, an actual biography may be more beneficial. Overall, the book is good, but not particularly useful.

The Outsiders

Hinton, S. E.. The Outsiders. New York: Viking Press, 1967.

Plot: Ponyboy, the unfortunately named protagonist, lives in the rough, gang-ridden city with the help of his two older brothers. However, the rivalry between the poor Greasers and rich Socs eventually lashes out at Ponyboy and Johnny, a fellow gang member. To save Ponyboy, Johnny kills a Soc, leading both boys to run away under the guidance of Dally, a prison-hardened friend. The boys manage to evade the police, but become unintentional heroes. Yet, heroism cannot erase their actions or society. Before the end of the novel, three boys are dead. However, their deaths cause unexpected inspiration. A revolution of hope may grow despite tragedy.

Genre: Adventure, Society, Crime

Reading Level: Ages 10-13

Similar Titles: I Am the Messenger, Begging for Change

Personal Thoughts: I think I liked this book as a kid. The diction, while slightly dated, fitted the story, while the characters seemed believable. The despair of a gang situation drips through the pages, allowing the reader to experience the hopelessness and longing of the protagonists. After class, I mentioned to my professor that I had no idea how I would survive this lifestyle. She said I probably would never enter it to begin with. This brief interaction remained etched into my memory for some unknown reason, but, after reading the novel as an adult, it raises a serious concern. As a student, the novel seemed little other than a lament against a hopeless situation. Yet, the novel's climax focuses on the hope that such situations can change by sharing this story and the many like it. As a kid, the entire point of the novel evaded me. Instead of being inspired, I just stayed stuck in the despair. I missed what the author was trying to convey. What was obvious as an adult was hidden as a child, so the novel failed to accomplish its goal to inspire change. Also, I seriously wonder what the students who did not speak to the professor gained from the novel. Did they find the message that evaded me? Or did they get as lost as I did in the depressing aspects of the story?

The Incredible Journey

Burnford, Sheila. The Incredible Journey. Boston : Little, Brown, 1961.

Plot: After waiting patiently for the Hunters to return, their three pets venture away from the comfortable boardings of John Longridge, a close friend of the family, to travel three hundred miles through the Canadian wilderness in search of home. Luath, a young golden retriever, instigates the challenge and keeps the group together, while Bodger, an elderly bull terrier, limps along. Throughout it all, Tao, an irrepressible Siamese cat, provides food to the adventurers. As the group travels through camps, forests, and towns, they become creatures bordering legend, bringing joy and chaos to unexpected encounters.

Genre: Adventure, Animals

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: The Contest, Baby Island

Personal Thoughts: The story provided inspiration for two Disney films: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey and The Incredible Journey.

The story itself offers an ideal mix of animals, adventure, and tension. Unfortunately, it tends to present the qualities in exceptionally ludicrous text. I needed to read the text several times as an adult to understand what Burnford meant to convey. I am not sure if I would understand the text without viewing the movies prior to reading the book. The story is good, but the presentation is discouraging, particularly to younger readers.

Little House on the Prairie

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. Little House on the Prairie. New York: HarperCollins, 2003.


Plot: The big woods provided the Ingalls family with a home for many years. Yet, their world steadily becomes more and more crowded. Eager to find a space of their own, the family travels west, to the newly opened territories in the great plains. While they have a few neighbors to rely on, Ma, Pa, Laura, Mary, and Carrie adjust to the spacious, fertile land. However, the land also contains challenges. Disease, wild animals, political changes, and isolation threaten the little family. Eventually, the pull of the challenges draw the family into a new home, in a little town.

Genre: Biography, History, Adventure

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Little Town on the Prairie, Little House in the Big Woods

Personal Thoughts: As mentioned last week, we will focus on assigned reading this week.


At the risk of dating myself, the book was part of the yearly curriculum when I was in the fifth grade. Since then, many schools have abandoned it, primarily due to the insensitive manner the family utilizes when addressing Native Americans and the western expansion of the United States. While I understand the justification of the ban, I do not think reading the book made me less sympathetic to Native Americans. In the fifth grade, I did not really notice the Native Americans. Instead, I was shocked to find out mosquitoes carry disease, Westerners said Santa rode a mule, and the girls were not allowed to sing at the table (just like me). As mentioned in my review of Little House in the Big Woods, such books remind readers of the "everyday" people of history.

I think the book could still be used as a teaching device. A few publishers now offer selected chapters of the novel in book form, allowing teachers to avoid questionable material. Reading the entire book could work as well, if another novel presenting the Native American's version of the "frontier days" was read as well. If done correctly, such a comparison could allow readers to gain a better idea of history instead of merely assigning "good" or "bad" labels to a people group. Such work, though, will require creativity and tact from the teacher.

Yahoo! Answers

Yahoo! Answers at http://answers.yahoo.com/.

Plot: A question and answer forum provided by Yahoo!. Members are allowed to ask and answer questions. To encourage responses, rewards are offered through a point system.

Genre: Question and Answer, Websites

Reading Level: Users must provide a name, valid e-mail account, and other information. As such, younger users may need caution before using. Also, answers are not edited for terms or content, so be aware.

Personal Thoughts: The site was a major disappointment. Review the criteria:


1. Accuracy (+1) +1...sort of. While the answers were accurate, they were extremely vague.
2. Direction to further information (other sites, books, etc.) (+1 per resource) + 0
3. Speed of response (+1 if given within 24 hours) +1

Points will be taken away for:

1. Inaccuracy (-1) -1; see response to accuracy.
2. Joke, troll, or unrelated responses (-1 per response) -1
3. Direction to Wikipedia (-1) + 0

Yahoo!Answers is a free site with free responses. While the point system encourages accurate responses, "answerers" that continue to offer poor responses are in no way limited or punished, diminishing the quality of answers. Additionally, users are not required (or encouraged) to verify information or provide links to their sources. As such, the site is more of a "use at your own risk" rather than a reliable resource.

Answers.com

Answers.com, or WikiAnswers, at http://www.answers.com/.

Plot: According to the site, it is a wiki-based question and answer website. While some aspects of the site behave like a browser, the Answers.com community also shares information, opinions, and insight to popular questions.

Genre: Wiki, Websites

Reading Level: No limits or censorship, so approach like any other open website.

Personal Thoughts: The site actually provided an answer for my question, so let's measure it according to the criteria:


1. Accuracy (+1) + 1 point
2. Direction to further information (other sites, books, etc.) (+1 per resource) + 4 points
3. Speed of response (+1 if given within 24 hours) + 1 point (instant response)

Points will be taken away for:

1. Inaccuracy (-1)
2. Joke, troll, or unrelated responses (-1 per response)
3. Direction to Wikipedia (-1) -1 did link to Wikipedia page

So, on the whole, the site earned 5 points, particularly due to links to other sources, quick responses, and accurate information. As such, I confidently recommend this source to students.

Ask Kids

Ask Kids at askkids.com.

Plot: A web browser made for addressing questions asked by children. This site is a branch of the famous Ask.com.

Genre: Web Browser, Websites

Personal Thoughts: The site is a study in the issues surrounding censorship. When I typed in my question, "What is a qat?" the site replied it could not find an answer. By contrast, when I typed in the same question with the same terminology into the "adult" version, I received over ten pages of relevant websites. Perhaps the reason for the difference stems from the fact that a qat is a shrub occasionally used as a narcotic. While children need to be protected, eliminating potential resources does not serve them well. In addition, merely accessing a new browser would still permit access to the information, so the limitations do not actually provide the implied protection. Kids can and will, intentionally or not, find loopholes through censorship, so limiting a particular resource will not prevent "undesirable" information from being found.

AskColorado

AskColorado. http://www.askcolorado.org/general/index.html.

Plot: The AskColorado website, provided by the Colorado State Library, offers realtime question and answer sessions with librarians to residents of Colorado. Additionally, it provides information about Colorado to people outside of the state.

Genre: Realtime Chat, Websites

Reading Level: While the site is available to all users, it requires the user to provide a name and his or her location. Guardians of younger users may need to caution or observe their charges when personal information is required.

Personal Thoughts: Using this website was a lesson in reading a product's description before making demands. As mentioned, the site is built for the residents and information of Colorado, so my location and question did not correspond to the librarian's ability to assist. That said, she was polite and helpfully directed me to a site that allowed me to use my local library's resources. So, while the experiment was not applicable to this situation, I would definitely recommend the site to Colorado locals. For non-locals like me, just type in "realtime librarian (your city's name)" in your favorite web browser to find an ideal site.