39 Clues: Into the Gauntlet

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 39 Clues: Into the Gauntlet. New York : Scholastic, 2010.

Plot: The end of the clue hunt approaches, but Dan and Amy doubt their ability to continue. Their family history gave them an impossible mission. Yet, they cannot deny it or stop hunting. Eventually, the other teams realize the two siblings have the capacity to succeed where all others failed, so the two find themselves spied on, attacked, and trailed. Eventually, however, they realize the biggest challenges do not actually come from the other clue seekers. Other forces are manipulating the situation, causing Dan, Amy, and nearly everyone they encounter to question the true worth of the family treasure.

Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction

Reading Level: Grades 4-8

Similar Titles: The Mysterious Benedict Society series, Thea Stilton and the Mountain of Fire, The Apothecary

Personal Thoughts: Interestingly, the final title of the series plays into the expected and unexpected. The book includes typical social topics such as the individual versus the many, family versus friends, and past versus present. The title also raises interesting conundrums. When does something stop being justifiable? How do actions and values determine who someone really is? Are some people beyond redemption? Additionally, the series reveals the duplicity present throughout the novels. Ethics allow Dan and Amy to find the clues, but it also limits their ability to use them. Parents both encourage and inhibit their children for the sake of perceived power. The clues are too dangerous to use, but they are also too valuable to discard. Also, the book includes the darker fact that people get hurt in such adventures . Children become crippled, adults loose contact with loved ones, and people die. Such sad realities gain in-depth description, causing the reader to realize choices do have consequences that cannot be mended in the next story. Only Dan and Amy's ultimate decision keeps the series from crashing into a bleak, chaotic mess, but the threat of the mess gives the story legitimacy.  The title provides a solid ending to the first series without tainting the capacity for the next storyline.

Currently, Scholastic Books publishes the second series of the 39 Clues, which continues to follow Dan and Amy with the allies and foes they gained in the first ten books.

Judy Moody Gets Famous!

McDonald, Megan. Judy Moody Gets Famous! Cambridge, MA : Candlewick Press, 2001.

Plot: Judy becomes moody again after her classmate gets a picture in the local newspaper. Determined to get featured in the newspaper too, Judy tries to get famous. Lying for fame does not even last a day. A pet competition only manages to show her cat and her elbow in the paper. Even an attempt to set a world record ends with a trip to the emergency room. However, the hospital may offer Judy the opportunity she seeks, even when she does not recognize it.

Genre: Realistic

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream, Plum Fantastic, Something's Fishy, Hazel Green

Personal Thoughts: The sequel extends naturally and pleasantly from the first title. Judy continues to exhibit bad moods, but her reasoning for the bad temperament takes new directions. Instead of merely stemming from an unpleasant summer, Judy's moods spring from jealousy, disappointment, frustrations, and success. Perhaps most pleasingly, she gets her fame unintentionally. Her choice to help someone else anonymously grants her with the fame she wants and the actions she needs to grow as a person. One slight issue also appears from the novel, though. Some of the references, such as box-top toys and Bazooka Joe comics no longer have much relevance in modern culture. Still, the overall tone of the title remains consistent with current trends and the characters remain relevant to readers.

Emma Dilemma and the Soccer Nanny

Hermes, Patricia. Emma Dilemma and the Soccer Nanny. Tarrytown, NY : Marshall Cavendish Children, 2008.

Plot: Emma once again finds herself in a series of dilemmas. She is sure Katie, the meanest girl in her soccer team, wants to replace her. Her parents will not let her and her sister keep Kelly the kitten and Marshmallow the ferret. Even worse, her mom wants to go with her to Washington D.C. when Annie, the best nanny ever, would be much better. An upcoming protest at her father's work offers a solution, though. If she and her siblings go on strike, her parents will have to give into her demands. Right?

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Growing Up

Reading Level: Grades 4-8

Similar Titles: Billy Eliot, Fig Pudding, Hit the Road, Manny

Personal Thoughts: Technically, this is a prequel to something I have read, but my readers are understanding, so I think I can get away with it.

Throughout the title, Emma stresses the point of "negotiation." However, she never negotiates. She does not sacrifice anything for her parents while getting everything she asks for. As a result, she seems like a brat. However, her interactions with her soccer team imply she is beginning to realize her faults, particularly in her reactions toward her peers. Overall, the title does not accomplish as much as Emma Dilemma and the Camping Nanny simply because she does not learn or change from her experiences. Still, the following titles recover from the fact nicely, and many of Emma's interactions with her siblings and teammates manage to create sympathetic and realistic effects on the story.

Chronicles of Mistmantle: Book Two, Urchin and the Heartstone

 
McAllister, Margaret. Chronicles of Mistmantle: Book Two, Urchin and the Heartstone. New York : Hyperion Books for Children, 2006.

Plot: Following the events of the first title, King Crispen awaits his coronation. However, the Heartstone, a holy relic proving the legitimacy of the king, is missing. Amidst the chaos following the discovery, a new challenge approaches. A ship of diplomats from Whitewings, a far-off island, claim Urchin the squirrel is the key to their liberation. While Urchin eagerly wishes to help, his king doubts the intentions of their guests. His fears find realization when Urchin, last seen in the presence of two Whitewings natives, disappears into the night. Urchin may be the rescuer mentioned in prophecy, but his actions may have drastic effects on both islands.

Genre: Fantasy, Animals

Reading Level: Grades 4-7

Similar Titles: Redwall series, The Underneath, Poppy

Personal Thoughts: Like its predecessor, the novel plays more on political and social challenges than most fantasy books, which depend on dramatic battles. The change is refreshing, yet not without its flaws. The nature of the antagonists cause the protagonist, Urchin, to have a limited influence on the overall story. Strangely, this does not condemn the book. The other characters enjoy rich description and active participation in the story's plot, rescuing the title from a poor review. Still, readers may wish for the hero to act more heroically, so Urchin's actions in future titles needs participate more actively. Fortunately, if reviews for Heir of Mistmantle can be trusted, he does.

The Avengers and Next Week

This week's reading taught me no director would make an Avengers movie based on the first few volumes. In the first comic, the Avengers assembled to stop Hulk at the request of a group of teens. The heroes, including Hulk, proclaim they will unite. Then Hulk disappears in the next volume. In the third title, he is the main antagonist. The series is crazy encased in leotards. May the movie be better.

Next week, we'll review some sequels to novels previously reviewed.

Sequelitis!

Avengers: The Ultimate Guide

DeFalco, Tom. Avengers: The Ultimate Guide. New York : Marvel/DK, 2005.

Plot: The title attempts to describe the major characters and story arcs of the Avengers in an Eyewitness-style book. Most influential characters enjoy entire pages addressing their involvement with the superhero team. Additionally, the title includes a timeline for the many changes the series experienced. Stan Lee writes a forward to the book.

Genre: Comics

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Marvel Encyclopedia, Hulk: The Incredible Guide

Personal Thoughts: I highly recommend the title for new readers of The Avengers. The comic series itself constantly experiences changes in characters, leading to quick confusion to newcomers. However, titles such as DeFalco's can provide basic information for the uninitiated. One not-entirely-minor detail plagues the work, though. The actual powers of the heroes are frequently unmentioned, leading readers to question the purpose of some characters. Still, for a wildly complex series, the book can provide basic knowledge of the continuity.

The Avengers (Vol. 1)

Bendis, Brian Michael. The Avengers (Vol. 1). New York : Marvel Worldwide, Inc., 2011.

Plot: Despite the warning of several former members, the Avengers are reunited in New York. Almost immediately afterwards, Krang the Destroyer arrives, claiming the children of the heroes will shatter the space-time continuum, leading to the destruction of all that ever was. Determined to stop them, the Avengers race to create a time travel device. However, while the warning seems well-placed after the arrival of foes past and present, Krang may not be as honest as he wishes to appear.

Genre: Comics, Adventure

Reading Level: Grades 4 and over

Similar Titles: The Avengers Vol. 2, Secret Invasion

Personal Thoughts: The story is insanely difficult to follow. The cast of dozens quickly devolves into three groups of four to ten individuals, but keeping track of who is when becomes taxing. Additionally, the time jumps occur within the comic itself, causing the overall storyline to become confused. In the title's defense, however, the images and coloring enjoy improvement from previous prints, while the humor and characterizations maintain the original appeal. However, the story itself seems determined to undermine any degree of comprehension. 

Marvel Comics Database

Marvel Database at http://marvel.wikia.com/Main_Page

Plot: Marvel fans unite to create this comprehensive site describing the franchise's characters, worlds, storylines, and volumes. The character pages include histories, powers, relationships, and trivia, as well as links to alternate reality characters (note to new readers, nearly every Marvel hero/villain/anti-hero has a counterpart in another universe/dimension with similar costumes, different backstories, and occasional zombification). Major comics, such as The Avengers, also enjoy pages following arcs with links to specific characters and volume synopses. The site includes extensive information in an easily-accessible manner.

Genre: Websites, Comics, Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Some of the more recent comics address "mature" themes, such as violence, rape, and death, so warn sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Marvel Universe Wiki, Marvel.com

Personal Thoughts: While I normal caution against unofficial wikis, the fan-based site offers some of the most accessible and comprehensive information about Marvel Comics. The site acknowledges the confusing multiverse of the comics without becoming irritating or dismissive. As a result, new readers can quickly navigate the site to gain an understanding of complex storylines or characters.

Construction and Avengers

After a week of editing the site, it is time for some more reviews. Inspired by uncountable billboards, commercials, and ads for the upcoming movie, next week's topic will focus on The Avengers.

Assemble!

Art and Construction

This week, we discovered Charlin needs to find better art books. Next week, the site will undergo construction. No major changes will take place, but some of the entries need to be checked and edited. More reviews will come in two weeks.

Image taken from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Under_construction_icon-blue.svg

Eyewitness Art: Watercolor

Clarke, Michael. Eyewitness Art: Watercolor

Plot: Watercolor finds analysis, Eyewitness-style. The text provides a description of one of the oldest and most effective method for coloring and decorating objects. Various recipes for watercolor, including water and pigment mixed with gum, egg, or fat, find discussion. The eventual rise of the paint as a major source of art during the Middle Ages gains special mention. The pigment even found a role in scientific descriptions, since it provided a readily accessible method for recording natural images. In modern times, it fell from popularity with the increasing popularity of oil paint. However, it still remains a useful, if atypical, method for producing fine art.

Genre: Art, History

Reading Level: Grades 4-9; however, the title includes nude images, so recommend with discretion.

Similar Titles: Eyewitness Books: Monet; Painting with Watercolor

Personal Thoughts: The title relies heavily on images and information while effectively balancing both. Readers may be surprised by the variety in styles and histories of watercolors, a currently underused media. The title also manages to mention the historical significance and masters of watercolors without becoming disjointed with the overall flow of the book. Like much of the Eyewitness series, the book offers information in an accessible and pleasing manner.

Digital Art: Painting with Pixels

Miller, Ron. Digital Art: Painting with Pixels. Minneapolis, MN : Twenty-First Century Books, 2008.

Plot: A title with an in-depth of digital arts, techniques, history, and philosophy. The question of digital productions as art finds discussion in the first chapter. The following chapters skim over the first examples of digital art. Eventually, the book reviews various styles and uses of computer-assisted images in the modern media, including animation, advertisements, and movies.

Genre: Art

Reading Level: Grades 5-10

Similar Titles: Digital Art Revolution: Creating Fine Art with Photoshop, Pixel World

Personal Thoughts: Questionable visuals plague the text-heavy title. Unfortunately, most of the pictures look more like student assignments rather than professional art. While this is understandable, since high-quality illustrations are expensive, it is also unacceptable for an image-based concept like digital art. Even more troubling, some of the illustrations, such as the one used in the citation of Jurassic Park, do not actually include digital art (the image shows models used in the movie). Additionally, the work reads like a textbook. Established artists seeking further information will find it useful, but tweens will likely find the text daunting or boring.

Art of the Renaissance

Corraine, Lucia. Art of the Renaissance. New York : Peter Bedrick Books, 1997.

Plot: A title reviewing the European Renaissance. The book studies the political, social, and economical situations spawning the rebirth of European art, philosophy, and science. Some sections focus exclusively on important locations. Additional sections of the title focus on specific artists and artistic styles.

Genre: Art, History

Reading Level: Grades 5-9. Be warned, the book include images of nudes (it is about the Renaissance, after all), so use good judgement when recommending it.

Similar Titles: Giotto and Medieval Art: The Lives and Works of Medieval Artists, 13 Sculptures Children Should Know, Michelangelo

Personal Thoughts: A really disjointed read. While the information is solid, comprehensive, and accurate, it fails to flow naturally. Historical reviews interrupt descriptions of individual artists and art movements. Additionally, the book cites specific works of art without offering images or descriptions of the art, leaving the reader without any references. As a result, the title, despite the vast amount of information available, fails to reach the reader in a suitable manner.

Pandas and Art

So the saga of pandas concludes. Next week, the blog will discover art. In the meantime, enjoy art and pandas together.

Picture from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prankenbaer-drawing.jpg

Giant Pandas

 
Seidensticker, John and Lumpkin, Susan. Giant Pandas. New York : Collins, 2007.

Plot: The title reviews pandas with special emphasis on their presence at the National Zoo. The text reflects on the bear's strange transition from nearly ignored to national icons. Additionally, the changing views of the panda's place in taxonomy finds consideration, with the text mentioning the animals' similarities with both bears and raccoons before confirming their current classification as a bear. Pandas' habitats, lifestyles, and adaptations fill two chapters. However, consideration for the plight of the panda remains present throughout the entire text, particularly in the last chapter.

Genre: Animals, Conservation

Reading Level: Aimed at adults, but the text is accessible for tweens.

Similar Titles: Natural History, Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide

Personal Thoughts: A title capable of being enjoyed for both visuals and text. The Smithsonian utilizes its resources to promote understanding and sympathy for the bears while enlightening readers of the facts surrounding them through written information and colorful photographs. Unlike many texts, it mentions the contrasting views of animal conservation. While people enjoy watching pandas, the title explains, they do not always know how to best help them. Establishing a captive breeding population, for example, often finds funding. However, the strongest threat to the animals' survival comes from habitat destruction, which gains significantly less emphasis from the media. The book also brings attention to the complex political history of showing the bears in zoo settings and outlines current standards for keeping pandas in captivity. Panda enthusiasts can find ample information in the title.

Side Note: Jerome! Get out of there!

The Giant Panda: A MyReportLinks.com Book

Green, Carl R. The Giant Panda: A MyReportLinks.com Book. Berkeley Heights, NJ : MyReportLinks.com Books, 2004.

Plot: A study guide for giant pandas. The first section of the title focuses on relevant websites and their descriptions. Additional chapters focus on key topics, such as pandas' popularity, adaptations, threats, and conservation.

Genre: Animals, Study Guide

Reading Level: Grades 3-7

Personal Thoughts: The MyReportLins.com Book series takes a novel approach to providing information. Instead of merely presenting key terms, concepts, and facts, the titles primarily offer information about online resources. While this is a useful and important link between traditional and technical resources, the long-term benefit to the reader remain in doubt, simply because the Internet changes more quickly than published sources. The fact is, books often outlive websites, so the main "hook" of the titles may not remain relevant to readers after a few years.

Side Note: Jerome! I told you to get out of there!

Little Panda: The World Welcomes Hua Mei at the San Diego Zoo

Ryder, Joanne. Little Panda: The World Welcomes Hua Mei at the San Diego Zoo. New York : Aladdin Paperbacks, 2001.

Plot: A record of the first year of one of the United State's first baby pandas. The birth of Hua Mei, Chinese for "Splendid Beauty" or "China - USA," was highly celebrated in the United States. She also provided a rare opportunity to observe the growth and behaviors of baby pandas.

Genre: Animals, Picture Books

Reading Level: Grades 1-4

Similar Titles: San Diego Animal Library series, Into the Sea

Personal Thoughts: A cute picture book highlighting a baby animal. Hua Mei's growth is documented through brief text and attractive photographs. Mature readers will likely enjoy the information-laden captions more than the book's "story," making the title useful for multiple reading levels.

Zen Shorts

Muth, Jon J. Zen Shorts. New York : Scholastic Press, 2005.

Plot: Karl, Addy, and Michael discover a new neighbor...a panda named Stillwater. The three children eventually overcome their shyness and enjoy spending time with the wise bear with a tent and a red umbrella. He, in turn, teaches them lessons on generosity, forgiveness, and perspective through retelling of traditional Asian folktales.

Genre: Picture Books, Animals, Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 1-4

Similar Titles: The Boy in the Garden, The Dancing Tiger, The Three Questions

Personal Thoughts: The book mingles traditional English and Buddhist storytelling to produce a fable encouraging readers to reconsider their view of the world. Even the pictures include a mix of the two cultures, combining English realism with Asian watercolors. Stillwater's stories feature bolder, cartoon-like ink illustrations, adding to the sense of hearing a story separated from the main plot. The end of the title includes a brief summary of the book's themes and inspirations.