Titles for Tweens and Holiday

I hope you enjoyed the posts. Next week, I will take a vacation to celebrate the 4th of July.

In the meantime, please enjoy the listening camelids.

We hear you!

Titles for Tweens: Part III

Titles for Tweens: Part III

or

Where to Go Next

After all the learning, reviewing, and questioning, a title is finally found. The tween enjoys it and he or she wants to read more. Now is the time for the guardian to shine. Before recommending a new book, though, do the following:

Ask Questions

Many people (rightly) assume their tween will read books similar to ones the readers already enjoy. However, make sure you know what the tweens actually like. The obvious answer is not always the correct one. For example, with the rising popularity of Harry Potter, many assumed tweens want more fantasy titles. Many do. However, many also wanted titles with peer interaction, school drama, and extraordinary events in everyday life. A lot of readers also enjoyed the style of Rowling's novels, which manages to be detailed, but quick-paced. The best way to identify the favored aspects is to ask questions, such as: "What was your favorite part?", "What was the worst part of the book?", "Was there a character you liked?", and "What part would you change?".

Ask me anything

After you ask your questions, follow up with the next important step:

listen

Listen!

LISTEN!!!

...for both the answers and the implied answers. Some tweens tend to be subtle, but they will respond if they feel their answers mean something.

After you have a better idea of what your tween enjoys, enlist the professionals. Ask you local children's librarian for recommendations, but let them know the details. Instead of merely stating your tween likes adventure stories, let the librarian know they like adventure stories with boys and dogs in colonial America. Offering titles your tweens already enjoy can also help. Some libraries also allow their patrons to access their genre lists or Novelist, a paid database that recommends titles based on reading level, topics, and genre. Additional help can provide titles, but make sure you know what you are looking for first.

Finding titles for tweens is entirely possible, but it requires active use of time, consideration, and interest for success.

Titles for Tweens: Part II

Titles for Tweens: Part II

or 

How to Get Started 

After successfully stopping bad searching habits, it is time to develop some good searching habits. The following help me:

Read Reviews: Professional reviewers may offer some of the best information for an overwhelmed guardian searching for suitable books for tweens. Typically, I do not use publisher reviews, to avoid bias. Some useful professional reviews are in The Horn Book and The School Library Journal. Many libraries also present book lists of recommended titles based on grade levels, offering free advice for searchers.

 Enlighten me, oh Knowledgeable One!

Ask What Your Tweens Like: Do not merely question what kind of book they want to read. Ask what they are interested in. Make note of what they do in their free time. Review the style of titles they already enjoy. Books can offer a means of discovering more about things tweens care about, so discover what matters to the reader.

 I'm listening...

Do Not Get Discouraged: For every week I review, I usually have one to four unused titles. Sometimes, a book, despite glowing reviews, solid writing, and insane popularity, simply does not suit a specific reader. It happens. It is okay. Learn from the results, but keep trying.

 Don't get hung up on failure

Once you and your tween find a title, you can build 

Titles for Tweens: Part I

Titles for Tweens: Part I

or

What to Unlearn

Everyone goes into a book search with pre-existing expectations, biases, and beliefs. Most of these are useful. They allow searchers to focus on specific topics and reading levels while keeping seekers from spending too much time on unsuitable items. Unfortunately, some undesirable lessons come over time. It is time to stop the following:

Defaulting to Classics: When choosing a book for tweens, many will simply throw a classic novel at the reader. While classics are usually classical for a reason, not all of the titles age well. Some, like Mary Poppins suffer from undeserved glorification, while others, such as The Story of Doctor Dolittle are wildly unsuitable for modern sensibilities. Furthermore, simply choosing a book simply because it is a "classic" is lazy. The statement is harsh, but true. Telling tweens to enjoy a title because "they are supposed to" ignores the individuality and preferences of the readers. Please do not misunderstand the guide, classics have their place, particularly scholastically. However, trying to force "good literature" on someone during a vacation or leisure time seldom inspires interest in reading.

 Dolittle...why...

Defaulting to Books You Liked as a Tween: Again, this is lazy choosing. Also again, this is a sharp but true statement. Grabbing a book you liked without considering the preferences and interests of a specific tween will not result in success. For example, a relative (who shall remain nameless) once gave one of my parents (who shall also remain nameless) a copy of the Bobbsey Twins. Anyone who knows this particular parent would understand his or her reluctance to read it, since they favor non-fiction, action-oriented plots with quick dialog. Also, much like classics, some series, such as Nancy Drew, do not age particularly well.

 Ask yourself "Will this make sense to someone who as never known life without the Internet, CDs, or cell phones?"

Dismissing Nontraditional Media: Magazines, newspapers, and newsletters often find themselves ignored by guardians of tweens. However, many tweens find the items easier and more enjoyable to read. In many cases, nontraditional items can form a "soft entry" to more complex topics. For example, fashion magazines can encourage readers to take interest in current trends, photography, clothing, and media. Also, some items maintain a degree of relevance traditional items cannot reach. Nature and technology magazines, for example, often offer more current information than traditional media.

 Let us explore together!

Assuming Any Written Item is Good for Your Tween: Tweens form a very special reader group. They have the curiosity of elementary students with the comprehension of high school students. However, not every item in the two groups is necessarily suitable for a tween. The readers may not be ready, mentally or intellectually, for high school topics. Similarly, items for very young readers cannot suit a tween's desire for stimulating reading. Review items carefully before recommending them.

 All of these items have ratings, similar to movie ratings, on their covers. Know what they mean!

Overall, most selection problems stem from seeking the easiest means of fulfilling an obligation. Simply approving or disapproving a given title on pre-concieved ideals without considering the interests of a tween will not result in a happy reader.

With the undesirable seeking methods addressed, good seeking habits can now develop.

Titles for Tweens: Intro

Summer is truly underway. After the initial celebrations, many parents, teachers, mentors, and guardians will use the vacation time to encourage their tweens to read. Yet, the task is often overwhelming.

I don't know where to start!

The next few posts will offer some guidance for selecting titles for tweens. Careful readers may also get hints on how I find titles for the blog. 

Let us begin.

Folktales and Something Different

After the review of folktales, it is time for something different. Next week, instead of more reviews, we will focus on something a lot of people ask me to do, especially now that summer is underway.

Summer is a great time to visit relatives!

Favorite Fairy Tales Told in Czechoslovakia.

Haviland, Virgina. Favorite Fairy Tales Told in Czechoslovakia. Boston, Little, Brown : 1966.

Plot: The text offers a five-story collection of tales from Czechoslovakia. A few stories follow typical themes, such as princes and princesses, but with unexpected twists, such as hair retrieval. Others seem very familiar, such as "The Twelve Months," a variation of Cinderella. Unlike the French heroine, however, the Czech maid finds assistance not through a fairy godmother, but through the personifications of the twelve months of the year. One story seems truly unique. It features a monstrous chicken's attempt to devour everything and everyone in his path. Readers seeking an unfamiliar familiar will enjoy the title.

Genre: Fairy Tales, Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Favorite Fairy Tales Told in England, Once Upon a Fairy Tale: Four Favorite Stories

Personal Thoughts: While this particular series is fairly old, it remains relevant through use of everyday language, timeless stories, and creative illustrations. The illustrations often follow the "national style" of the tales place of origin. In this title, the pictures use few colors and simple facial features with elaborate clothing, hair, and backgrounds, enhancing the exotic appeal of the stories.

Side Note: Toothless! Leave that maiden alone!

The Flying Emu and Other Australian Stories

Morgan, Sally. The Flying Emu and Other Australian Stories. New York : Alfred A. Knopf : Distributed by Random House, Inc., 1993.

Plot: Morgan, an Australian, offers a collection of stories told by her mother and brothers. Like many folktales, they attempt to describe virtues, vices, and origins. Unlike many folklore books aimed at tweens, Morgan does not avoid some of the less delicate aspects of life, claiming her brothers took every opportunity to have the villains fart, belch, or vomit. Nevertheless, the stories maintain an exotic expression of some popular concepts, such as courage, endurance, and justice. They also offer caution to gluttons, gossips, and fussbudgets.

Genre: Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Stories from the Billabong, A Ring of Tricksters

Personal Thoughts: Unfortunately, I am not familiar with Australian folklore, so I do not know if the stories are typical of the culture. Nevertheless, the title does offer a colorful and well-written introduction to stories from Land Down Under. Some of the more popular concepts of lore find stories, while unusual animals, such as kangaroos, dingos, and crocodiles find mention as well. The title offers entertaining stories for the reader seeking something unusual.

Tongues of Jade

Yep, Laurence. Tongues of Jade. New York, NY : HarperCollins, 1991.

Plot: Yep's collection of Chinese folktales at the time of the Gold Rush reflect the ideals, fears, and expectations of immigrants missing their much-loved homeland. Many, such as "Green Magic" focus on familial bonds and personal talents. Others, like "Fish Heads" and "The Little Emperor" caution the immigrants against forgetting their manners and proper behavior while visiting the Golden Mountain. However, even good intentions can lead to unintended results, as tales about professors, kittens, and beggars reveal. A few stories, particularly those including ghosts or monsters, seem to only provide entertainment, but often hide deeper meaning to the careful reader. Overall, the title offers a glimpse of Chinese systems transitioning to Chinese-American culture.

Genre: Folktales, Fairy Tales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Rainbow People, Mightier than the Sword, The Seven Chinese Brothers

Personal Thoughts: The text provides an intriguing sequel to The Rainbow People. Much like the previous title, the book presents timeless stories in a timeless fashion by avoiding slang, excessively-elaborate diction (see what I did there), and watercolor illustrations. Additionally, the stories play on consistantly relevant themes, such as courage, generosity, bravery, and faithfulness. 

Mythical Creatures and Folktales

Following the trend of the past few weeks, we will review folktales next...

...I can't find a good picture representing folktales. So please, feel welcome to make your own story about how Jerome escaped the clutches of the evil skeletal t-rex.

Save meee!

Mythical Birds and Beasts from Many Lands

Mayo, Margaret. Mythical Birds and Beasts from Many Lands. New York : Dutton Children's Books, 1997.

Plot: The text includes classic stories of some of the world's most famous mythical creatures. Unicorns and Phoenix enjoy stories highlighting their unusual lifestyles and near-divine power. Other tales, particularly the story of the mermaid and pegasus, serve to warn listeners of pride and perilous creatures. A few tales attempt to explain the origin of particular land or cultural features, such as the story of the thunder bird, Quetzacoatl, and naga. The book also features bright, elaborate illustrations of the creatures and their actions.

Genre: Animals, Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Water Horse, Greek Myths

Personal Thoughts: The book manages to utilize solid storytelling to introduce little-known creatures like the naga and refresh popular ones like the unicorn. Personally, I do not particularly care for the illustration style, which mixes watercolor, printed text, and layered paper. Yet, the pictures still manage to add to the exotic aspect of the "Many Lands" title. Highly recommended for fans of mythology and fairy tales. 

A Book of Magic Animals

Manning-Sanders, Ruth. A Book of Magic Animals. New York : Dutton, 1974.

Plot: A collection of supernatural animal stories from around the world. Some of the creatures, such as a clever monkey, small-toothed dog, golden goose, and eloquent bear, merely hide human beings under the enchanted coats of their respective animals. Other beasts are genuinely what they appear to be, such as a generous ox from Europe. A few, though, hide genuinely magical traits within their furry bodies or slimy skin. All of them participate in the destruction of evil to achieve happy endings.

Genre: Animals, Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: A Book of Dragons, The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales from Around the World, Aesop's Fables

Personal Thoughts: A book tragically no longer in print. Rather than try to tempt readers with new stories or updated revisions, Manning-Sanders simply records the stories in a classical manner, which manages to capture ageless themes in a refreshing form. The title proves a book does not need to be original to be entertaining, but needs to offer a good story.

The Beasts of Never: A Natural History and Unnatural Monsters Mythical and Magical

McHargue, Georgess. The Beasts of Never: A Natural History and Unnatural Monsters Mythical and Magical. New York : Delacorte Press, 1988.

Plot: Throughout history, tales of supernatural creatures stalked every culture. The book attempts to identify some of the most famous mythical creatures and their powers. However, the text also tries to recognized the original sources of the creatures. For example, dragons may have sprung from sightings of large crocodiles and snakes. McHargue traces various creatures' changes through history, as well. For example, naturalists initially depicted unicorns as fierce, donkey-like or ox-like creatures, while modern interpretations display them as benign equine animals. Eventually, the text realizes nearly all myths are merely stories. With exceptions. Even in modern times, some myths, such as the Loch Ness monster manage to capture the imagination and inspire new stories.

Genre: Folktales, Fairy Tales, Animals, History

Reading Level: Grades 4-9; some technical language may annoy readers, however.

Similar Titles: Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Magic of Mythical Creatures

Personal Thoughts: While the book presents abundant information, it has not aged well. Many of the facts about modern animals, such as eels, one-horned goats, and narwhals, are not accurate. Some of the "facts" about Nessie became known as hoaxes after the book's publication. Also, the technical language can intimidate the reader. Still, it offers a solid attempt to explain the unexplainable, saving it from the library's book sale bin.

Side Note: The little white dragon in the backgrounds for this week was actually commissioned by a co-worker. I just wanted to show it off a little.

Unicorns and Mythological Beasts

Piggy-backing on last week's unicorn themes, next week will focus on mythical creatures...like dragons.

Dragons in the kitchen!

Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist: Book 4; A Unicorn's Tale

Murphy, Kelly. Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist: Book 4; A Unicorn's Tale. New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Childrens, 2011.

Plot: Despite Aunt Phil's insistence, Nathaniel cannot stop believing his parents are alive. He also cannot stop his aunt from moving, especially when a distressed farmer calls her to remove a large water monster from his well. After a successful transportation, Aunt Phil, Nathaniel, Cornelius (a dodo), and Greasle (a gremlin) find themselves called to assist a sick unicorn. While Aunt Phil insists the needs of the creature comes first, Nathaniel frets about missing any possible information on his parents. He also notices some unusual weather and noises in the unicorn's forest. Aunt Phil, however, realizes something wonderful is about to happen. The unicorn will soon give birth. Yet, the celebration quickly ends when a malicious relative arrives with a proposition threatening the unicorn, the forest, and the future of beastologists.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Into the Land of Unicorns, Wizard at Work, The Magician's Boy

Personal Thoughts: Overall, the title offers and enjoyable read. The characters, story, and themes offer a refreshing view of the "fantasy apprentice" plot by utilizing traditional myths and turn of the century adventure elements within the story.

However, Aunt Phil tends to threaten the otherwise stable tale. Despite her title as a mentor, seems poorly suited for her role. She is the guardian of Nathaniel, but he often takes a secondary role to her work. As she continues to act for the creatures, she pelts her lessons to Nathaniel with heavy-handed, out of place anti-war and anti-hunting themes. Additionally, she dismisses his concerns concerning his parents, his friend, and his situation. She simply fails to act like an adult. For example, when confronted by the villain, who states she has forty-eight hours to give into his demands, she chooses the least responsible response. Aunt Phil immediately tries to solve the problem by herself, eventually pressing Nathaniel to assist her. While this may add to the drama of the story, it also weakens her as a believable character. The villain was a legal target (he admitted to kidnapping and theft), so local or international authorities could have assisted. Instead, she makes a juvenile plan with the forced help of an elementary student, leading to a no-win situation.

Still, in spite of the presence of a useless adult, the story offers a solid blend of excitement, lore, and drama.

Side Note: Jerome wants to pet the unicorn.

The Truth About Unicorns

Giblin, James Cross. The Truth About Unicorns. New York, N.Y. : HarperCollinsPublishers, 1991.

Plot: The titles provides an in-depth examination of the stories, art, and creatures inspiring unicorns. Originally, descriptions of unicorns seemed donkey- or stag-like in Europe, but more like an ox or dog in Asia. However, Medieval beliefs in unicorns inspired new stories and art, including a series of elegant, equine-based tapestries currently housed a New York. Eventually, science attempted to mimic the myth by manipulating the horn buds of bulls and goats, although the results hardly matched the glamor of the myths. Still, despite the attempts of logic and science, the image of the unicorn as the ideal creature remains.

Genre: History, Animals, Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 4-9. However, some descriptions are fairly technical, so use discretion when recommending it.

Similar Titles:The Unicornis Manuscripts: On the History and Truth of the Unicorn, The Secret of the Sphinx

Personal Thoughts: The title balanced myth, history, and science nicely. "Original" descriptions and stories of the mono-horned animals seep seamlessly into beliefs of the time. However, doubters and scientists also find mention, not as naysayers, but as genuine aspects of history. Eventually, the book addresses environmental issues, since narwhals and rhinos, two creatures credited with the unicorn myth, face pressures from hunting and habitat issues.

Side note: No! Bad Dragon! Don't eat the maiden!

Opposing Viewpoints: Unicorns

Gaffron, Norma. Opposing Viewpoints: Unicorns. San Diego, Calif. : Greenhaven Press, 1989.

Plot: Everyone knows unicorns do not exist...maybe. Beyond the single horn, the creatures described as unicorns varied widely, ranging from "traditional" horned horses to scaled, sacred kirins. Yet, nearly every culture shared stories throughout history of single-horned creatures. The book suggests the universal appeal of the unicorn may hint at an actual creature. To support the claim, various aspects of the unicorn myth find examination in the image-heavy title.

Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Animals

Reading Level: Grades4-9

Similar Titles: Secret World of Unicorns, Opposing Viewpoints: Water Monsters

Personal Thoughts: The title has potential, but the argument fails to convince the reader. Unicorns, argues the book, could exist. Unfortunately, instead of supplying explanations, the title seems content to relay myths and superstitions. While such items entertain the reader, they fail to support the claim. The failure seems unfair, since support for the argument exists. For example, most myths state the unicorn lives in Asia, Europe, or Africa, all of which suffered many large animal extinctions during the times of the myths. A one-horned creature could easily fit among them. Additionally, nearly every continent contains stories describing a unicorn, implying a one-horned creature may have existed. However, no such statements exist within the text, leaving the attempt to oppose the common belief against unicorns unsatisfactory.