The Footsteps of the Werewolf

Pipe, Jim. The Footsteps of the Werewolf. Brookfield, Conn. : Copper Beech Books, 1996.

Plot: The book splits between the fictional story of Bernard and the history of werewolf folklore. Bernard's story follows the young silversmith on his way to his uncles. A chance encounter leave him with more than anticipated, causing him to inadvertently become the monster he fears most. Opposite of each page of his story are facts on various werewolf topics. Such topics include werewolf origins, superstitions, scientific explanations, and modern variations.

Genre: Non-fiction, Folklore, Monsters, Science

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Encyclopedia Horrifica, The Weeping Werewolf: Moongoble and Me

Personal Thoughts: This is best described as a better version of Can Science Solve the Mystery of Vampires and Werewolves. The information-based pages offer an overview of the mythology behind shapeshifters, but also offers real-world examples of historical incidents and scientific explanation. The short story offers a means of attracting the audience's attention while referring to the informative side of werewolf lore. Overall, the book appears to balance information and entertainment effectively.

Series of Unfortunate Events: The End

Snicket, Lemony. Series of Unfortunate Events: The End. New York: Harper Collins Publishers: 2006.

Plot: After marooning on an island with their nemesis, Count Olaf, the Baudelaire orphans find themselves welcomed into the island's society. While the islanders' refusal to accept or assist Olaf relieves the orphans, the strange customs of the island gradually cause them to rebel. Their rebellion results in their abandonment with the count and, unexpectedly, a very pregnant Kit Snicket. When the Baudelaires' seek weapons for a planned mutany, they are shocked to discover the history of their own parents on the island. The children must make their own decisions, which become increasingly complicated when a certain count releases the deadly spores of the Medusoid Mycelium.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Series of Unfortunate Events

Personal Thoughts: Apparently, a lot of fans were disappointed by the novel. Many claim Snicket uses the subplots of the book as a cop-out and lament the poor ending to the series. I actually thought it finished the series very well. To paraphrase a much better writer than myself, "an ending should be unexpected and inevitable," and the novel manages to produce such an end to the series. The children discover the truth behind their parents' history. Count Olaf is defeated, but in a sympathetic manner. The poor choices of the children have real consequences, but their good decisions allow them to survive. Not all the subplots end happily or completely, yet they do reach an unexpected and inevitable point. The book also explains who the "Beatrice" described at the beginning of each novel is.

My Health: Dyslexia

Silverstein, Alvin, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn. My Health: Dyslexia. New York: Franklin Watts, 2002.

Plot: The book reviews some of the basic symptoms, such as reading difficulties and behavior problems, of dyslexia. It also describes treatments, including training methods. While dyslexic students are often labeled as "stupid" or "ADD," they can often be creative and very intelligent. However, they suffer from difficulties with reading and verbal expressions. The book manages to cover fairly complex concepts in an easily-understood manner.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reading Level: 9-12

Similar Titles: I Have Dyslexia. What Does That Mean?, The Alphabet War: A Story of Dyslexia

Personal Thoughts: I was a little disappointed in the book. True, dyslexia is not the easiest topic to write about. Some aspects, such as the causes of dyslexia, remain uncertain and extremely controversial. However, most of the book reads like a textbook and does not engage the reader effectively. In addition, some of the descriptions of dyslexia symptoms could easily lead to the "psychologist student syndrome," where the reader fears he or she is suffering from the discussed condition. Still, the book does make a solid attempt to fully explain what dyslexia is and how it is treated. Also, I like the list of famous dyslexics on page, which includes Walt Disney, Agatha Christie, and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Bone Detectives: How Forensic Anthropologists Solve Crimes and Uncover Mysteries of the Dead

Jackson, Donna M. The Bone Detectives: How Forensic Anthropologists Solve Crimes and Uncover Mysteries of the Dead. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1996.

Plot: An introduction on forensic anthropology. The book details a case in 1989 when a hiker found a bleached white skull at a Boy Scout camp. Through the deduction of police, forensic anthropologist Dr. Michael Charney, and forensic sculptor Nita Binter, the skull, shreds of clothing, and a few broken bones allowed the killer to be found and tried. The book continues by explaining how historians use forensic anthropology to reconstruct and identify long-dead individuals.

Genre: Non-Fiction

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: CSI Expert! Forensic Science for Kids

Personal Thoughts: As a tween, I think I would have been scared of this book. Then again, I have never found the nerve to enter a haunted house (even a Disney one), so I may not be the best gauge for scariness. Anyway, the book does provide solid information and illustrations describing the steps and science of forensic anthropology.

Will We Miss Them?

Wright, Alexandra. Will We Miss Them?: Endangered Species. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing, 1992.

Plot: The book reviews several endangered species. Many are endangered due to human actions, especially hunting and habitat destruction. Yet, they are worthy of being saved. Some, like elephants, mountain lions, and muriquis are valued for their remarkable appearance. Others, like blue whales and grizzly bears, are majestic. Bald eagles, elephants, and giant pandas serve as national symbols. Yet, whether people acknowledge them or not, the animals provide for the balance that supports other species of life.

Genre: Non-fiction, Science

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: The Atlas of Endangered Species, The Best Book of Endangered and Extinct Animals

Personal Thoughts: I actually really liked this book when I was younger. Some of the information is a bit dated, but most of it is still accurate. I do have one complaint, though. All of the animals are the "popular" ones. While I understand the book is meant to be a brief introduction to the concept of endangered animals, only two birds and two reptiles are included. The rest are either really large or really fuzzy mammals. Insects, fish, or unattractive animals receive no mention. Such a loss is unfortunate, since some of the rarest animals seem ignored.

Side note: Hurray for forced perspective!

A True Book: Water Power

Petersen, Christine. A True Book: Water Power. New York: Children's Press, 2004.

Plot: Through the water cycle, water continuously travels throughout the earth. People, animals, and plants rely on it for survival. Yet, in light of the limits and pollutants of fossil fuels, water may find another purpose. Water can create electricity. Some forms of usage, such as water wheels and dams, began centuries ago. Modern scientists want to expand the use of water through the use of tides, evaporation, and waves. Unfortunately such sources have their costs, both economically and evironmentally. Still, with time and development, water power can provide a continuous resource of electricity.

Genre: Non-fiction, Science

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: True Books: Alternative Energy, Fact Finders: Hydroelectric Power, The Energy Debate: The Pros and Cons of Water Power

Personal Thoughts: The book provides a solid review of possible hydroelectric power possibilities, including wave and current-based technology. While the book shows some slight bias towards the benefits of water power, it manages to redeem itself by showing some potential challenges of water usage. A pretty good introduction to water power.

Eyewitness Books: Elephants

Redmond, Ian. Eyewitness Books: Elephants. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2000.

Plot: The book reviews elephants using the stark white background and variety of illustrations the Eyewitness Books are famous for. Elephants' history with humanity as gods, beasts of burden, and trophies. It also reviews the natural history of elephants, dedicating entire pages to the skeleton, trunk, teeth, and tusks. Conservation efforts and successes are discussed as well.

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Non-Fiction, Animals

Similar Titles: Elephants: True Books, Face to Face with Elephants

Personal Thoughts: I loved this series when I was younger. Actually, I remember reading this on the floor of one of my best friend's bedroom (granted, I read the first edition 1993 version...and I could recognize where they made changes in the 2000 edition...I am both a biology and literary nerd...will you still be my friend?). Anyway, nostalgia aside, the illustrations and information still contain the appeal I witnessed as a tween. The comments are brief, but focus on genuinely biological concepts, such as scientific names, species identification, adaptations, and conservation issues. The series provides a good introduction to complex scientific concepts.

Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Castle

Biesty, Stephen. Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Castle. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994.

Plot: The book takes an in-depth look at medieval castles - literally. Throughout the book, sections of the castle and castle life are displayed through cross-sections of the buildings. Castles offered surprisingly complex methods of waste disposal, protection, and craftsmanship. However, food availability, social order, and justice methods were cruel. A work like this allows readers to appreciate the luxuries of the post-twentieth century.

Reading Level: Ages 8-11

Genre: Non-Fiction, History

Similar Titles: Eyewitness Books: Castle, Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections: Man-Of-War

Personal Thoughts: I was surprised by the complexity of the book. The illustrations offer excellent descriptions and thorough details of medieval castles. They also offer humor. To keep readers' attention, an enemy spy also lurks the castle. Sharp-eyed readers discover a story within the descriptions through the antics of this mysterious man.

Mythbusters: Don't Try This at Home

Packard, Mary. Mythbusters: Don't Try This at Home. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2006.

Plot: The creators of Mythbusters present some of their favorite myths in this book. Such myths include discovering if a duck's quack echoes, if running in the rain keeps you drier, and if a child could be lifted into the air by a cluster of balloons. As the title suggests, readers are not recommended to copy the mythbusters. However, the book also includes experiments scientists-in-the-making can do at home without loosing an eyebrow.

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Non-Fiction, Science

Similar Titles: Mythbusters television series, Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Build Implements of Spitball Warfare

Personal Thoughts: I love Mythbusters. It combines my open interest in science with my secret pyromania. The book reads quickly, but, like many non-fiction works for tweens, it tends to be too brief or too repetitive in various sections. Still, like the television series, it manages to spark interest in the everyday with creative uses of ordinary objects and the occasional explosion.

Head of the Class: A Teen Dog Expert Teaches You to Raise and Train the Perfect Pal

Eldredge, Kate and Debra. Head of the Class: A Teen Dog Expert Teaches You to Raise and Train the Perfect Pal. Hoboken, N.J. : Howell Book House/Wiley Pub, 2006.

Plot: The book, written by a teenager, describes the process and methods for selecting, training, and keeping a dog. Written by a young dog owner, it views the joys and trials of keeping a canine companion. It also discusses activities kids can do with their dogs, including showing, trials, and community services.

Reading Level: 7th grade and older

Genre: Non-Fiction, Animals

Similar Titles: Puppy Training For Kids, 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog, The Beginner's Guide to Agility Training

Personal Thoughts: An ideal book for a new dog owner. The book encourages tweens and teens to take responsibility for their animals without relying too much on their parents. However, it does include sections "Just for Parents" offering advice to the human caretakers of the canine caretakers. In addition to dog advice, the book also contains an extensive reading list, fundraising activities, and canine-based crafts. Also, each section contains a biography of a teen/tween owner and his/her dog.

Side Note: PHOTOBOMB DRAGON!!!

Little House in the Big Woods

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. Little House in the Big Woods. New York : Harper & Bros., 1953.

Plot: An autobiography of Laura Ingalls, a six-year-old girl growing up in the pioneer days of the United States. Throughout the year, Laura experiences preparing for winter, listening to her father's stories, helping her mother, and trying to get along with her sister.

Reading Level: 9-11

Genre: Non-Fiction, Autobiography, History

Similar Titles: Little House on the Prairie

Personal Thoughts: While Little House on the Prairie has been dismissed by most school districts due to racist undertones, I'm surprised schools haven't pushed Little House in the Big Woods more. It really is an enlightening book. It reminds readers that history was not built solely on the backs of politicians, warriors, and rebels. The book also makes readers realize how much has changed since those times.

Young readers can easily relate to Laura's relationships with her older (and much-admired/resented) sister, "wild" uncle, and spoiled cousin. At the risk of sounding like a museum commercial, the book does make history come alive. Just be aware, though, that a pig is butchered and the bladder is used as a ball. That part of the book kept me from reading it for years.