Attica

Kilworth, Gary. Attica. London : Atom, 2007.

Plot: After meeting their somewhat grouchy neighbor, Mr. Grantham, three step-siblings enter the house's attic to reclaim a watch he threw away in a fit of passion. Jordy, Alex, and Chloe soon learn that their attic fills more than the space between the ceiling and the roof, though. The strange, encased world of forgotten treasures, abused knicknacks, and lost souls quickly enthralls and captivates the trio. A mission of a few hours quickly becomes a quest of multiple days. While finding the watch remains their priority, they soon discover adventure, danger, and temptation within the country of the attic and its citizens. Strangely, the below world becomes very easily forgotten, especially by the curious and quiet Alex.

Genre: Fantasy, Coming of Age, Grief, Adventure

Reading Level: Grades 3-8; however, more sensitive readers should be cautioned due to the violence and intensity of danger presented in the novel.

Similar Titles: The Harry Potter series

Personal Thoughts: Harry Potter meets Finding Nemo. While the general setting, tone, and characters remind readers of a world of a certain teenage wizard, the plot follows the character development and plot of the Pixar film. Surprisingly, the combination works fairly well. The changes within the protagonists appear natural and understandable without becoming overly preachy. However, the mix is not perfect. Some of the characters, particularly Jordy, appear stinted in development, particularly in light of the additional adventures given to Chloe and Alex. Still, for readers fond of gradual development and growth, the novel provides a worthy read.

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.

How To Train Your Dragon

How To Train Your Dragon. Glendale, CA : DreamWorks Home Entertainment, 2010.

Plot: Hiccup is not much of a Viking. His body is scrawny, his personality is contrary, and his actions are disastrous. Still, he is determined to live up to his father's expectations and kill a dragon. However, when he successfully downs a nightfury, perhaps the most dangerous dragon of all, he suddenly finds himself unable to harm it. Naming the crippled dragon "Toothless," he sets out to train it, while slowly learning the truth of the reptiles' actions. Yet, his lessons seem for naught after he fails to kill a dragon in front of the village. Hiccup and Toothless may never be the pair any Viking would expect, but they may be the duo the village really needs.

Genre: Animation

Reading Level: Rated PG

Similar Titles: Despicable Me, Toy Story 3

Personal Thoughts: I have mixed opinions about the movie. The plot is not especially original and the adults and kids seem locked into impenetrable archetypes. The graphics, particularly in the village and flying scenes, are nice. Also, the designs, particularly of the dragons and armor, show character and creativity. Additionally, the movements of the dragons remain believable. If users want a new story, recommend another title. If they wish to enjoy a movie with good graphics and creative design, offer this animation.

P.S. Dreamworks dragon approves, +5