Drake's Comprehensive Compendium of Dragonology

Drake, Ernest. Drake's Comprehensive Compendium of Dragonology. Somerville, MA : Candlewick Press, 2009.

Plot: The text guides readers through the art of studying dragons. The book mentions various species of dragon, including the specialized frost dragon, infamous basilisk, and evasive lindworm, as well as some of the more popular psuedo-dragons, such as the phoenix and sea serpent. Facts such as habitat, behavior, and notable characteristics are carefully described and illustrated. Additionally, Drake offers tips for meeting, raising, and tending to the legendary creatures. However, he also warns of dangerous dragons and gives suggestions for surviving an attack. The book is a must-have for any budding dragonologist.

Genre: Picture Books, Fantasy, Realistic

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Dragonology, The Discovery of Dragons, The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend

Personal Thoughts: The text offers a surprising amount of writing for a picture book. Still, the written aspect of the book offers a nice balance between the "science," dangers, and characteristics of the creatures. True, the text does not review legends in detail, but since it acts as a beginner's study guide, specific stories would break purpose of the book. The illustrations, usually in black ink, utilize a steampunk style to reflect a Victorian era that never was. As a result, the creatures look realistic and elaborate in a manner that enhances the overall "feel" of the book.



Side Note: It appears Raichu will witness a confrontation between a ryu and undetermined European dragon.

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.

The Babysitter's Club: Dawn and the Impossible Three

Martin, Ann M. The Babysitter's Club: Dawn and the Impossible Three. 1987.

Plot: Dawn, the newest member of the Babysitter's Club, attempts to make a good impression by offering to watch the Barrett children. The family is hopelessly disorganized as Mrs. Barrett attempts to gain control of her life following a messy divorce. Dawn rises to the occasion, cleaning the house and helping the kids. As the Barretts begin relying on her more and more, Dawn realizes she may not be enough for the family. Discord with the club's leader, Kristy, complicate things further. After an afternoon with Kristy, Dawn seems to regain control of her social situations...until one of the Barretts disappear while she watches them. Dawn must confront a babysitter's worst fears while facing a situation she cannot maintain.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Reading Level: Grades 4-8

Similar Titles: Baby-Sitting is a Dangerous Job, Calvin Coconut: The Zippy Fix

Personal Thoughts: I had to take off the nostalgia lenses for this one. The series was one of my favorites when I was younger, but now I wonder why. The friendships, locations, customs, and interactions are not especially realistic. Much of the dialog and descriptions rely on the ever-changing whim of fads. The story is not especially intriguing. Yet, I adored the novels.

Perhaps the reason relied on the relevance of the time. Divorce rates began to rise, so I actually encountered kids, like Kristy and Dawn, with separated families for the first time. The clothes described by the novels also related to what I wanted to buy during my tweens. Even the snacks were based on popular brands. Yet, I think the main reason for my interest relied on another, simpler fact. The girls and the people they interacted with were, for all practical reasons, normal. Supernatural fantasy and mystery novels were really popular when I was a tween, so finding a book where magic and deduction did not whisk the protagonists away seemed few and far between. Since realistic fiction enjoys considerably more popularity than previous decades, the books can be judged more on their merit, rather than novelty.

Ramona the Pest

Clearly, Beverly. Ramona the Pest. 1968.

Plot: Six-year-old Ramona is finally old enough to go to Kindergarten. Despite her eagerness to go, she finds herself in more situations than she expects. Her teacher, Miss Binny, seems nice and smart. David, a classmate, also seems intriguing. However, a curly-haired nemesis and sulky male friend also stalk the classroom. Ramona struggles against strange substitutes, old boots, rainy days, and writing her name. She also navigates the general chaos usually instigated by her own choices. Her desire for attention eventually leads to her dismissal from class. Ramona must learn to face her own frustrations to return to the teacher she adores.

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Growing Up, School

Reading Level: Grades 2-6

Similar Titles: Junie B. Jones, Clementine, Emma Dilemma series

Personal Thoughts: Despite the book's age, it still contains the same appeal as current titles, particularly the Emma Dilemma and Judy Moody series. The story generally avoids transitional subjects, such as fashion, politics, and entertainment. Instead, it focuses on unchanging topics, such as student-teacher relations and family interactions. Ramona is a slightly larger-than-life character in a fairly normal society, so her adventures seem completely feasible and even understandable. Most students balance between wanting approval from their teacher and wishing to misbehave when confronted by a bully. Many younger siblings are repelled and enchanted by their elders. Everyone wishes they could have something slightly better than they can afford. Ramona's struggles are the same as everyone's, even if her reactions break convention. She uses her audience's sympathy to relate to and encourage readers, gaining establishment in even modern libraries.

A Practical Guide to Vampires

Vorgard, Treval and Trumbauer, Lisa.A Practical Guide to Vampires. Renton, WA : Wizards of the Coast, 2009.


Plot: Written by a former vampire hunter and enthusiast, the book offers an illustrated guide to one of the most infamous creatures of the night. Traditional and nontraditional methods of detection, protection, and fighting are discussed, although the author highly recommends finding a mentor before attempting to stop a vampire. In addition, some aspects of "vampirism," such as physical needs, culture, interests, and minions also find mention in this well-illustrated book. The text also addresses the "new" vampiric aspects, such as the so-called vegetarian vampire, protector vampire, and family vampire.

Genre: Illustrations, Monsters, Realistic

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: A Practical Guide to Dragons, Vampires Discovery Pack

Personal Thoughts: A smart picture book. Rather than simply relying on the elaborate and attractive pictures, the text in the book is clever, believable, and enjoyable to read. Much of the text refers to traditional myths surrounding the undead, but the authors also make note of newer beliefs, such as clans, wealth, and vampire hybrids. It even nods at current fads, most notably the vampires of Forks and Dungeons & Dragons, in a classy tongue-in-cheek manner. 

Side Note: Toothless did not tear the book. It is actually illustrated that way. No, I do not know why Jerome is sitting on a banana.

Dragon's World: A Fantasy Made Real

Dragon's World: A Fantasy Made Real produced by Animal Planet.


Plot: The film follows two stories. In the first, a disgraced paleontologist seeks redemption following a fall from grace. His rocket to scientific fame was eclipsed when he dared to suggest an important find was attacked by something that breathed fire. Despite his fall from legitimate research, he gains a chance for redemption when a truly strange discovery is found in the mountains of Romania. The second story follows the history of the find. The creature of the mountains is not recognized by conventional science. It is the remains of a fantastic creature known only in myth. The Romanians have found the frozen corpse of a dragon. The two stories collide as the scientist studies the body, discovering the truth of a quadruped capable of flight and breathing fire. The story develops further as old myths are broached.

Genre: Realistic, Fantasy, Movie

Reading Level: Rated PG

Similar Titles: Prehistoric Park, Future World

Personal Thoughts: I think I once mentioned I love items capable of making the entirely ludicrous seem entire possible. Dragon's World, also known as The Last Dragon, uses CGI, paleontology, biology, drama, and history to make a mythical animal appear completely logical. Unfortunately, it does not meet the degree of success as some other shows, such as Prehistoric Park. The scientist's monotone distracts the audience and some of his conclusions are not as well-supported as they could be. Also, the film makes the destruction of dragons into an eco-lecture. Such accusations are common in documentaries in extinct animals. They are also annoying. Chiding from real life is guilt-causing enough without adding pressure from non-existent creatures as well. Still, the film does allow viewers to understand how a myth could work in "real life."

Apparently, film was meant to pilot a series. No further episodes have emerged since the television debut in 2004, though.

Side Note: DreamWorks Dragon delights in the movie's subject matter.

The Batman Handbook: The Ultimate Training Manual

Beatty, Scott; Dixon, Chuck; and Hahn, David. The Batman Handbook: The Ultimate Training Manual. Philadelphia : Quirk Books, 2005.

Plot: Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not enjoy inexplicable powers or invincible techniques. He is an everyman, but an everyman with the will, intelligence, and money to become a super-vigilante. Through careful study of his abilities, the handbook offers instruction to aspiring bringers of justice. Chapters address preparation issues, such as creating a batsuit and building a batmobile, as well as more specialized techniques, like throwing a baterang, defeating a roomful of goons, and sliding down a batpole. More personal issues, including the pros and cons of taking a sidekick, also find note in this extensive but amusing guide to superheroism.

Genre: Batman, Humor, Parody, Realistic

Reading Level: Some of the physics-based chapters may discourage younger readers.

Similar Titles: The Superman Handbook, Becoming Batman: The Possibility of Becoming a Superhero, The Essential Batman Encyclopedia

Personal Thoughts: As I mentioned previously, I really enjoy fictional works that make the impossible seem entirely likely. Since Batman really is one, if not the only, non-super superhero, it makes the plot of the handbook appear possible. Some of the chapters, particularly those describing physics-based actions (i.e. swinging on a flagpole) drag a bit. Still, the book is highly recommended to fans of the dark knight or superheroes in general.

Freak the Mighty

Philbrick, Rodman. Freak the Mighty. New York, N.Y. : Blue Sky Press, 1993.

Plot: Max is a big, slow, clumsy outcast. Kevin is a small, smart, crippled outcast. Yet, when they get together, they become more. They become Freak the Mighty, destroyer of dragons, bane of gangs, returner of purses, and swimmer of nasty mill ponds. The story follows the two misfits as they take on summer and, eventually, the school year. Ghosts from Max's family history threaten him, but with the help of Kevin, he escapes his homocidal father and confronts the death of his mother. Yet, when Kevin becomes increasingly weak and awaits a new biotic body being developed at a local hospital, Max begins to worry...

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Similar Titles: Max the Mighty, Holes

Personal Thoughts: Another funny but sad book. The interactions between Max, Kevin, and the world at large are both humorous and believable. As a kid, I really enjoyed the book. Strangely, as an adult, the sadness in the book seems more powerful. It is strange. Adults (including myself, much to my frustration) often fear exposing children, teens, and tweens to sad or disturbing concepts, yet they often seem to cope with the issues better than "grown-ups" do. Not that I'm going to ask a kid to read something like Le Miserables or anything. I'm just surprised by their resilience.

The book was the inspiration for the movie, The Mighty. Even though the film bombed, it received high reviews.

Frindle

Clements, Andrew. Frindle. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1996.

Plot: When Nicholas Allen finally enters fifth grade, he meets his match in the form of Mrs. Granger, the language teacher. Despite Nick's best efforts, she catches his every attempt to avoid homework and waste class time. Yet, one of her lessons gives Nick the opportunity to fight back. According to Mrs. Granger, words have meaning because people give them meanings. With this fact in mind, Nick plans to implement his new word, "frindle," as a substitute for "pen." Through a network of friends, the word takes over the fifth grade, school, city, and, eventually, nation, despite Mrs. Granger's attempts to stop it. So why do her eyes sparkle whenever she hears the word?

Genre: Realistic

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: No Talking, The Lemonade War, Loser

Personal Thoughts: The novel captures the mentalities present in a school setting excellently. The children behave like kids, not like adults in kid suits. Every class has a smart but squirrely kid like Nick, but Clements reveals how such kids can make major changes. He also describes the one teacher every class dreads, but ultimately learns the most from.

As a side note, this is one of the few realistic novels I found that does not saturate itself in tragedy. I do not know who decided that children, teens, tweens, and adults like reading sad stories where no one wins, but whoever did was mistaken. True, sappy stories do not have much appeal, but this book shows a story can be realistic, with real problems, people, and consequences without painting the world in depression.

Misty of Chincoteague

Henry, Marguerite. Misty of Chincoteague. Chicago: Rand McNally & Company, 1847.

Plot: After helping their grandfather raise wild ponies only to loose them when they are sold, Paul and Maureen decide to raise the money to get their own pony. A pony that will stay and never be taken away. However, they do not want any pony. They want Phantom, a three-year-old mare famous for her ability to avoid wranglers. While Paul is determined to capture her, he and his sister need to raise the money to buy her from the wranglers. They manage to, thanks in part to Phantom's little piebald foal...

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Fiction, Animals

Similar Titles: King of the Wind, Black Beauty, Where the Red Fern Grows

Personal Thoughts: Where the Red Fern Grows without the tragedy. Seriously.

Like Where the Red Fern Grows, the novel starts with a childhood desire for a pet. It develops into a quest to earn the money to purchase said pet. However, it also requires action, in this case, a willingness to participate in the wrangling and horse sale. Unlike Where the Red Fern Grows, the book ends happily, with the children enjoying their pet while accepting the loss of Phantom (do not worry, she returns to the wild; unlike the plot present in most pet stories SHE DOES NOT DIE).

My only complaint is the fact that the book should have been titles Phantom of Assateague. Most of the book focuses on Phantom. Misty only gets a few pages of her own story in the novel.

Anyway, the book also provided the basis of a movie in 1961 (it got mixed reviews) and received a Newbury Honor in 1948.

Totally Joe

Howe, James. Totally Joe. New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ©2005.

Plot: For a school project, Joe has to write an autobiography from A-Z. His project focuses on the challenges, humorous and otherwise, facing a middle school student. Middle school is a harsh place, particularly for a gay student. He also discovers how to respond to peers, teachers, family, and adults.

Genre: Gays & Lesbians,  Realistic, Fiction

Reading Level: 12-13

Similar Titles: None I can think of; I need to read more.

Personal thoughts: Howe has come a long way in his writing. He identifies most of Joe's project as "ammunition" for middle schoolers, a sad but very true fact at this age. I was pretty surprised by how much I liked this book. Usually, I avoid realistic fiction, since it tends to either be depressing or sugar-coated. Howe manages to avoid both through a balance of humor and emotion.