These two knuckleheads are invariably by my side while I'm doing school assignments or reading youth fiction. Josie is the red Standard Poodle on the left; Nickleby is the silver guy on the right.  They  don't dress up often, just for special occasions, like several feet of snow!

50. Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do (2K Play)

VIDEO GAME: (rated E for everyone)

Brief Description: In a carnival style, this game, appropriate for all ages including teens and adults, contains 20 different games. From Pop Darts to Ring Toss to Pig Race and even the Strength Test, players will feel as though they're truly at the carnival. Players collect tickets which are good for spending in the four different shops - items to be purchased may include hair and other outfits for your avatar.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Of the six Kinect video games I've recently sampled, this one was only moderately entertaining. I can see that I just don't have the skills to excel, which is frustrating, and usually pretty funny; it's obvious that I'll need to really work at getting good at any of the games. It's definitely for younger kids, but the entire family will find something to entertain them.

Curriculum/Programming: This specific game will be incorporated into my Tuesday afternoon gaming program at the library - it's perfect to draw in the younger kids. I'll serve popcorn and other snacks to complete the carnival atmosphere.

49. The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley (Amulet Books, 2005)

BOOK: FANTASY, MYSTERY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Orphans Sabrina and Daphne have had it with foster homes and the orphanage. When a mysterious grandmotherly-type claims to be part of their family, the girls are quickly delivered to her home. Sabrina is less than convinced that this woman is their relative, but younger Daphne is immediately enchanted, in spite of the strange rules set forth in the house. When grandmother Relda Grimm reveals that they are part of the Grimm family, and that the Brothers Grimm were the first fairy tale detectives who set down the true stories of the "Everafters," Sabrina doesn't buy it, but when grandmother and her friend Canis are taken by a giant, the girls must consider whether they will rescue them, and if, indeed, they are really related and believe the stories that they have been told.

Awards: Border's Original Voice Award, 2005

Personal Opinion: This was a fun book for middle readers. Full of suspense and familiar fairy tale characters in various disguises, kids will delight in the story of Relda Grimm and her two grandchildren. Buckley does a clever job weaving various fairy tale characters into the story, and even throws in Puck from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as well as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. This stew of fairy tale characters will create a memorable reading experience for younger readers.

Curriculum/Programming: After reading this book, kids could be instructed to research a few fairy tales, become familiar with the characters, and write their own short story disguising the characters in a new story of their own creation.

48. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan (audio download, HarperAudio, 2008)

AUDIO BOOK: FANTASY, ROMANCE (ages 13-17)

Brief Description: The Summer King - Keenan - has lost his power; his mother, The Winter Queen has overtaken the summer court and the fey and the earth's mortals face danger and death as her cold overspreads all of nature. When Keenan meets Aislann, he feels he has met the Summer Queen - the only one who can combat the power of the evil of the Winter Queen and get Keenan back his powers. Here's the problem, though, she has had "the sight" (being able to see faeries) her whole life and detests the fey - she surely doesn't want to become one of them. This story surrounds Keenan's pursuit of Aislinn as she falls in love with Seth, her mortal best friend. Will she take the Hawthorn staff and accept her role as queen?

Awards: Best Original Voices Award, 2007

Personal Opinion: I was engrossed in this romantic tale of the world of faery in spite of its shortcomings. Marr nicely precedes each chapter with a quote tied to the content of the chapter, and, apparently from real books from the mortal world! The characters were believable, the plot tense and worrisome, and even the most powerful in the story are given flaws. I am not one to read sequels unless I am truly drawn into the story, and I'm eager to see what happens next in the series. Also, this book is truly for ages 13+ as there are a few scenes and some language for more sophisticated readers. As with a few other titles in this assignment, I began with the audio, which was quite good, but had to actually read the book to get to the content faster. As for the shortcomings, it seemed that there was much repetition and often confusing situations that I didn't think were described clearly enough. Even with these issues, the book was wonderful. I'm eager to recommend it at the library.

Curriculum/Programming: Create a royal crest for each of the courts - both winter and summer - and include symbolism pertinent to each of the courts. OR Compare this faery story to another story and list all the "rules" referenced in each book. OR Read one or more of the books mentioned at the beginning of each chapter and report findings.

47. The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion Books, 2004)

BOOK: HORROR (ages 10-14)

Brief Description: 12-year-old Diana narrates this story of she and her brother as they watch the new caretakers of the Old Willis Place move in. Something is not right with these two imps, and Hahn slowly reveals more and more information until the reader comprehends the nature of these characters who have many secrets. Lissa is the new caretaker's daughter who seeks friendship and finds it in Diana. When Lissa decides to explore the Old Willis Place with Diana, she unwittingly unleashes the fierce and frightening ghost of Miss Lilian. A surprise ending will satisfy even the most nervous readers.

Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2006; Heartland Award for Excellence, 2007; Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2008; Mark Twain Award, 2007; South Carolina Children's Book Award, 2008

Personal Opinion: I enjoyed this book very much! Hahn carefully crafts a tone of building tension with the slow revelation of Georgie and his sister Diana's true nature. Kids will notice that they are rather mischievous and not too remorseful about their actions. Other clues will lead them to understand that George and Diana are ghosts themselves, although they, too, are afraid of ghost Miss Lilian. I found the ending very surprising and didn't see it coming at all; I wondered how Hahn would end this creepy tale, but she did a wonderful job. Finally, Hahn succeeds in her scaring of kids when Lissa remarks that her idea of ghosts had changed forever - she now realized that a ghost can be flesh and blood, and may be sitting next to you on the bus. Nice.

Curriculum/Programming: This would make a great read aloud for Halloween. Also, kids could design a spooky game board incorporating the ghosts, the Old Willis Place, the shed, and other areas on the farm etc. and create a game like Chutes and Ladders - would they include cards? How about screaming, running, etc. for various points?

46. Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch (Amulet Books, 2010)

GRAPHIC NOVEL: FANTASY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: The title and caption on the cover say it all - This graphic novel is the story of how 11-year-old Mirka, a troll-fighting Jewish girl, got her sword. Through a series of strange encounters, Mirka ends up conversing with a witch living in the woods even when her stepmother strictly forbade her from doing so. It was through the witch's advice that Mirka eventually outsmarted the troll to obtain her sword through a strange knitting competition; her dream is to be a dragon-fighter, so the sword will presumably help her in her journey.

Awards: Sydney Taylor Book Award; MANY nominations

Personal Opinion: I was surprised by the odd combination of knitting, religion and fantasy in this interesting little graphic novel. Mirka is a fantastic heroine who respects her Jewish traditions but also dares to step outside the boundaries on occasion. In the end, I enjoyed the book, especially the Yiddish and the helpful translations, and the quirky and fun character of Mirka. As I read, however, I just kept focusing on how strange the book was! Regardless, it has been circulating nicely at our library. Ultimately, I think it's wonderful to have a bit of religious culture mixed with fantasy!

Curriculum/Programming: This would be a fun book to include in a study of religious culture, especially as an introduction to some Jewish customs. Also, as an example of Manga, this would be good for a specific book group on manga drawing, although it seems to have some different characteristics in style than most Manga (I think!)

45. Lego Star Wars III The Clone Wars (LucasArts, 2011)

VIDEO GAME (ages 10+)

Brief Description: The game opens in the Geonosis Arena from the "Attack of the Clones" animated series, and players must try to escape being chained and subjected to hungry beasts. Once you escape this "level" you go on to the next difficulty. The game may be played with two players.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Okay, so I'm video game inept and had a really hard time figuring out how to play this without the aide of my 10 year old patrons. Now I have a better understanding of the controls and what I'm supposed to be doing - thanks to them! Do I like this game? Not really. I have really enjoyed the XBox 360 with Kinect, but this one relies on the hand held controller; maybe I'm just not coordinated, and maybe I just need A LOT more time playing, but I think I'll pass on this game. The graphics were great, the humor was interesting (this was also my first Legos video game) and I think I enjoy watching the kids play much more than trying to play the game myself!

Programming/Curriculum: I've been featuring video games every Tuesday since around mid-June, and when I advertised Lego Star Wars, the younger crowds came out in huge numbers. A good programming idea is to simply set up the game and let the kids alternate turns. They love to play AND watch others play so they can learn the tricks. A competition could take place with prizes to the highest scoring players.

44. Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer (Dutton Children's, 2010)

BOOK: POETRY, PICTURE BOOK (ages 8-11)

Brief Description: Each spread in this gorgeously illustrated book includes a short poem written about a fairy tale paired with an "opposite" poem, that is, the lines of the poem are inverted which makes the meaning of the fairy sometimes quite different with the only changes being punctuation and capitalization.

Awards: 2010 Cybils Award (poetry division)

Personal Opinion: A brilliant picture book that I found rather sophisticated. Younger readers will enjoy it, but older readers will appreciate the nuances in the inversions. Josee Masse's illustrations are gorgeous and perfectly paired with the text. I may have to read these again as I read them trying to figure out how they would change rather than just enjoying the single poems individually!

Curriculum/Programming: Story time focused on a fairy tales could feature both the original fairy tale, a fractured version of the fairy tale, and the corresponding Singer poem.

43. The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales by Naomi Adler (Barefoot Books, 2006)

BOOK: FOLKLORE (ages 5-11)

Brief Description: Adler has compiled and retold a beautiful collection of nine stories from around the world. From China, to Brazil, America, Canada, India and Germany, these tales will delight readers. This collection of folk tales centers around tales with animals as the primary characters.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I so enjoyed reading this diverse collection of tales, but especially enjoyed the story from India entitled "The Rabbit in the Moon." Illustrations by Amanda Hall are rich, culturally oriented and compliment the text perfectly.

Curriculum/Programming: This book makes a fantastic part of a display for this summer's national collaborative summer reading theme: "One World, Many Stories."

42. Frozen in Time by Ali Sparkes (Egmont USA, 2010)

BOOK: SCIENCE FICTION (ages 9-13)

Brief Description: Two bored siblings dig around their uncle's yard during summer vacation. Not only do they find an underground bomb shelter, but their cryogenically frozen cousins. When the cousins are reanimated, not only is their life in danger from the freezing process, big government groups want them for research.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I thought this book had wonderful potential, but it just didn't work. The characterization was weak, the plot extremely sluggish, and the novel lacked the action that I thought would be present throughout; only near the end did any true element of suspense develop. Alternating stories of the kids and the government discussions about the situation were somewhat confusing, or it might be that I read this in MANY sittings as it was so difficult to become engaged. There were a few moments of interest, though, but not enough to make me really care about reading the story.

Curriculum/Programming: I wouldn't really use this book for either programming or curriculum unless, as with another book I've blogged, I'd use it as an example of what to avoid in writing.

41. Half-Minute Horrors edited by Susan Rich (Harper, 2009)

BOOK: HORROR (ages 10+)

Brief Description: An incredible 73 authors contributed to this great book of quick stories told in both text and through artwork. As the cover states - it's packed with "instant frights" with stories that get to the heart of a young person's fears. The most effectively frightening stories turn common occurrences and daily life into something to fear, and nothing is sacred: parents, black lab pets, killing a spider, babysitting, caring for a younger sibling, and even scratching your face. Kids won't soon forget these stories when they go through their typical day.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I thought the variety of famous authors and types of stories and poems was quite amazing. I'm not a horror fan, but I found several of the stories a little creepy - made me jump at noises in the house! Not all the stories are outstanding - several are actually stinkers. My favorite is the one page illustration entitled "The Legend of Alexandra and Rose." Pictured is a grayscale house with trees, a shovel, and a tool shed. After examining the map-style legend, the reader comes to understand that Alexandra has killed her sister and buried her in three spots in the yard...in order to have the bigger bedroom. Nice.

Curriculum/Programming: This is the perfect book to help kids learn about writing a short story or poem, and I would use it without hesitation as a writing resource and tool. The work includes pantoums, haiku, short stories, and illustrations that tell a story - plenty of everything for individual interests, and ideal for teaching writing.

40. Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer (Dial Books, 2010)

BOOK: FANTASY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Orphan Frederick is a good boy who does what he's told. When he is "adopted" to be a servant in the wizard Lord Schofield's home, he unwittingly brings along a mischievous brownie named Billy Bly. When a dark curse appears at the home, and although Lord Schofield doesn't permit such creatures in his home, Billy Bly saves the day along with Frederick.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Didn't like it at all. This book was boring, lackluster and not a bit interesting. I think it had potential, but just fell short as the plot dragged considerably. There was not enough suspense to keep me interested, and it seemed there was much repetition. The characters were okay, but not completely compelling or authentic. I thought the actions of the characters were out of "character" and were really all over the place. Some may enjoy this story, but it simply didn't click for me at all.

Curriculum/Programming: I wouldn't use this book with students unless they were learning about sluggish plot structures and inauthentic characters; this book would then be a good example.

39. Zita The Spacegirl by Ben Hatke (First Second, 2011)

GRAPHIC NOVEL: SCIENCE FICTION (ages 8 - 12)

Brief Description: Zita zips her friend Joseph to another planet when she pushes the red button on a contraption she found in a deep hole- harry legs reach out and simply grab him away. Despondent, Zita pushes the button again to follow him. On her quest to find Joseph, she accumulates a motley crew of creatures to help her along. After a betrayal, and perilous danger, will Zita be able to escape back to Earth?

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Zita is a spunky and clever kid who takes the bull by the horns in this charming science fiction story. I loved the graphic novel for the unique creatures and plot line, and the illustrations are wonderfully drawn with characters who are full of expression. As with many of these books, the end truly is the beginning of the next installment in a series - but it's a good one!

Curriculum/Programming: I would definitely include this book in an after school library program for Manga drawing. I think kids would enjoy the story and could try to recreate the images for themselves. Some basic Manga drawing instruction would be good, and a hired artist would be great to lead the group. I also like the idea of taking one of the helping creatures and have students create a spin-off story about how that character came to meet Zita and what happened with the character after the end of this story.

38. Whale Port by Mark Foster (Houghton Mifflin, 2007)

BOOK/PICTURE BOOK: NONFICTION (ages 7-10)

Brief Description: Foster traces the development of a fictional port he calls "Tuckanucket" over time as the whaling industry grows and wanes off the coast of what is now New England.

Awards: James Madison Book Award, 2008; Massachusetts Book Award, 2008; Mind the Gap Award, 2008

Personal Opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic book about the development of the fictional whale port. Being a native New Englander, I puzzled during the entire book about the town - I had never heard of it, and wondered how I could have missed such history! Foster includes information at the end of the book about the sources he used to pull together this treatment. Detailed drawings lend themselves to the simple text, permitting the reader to really see how such a port could change over time. Great nonfiction title that I'll be recommending to my young readers!

Curriculum/Programming: This book lends itself to being used in a history class focused on the New England whaling industry. It would make a great supplement to history classes for both younger and middle school students as well.

37. We the Children: Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School by Andrew Clements, Narrated by Keith Nobbs (Simon and Schuster Audio, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: REALISTIC FICTION (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Ben's feeling a bit out of sorts; his parents are separated and he's worried. When the janitor at his school dies after giving him a mysterious coin, and entrusts the care of the school to him, he teams up with Jill to ward off developers intent on destroying the school to build an amusement park in its place.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I had thought after reading No Talking by Clements, that reading one of his books was as good as reading another. Keepers of the School was different. I enjoyed the audio book for the narrator's wonderful expression as well as the compelling story. Clements creates atmosphere in this seaside town and Ben's interest in sailing adds to the overall setting. While the story was reminiscent of books like Scat and Hoot (kids against big business) and reminded me of the film "The Goonies," it had enough mystery and suspense to keep me engaged. Of course, this is a first in the series, so the ending was rather frustrating. I'll probably listen to the next installment if the same reader is used.

Curriculum/Programming: Paired with Scat and Hoot, this would make a nice addition to a literature unit on kids vs. adults in the real world.

36. Emily's Fortune by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Narrated by Lee Adams (Random House, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: HISTORICAL FICTION (ages 7-10)

Brief Description: Set in rugged, early America, Emily Wiggins is suddenly orphaned and all alone in the world except for the advice of her neighbors, Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire. She befriends a young boy named Jackson as she makes her journey to Redbud to live with her Aunt Hilda. When she learns through a newspaper story that she has inherited millions of dollars, all sorts of trouble begins for her, especially since her dastardly Uncle Victor is looking to get some of that loot. Armed with only her imagined advice from the three sisters, Emily attempts to make her way in a rough world.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: This was a goofy sort of villainous wild west tale that will keep the young reader moving forward in the story; at each chapter's end, a wacky question is posed - such as "Now, what in the hokie smokies could that mean?" or "What in the hunky monkey do you suppose he was thinking?" and this serves effectively to move the story forward. The audio was well done, read by Lee Adams with just the right amount of wild west accent. This would definitely qualify as a material for the younger end of our age range, however. I came to like Emily and Jackson's characters, but would have enjoyed more interaction with Mrs. Ready, Mrs. Aim, and Mrs. Fire who only figured into the story in the first few chapters.

Curriculum/Programming: This book would be a good accompaniment to a study of the California Gold Rush, as this seems to be the time in which it was set. It would also make an excellent read-aloud in a classroom or after school program at the library.

35. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 by Jim Murphy (Clarion, 2003)

BOOK: NONFICTION (ages 10-14)

Brief Description: Murphy does it again with this fantastic - "read as fiction" style nonfiction telling of the yellow fever epidemic. He successfully instills fear into the reader as the symptoms are described without censor. He includes both first-hand accounts - medical and non-medical- as well as providing further reading on various topics relating to yellow fever. The last chapter serves to possibly instill great fear in readers as the information conveys that yellow fever is not eradicated, but is labeled "A Modern-Day Time Bomb."

Awards: Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence, 2004; Cuffies: Children's Booksellers Choose Their Favorite Books of the year, 2003; James Madison Book Award, 2004; John Newbery Honor Book, 2004; National Book Awards, 2003; Orbis Pictus Award, 2004; Robert F. Sibert Award, 2004.

Personal Opinion: I had to read this book in one sitting! Wonderful fiction-like telling of the horrors of yellow fever. I had read The Hot Zone years ago, and this had a similar feeling - nonfiction with fear! Then I got to the last chapter which indicated that the aedes aegypti mosquito could still transmit the disease - I had no idea about this, and also the fact that there have been no vaccines produced in recent years, and that there is no cure for yellow fever - all made this book incredibly frightening!

Curriculum/Programming: Studies in science concerning bacteria and viruses would work well with this book; also history courses focused on this time period would benefit from this well-told story.

34. Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman (Houghton Mifflin, 2010)

BOOK: POETRY (ages 8 - 12)

Brief Description: The poetry of this book is beautiful, lush, descriptive and inviting. Each two-page spread features a poem, a gorgeous relief printing of the animal or nighttime feature of the poem. A tiny lizard graces the poetry page of each poem acting as a guide throughout the book. On the right, readers will enjoy a description of the night animal or feature with great details about its eating habits, and other unusual characteristics. Also includes a handy glossary.

Awards: Newbery Honor, 2011; Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 2011; Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2011

Personal Opinion: This is an instance in which the illustrations and text work seamlessly to create a united whole that is most pleasing. Enchanting poetry and relief printing pair to form the perfect picture book. Educational and beautifully illustrated with enchanting poems, I loved this book!

Curriculum/Programming: Sidman's creation and Allen's illustration would make a great supplement to both science and English poetry units as well as a visual aide for relief printing in an art class. Certain sections might be highlighted for story time using the theme of the animals presented.

33. The Chinese Book of Animal Powers by Chungliang Al Huang (Harper Children's, 1999)

BOOK: FOLKLORE (ages 9+)

Brief Description: Huang's book portrays the characterizations of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac as they pertain to human births; each year falls into one of the 12 categories of animals, and each month does as well. Each of the twelve animals illustrated present a short description of the animal and its characteristics, then applies these personality traits, both positive and negative, to the human born under that animal's sign. Large black calligraphic art illustrates the animals in a distinctive Chinese style that is bold and powerful. Text appears in various colors.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: This starkly illustrated book captures the spirit of Chinese art with bold calligraphic illustrations of animals and the characters presented. I found it a little tricky to read the handwriting of the Chinese name of the animal and had to refer to the back of the book where the years associated with the twelve animals is listed. Before this list, however, there is a fantastic section entitled "Dancing Glossary" in which readers are encouraged to dance the characters as they try to write them - much like Huang himself does as shown on the back flap description of the author. Lovely book which is not restricted to youth.

Curriculum/Programming: This book would be a great addition to the study of China, and is currently on display at the library as we study China under the summer reading theme "One World, Many Stories." It would make an excellent introduction to writing in the Chinese style, and an art class might include dancing the characters as an activity.

32. Arthur and the Sword retold and illustrated by Robert Sabuda (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1995)

BOOK: FOLKLORE (ages 6-9)

Brief Description: This story of King Arthur is retold and illustrated by Robert Sabuda. The illustrations are made to look like brightly colored stained glass and have the effect of making the story sacred and formal. Readers will be delighted as the child Arthur becomes King.

Awards: None Found

Personal Opinion: Being a stained glass artist, I really appreciated the illustrations in this book and found facial expressions quite well done. I thought the story was told in simple, sparse language which offered an especially powerful telling. The author's note offered even more information for curious readers.

Curriculum/Programming: Although this book is meant for kids ages 6-9, I could see it benefiting older readers as a supplement to an Arthurian legend curriculum. I think it would offer a good discussion point as a comparison to other versions of the story.