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.

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.

14. Virals by Kathy Reichs, Narrated by Kristin Milioti (Penguin Audio, 2010)

AUDIO BOOK: SCIENCE FICTION (ages 11-16)

Brief Description: Prepare for an exhilarating ride on a science fiction roller coaster with snarky, brilliant, teenager Tory Brennan. Tory has lost her mom, and is sent to live with her cerebral professor father who knows nothing about her existence. Their strained relationship permits Tory a certain independence allowing her to get involved in much mischief, in the name of what's right. When a beloved wolf/dog puppy she names Cooper goes missing from the island on which her father's lab is located, and when strange Veteran's dog tags are found in a clearing, the mysteries in this story are ramped up to high volume. With her three nerdy science buddies, Hi, Shelton and Ben, this unlikely group seeks to uncover not only the dog tags' owner or the disappearance of "Coop," but a 40-year-old murder as well. Their own lives are threatened as they get a little too snoopy - but who is chasing them?

Awards: None...YET!

Personal Opinion: Notice the listing of both audio book and regular book above. While narrator Krising Mirioti conveys the perfect teen voice of Tory, I simply couldn't "listen" quickly enough and resorted to reading in order to reach the exciting and unexpected climax sooner! Truly, though, Mirioti does a great job with expression in this audio book; it must be listened to if the listener can remain patient! I could not put down this incredibly fast-paced novel of mystery, intrigue, humor, excitement, and suspense.

Programming/Curriculum: This book would work well a part of a study of viruses, and in particular, the parvovirus and how it reacts in dogs.