4. I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 by Lauren Tarshis (Scholastic, 2010)

BOOK: HISTORICAL FICTION (ages 6-10)

Brief Description: In an engaging opening scene, the titanic is described as sinking, and10-year-old George Calder is frightened, hears screaming, and then there is darkness. Readers are then taken back to George’s 5^th day at sea. He continues to feel lucky to be aboard the Titanic with his wealthy aunt Daisy, but each day George finds himself in trouble because of his great ideas; on this day he vows to keep out of mischief! When he learns there might be a mummy in the cargo hold, he sets out on an adventure only to find a robber who takes his knife and turns it on George. At that moment, the ship lurches as it hits the infamous iceberg. George scrambles on deck to see fellow passengers throwing snowballs made from the iceberg. Readers experience great angst as the ship continues to sink. Ultimately, there is a happy ending for George and his family and friends, but the author reminds readers that this wasn’t the case for the 1, 517 people who didn’t survive this disaster.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I was surprised by how well developed the characters were in this transitional level historical account of the Titanic disaster. In short space, Tarshis defines them beautifully and draws the reader into their lives; I found myself routing for them as the suspenseful actions unfolded. Being a children’s story, there is a happy ending, but I thought the author’s inclusion of more facts about the disaster were well done at the story’s end.

Programming Idea: This would be a great book to include in the study of the Titanic or other world events in the early 1900’s. Kids might be encouraged to write their own historical fiction story using other disastrous events in history.

3. "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" directed by Mamoru Hosoda (Bandai Entertainment, 2008)

DVD (Ages 13+)

Brief Description: Main character and high school girl Matsuko accidentally acquires the ability to go back in time, but when she begins to change the past to her advantage, she realizes too late that others may have to suffer for her selfishness.

Awards: Gertie Award for the best animated feature film at the thirty-ninth Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia. It won the Animation Grand Award, given to the year's most entertaining animated film, at the prestigious sixty-first Annual Mainichi Film Awards. It was also awarded the first annual Animation of the Year prize at the thirtieth Japan Academy Prize. (information derived from Wikipedia)

Personal Opinon: While I enjoyed this film, I found it inferior to those of Hayao Miyazaki and his work with Studio Gibli. I'm no expert in anime, but I thought the images and movements were quite stiff. The story was interesting, and it is always enjoyable for me to see Japanese culture through these unusual and refreshing films. With that said, I found Matsuko very believable and did empathize with her plight. She learns a hard lesson about selfishness, but the film still ends on a hopeful note. I didn't see the twist coming, so was delightfully surprised to learn that Chiaki was from the future. All the pieces of the film fit together nicely.

Programming: This film could be part of an anime film festival, or might be shown before a manga drawing class. Beginning a manga film and book club would be fun as well.

2. The Nine Lives of Chloe King (ABC Family, Tuesday, June 14th, 2011)

TELEVISION SHOW (Ages 13+)


Brief Description: Chloe King is pushed from Coit Tower in San Francisco to her death in the opening scene of the show, but she lives. When she has her 16th birthday, strange powers become apparent to her; she is part of the "Mai" an ancient order of the feline goddess Bastet. Rather than experience life and enjoy meeting boys, she is pursued by killers who seek to destroy her in all of her nine cat lives.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I haven't watched a show for younger kids in a long time, and this one was interesting. Chloe's character was fairly well acted, but some of the supporting cast were a little cardboard-like. The story was corny as the market has recently been flooded with vampires, zombies, wolves, and now we have the cat. I'm not very anxious to see the next episode, but some of the music on the show was pretty good. I liked the reference to Bastet which will probably be explored in more depth as the series continues.

Programming/Curriculum: Studying Egyptian mythology would work well with the watching of the show by having students research Bastet and then compare the mythology with that shown on The Nine Lives of Chloe King. Reading the book would be a nice option as well.

1. The River by Gary Paulsen, Narrated by Peter Coyote (Listening Library, 2005)

AUDIO BOOK: SURVIVAL (ages 12+)

Brief Description: Fans of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet will enjoy revisiting Brian Robeson as he reluctantly accepts a challenge to assist government wilderness trainers to show them the skills he learned when stranded one year earlier. After discussion with his mother, he accepts the invitation by Derek, and the two set off on their adventure. Brian is initially disgusted by the ease of the campsite setting, claiming that it is not a real "danger" situation. When a storm strikes and Derek is badly injured along with their only communication with the outside world, Brian must attempt a rescue, using the river as transportation for him and his comatose companion.

Awards: Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California

Personal Opinion: I enjoyed this audio narrated by Peter Coyote - who utilized outstanding expression and intensity in his voice. There was an element of predictability, but it added to the enjoyment of the story. It was fun revisiting Brian as he faced another man vs. nature situation, and I wondered if Paulsen would be able to pull off a way to put Brian back into trouble, but he does so surprisingly well. The audio included suspenseful music and sounds of the river to enhance the listening experience. This survival story makes for fast-paced listening action.

Programming Idea: Have a “survival skill” expert present simple ways to keep yourself alive if ever found in the wilderness without supplies. Display nonfiction titles on this topic, and feature Paulsen’s books Hatchet, Brian’s Winter, Brian’s Hunt, and Brian’s Return. Also, a book club for boys could feature these novels over the summer months.