AUTHOR: A variety of ghost authors, all published under the pseudonym 'Carolyn Keene' (US) (1930-present)
NOTES: Made up of different series aimed at different ages (see AGES, below). Follows Nancy, an amateur sleuth, and her two best friends. In the younger series' (Notebooks, Clue Crew) Nancy is 8-9 years old, and she solves "crimes" such as missing hats and toys. In the older series (Girl Detective, On Campus, Files, Mystery Stories) she is 18+, and she solves mysteries of stolen jewelry and home invasions. The 'On Campus' series focuses more on relationships and college life than mysteries.
Films and video games, and graphic novels have also been made about the character, along with "off-shoot" books such as "Nancy Drew Cookbook" and "Campfire stories". Most attractive to young girls with advanced reading skills.
AGES/RATING:
JUNIOR PRIMARY:
~ The Nancy Drew Notebooks (short chapter books, 1994-2005) ages 6-8. 4 stars.
~ Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew (longer chapter books, 2006+) ages 6-8/9. 4 stars.
UPPER PRIMARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL
~ Nancy Drew Mystery Stories (short novels, 1930-2003) ages 8-13. 4 stars.
~ Nancy Drew, Girl Detective (short novels, 2004+) ages 8-15. 4 1/2 stars.
~ Nancy Drew Files (short novels, 1986-1997) ages 9-15. 4 1/2 stars.
~ Nancy Drew On Campus (short novels, 1995-1998) ages 11-15. 3 1/2 stars.
GENRE: Mystery/Crime, Realistic Fiction
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Alex Rider series
AUTHOR: Anthony Horowitz (UK) (2000's)
NOTES: The series comprises a list of novels as well as graphic novels, short stories, and supplementary books, as well as movies and a video game, and a website. All this makes is an excellent series to get kids reading.
PLOT: A 14-year-old orphan, Alex Rider, discovers that his uncle, a spy with MI6, has been training him to be a spy also. After his uncle's death, MI6 recruits Alex, sending him on various missions across the world.
AGE: 9, 10+. Attracts boys from 4th/5th grade with solid reading ability.
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller. RATING: 5 stars.
NOTES: The series comprises a list of novels as well as graphic novels, short stories, and supplementary books, as well as movies and a video game, and a website. All this makes is an excellent series to get kids reading.
PLOT: A 14-year-old orphan, Alex Rider, discovers that his uncle, a spy with MI6, has been training him to be a spy also. After his uncle's death, MI6 recruits Alex, sending him on various missions across the world.
AGE: 9, 10+. Attracts boys from 4th/5th grade with solid reading ability.
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller. RATING: 5 stars.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Johnny Maxwell series
AUTHOR: Terry Pratchett (U.K.) (1990's)
NOTES: 3-book "Johnny Maxwell" series about Johnny and his friends comprising Only You Can Save Mankind, Johnny and the Dead, Johnny and the Bomb. Humorous (subtle jokes and extra-textual references), and easy to read.
ISSUES: death, friendship, trust, family, community.
PLOT: (Johnny and the Dead) Johnny, who can see dead people (but not in a creepy "I see dead people" way), tries to help the "ghosts" buried in his local cemetery when plans are made to redevelop the land.
AGES: 7-12 (younger children would need to be more advanced readers, and not too sensitive regarding the unknown and supernatural). Still enjoyable for older children and even adults.
GENRE: Fantasy, Horror, Humor RATING: 5 stars
NOTES: 3-book "Johnny Maxwell" series about Johnny and his friends comprising Only You Can Save Mankind, Johnny and the Dead, Johnny and the Bomb. Humorous (subtle jokes and extra-textual references), and easy to read.
ISSUES: death, friendship, trust, family, community.
PLOT: (Johnny and the Dead) Johnny, who can see dead people (but not in a creepy "I see dead people" way), tries to help the "ghosts" buried in his local cemetery when plans are made to redevelop the land.
AGES: 7-12 (younger children would need to be more advanced readers, and not too sensitive regarding the unknown and supernatural). Still enjoyable for older children and even adults.
GENRE: Fantasy, Horror, Humor RATING: 5 stars
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Superpower series
AUTHOR: Alex Cliff (UK) (2007)
NOTES: The 7-book series covers one day (one superpower/task) in each book. By lining up all 7 books, the back cover creates a board game. Each book contains a paragraph of information about Hercules and other gods, and the topic for each book (Namean Lion, etc).
ISSUES: friendship, good vs evil, ancient mythology.
PLOT: Two young boys, Max and Fin, discover Hercules trapped in a castle, imprisoned by the goddess Juno. By using one of his powers each day, they must complete a task set by Juno in order to return Hercules' powers to him and set him free. Eg: In Book 1: The Jaws of Doom, Max and Fin use Hercules' power of strength to capture a saber-toothed (Namean) lion.
AGE: 6-9, or 10 y.o with low reading ability. Will attract younger boys with advanced reading skills in particular.
GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure. RATING: 3 1/2 stars.
NOTES: The 7-book series covers one day (one superpower/task) in each book. By lining up all 7 books, the back cover creates a board game. Each book contains a paragraph of information about Hercules and other gods, and the topic for each book (Namean Lion, etc).
ISSUES: friendship, good vs evil, ancient mythology.
PLOT: Two young boys, Max and Fin, discover Hercules trapped in a castle, imprisoned by the goddess Juno. By using one of his powers each day, they must complete a task set by Juno in order to return Hercules' powers to him and set him free. Eg: In Book 1: The Jaws of Doom, Max and Fin use Hercules' power of strength to capture a saber-toothed (Namean) lion.
AGE: 6-9, or 10 y.o with low reading ability. Will attract younger boys with advanced reading skills in particular.
GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure. RATING: 3 1/2 stars.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Boy In The Striped Pajamas
AUTHOR: John Boyne (Ireland) (2006)
NOTES: A perfect beginners introduction to the topic, and pertinent to any age child studying the 2nd World War, written from the perspective (and in the language) of a 9-year old boy. It also lends itself to discussion, as much of the detail is only alluded to (people falling down and not getting up, people disappearing after going on marches) and exact names are not used ("the Fury" and "Out-With"); a 9-y.o. reporting on something he doesn't fully understand.
ISSUES: friendship, family, the holocaust (death, starvation, etc).
PLOT: Written from the perspective of 9-year-old Bruno whose father is a commandant in the German army and assigned to work at a concentration camp, living in a house just outside the fence of the camp. Bruno ends up befriending a Jewish boy through the fence.
AGE: For ages 9-109, but intellectually and emotionally the child needs to be mature enough to process it.
GENRE: Historical Fiction. RATING: 5 stars
NOTES: A perfect beginners introduction to the topic, and pertinent to any age child studying the 2nd World War, written from the perspective (and in the language) of a 9-year old boy. It also lends itself to discussion, as much of the detail is only alluded to (people falling down and not getting up, people disappearing after going on marches) and exact names are not used ("the Fury" and "Out-With"); a 9-y.o. reporting on something he doesn't fully understand.
ISSUES: friendship, family, the holocaust (death, starvation, etc).
PLOT: Written from the perspective of 9-year-old Bruno whose father is a commandant in the German army and assigned to work at a concentration camp, living in a house just outside the fence of the camp. Bruno ends up befriending a Jewish boy through the fence.
AGE: For ages 9-109, but intellectually and emotionally the child needs to be mature enough to process it.
GENRE: Historical Fiction. RATING: 5 stars
Monday, June 21, 2010
Harry Potter series
AUTHOR: JK Rawlings (UK)
ISSUES: friendship, trust, magic, good vs evil, family, 'coming-of-age', choices, shouldering responsibility, child-adult mentor relationships
NOTES: a 7-book series, together with movie versions. Incredibly well-written and detailed.
PLOT: A young boy who sees himself through the eyes of his aunt, uncle and cousin as a nobody discovers that he is actually a wizard, and a famous one at that. As the character develops through each book, we discover that he has been destined practically from birth to battle the most evil wizard the world has ever known.
AGE: Read-aloud from age 8 (depending on child's maturity and ability to handle elements of terror). Children can read for themselves from as young as their reading ability allows them (generally about 10). The increased length of the later books naturally attracts an older reader.
GENRE: Fantasy, with elements of sci-fi, horror, and supernatural. RATING: 6 (out of 5) stars!!!
ISSUES: friendship, trust, magic, good vs evil, family, 'coming-of-age', choices, shouldering responsibility, child-adult mentor relationships
NOTES: a 7-book series, together with movie versions. Incredibly well-written and detailed.
PLOT: A young boy who sees himself through the eyes of his aunt, uncle and cousin as a nobody discovers that he is actually a wizard, and a famous one at that. As the character develops through each book, we discover that he has been destined practically from birth to battle the most evil wizard the world has ever known.
AGE: Read-aloud from age 8 (depending on child's maturity and ability to handle elements of terror). Children can read for themselves from as young as their reading ability allows them (generally about 10). The increased length of the later books naturally attracts an older reader.
GENRE: Fantasy, with elements of sci-fi, horror, and supernatural. RATING: 6 (out of 5) stars!!!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
28 Days Later: The Aftermath (GN)
AUTHOR: Steve Niles
ISSUES/NOTES: A graphic novel based on the movie of the same title. Visually violent. Themes of science gone wrong, violence, death, fleeing for your life.
PLOT: When a science experiment goes wrong, a "rage virus" is released into the city of London, resulting in aggressive-vampire/zombie-like behaviour (lots of blood and killing).
AGES: 13+
GENRE: Graphic novel/Horror. RATING: 4 stars.
ISSUES/NOTES: A graphic novel based on the movie of the same title. Visually violent. Themes of science gone wrong, violence, death, fleeing for your life.
PLOT: When a science experiment goes wrong, a "rage virus" is released into the city of London, resulting in aggressive-vampire/zombie-like behaviour (lots of blood and killing).
AGES: 13+
GENRE: Graphic novel/Horror. RATING: 4 stars.
The Sandman Library series (GN)
AUTHOR: Neil Gaiman (USA)
NOTES: A dark series comprising 10 volumes. Topics deal with death, sex, dreams, killing, legends, mysteries. Contains nudity and violence.
AGE: Recommended for mature readers only (not only because of the topics, but the language used is also fairly advanced). Young adult (15/16+).
GENRE: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller RATING: 5 stars.
NOTES: A dark series comprising 10 volumes. Topics deal with death, sex, dreams, killing, legends, mysteries. Contains nudity and violence.
AGE: Recommended for mature readers only (not only because of the topics, but the language used is also fairly advanced). Young adult (15/16+).
GENRE: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller RATING: 5 stars.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Go Ask Alice
AUTHOR: Anonymous (USA). PUBLISHED: 1970's
ISSUES: drugs, family, friendship, trust and betrayal, homelessness, running away, addiction, death.
NOTES: The diary of a drug addict. Easy to read, and gives an interesting insight into teenagers. A good book for discussion and analysis of issues of being a teenager. In particular note the fact that the girl was a "follower" and from that you can discuss how and why children need to build strength-of-character and self esteem.
AGES: Recommended for ADULTS who work with children, or have them.
For children: minimum age 12, depending on maturity.
GENRE: Non-Fiction (supposedly)/Realistic Fiction. RATING: 4 stars.
We All Fall Down
AUTHOR: Robert Cormier (Australia).
ISSUES: teenage alcoholism, extreme vandalism (home invasion), assault, sexual attraction/first love, divorce, abduction, murder. Quite graphic at times. Not recommended as a read-aloud.
NOTE: it is on some schools' "banned book" list.
PLOT: A gang breaks into a house and vandalises it. When a young girl returns home unexpectedly, she is assaulted and pushed down stairs, going into a coma. The story follows her sister, and one of the vandals.
AGES: Recommended for highschoolers, ages 15+, for mature audiences only/parental guidance recommended.
GENRE: Thriller. RATING: 5 stars.
Conspiracy 365 Series
AUTHOR: Gabrielle Lord (Australia)
INFO/ISSUES: A 12-book series (one for each month); also has its own website http://www.conspiracy365.com. Issues of death, running away, solving a mystery, friendship, family, trust. Suspenseful, but in a "safe" way.
AGES: Recommended for boys ages 10-15, or as a read-aloud-to-the-class for ages 10-14. Might attract reluctant male readers.
INFO/ISSUES: A 12-book series (one for each month); also has its own website http://www.conspiracy365.com. Issues of death, running away, solving a mystery, friendship, family, trust. Suspenseful, but in a "safe" way.
AGES: Recommended for boys ages 10-15, or as a read-aloud-to-the-class for ages 10-14. Might attract reluctant male readers.
PLOT: "They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days." A 15 y.o. boy must race against time (and the 'baddies' - thugs and police) as a wanted fugitive to solve the mystery of his father's death and a centuries-old family secret.
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Mystery. RATING: 5 stars.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Week 1: What Lies Ahead
Is this just going to be another blog where some random person writes random things about studying? No.
Being a life-long lover of books, and now being in the process of making it my profession, the goal of this blog is to inform people about the power of reading, give links to information about books, and review quality books. Quality being defined as not only value for money, but those books you can be assured will not be shelf-sitters. I hope that eventually this blog might be a place grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, and even other teachers might come to when considering what book/s to buy the children in their lives.
I'm not sure if the layout limitations of blogger will allow the lofty dreams I have, and knowing myself I'm not sure if my own limitations of time, concentration, and perseverance will allow this blog to last more than a few months. We'll see.
Being a life-long lover of books, and now being in the process of making it my profession, the goal of this blog is to inform people about the power of reading, give links to information about books, and review quality books. Quality being defined as not only value for money, but those books you can be assured will not be shelf-sitters. I hope that eventually this blog might be a place grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, and even other teachers might come to when considering what book/s to buy the children in their lives.
I'm not sure if the layout limitations of blogger will allow the lofty dreams I have, and knowing myself I'm not sure if my own limitations of time, concentration, and perseverance will allow this blog to last more than a few months. We'll see.
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