The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis

The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis
by Barbara O'Conner
Published: 2009
ISBN: 978-0374370558

Have you ever been so board that you might die? Popeye has felt like this for a long time, living with his grandmother in Fayette, South Carolina. Life changes when a motor home gets stuck in the mud near their house. Popeye befriends, Elvis, the boy of this loud, eccentric, and interesting family. The two decided that they are in need of an adventure, which begins when they see a boat made of chocolate milk containers, filled with secret messages, float by in the creek. They need to find out who is sending these? What do they mean? This is an American adventure, which many young kids dream about. Part of their adventure is realizing what they have in life is better than they think and they build a friendship on very little.

Waiting for Normal

Waiting for Normal
by Leslie Conner
Published: 2008
ISBN: 978-0060890902

Addie is a 12-year old girl who wants something simple…to be normal. However, her mother is doesn’t make it easy. Her mother is bipolar and nothing is easy with her, she’s either high or low, but never normal. Things have gotten worst since “Mommers” divorced Dwight, Addie’s stepdad, and her half sisters moved away. This is just the beginning of “Mommers” erratic and neglectful behavior. Addie’s hope and courage to find something more pushes her to survive in this depressing environment. This is a sad story of child neglect and selfishness, but its heartwarming feeling that there is always something to look forward to when there are people who love you. At times this story is difficult to read, but you won’t want to put it down. This is another California Young Reader Medal Nominee 2011-2012.

Every Soul a Star

Every Soul a Star
by Wendy Mass.
Published: 2008.
ISBN: 978-0316002561

All three of them saw the same solar eclipse, but all three have a different story to tell. Ally, Bree, and Jack are all at Moon Shadow Campground when the witness the eclipse, but all three are very different. Bree is an aspiring model who only thinks about her reputation, Jack an artist type who loves to read, and Ally’s family owns the campgrounds, where she lives a sheltered life. The three characters cross paths through the story, but each chapter is a narrative of one of them. All three began to grow and learn more about themselves. This is a wonderful coming of age story, where the characters are well liked and are relatable to many different readers. This is a California Young Reader Medal Nominee for 2011-2012.

RIDEMAKERZ- website

RIDEMAKERZ

http://ridemakerz.com/

RIDEMAKERZ is a virtual community where kids of all ages can create and race, customize cars. Students have the ability to make all different types of cars, using all different features to make their favorite car. The site is a safe, monitored site for kids to. There is no chat capability, however the site did create a way to communicate through “Z-motes.” Larry Andreini, the CEO describes it as “we have developed car-centric phrases and effects called Z-motes, which can be used for communication and expression.” This site is directed toward boys, who have an interest in building, race, and model cars. This allows boys to have the freedom to be creative, learn from experience people in the car industries, and learn more about cars. This is a fun, unique and well managed site for tween boys.

Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective

Nancy Drew Graphic Novels: Girl Detective
By Stefan Petrucha and Sho Murase
ISBN: 978-1597070003 (one of many)
Graphic Novel


The classic mysteries that captivated young girls for years have been revamped. Nancy Drew has a new look and so do the pages of her novels. Nancy Drew is busy solving mysteries and crimes, but through a comic book format. This graphic novel attracts tween girls to read graphic novels, which they rarely read. Girls are able to relate to the young, brave and smart Nancy Drew, as they did many years ago, but now she has come across the pages in full form. Each story has a new mystery and new adventures. There are twenty one new mysteries to choose from, however I do feel that these take away from the idea of creating one’s own setting and creating one’s own pictures in your head. To interest the boys they have also re configured the Hardy Boys into graphic novels.

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes
By Brandon Mull
Published 2011
ISBN:978-1416997924
Fantasy Fiction

Jason is just your average 13 year-old boy, but all this changes when he falls into the mouth of a hippopotamus and finds himself in a mysterious world. This new world is called Lyrian, which is ruled by an evil wizard, Maldor. When Jason comes across a book made from human skin, his average life changes. As he and Rachel, both beyonders, search for the magic word which will stop Molders evil rule and help save Lyrian and the heroes who live there, which have been under his power for too long. The book is full of adventure, magic, and excitement, like Brandon Mull's previous books. This is the first book in Mull's new series, his second series after his widely popular Fablehaven. Students love this fantasy fiction, with original characters and adventure.

Dork Diaries

Dork Diaries (3 Titles, soon to be 4th)
1) Tales From a Not so Fabulous Life (2009)--978-1416980063
2) Tales From a not so popular Party girl (2010)--978-1416980087
3) Tales From a Not so Talented Pop Star (2011)--978-1442411906
by Rachel Renee Russell
Fiction

Nikki J. Maxwell is just starting a new, private school and like most new girls, is having trouble finding friends. Through her diary we hear all the trials and tribulations she endures as she tries to be friend the popular girl McKenzie, crushes on the hot boy, is denied a cell phone from her mom, plays tricks on her little sister, and finds friends that aren't her first choice, but are perfect for her. With black and white drawing and a narrative approach, this book is very similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. Kinney’s popular series target boys, where as Dork Diaries is geared toward girls. In each of Russell’s diaries, we see how tween girls deal with the complexities of life and growing up. The fourth book will be released in June 2011, and a 5th in the fall of 2011. My final thought about the book is, although these books are highly popular, I was concerned that the main character, Nikki, acted out "mean girl" behavior. I do not feel this is a good message for tweens.

Kids and Teens against bullying

http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/

http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/

These two sites are produced and managed by PACER, Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center unites, engages, and educates communities nationwide to address bullying through creative, relevant, and interactive resources. The two sites are designated by age levels, kids and teens. Both sites deliver the important information about bullying but in a way that is most appealing to that specific age group. The kids site has bright colors, interactive games, printable color sheets, cartoon based web-episodes, and much more. The teen site has real teens with voice-overs for each link, the colors are darker, there is an option to share creative writing, share personal stories, a blog, and examples of different types of bullying. Both sites, kids and teens, have a petition users can sign which states The End of Bullying starts With Me, celebrities who have shared their feelings about bullying, and links for parents to support their child. These sites are directed toward the users and their interests, many users have already contributed to the site, as well.

Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way

Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way
By Patti Kelley Criswell
Published: 2009
ISBN: 978-1593694821
Non-Fiction

Many people think that bullying is centralized with boys and girls don’t deal with such harassment and cruelty. However, girls have become the biggest offenders when it comes to hurting and tormenting others. This book helps girls learn how to identify bullying and how they can stop the bullying rather than be a part of the problem. The book is published by the American Girl Corporation, which is a wonderful company that empowers girls. In this guide for girls there are quizzes, quotes from real girls, and "what would you do?" scenarios give readers lots of ideas for dealing with bullies, including clever comebacks and ways to ask adults for help. There is also an anti-bullying pledge for girls to sign, plus tear-out tips to share with their parents. Girls can read this on their own or with a group of friends. There are tips on how to help others as well as yourself. American Girl products are such a hit among girls that the book may hold more creditability then others, because girls are already interested in the American Girl Brand. I do feel this book is directed toward a certain demographic of young girls. I do not think it reaches girls who are more sports driven or tomboyish. Also, the recommended reading level is ages 9-12, however it seems to be directed more toward the 9 year olds. The book is well written and designed specifically for girls.

Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies

Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies
By: Jay McGraw
Published: 2008
ISBN: 978-1416974734
Non-Fiction

Bullying has becoming an increasingly major problem in and out of schools. On the internet, on playgrounds, and in schools across the country, thousands of elementary and middle school kids are picked on, teased, and harassed by bullies. Bullying is something that can jeopardize a child's development, emotionally, mentally, and socially. However, having the tools and support to help stop bullying, will encourage their development and a easier childhood. In Jay McGraw's Life Strategies for Dealing with Bullies, McGraw helps kids identify potentially harmful situations and deal with bullies through tips, techniques, and examples that apply to real-life situations. McGraw’s approach is to have parents become a part of the solution be reading his book first, then having their child read the book and as a team the two discuss bullying and how the child will handle the issue. Jay doesn't just speak about the bullies -- he also speaks to the bullies themselves to help them change their ways. McGraw includes Journal Exercises to encourage the in depth thinking and enhance the lesson being taught. I did like how McGraw describes the many different examples and types of bullying and not all are as obvious as others. I was surprised in his approach that teachers, administrator and other adults should be accountable for bullying that occurs on school grounds, but as a school librarian much of the bullying occurs away from adult supervision and the victims are often to afraid to talk with adults. He did, however include a section on how children can communicate with adults.

Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-downs

Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-downs
by Sandra McLeod Humphrey and Brian Strassburg
Published: 2007
ISBN: 978-1591025696
Non-Fiction

Hot Issues, Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Put-downs is an engaging collection of stories, which demonstrates real life issues kids face today. The stories empower the reader and encourage positive ethical and moral discussions between tweens and adults. The stories involve; peer pressure, bullying, and harassment. This book is great for kids who are on both sides of the “cool” measure, those who are popular and those who aren’t. The stories where gathered from parents, teachers and actual students who shared their own struggles. Although the children are not real and the school is not real, the stories are real and each story depicts “Hot Issues” children encounter every day. At the end of each story the author includes thought provoking questions in questions called; More to Think About and Trading Places. These questions force children to think more deeply about the issue and how they might handle the same issue. These stories can be read by tweens or parents and teachers can use it as a teaching tool. At the end of the book the author concludes the lessons with a section titled; Afterword. This section gives an overall understanding of what Bullying is and how it is changed over time. There are also examples and techniques students can use to help those who are being bullied and how to avoid bullies. This book creates a connection through its stories and further challenges the reader to think about their actions in similar situations. This book is a great tool to have in any library or home.

Bullies to Buddies: How to Turn Your Enemies into Friends

Bullies to Buddies: How to Turn Your Enemies into Friends
By Izzy Kalman
Published: 2005
ISBN: 978-0970648211
Non-Fiction

Kalman takes the position and idea that, "When victims stop being victims, bullies stop being bullies." He advocates living by the Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated) and seeks to empower students by teaching them to turn anger into humor, fear into courage, and enemies into friends through verbal exchanges and body language. There are four sections; "Understanding Life," "General Rules," "Some Good Advice," and "Specific Situations." In each section there are related multiple-choice quizzes organize the themes. To enhance engagement and relate to a younger audience there are humorous spot drawings scattered throughout. What surprised me about Kalmans approach is he discouraged kids from telling adults that they are being browbeaten unless stealing or extreme physical violence is involved; “telling is said to be unhelpful and even counterproductive.” This makes sense, but it’s a different approach then I have heard. The larger picture of bullying outside of the school is explored as well, but there is no discussion of discerning abuse that is mental and emotional from the more easily recognized form of childish insults. This is book for schools who are at a moderate level of bullying, not for schools where bullying has taken on more extreme measures of guns and knives, however it does have some good ideas for quelling youth anger. This book is an easy read, but more directed toward teachers and for teaching skills to deal with bullying. Kalman empowers the victims and identifies how to deal with bullies.

Website- Soul Shoppe

http://www.soulshoppe.com/

Soul Shoppe supports school communities by providing interactive programs and tools that teach students powerful learning and life skills. These assemblies make students think. The student’s definition and idea of what and who a bully is changes through out the program. They are taught how to deal with bullies, how to help others who are being bullied, and how to stop being a bully. The program also teaches students ways to deal with their feelings, how to build confidence and how to achieve your goals. This program is a series of steps, assemblies, and school commitment meetings. In addition to working with students, we also support staff by creating and facilitating dynamic staff development trainings that give teachers the necessary tools to implement academic and personal growth. There is a fee for this program.

Website- Kidshealth

http://kidshealth.org/teen/

Teen/KidHealth is a safe, private place for teens who need honest, accurate information and advice about health, emotions, and life. It is accessible 24 hours a day so you can get the doctor-approved information you need to make educated decisions — or help a friend who needs advice. These sites, run by the nonprofit Nemours Center for Children's Health Media, provide accurate, up-to-date health information that's free of "doctor speak." The site is easy to navigate and has great information. The search feature makes finding answers simple and easy. When searching the term Bully there were 36 results found, which all pertained to bullying in someway. There was also information about how to deal with cyberbullying.

Website-Its My Life

http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/friends/bullies/


It’s My Life website is produced by PBS Kids. The site is an interactive site for kids 10 and up. There are a wide range of topics discussed on the page, from alcohol, to eating disorders, to bullies. Each topic has a designated page where tweens can find information, share their stories, read about other people’s experiences and find answers on how to deal with the issue. On the bully page, there is a description of what bullying is, whose a bully?, who’s a target? how to handle it, and many more question about bullying. There is also Beat the Bully game, video link to watching others share their experiences with bullies, a blog for kids to interact with one another, there is also an option to see the material in Spanish. There is a link which posted hot-lines to call and organizations to visit if the tween is in need of help. There are also a list of places tweens can go to help others and volunteer their time and efforts in stopping bullying. This site has a lot of great information and answers for questions about bullying, but it also has a lot of great interactive options, so tweens can be a part of solving the bully problem rather than just being told what to do.

Website- Stopbullying.gov

http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/index.html


“StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and others in the community can prevent or stop bullying(www.stopbullying.gov).” This is an officially US Government Website, which is managed by Department of Health & Human services, with collaboration from the Department of Education and Department of Justice. The site has links for specific visitors; kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators and members of the community. Each person is an important role in stopping the bully epidemic and each link is directed toward that specific demographic, through visual effects, colors and information. The site also describes the different types of bullying, what is being done nationally to prevent bullying, and what he or she can do to stop bullying.

Payback

Payback
By James Heneghan
Published: 2007
ISBN: 978-0888997012

Fiction

Thirteen-year-old Charley Callaghan is coping with some difficult changes. His family has recently moved to Vancouver from Ireland, and his mother has died of cancer. Now he is desperately trying to fit in; in a new school, a new city, a new country. All the while holding a part-time job and keeping an eye on his little sister, Annie. Charley's red hair and Irish accent at first make him a target of the class bullies, but he is relieved when the bullies find a new target, Benny Mason. Benny is feminine and may be gay, but Charley keeps hoping that Benny will defend himself. Charley fails to intervene when the bullying worsens. When Benny commits suicide, Charley is overcome with remorse and guilt. He visits Benny's single mom, Joanna, but instead of confessing, finds himself trying to make amends by doing chores, running errands and befriending Benny's little brother. Charley’s story is familiar with many kids, watching and doing nothing is almost as bad as the bullying. Charley is trying to “payback” Benny’s mother and lessen his guilt. This is a touching story, with relatable characters, which readers can connect with.

Confessions of a Former Bully

Confessions of a Former Bully
By Trudy Ludwig
Published: 2010
ISBN: 978-1582463094

Fiction

Through this fictional scrapbook/ diary, Katie finds herself where no child wants to be, in the principal’s office with both her parents. She was caught bullying a friend on the school playground, she must meet with the school counselor once a week. Through these meetings Katie learns what it means to bully. Using the scrapbook design Katie shares what she is learning and takes notes on facts and topics important for the readers; what bullies maybe thinking when it comes to physical, emotional, and cyberbullying; why people bully others; and what tools kids can use when they experience or witness bullying. The pages are full of doodles, jotted notes, and related quotes which add to the format and approach to bullying. The author creates an educational and informal book about bullying, but also adds a character which is relatable to readers. At the end of the book the author includes a letter to parents and readers, with resourceful websites and further reading.

Gifted

Gifted
By Beth Evangelista
Published: 2008
ISBN: 9781561454600

Fiction


George Clark would be the first to tell you that he is gifted. He is about the smartest eighth grader in his school and has science-fair ribbons to prove it. For someone so smart, his social skills are not as balanced. Most of the time he is protected from bullies he annoys with his loud mouth since his father is the school principal. However, he is going on a class trip without his dad. The journey to the camp is relatively uneventful; even the football team isn't picking on him for a change. George thinks that just maybe the guys are coming around. They talk him into the game of smearing mustard all over the teacher chaperone; however, George gets set up big time and has to do chores for punishment. To retaliate, he locks the Bruise Brothers in an unused bunker–then he's glad to be around the teachers. When the campers have to evacuate, things take a terrible turn when George is attacked and left behind. He finds shelter and, in the storm, finds one of his tormentors severely injured. George helps him and, in the process, has a change in attitude. George’s life makes a change that he never expected. This is a great story with an uplifting moral.

Dog Sense

Dog Sense
By Sneed B. Collard III
Published: 2008
ISBN: 9781561454600

Fiction

A story about learning to deal with conflicts and challenges in an unfamiliar environment and to accept changes in life that are beyond control. Thirteen-year-old Guy's favorite hobbies were skateboarding, surfing, and playing video games with his friends, but that was in California before his dad left and he and his mother moved in with Grandpa. Kids in Montana don't do the same things and, besides, he has no friends. Brad, the school bully, is using him as his own personal punching bag. He eventually becomes friends with Luke Grant, who suggests that Guy's Border collie might be a good candidate for the annual Frisbee-catching contest. Since Brad's German Sheppard is the current favorite, Guy's entry intensifies their rivalry. When he bets Brad for ownership of his beloved pet, readers share his desperation to beat the bully. An easy read with believable characters, the story has enough action to keep reluctant readers interested.

Manolito Four-Eyes

Manolito Four-Eyes

By Elvira Lindo

Published:2009 & 2010
ISBN:
978-0761457299
978-0761454700
978-0761456513

Fiction

10-year-old Manolito tells about his experiences at home, in school, and in his Madrid neighborhood. "Don't try to be different." That's what Manolito's mother tells him. She also describes him as “born talking.” Manolito can't help it, that’s just how he is and it shouldn’t be a surprise since he was named after his father’s truck. In this three set series Manolito is telling his story of his daily experience and the situations he goes through. Whether he's fighting over the One-and-Only Susana with his best friend, Big Ears; trying not to fight with Ozzy the Bully; telling his entire life story to the school psychologist; sharing a room with his "whole lotta cool" grandpa; or discovering the true meaning of World Peace - ten-year-old Manolito is a real original. As he would say, in the worldwide world, there's nobody like him! Manolito was original published in Spain in 1994 and has recently been translated into English. This is a self narrative of a boy who is not afraid to be who he is…no matter what people say.

The Savage

By David Almond

Published: 2008

ISBN: 076363932X

Fiction

After his father dies, Blue Baker starts writing a story. His counselor encourages him to write his feelings, but instead he creates a tale about a savage who lives in his town in an old ruined church. The Savage runs wild around town killing animals and stealing desert. Through the Savage, Blue can expresses his feelings and actions about his life that he never would do otherwise. Like how dealing with bullies. Blue is a character that many readers can easily relate to. He has problems in his life, but he also has good things, like his mom and sister. Even thought he thinks he is not writing about his feeling after his father’s death, he is by using the savage as a portrayal of himself….readers will understand that. The interesting thing that almond does with Blue’s story is to writing it as a child would, with crude font and misspelled words.

Professional Reading- LGBT youth

I feel that we discussed most all major issues concern tweens in today’s society. I had trouble thinking of an area which need more focus/ However, as I was looking through articles I came across this article from the School Library Journal; Rainbow Project and Pride Picnic Reaches Out to LGBTQ Youth.
We discussed many different demographic groups and how to reach different readers; boys vs girls, reluctant readers vs. avid readers, but the demographic that is often overlooked is the lesbian and gay demographic. Youth are starting to understanding what their sexuality is at an early age, and in today’s society its becoming increasing more accepting to be openly gay. I think it would be interesting to see what other libraries and communities are doing nation wide, to encourage the gay and lesbian population to frequent the library.
“Research tells us that public libraries are often the first place that young people turn to when looking for the information they need, and as a community gathering space, libraries can provide a welcoming supportive and safe environment (Dalgetty, 2009).” It would be beneficial to update and/or create a collection which meets the information needs of the LGBTQ youth. Here tweens can find information about what they are feeling or going through, before they consult with an adult. Also, as Dalgetty stated, libraries are a safe place, with no judgment. Tweens have the freedom of finding information without the watchful eye of parents or friends.
Yanez explains that some LGBT youth are not represented in their libraries which deter them from being active library users. At many libraries there are few print materials for these tweens to check out, especially fiction material. Also, at some libraries there are restrictions on internet use, some gay and lesbian sites are often blocked from users. To feel comfortable in a place a person need to feel represented and symbolized. It’s also the librarian’s job to understand their community and population, which means representing all demographics of the community.



Dalgetty, Christine Dalgetty. "Rainbow Project and Pride Picnic Reaches Out to LGBTQ Youth." School Library Journal (2009). Online.

Yáñez, Israel. "Library Services to GLBT Youth." (2009). Web.

Professional Reading- Advocacy

Week 13-Advocacy
What is the role of libraries in literacy’s for tweens?

Librarians play a major role on tweens overall attitude toward reading and literacy. A good or bad experience in a library can change the way a tween feels about literacy. The role of the library is to create an environment where tweens can access information and material at their free will, however many times tweens ignore the opportunity that libraries can offer to them.I feel that it is important for librarians to guide tweens in these opportunities. Through book talks, teaching library skills, fun and interactive programs, and getting tweens to be active members in the library can create a positive attitude on libraries, which will in turn create a positive attitude about literacy. I also think the librarian has a major affect on the tweens feelings toward literacy. A librarian who has a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and welcoming attitude can contribute to the tweens experience and overall approach to the library, literacy and reading.

Also it is important to understand tweens and where they are in their developmental stages and cognitive development. Tweens are at the developmental stage where they are trying to pull away from the control of their parents and starting to be independent. Libraries are a place where they have the opportunity to do this. They can choose books they want and have access to materials which is not monitored by their parents. Tweens are at a curious age and the library is a safe place to find the answers they need and want. This will encourage tweens to read more and become more open to new material.