Ninth Ward by Jewell Rhodes

Rhodes, J. (2010). Ninth Ward. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 

Summary

12-year-old Lanesha is an avid student who dreams of becoming an engineer and building bridges for those who need them. Lanesha can also communicate with the dead, including the spirit of her mother who died after giving birth to Lanesha. Lanesha's caretaker, Mama Ya-Ya is a healer and can predict the future. When Mama Ya-Ya senses a large storm coming towards their city of New Orleans, both Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya must trust their gifts and close bond in order to survive Hurricane Katrina. 

Review

Wow! The dynamics of the characters, settings, magical elements, and foreboding disaster will capture even the most reluctant readers! Readers already know the terrible outcome of Hurricane Katrina but with the clever and honest writing, readers will truly believe this story of magic and heart. Readers who only saw the disastrous Hurricane Katrina on television will be able to live through this disaster in a suspenseful and haunting way. 

Genre

Fiction

Readers Age/Interest Level

9-13 years/ Tween

Similar Books

Moon over Manifest- Clare Vanderpool

One Crazy Summer Day- Rita Williams Garcia

I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005- Lauren Tarshis
Awards

2010 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award

Selected as one of the best books of 2010 by School Library Journal

2010 Parents Choice Foundation Gold Award

2010 Al Roker “Today Show” Book Club Selection

2011 Brown Bookshelf 28 Days Later selection

Readers Annotation

Lanesha can see spirits and Mama Ya-Ya can predict the future and together they must trust their special gifts and incredible bond to survive the nearing disaster of Hurricane Katrina. 

39 Clues: Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

Riordan, R. (2008). Maze of bones: the 39 clues. California: Scholastic. 

Summary

The Cahill family has set the course of history for hundreds of years and when their beloved Aunt Grace dies, orphans Dan and Amy are faced with an unusual choice: immediately inherit one million dollars or participate in a tedious and possibly dangerous modern day treasure hunt. Against the wishes of their guardian and unpleasant Aunt Beatrice, the siblings decide to accept the challenge and work together to decipher the first 39 clues. They soon realize that the quest is a whole lot deeper than they ever thought!

Review

Tweens and I love a great mystery and this series has it ALL! This book unfolds at such a super fast pace that readers will be racing to the nearest library to read the next book! This modern day treasure adventure gives children a chance to help solve clues, learn about historical figures, and debunk urban legends. Detailed accounts of their crazy adventure are awesome and kids will shudder and laugh at the siblings trek through the maze of bones.

Genre

Mystery

Reading Age/Interest Level

9-13 years/ Tween

Similar Books

The 39 Clues series- Rick Riordan

Calder Game- Blue Balliett

The Sherlock Files- Tracy Barett

Characters

• Amy (Age 15) and Dan (Age 11): They are the grandchildren of Grace Cahill. They became orphans when their parents died in a fire seven years earlier. Since that time, they have been in the care of their mean aunt Beatrice, before traveling to find the 39 Clues.

• 
  

• Grace Cahill: She is the Cahill's grandmother. She has traveled all over the world, and settled in Attleboro, Massachusetts. This book starts with a scene of her dying, and in the last minute, changing her will. 

• 
  

• • Alistair Oh: He is an aged, Korean inventor (most proud of his invention: microwavable burritos) and is from the Ekaterina branch. He is also Amy and Dan's "uncle", with his father being a half-brother with Grace's father. 

• • 
    

• Ian and Natalie: They are both from London, UK.

•  Ian and Natalie both have cinnamon-complexion skin, amber eyes, and jet-black hair. They are both Lucians, with their parents, Isabel and Vikram, being the branch leaders.

• 
  

Irina Spasky: She is a former Russian KGB spy. Irina is known for her poison fingernails and for her sneakiness. She is also part of the Lucian branch.

Jonah Wizard: He is a superstar singer/actor and is always with his dad, Broderick Wizard. He had starred in the reality show "Who Wants to be a Gangsta?".

Eisenhower, Mary-Todd, Hamilton, Madison, and Reagan Holt: They are the strongest team in the quest. Eisenhower and Mary-Todd are the parents of Hamilton Pierre, Madison, and Reagan. Arnold, the family pit bull, is also considered as member of the family.They are all in Tomas. 

 Ned, Ted, and Sinead Starling: They have freckled faces and they always wear identical preppy clothes. They were put out of the hunt on the second day, due to an explosion caused by the Holts in a Philadelphia museum. They are part of the Ekaterina branch.

Nellie Gomez: She is the Cahill's au pair. Amy and Dan enlists her to be their guardian on the 39 Clues quest, unknowingly at first, but she later decides to help the children. She is of Mexican and French decent. 

William McIntyre: She is Grace Cahill's mysterious lawyer, advisor, and closest confidant. 

Readers Annotation

Everyone has a special person in their family, but what if you found out that Abraham Lincoln, Marie Curie and even Benjamin Franklin were all part of yours?!!? 

After All, You're Callie Boone by Winnie Mack

Mack, W. (2010). After all, you're callie boone. New York: Feiwel and Friends. 

Summary

Eleven year old Callie has the weirdest family on the block, her BFF dumped her for a more popular friend, and a humiliating belly flop leaves her banned from the community pool. Callie yearns for a friend who still chooses adventure over boys. When a new neighbor moves in next door, Callie is hopeful that things will get better. 

Review

If readers can get past the drama filled and sometimes whiny voice of Callie Ann, they will be surprised and pleased how well the author weaves the drama and insights into this realistic book about growing up. 

Genre

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level/ Interest Age

9-12 years/ Tween

Similar Books

Turtle in Paradise- Jennifer Holm

Love, Audrey- Suzanne LaFleur

The Wonder of Charlie Anne by Kimberly Fusco

Fusco, K. (2010). The wonder of charlie anne. New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers. 

Summary

When Charlie Anne's mother dies, her older cousin Mirabel arrives to take care of her and her siblings. Unfortunately, Charlie Anne's life is turned upside down with chores, reading assignments about charm and grace, and she finds any place to escape. When the family splits up in order to make ends meet, Charlie Anne is forced to make friends with the eccentric lady next door and her African American ward, Phoebe. During this growing friendship, Charlie Anne begins to understand that the world around her is not always fair and pleasant for all. 

Review

Readers will read about the impact that poverty and bigotry has on families during the Depression and Charlie Anne gives a perfect tween reaction to this unfairness. When Charlie Anne stands up and confronts this unfairness, tweens will cheer between the pages!

Genre

Historical Fiction

Reading Age/Interest Level

9-12 years/ Tween

Similar Books

Moon over Manifest- Clare Vanderpool

Bud, Not Buddy- Christopher Curtis

Readers Annotation

It is up to Charlie Anne to prove to the town that hearts are always able to change and grow. 

The Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

Preus, M. (2010). Heart of a samurai. New York: Amulet Books. 

Summary

Manjiro is only 14 years old when a terrible storm washes him and his four companions onto a tiny island after a simple fishing expedition. They are eventually rescued by an American whaling ship but both groups distrust one another. The captain, William Whitfield, forges a bond with Manjiro and when he asks him to come along, Manjiro gives up everything that he knows and sets sail for America making him the first Japanese person to reach America. 

Review

What can I say? I am a sucker for a great adventure at sea. This is a great book for tweens to read about the first person from Japan to visit America in 1843. They will become motivated as they read about someone who started with nothing and took a chance that changed his life and the history of the world. 

Genre

Historical Fiction

Reading Age/Interest Level

10-13 years/Tween

Similar Books

Ship Breaker- Paolo Bacigalup

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon- Grace Lin

The Samurai Kids series- Sandy Russel

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T Anderson

Anderson, M.T. (2006). The astonishing life of octavian nothing: the pox party. New York: Candlewick Press. 

Summary

Octavian has grown up with his mother Cassiopeia, an African princess, in an educated household, surrounded by scientists and philosophers in colonial Boston. Unfortunately, Octavian finds out that his whole life has been a lie. He is being "groomed" in a terrible experiment that is trying to prove that despite education and a great upbringing, African Americans will always be inferior to the European race. When the experiment goes awry, Octavian and his mother are put under the watchful and hateful eye of Richard Sharpe. When a terrible fate is bestowed upon Cassiopeia, Octavian joins the Colonial Army and fights for the freedom of African Americans. 

Review

This was a terrible yet wonderful story about the determination of Octavian and his fight for equality. Tweens, teens, and even adults will want to throw this book against the wall at the same time of running to pick it up and finish reading it. This book is written in a very strong manner, and the language is intriguing yet easy to read. Tweens will relate to Octavian as he tries to do good and fight for what is right. His character will show tweens that everyone can make a difference. 

Genre

Historical Fiction

Reading Age/Interest Level

12-18 years/Tween-Teen

Similar Books

The Absolute Diary of a Part Time Indian- Sherman Alexle

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation
Characters

• Octavian: A boy of African descent, and technically a slave in the Gitney household, although he is brought up in luxury for much of his childhood. He is very skilled at the violin, quiet, and is fluent in Latin, French, and Greek.
• Cassiopeia: Octavian's Mother and an "African princess" known for her superior wit. At age 13 and pregnant, she was sold into slavery and purchased by Mr. Gitney.
• Mr. Gitney (03-01): The head of the Novanglian College of Lucidity and the owner of Cassiopeia and Octavian.
• Dr. Trefusis (09-01): Octavian's classics teacher.
• Lord Cheldthorpe: A Lord from England who comes to the colonies to see if he wants to continue the monetary support that his deceased uncle formerly provided for the Novanglian College of Lucidity. He has an especial fondness for Cassiopeia, but she refuses to return to England with him when he says that they can not marry; he quarrels with Octavian and Cassiopeia, who are brutally punished. He then refuses to continue support the Society.
• Bono: A slave in the Gitney household whose full name is "Pro Bono", because when his mother was purchased she was pregnant, so he was an added "bonus". Bono and Octavian become good friends, and when Bono is sold to a Southern owner, he leaves Octavian with a means to escape.
• Mr. Sharpe: The man funds the Novanglian College of Lucidity when Lord Cheldthorpe refuses to continue his support. He strives to prove that Africans are inferior to please his plantation-owning patrons in the South.

Awards

National Book Award Winner 2006

Michael L. Printz Winner and Honor Book

Readers Annotation

The part of history that you never read about. 

Pendragon: The Merchant of Death by D.J MacHale

MacHale, D.J(2002). Pendrahon: the merchant of death. New York: Alladin Publishing. 

Summary

The story takes place in the Denduron territory which, other than having three moons, is exactly like Earth. This book is the first in the series and has two different subplots, one is Bobby's adventures in Denduron and the other is on Second Earth where Bobby's friends, Mark and Courtney, live and they communicate with each other through Bobby's journals. 

The story begins when Bobby Pendragon is taken by his uncle Press to an abandoned subway station where he discovers that he, like his uncle, is a traveler with the ability to travel through space and time. At the station, Bobby is taken to a world called Denduron where evil Saint Dane is starting a war between the ruling Bedoowan and the enslaved Milago miners. As soon as they arrive, Bobby is captured and scheduled to be executed. 

Review

Soooooooo, great! This book is easy to read, very fast paced, and readers will fall in love with Bobby and the other strong characters introduced in this book. Fans of Harry Potter and Charlie Bone will love this series and will finish wanting more. 

Genre

Fantasy

Readers Age/Interest Level

10-13 years/Tween

Similar Books

Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Coifer

Harry Potter series- J.K Rowling

Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo
Characters

Robert "Bobby" Pendragon - The main character of the story, a 14-year-old boy from Second Earth. He doesn't want to be part of his destiny as traveler but he has to accept it for all the territories. Especially Second Earth. Bobby always seems to mess things up but he is brave and has smart thinking. Bobby is very brave throughout the whole book.

Saint Dane - The villain of the story, an evil Traveler capable of shape-shifting. His goal is to bring chaos to Halla and re-build it for himself. Halla is everything that separates good from evil. It is very common of Saint Dane to make himself in a important position so he can create war and chaos on the inside feeding information and causing wars in all the territories.

Press Tilton - Bobby's uncle. A very experienced Traveler, who helps Bobby learn as he becomes one. He is one of the older generation of Travelers, so he is able to answer most of Bobby's questions. Later, he told Bobby that he was not his real, blood-related uncle. All the Milago look up to him and he will always fight for the good of things.

Mark Dimond - Bobby's best friend from Second Earth; described as a science nerd, long black hair that "always looks as if it should be washed", and extremely intelligent. He is the one Bobby sends all his records to while he is in other territories. He teams up with Courtney to help their friend.

Courtney Chetwynde - Another of Bobby's friends from Earth and his love life; described as doing pretty well academically with the exception of math, and is amazing at sports. She is Bobby's friend, girlfriend, and wife. She teams up with Mark Dimond.

Loor - The traveler from Zadaa. She is described as an extremely attractive warrior. Loor travels to Denduron with her adoptive mother to help stop Saint Dane. She shuns Bobby because of her mothers death, but later makes up with him. She is very mean to Bobby but when he does a heroic act at the end, Bobby is forgiven

Readers Annotation

Not a great family reunion.....

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister by Jenny Nimmo

Nimmo, J. (2002). Charlie Bone: the time twister. New York: Orchard Publishing. 

Summary

Charlie discovers new dimensions of his magical powers as he helps Henry Yewbeam, a magically transported relative from 1916, escape from the Red King's wrath. Just as in the first book, Charlie can hear voices in paintings and now he has discovered that he can enter them as well. Old characters are present as well as new ones like the jealous Ezekiel who uses the time twister to his evil advantage,

Review

I started reading this series after finishing the Potter books but it is still not doing much for me. The story and characters are eerily familiar to the Harry Potter series but always seems to fall a little short. Even re reading this book for the second time, I am still more confused then ever. 

Genre

Fantasy

Reading Age/Interest Level

10-13 years/Tween

Similar Books

Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo

Keys to the Kingdom- Garth Nix

Bartimaeus Trilogy- Jonathan Stroud
Characters

Charlie Bone: Descended from the Yewbeams and a Welsh magician that was friends with the red king, Charlie can hear voices of people in photographs or go into photographs.

Manfred Bloor: A student at Bloor's Academy, he is a hypnotizer.

Asa Pike: A student at Bloor's, Asa can change into a beast at dusk.

Billy Raven: Also a student, Billy can understand and talk to animals.

Lysander Sage: A student, he can call on his spirit ancestors.

Emma Tolly: Until recently, her name had been Emilia Moon. Emma can become a bird. She turns into a fictional bird called the tollroc and saves Olivia and Henry. She has a crush on Tancerd Torrson.

Fidelio Gunn: An unendowed student, although he is the lead violinist at Bloor's and a good friend of Charlie.

Olivia Vertigo: An unendowed student at Bloor's, she's in drama and is one of Charlie's friends.

Tancred Torsson: A student, he can make, bring, or change the weather.

Paton Yewbeam: A power-booster, he is the only Yewbeam that favors Charlie.

Mr. and Mrs. Onimous: Together, they run the Pet's Cafe on Frog Street. Their 5-year-old niece, Una, is endowed.

Cook: The friendly cook at Bloor's Academy who helps Henry when he was at Bloor's after the Time Twister stopped.

Henry: Charlie's unendowed great-great uncle. Henry is transported forward in time by his cousin, Ezekiel Bloor.

James:Charlie's unendowed great grandfather. Brother of Henry and Daphne, who died of diphtheria.

Readers Annotation

Just when Charlie is trying to live with his newly discovered magical powers, he is thrown for a loop when a simple marble can change destiny. 

The Pricker Boy by Reade Whinnem

Whinnem, R. (2009). The Pricker Boy. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers.

Summary

14 year old Stucks and his best friends Pete live year round at a sleepy lakeside community and await the summers when all the "summer kids" come and hang out. Stucks and Pete love listening to ghost stories around the campfire, especially one about The Pricker Boy. Legend tells a tale of a boy who was lured by a mean joke into the dark woods and got caught in an animal trap. When he didn't return, searchers found only blood and ripped clothes laying about, there was no sign of the boy. Now, Pricker Boy seeks revenge and he has found the perfect group of boys to seek it on. 

Review

Author Whinnem is great at making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and his silence between words is scary and believable. I was constantly looking over my shoulder while reading this and I would sleep with all of the lights on for a whole week after reading this book. Tweens will devour this book the same way they devour anything written by R.L Stine. 

Genre

Horror

Reading Age/Interest Level

10-13 years/Tween

Similar Books

Monstrumologist- Rick Yancey

Coraline- Neil Gaiman

Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror- R.L Stine

Readers Annotation

Not your typical ghost story around the campfire! You will need all the lights on for this one!

Do Something: A Handbook for Young Activists by Nancy Lubin


Lublin, N. (2010). Do something: a handbook for young activists. New York: Workman Publishing Company.
Summary
The organization Dosomething.org has put together a great resource for kids to get out in their community and "do something". Readers will become motivated after reading through hundreds of ideas to better themselves and the world around them. The book breaks down ideas by age, organization, and even ideas on how to come up with their own ideas.
Review
This book really brings to light how easy it is for kids to really make a difference. It is a great motivator and encourages kids that they are needed, important, and valuable. As a volunteer coordinator for the library where I work at, I use this book to motivate my volunteers and to offer suggestions for other places in case I am full. My favorite part is the quiz section that helps pin point their "thing". It is written in a hip and down to earth way and it will encourage kids to think outside of the box.
Genre
Non-Fiction
Reading Age/Interest Level
9-16 years/ Tween/Teen
Similar Books
The Kids Volunteering Book- Arlene Erlbach
Kids Volunteering Book- Arlene Erlbach
Readers Annotation
After reading this book, everyone will be able to look beyond requirements and want to help out for the better good.

The Jumbo Duct Tape Book by James Berg


Berg, J. (2000). The jumbo duct tape book. New York: Workman Publishing Company.
Summary
The all and all of everything duct tape. This book is pure genius and author Berg tells readers, "if it ain't stuck, and its supposed to be, duct tape it" and he is not kidding. Readers learn how to use duct tape for ordinary handy work, awesome fashion, wallets, hairbands, and even flowers for Mothers Day. Instructions are easy to follow, ideas are popular for tweens, and this is a great book to bring together whole families and friends as they create wacky things out of duct tape.
Review
Who knew that duct tape could be so easy to use and manipulate into something awesome? Tweens will have a blast using mom and dad's duct tape and their own imagination to create awesome craft ideas. These ideas are easy, cheap, and great for those who lack creative juices!
Genre
Non-Fiction
Reading Age/Interest Level
9-18 years/ Tween/Teen
Similar Books
Stick It!: 99 DIY Duct Tape Projects- T.L Bonaddio
Ductigami: The Art of the Tape- Joe Wilson
Readers Annotation
Duct tape is no longer for just fixing things....

Guysread.com

Scieszka, J. (2010). Guysread.com. Retrieved from http://guysread.com/.

Summary

Awesome author Jon Scieszka along with other fellow authors of boy books came together to create a website dedicated to all of those reluctant boy readers. Users can access lists of books for boys, books of the month, blogs and news just for boys. Parents and educators will also benefit from advice on starting programs for boys, facts on boys and reading and links to other websites that brings books and boys together. 

Review

As a parent and librarian bringing together books and boys us a huge feat and a huge accomplishment. I have used this website in the past for program ideas and reproducible book lists. It is a shame that this website hasn't been updated since 2010 but I decided to still include it in this blog because the book lists and facts are still as popular as ever. 

Genre

Website

Reading Age/Interest Level

8-13 years/Tween

Similar Websites

Scary, Gross, and Enlightening: Books for Boys- www.kn.att.com

Boyslife.com

Readers Annotation

Just when you thought boys and books don't mix, popular funny man Jon Scieszka will prove you wrong. 

www.nick.com

Nickelodeon. (2011). Nick.com. Retrieved from http://www.nick.com/.

Summary

Nick.com is a website owned and developed by Nickelodeon. It showcases updated information on the newest shows, stars, music, games, and events. Users can easily navigate show schedules, news on their favorite stars, and message boards where they can share their questions and comments with one another. The best part is that users can watch their favorite shows and any episodes that they may have missed. 

Parents must be give permission for their tweens to access the message boards and any inappropriateness is taken down immediately. 

Review

I figure if I am forced to watch these shows with my tweens, I should be aware of what exactly this station is all about. It is easy to use, safe for my tween, and a great way for tweens to get better at technology and programs like message boards. When tweens want access to the message boards parents must give permission and by doing so, get daily updates on their child's actions. 

Genre

Website

Reading Age/Interest Level

9-13 years/Tween

Similar Websites

Nickjr.com

Cartoonnetwork.com

Awards

Beacon Award

Broadcast Designers Association 2001-2002

Judge's Choice Webby Award

Readers Annotation

Can't get enough of Selena or Big Time Rush, turn to Nick.com and get even more of your favorite starts and shows. 

Guinness World Records 2011: Gamers Edition


Guinness Book of World Records. (2011). Guinness book of world records 2011: gamer's edition. New York: Brady Games
Summary
A gamers paradise! From world records of highest scores, biggest tournaments, and largest cash prizes won ever, readers will spend more time reading these awesome facts than playing their game systems! This book also includes detailed game strategies, codes, bizarre facts, and incredible game trivia.
Review
Anything that gets my tween to put down her controllers is great by me! Tweens will go nutso for the hundreds of gaming facts, trivia, and insane world records that are in this book. Just like the other Guinness Books, not one space is left uncovered with fun facts and crazy pictures and tweens will devour cover to cover in one read!
Genre
Non-Fiction
Reading Age/Interest Level
8-13 years/Tween
Similar Books
Guinness Books of World Records series
The Ultimate History of Video Games- Steven Kent
100 Most Awesome Things on the Planet- Steven Kent
Reading Annotation
From record breaking games to a detailed review of 2011 in the gaming world, tweens will finally get off of the couch!

Draw Manga by Carlie Huy Ta


Huy Ta, C. (2009). Draw manga: 6 books in 1: draw people, robots, fantasy and more. Australia: Hinker Books.
Summary
Everything Manga, art lovers, and Japanese animation fans will ever want and its all jammed packed in one book. These six volumes include everything from learning to draw people, monsters, robots, and even Japanese fashion. Drawings are very easy to follow and even the novice drawer will create something awesome.
Review
Perfect for Japanese Manga and drawing lovers. This book is never on the library shelves and is always sold out in bookstores because it has everything you have ever needed or wanted. This book is great for tweens because it is so hard to find appropriate Manga drawing books for their age group. Parents will feel safe purchasing or checking out this book for their child and will probably sneak a try at their artistic abilities when they're not looking.
Genre
Non-Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Age
9-18 years/ Tween-Teen
Similar Books
Kids Draw Manga- Christopher Hart
Kids Draw Manga Shoujo- Christopher Hart
Draw Manga for Kids- Peter C. Gray
Readers Annotation
Manga and Fantasy and Drawing- Is there a combination that has more appeal for tweens and budding artists?

Tales of the Cryptids:Mysterious Creatures by Halls, Spears, and Young


Halls, Spears & Young. (2006). Tales of the cryptids: mysterious creatures that may or may not exist. Los Angeles: Darby Creek Publishing.
Summary
Pictures, facts, and first hand "accounts" of legends like Bigfoot, Nessie, Chupacabra, and other crazy cryptids fill the pages of this great book. Readers will love the hilarious conversational text, great pictures and drawings of these weird creatures, and enticing history and background of creatures like the Giant Squid and the Mongolian Death Worm.
Review
I love anything weird. I read all books about legends, monsters, ghosts, and cryptids and what tween doesn't love weird and unusual creatures that suck the eyeballs out of sheep or furry men that scratch at back doors and eat the neighborhood cats? This is a great book that introduces mythology, legends, and sheer silliness to tweens and even readers my age.
Genre
Non-Fiction
Reading Age/Interest Level
8-13 years/ Tweens
Similar Books
Cryptid Hunters- Roland Smith
The Official Cryptid Field Guide- Golden Books
Encyclopedia Horrifica- Joshua Gee
Readers Annotation
For all of those monster hunters, disbelievers, and creepy crawlers...

The Gift by James Patterson


Patterson, J. (2010). The Gift. New York: Little Brown and Company.
Summary
This book picks up where the book Witch and Wizard leaves off and Whit manages to save his captured sister before her execution. Now Whit and Wisty Allgood are running away from "The one who is the one" and using their recently discovered magical powers to find and join the rebel forces at the same time of running from the brutal government who are chasing them.
Review
I have always been a fan of Patterson and was pleased that he started writing for tweens and teens. Although this book gets readers off to a great start, there are weird holes in the storyline and characters that make absolutely no sense. Some of the instances in this book are a bit ugly and extreme and are better suited for his adult novels. I think I will still give this another shot, but it is definitely better for the older tweens and teens.
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Age/Interest Level
12-18/ Older Tween/Teen
Similar Books
Witch and Wizard series by James Patterson
Maximum Ride series by James Patterson
Daniel X: Demons and Druids by James Patterson
Readers Annotation
Whit and Wisty barley escaped with their lives from the forces of the totalitarian regime, New Order, and they must join forces to save those that share the same magical abilities and secrets. 

Smile (graphic novel)- by Raina Telgemeier

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. California: Scolastic/Graphix
Summary
This graphic novel covers the first five years following the author's accident that resulted in the loss of her two front teeth. She has to go through tortuous oral surgeries, embarrassing implants, false teeth, and headgear. To make matters worse, Raina is going through the equally painful adolescence full of body changes, first crushes, and major awkwardness.
Review
Never before have I read such an eerily similar version of my tween years! I was awkward, needed braces and headgear and middle school was horrible! It wasn't until I grew out of the awkward phase did I realize that I was actually not that cool, which could have fooled me because I had great friends who treated me the way I treated them! This book is a great graphic novel that sums up the painful adolescent stage perfectly.
Genre
Graphic Novel
Reading Age/Interest Level
9-13 years/Tween
Similar Books
Amelia Rules series- Jeff Gownley
Dork Diaries- Rachel Renee Russel
The Popularity Papers- Amy Ignatow
Awards
Nominated for the Eisner Award for Best Published Books for Tweens- 2011
Boston Globe Horn Book Awards for Excellence in Children's Literature- 2011
Author Information
Raina Telgemeier grew up in San Francisco, and moved to New York City to study illustration at the School of Visual Arts. Her comics have been nominated for the Ignatz, Cybil, and Eisner Awards, and have appeared on the web, in magazines, and in various anthologies. She is the adaptor and illustrator of the Baby-sitters Club graphic novels, which were selected by YALSA for their Great Graphic Novels for Teens list in 2006, as well as ALA's Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth list.
Readers Annotation
Middle School is already full of changing bodies, first crushes, and major awkwardness, add embarrassing head gear and false teeth and you have a story that beats all.

Amelia Rules (graphic novel) - Jimmy Gownley

Gownley, J. (2010). Amelia Rules: Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular. New York: Athenum Publishing.
Summary
Amelia McBride returns in this all new hilarious adventure to stay above being a social outcast that stems from her best friend Rhonda's try at being popular. Amelia and Rhonda consult the "Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular" in their quest to stay "normal". She tries everything, new hairstyles, attitudes and friends with determination and humor, but realizes that she is happy with the way that she is.
Review
I am a bit partial to this graphic novel series because my tween is also names Amelia and her and Amelia McBride are exactly alike in their mishaps and adventure. This volume shows the importance of being popular in middle school but the even more important discovery of being true to oneself. Whether Amelia and her best friend Rhonda are trying out for the cheerleading squad or running away from an angry mob, readers will laugh out loud and relate in more ways then they think.
Genre
Graphic Novel
Reading Age/Interest Level
9-12 years/Tween
Similar Books
Amelia Rules series by Jimmy Gownley
Babymouse series by Jennifer Holm
Babysitter's Club series by Ann. M. Martin
Readers Annotation
Amelia is just trying to stay below the radar in middle school but then disaster strikes and she must prove to her peers that she is not unpopular, but just being herself. 

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Spinelli, J. (2002). Stargirl. New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Summary
Susan is an eccentric and bizarre new classmate at Area High School, a school that prides itself on popularity and conformity. She wears costumes to school, drops change on the sidewalk for those who need it more than her, and she cheers for both teams because she doesn't like winning. Nicknamed Stargirl, she is nothing like anyone has ever experienced and everything that Leo has ever wanted. Throughout the school year Leo tries to get others to accept Stargirl for who she is but when that fails, he begins to look at her the same way others do and finds himself trying to change her, and himself.
Review
I love anything by Spinelli and this book does not disappoint. Tweens need books like this that show them that being different is ok. This book shows that individuality is a hard thing to hold onto during a time where everyone wants to be like everyone else and Stargirl shows them that middle school is a great place to express themselves.
Genre
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Reading Age/Interest Level
9-12 years/Tween
Similar  Books
Love, Stargirl- Jerry Spinelli
The Great Gilly Hopkins- Katherine Paterson
Loser- Jerry Spinelli
Awards
New York Time Bestseller
Parents Choice Gold Award Winner
ALA Top 10 Books Award
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Characters
Leo Borlock- The narrator of the book. Fell in love with Stargirl.
Susan "Stargirl" Caraway - a new face to Mica Area High School. Stargirl is different from everyone else at MAHS. She captures Leo Borlock's heart by just one smile. She brings the idea of individuality to MAHS, something that the school has never encountered before, and the student body is not always sure how to grasp it.
Cinnamon- a friendly rat that is Stargirl's most cherished companion and sidekick. He listens to Stargirl and does what she says.
Barney - an ancient, 60 million year-old, Paleocene era rodent skull that Archie keeps around to prove a point throughout the book, until the end, when Barney is buried.
Mr. McShane - Mica High's faculty representative to the state contest. He drives Stargirl and Leo to Phoenix, Arizona where the state competition is held.
Hillari Kimble - the girlfriend of Wayne Parr. She cannot stand Stargirl, hating her for the attention she gets .
Dori Dilson - the best friend of Stargirl Caraway. At first, she is very shy, but Stargirl helps her to open up more towards others.
Wayne Parr - the boyfriend of Hillari Kimble. In terms of achievement, he is a nobody. When asked by Kevin on Hot Seat what his inspiration is, Wayne answers that it is the magazine GQ.
Archie Brubaker - a teacher who works on Saturdays. He is a retired paleontology professor whose home, full of bones, is open to the students each Saturday. An old man who knows his stuff. Archie can be confusing since he is a man of riddles.
Kevin Quinlan - the best friend of Leo Borlock. He is the host of Hot Seat. Kevin is one of the few who continue to acknowledge Leo while he is dating Stargirl.
Peter Sinkowitz - the boy who lives across the street from Stargirl. Peter is a little boy that Stargirl keeps an eye on. She takes random pictures and notes about him for a scrapbook she will give him when he comes to an age at which he can appreciate it.
Señor Saguaro - the giant cactus that grows in Archie's backyard. When Leo and Kevin go to Archie for answers to their problems, Archie turns to Senor Saguaro for help and advice.
Mallory Stillwell - the captain of the MAHS cheerleading squad. She invites Stargirl to be a cheerleader after Stargirl wows her classmates with stunts at football games.
Readers Annotation
Would you change who you are in order to fit it? Even if that meant losing everything you believed in, including yourself?

The Forge- Laurie Halse Anderson

Anderson, L. (2010). Forge. New York: Antheneum.
Summary
Fifteen year old Curzon Smith, freed from slavery during the Revolutionary War by stubborn Miss Isabel Finch, is stuck in another ordeal when he ends up saving the life of a young Patriot in 1777 after battling the British and won. Because of this he is made a member of the 16th regiment of the Continental Army and spends the winter with them. Readers are given first hand accounts of the grueling winter of 1777-1778 and the lack of food, supplies, and hope among the soldiers. Then, if by fate or by very bad luck, both Curzon and Isabel are captured and must devise a plan of escape.
Review
Readers of Speak or Wintergirls will be pleasantly surprised at Anderson's second historical fiction book. Forge is a great account of one's search for freedom, both for their fellow man and for themselves. This book can either be read after Chains, or it can be read as a stand alone novel.
Genre
Historical Fiction
Readers Age/Interest Level
13-18 years/Tween-Teen
Similar Books
(PREQUEL) Chains- Laurie Halse Anderson
Moon Over Manifest- Clare Vanderpool
Woods Runner- Gary Paulsen
Awards

• Junior Library Guild Selection
• Kirkus Best Book for Teens: Historical Novels 2010
• The Horn Book Fanfare List Best Book of 2010
• YALSA 2011 Best Books for Young Adults
• Readers Annotation
• Just as Curzan escapes his physical prison, he is forced into another as he has to keep is true identity a secret in order to survive. 

www.girlsensse.com

KiddoNet.(2011). Girlssense.com. Retrieved from http://www.girlsense.com/premium/.

Summary

In this digital community, users can create avatars of themselves, design fashion, become interior decorators, and even business people while earning g-cents and chatting with others. Tweens can do all of this with just a click of a mouse. Girlssense.com was created especially for tweens and this website is safe, easy to use, and a great way for tweens to be creative. 

Review

It is so hard to find appropriate websites for my tween and I researched this website through and through until I deemed it safe for my daughter. She was thrilled, and I was impressed by the awesomeness of this website. It has everything a tween girl could want, fashion, music, design, and making money! Another great aspect of this website is that tweens can talk to other tweens safely and parents get updates every time their tween access any part of this website. A great way for tweens to express themselves. 

Genre

Website

Reading Age/Interest Level

9-13 years/Tween

Similar Websites

www.Stardoll.com

Readers Annotation

Tweens are known to be stuck in the middle of everything, but this website gives tweens the freedom to express themselves safely and in way that fits them. 

The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero- Rick Riordan

Riordan, R. (2010). The lost hero. California: Disney-Hyperion.
Summary
New demi-gods at Camp Half-Blood, Jason, Piper, and Leo are just coming to understand their knew powers and abilities. Just as in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, there is a great back story and present upheaval of the Gods. Realizing that their parents are in their Roman personae rather than Greek throws them for a loop as they must rescue Hera, Queen of the Gods, or Porphyrion, who is a giant king created to destroy Zeus, will rise and kill all those who stand in his way.
The three take their adventure throughout the United States as they battle monsters and evil Gods, and grow and deal with their own inner battles of tween angst. Oh yeah, Percy Jackson is also missing and it is up to the three to find the lost hero.
Review
This is a great twist on the popular Percy Jackson books. Fans will love the fact that they stay true to the original story and characters, and readers still get brief glimpses of familiar characters Percy, Annabeth and Grover. I love the twist of Roman vs. Greek gods since this is always a confusing thing for some kids to understand and that the adventures took place in familiar places. Readers are thrown head first into new battles, new relationships, and new challenges and Riordan has done it again with giving readers a new series to fall in love with.
Genre
Fantasy Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Level
9-12 years old/Tweens
Similar Books
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
The Cronus Chronicles by Anne Ursu
Characters
Jason Grace: Jason, age 15, is a son of Jupiter (the Roman form of Zeus). Jason is the younger brother of Thalia Grace, who is the daughter of Zeus (the Greek form of Jupiter).  He was raised in a different camp who believe in the Roman aspect of the gods. Jason arrives at camp with no memory of his past, his family or his friends. Jason finds out that Hera has erased his memory in order to exchange the best heroes of both camps (the other hero being Percy Jackson) and make them fight together against the Giant's invasion of Olympus.
Leo Valdez- Leo is age 15, and is a son of Hephaestus. Leo is able to conjur and withstand fire, a rare ability gifted by Hephaestus that his siblings suggest may herald catastrophe. He is tormented by the death of his mother and believes his fire conjuring power caused her death. He had a nanny called Tia Callida (who was actually Hera in disguise) who would place him in danger and retell him that his future would determine the outcome of Olympus.
Piper McLean- Age 15, A daughter of Aphrodite. She has the ability to "charmspeak", or talk anything, or anyone, into doing whatever she wants except for other Charmspeakers. Her father is a famous movie star and is kidnapped by the Giants (the monsters). She is in love with Jason Grace and is upset to find all her memories of him were fake.
Readers Annotation
Sometime silence is golden, but not this time.