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!

Little Big Planet Video Game for PlayStation

Media Molecule. (2008). Little big planet. Japan: Sony Computer. 

Summary

LittleBigPlanet is a world of creations that was created by the 8 creator curators, unfortunately, one called the "collector" went rouge and is stealing the other creators creations and is not sharing them with the world. The game is revolved around a character known as "Sackgirl or Sackboy". The game is built with different levels that players play but they are also able to manipulate the environment and even their own character. A really fun part of this game is the fact that players can decorate their own "pod houses" with stickers and fun decorations. Even though I didn't get past the "play mode" my tween daughter, again, kicked my behind and was able to pass the tutorials and continue with the rest of the game. Figures. 

Review

I am so glad that my hubby bought this for my daughter. It is so fun, creative, and for those of us who really suck at video games, easy to use. For parents, this is a great way to share the positivity of life. This game makes players aware of sharing, caring, friendship and working together towards a common goal. Tweens will love the freedom of creating their own character, house, and goals and they will get a kick out of the sound track and extra perks that along with this game. 

Genre

Video Game

Interest Level

Tween-All Ages

Similar Games

Rag Doll King Fu

ModNations Racers

Super Mario series

Annotation

LittleBigPlanet is taking over our small world!

Epic Mickey Video Game for the Wii

Junction Point Studios. (2010). Disney: Epic mickey. California: Disney Interactive Studios.

Summary

Epic Mickey is an open ended platform game that allows players to use their own solutions for getting through the levels. The main feature of this game is Mickey's magical paint brush that has the ability to create or erase objects or players in the game. The game is set in a paper and pen world called Cartoon Wasteland which was created by the sorcerer Yen Sid for all things that have been forgotten. Out of curiosity, an unknown Mickey mouse enters Sid's workshop through a mirror in his house and sees a model of the land Sid created. He also sees the magic paintbrush and he accidentally ruins the model that Sid created. Many years later, and now a superstar, Mickey is visited by an evil force and a now mad sorcerer, and is taken to the Wasteland where he must recreate areas and characters that have been destroyed by the two. 

Review

We are a Disney loving family and we bought this on the day it was released. It is super hard for me to play but super easy for my tween...go figure!! It is a great game for fans of Disney and it's colorful history. I like playing it just to see characters that never quite made it to the limelight or got there and fell quickly. My younger son like just playing with the magic paintbrush which is a whole game in itself. Disney is one of those ageless treasures that people of all ages can have fun with. 

Genre

Video Game

Interest Level

Tween/All ages

Similar Games

Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts II

Final Fantasy games

Annotation

Mickey Mouse will save the forgotten!

LEGO Rock Band for the Wii

Harmonix Music Systems Inc. (2010). LEGO: Rock band. Massachusetts: Harmonix Music Systems Inc..

Summary

Fans of the Rock Band craze will be rocking out as they try and build a band and rock the universe. Players get to create their own rockstars, roadies and managers as well as pick their own songs to complete. When players successfully complete their challenges they unlock fun presents which can include fancy vehicles and instruments as well as perform in backyard venues to packed out large stadiums. 

Review

I love Rock Band. It is a great game to play with family, friends, or even by yourself. My tween loves it too and she loves trying new instruments, new songs, and new attire. This is a great game to give tweens creativity to have an alter ego. They have the freedom to create clothes, hairstyles and lifestyles for their avatars, and control where they perform and the music that they play. This game is safe, easy to navigate, and is a great way to have budding personalities shine. 

Genre

Video Game

Interest Level

Kids/Tweens

Similar Games

Rock Band

Guitar Hero

Dance Dance Revolution

Annotation

This game is a great way for tweens to experiment with choosing their own clothing, musical tastes, choice of vehicles, and hang out spots in a safe and creative way.