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...