Title: The Navigator
Author: Eoin McNamee
ISBN: 978-0-375-93910-5
342 pages
Wendy Lamb Books, 2006 edition
Description:
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Osmosis Jones (Film)
Title: Osmosis Jones
DVD, 2001
Starring Bill Murray and Chris Rock
One of the various movies that the librarian gave me when I asked about 'tween' titles, 'Osmosis Jones' is a film that I had never heard of and thus had no preconceived notions.
Description:
The movie is a mix between live-action and animation as Frank (played by Bill Murray) ingests a virus after eating food that he has dropped when on the job at the zoo. He explains to his daughter that the 10-minute rule was still in effect and eats the questionable piece of food. Following the germ into Frank's body, the film becomes animated and the white blood cell Osmosis Jones is on the case. Frank takes a cold medicine called zenadrix (Drix for short) and the odd-couple duo try to get to the bottom of what's making Frank sick. What is really going on is that the evil villain Thrax has infiltrated Frank's immune system and plans on taking over Frank's body. It is up to Drix and Osmosis to save Frank from his own body.
Review:
The mix of live-action and animated sequences is a really neat idea as there is an entire world inside Frank. The animation is pretty slick and the voice acting is done well, with lots of familiar voices. The movie relies heavily (far too much so) on the type of potty humor that is easily found when exploring the body. Some of it is actually pretty filthy given the movies PG rating. For most 'tweens' however, the movie poses nothing really inappropriate. The dynamic between Frank (a single father) and his daughter who is trying to get him serious about his health is the only emotionally significant portion of the movie, and it is talked about so little that it is almost forgotten. Playing up this dynamic would have helped make the experience more rewarding for its' 'tween' viewers and might have made for a better overall film.
DVD, 2001
Starring Bill Murray and Chris Rock
One of the various movies that the librarian gave me when I asked about 'tween' titles, 'Osmosis Jones' is a film that I had never heard of and thus had no preconceived notions.
Description:
The movie is a mix between live-action and animation as Frank (played by Bill Murray) ingests a virus after eating food that he has dropped when on the job at the zoo. He explains to his daughter that the 10-minute rule was still in effect and eats the questionable piece of food. Following the germ into Frank's body, the film becomes animated and the white blood cell Osmosis Jones is on the case. Frank takes a cold medicine called zenadrix (Drix for short) and the odd-couple duo try to get to the bottom of what's making Frank sick. What is really going on is that the evil villain Thrax has infiltrated Frank's immune system and plans on taking over Frank's body. It is up to Drix and Osmosis to save Frank from his own body.Review:
The mix of live-action and animated sequences is a really neat idea as there is an entire world inside Frank. The animation is pretty slick and the voice acting is done well, with lots of familiar voices. The movie relies heavily (far too much so) on the type of potty humor that is easily found when exploring the body. Some of it is actually pretty filthy given the movies PG rating. For most 'tweens' however, the movie poses nothing really inappropriate. The dynamic between Frank (a single father) and his daughter who is trying to get him serious about his health is the only emotionally significant portion of the movie, and it is talked about so little that it is almost forgotten. Playing up this dynamic would have helped make the experience more rewarding for its' 'tween' viewers and might have made for a better overall film.
The Twits by Roald Dahl
Title: The Twits
Author: Roald Dahl
ISBN: 0-14-034640-6
76 pages
Puffin Books, 1991 edition
A favorite of mine and my sister's growing up (not the sister who is currently a 'tween', we have a big family), 'The Twits' is a fun and short book that anyone can pick up and instantly enjoy. While the reading level might be slightly too low for many kids age 9-14, I know plenty of children at my work that are in this age group and would find this level of reading to be right up their alley.
Description:
The Twits are the nastiest kind of people; they don't bathe, Mr. Twit has nearly an entire compost bin of gross, old food stuck in his unkempt beard and they are just generally rotten people. The have a troupe of trained monkeys that they torture relentlessly and force to do their disgusting bidding. The book contains several little stories about the Twits and their mistreatment of their monkeys (called the Muggle-Wumps) whom they make stand on their head all day long. The stories progress in their filth and general horribleness until the Muggle-Wumps have enough and return the favor, so to speak, to their nasty owners.
Review:
Just as short as it is fun, 'The Twits' is a great short read for kids. The Twits are disgusting and hilarious and are nearly as mean to each other as they are to everyone else. There are not really chapters, just small interwoven stories with accompanying illustrations from Quentin Blake. Even for 'tweens' who's reading level has eclipsed books of this sort, 'The Twits' remains a fun option for a rainy day.
Author: Roald Dahl
ISBN: 0-14-034640-6
76 pages
Puffin Books, 1991 edition
A favorite of mine and my sister's growing up (not the sister who is currently a 'tween', we have a big family), 'The Twits' is a fun and short book that anyone can pick up and instantly enjoy. While the reading level might be slightly too low for many kids age 9-14, I know plenty of children at my work that are in this age group and would find this level of reading to be right up their alley.
Description:
The Twits are the nastiest kind of people; they don't bathe, Mr. Twit has nearly an entire compost bin of gross, old food stuck in his unkempt beard and they are just generally rotten people. The have a troupe of trained monkeys that they torture relentlessly and force to do their disgusting bidding. The book contains several little stories about the Twits and their mistreatment of their monkeys (called the Muggle-Wumps) whom they make stand on their head all day long. The stories progress in their filth and general horribleness until the Muggle-Wumps have enough and return the favor, so to speak, to their nasty owners.Review:
Just as short as it is fun, 'The Twits' is a great short read for kids. The Twits are disgusting and hilarious and are nearly as mean to each other as they are to everyone else. There are not really chapters, just small interwoven stories with accompanying illustrations from Quentin Blake. Even for 'tweens' who's reading level has eclipsed books of this sort, 'The Twits' remains a fun option for a rainy day.
Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska
Title: Shadow of a Bull
Author: Maia Wojciechowska
ISBN: 0-689-30042-5
155 pages
Atheneum Books, 1964 edition
This book was recommended to me by my mother and was the first thing she thought of when I told her what a tween was. Winner of the Newbery Medal, this book has been in print for nearly 50 years.
Description:
'Shadow of a Bull' tells the story of young Manolo whose father is the greatest and most revered bullfighter in all of Spain. Manolo's deep dark secret is that he has no desire to fight the bulls, even amidst the pressure from everyone in his community. Not only is Manolo the heir apparent to the the crown of bullfighting, but he also looks like his father thus doubling the efforts of those that would pressure him into the ring. Manolo's friend Juan is an up and coming bullfighter, who shows great promise. In own memorable scene where Manolo witnesses the killing of a Bull which takes minutes but "seems to last a lifetime" we see the gentle side of Manolo and are faced with the reality that we may feel the same as him and would react the same in his shoes. Manolo uses his relationship with his father and his position in his community to gain Juan access to a fight of his own, to which he responds with great success.
Review:
Sort of a strange topic given that the writer is Polish, writing in English, about happenings in Spain. But the story is a wonderfully written one and the reader immediately, from the first page, empathizes with Manolo. Also, one might think that a book about bullfighting would be overly gory for a group as malleable and easily persuaded as 'tweens', but Wojciechowska does a wonderful job to not skirt around the issue so much that the meaning is lost, but does not go into great detail. For instance, she explains one of the killings by saying something along the lines of "then, the life left the beast" instead of explaining in graphic detail. An engrossing tale of the pressures young people face from the family and communities that, despite it's age, has lost none of its' luster.
Author: Maia Wojciechowska
ISBN: 0-689-30042-5
155 pages
Atheneum Books, 1964 edition
This book was recommended to me by my mother and was the first thing she thought of when I told her what a tween was. Winner of the Newbery Medal, this book has been in print for nearly 50 years.
Description:
'Shadow of a Bull' tells the story of young Manolo whose father is the greatest and most revered bullfighter in all of Spain. Manolo's deep dark secret is that he has no desire to fight the bulls, even amidst the pressure from everyone in his community. Not only is Manolo the heir apparent to the the crown of bullfighting, but he also looks like his father thus doubling the efforts of those that would pressure him into the ring. Manolo's friend Juan is an up and coming bullfighter, who shows great promise. In own memorable scene where Manolo witnesses the killing of a Bull which takes minutes but "seems to last a lifetime" we see the gentle side of Manolo and are faced with the reality that we may feel the same as him and would react the same in his shoes. Manolo uses his relationship with his father and his position in his community to gain Juan access to a fight of his own, to which he responds with great success.
Review:
Sort of a strange topic given that the writer is Polish, writing in English, about happenings in Spain. But the story is a wonderfully written one and the reader immediately, from the first page, empathizes with Manolo. Also, one might think that a book about bullfighting would be overly gory for a group as malleable and easily persuaded as 'tweens', but Wojciechowska does a wonderful job to not skirt around the issue so much that the meaning is lost, but does not go into great detail. For instance, she explains one of the killings by saying something along the lines of "then, the life left the beast" instead of explaining in graphic detail. An engrossing tale of the pressures young people face from the family and communities that, despite it's age, has lost none of its' luster.
Toy Story (Film)
Title: Toy Story
DVD, 2010
Starring Tim Allen and Tom Hanks
My younger brother and sister, both in the 'tween' age range, were insisting that I review 'Toy Story 3' for this digital record. But, having not seen the second installment and barely remembering the first, I decided I would do a little reminiscing of my own and revisit the first film in the series.
Description:
'Toy Story' tells a tale set in a world where, when no one is looking, all of the world's toys come to life. Andy is a young boy with plenty of toys, but the old cowboy Woody is his favorite. He doesn't go anywhere without his pal Andy and has even scrawled his name on Woody's shoe (a distinction of honor and contention between Andy and the other toys). This is all fine and well until on Andy's birthday he gets a Buzz Lightyear toy. The coolest space hero and coolest toy in the world, with his "To infinity and beyond!" catch phrase. Buzz Lightyear is not only Andy's new favorite plaything, but he also believes he is a real space hero and that he can really fly and convinces all of the other toys of these beliefs much to the chagrin of Woody. After a mishap at a pizza restaurant the two toys fall into the hands of the vicious and twisted neighbor of Andy; the dreaded Sid. Woody and Buzz must work together to escape their captor and return to their rightful owner Andy.
Review:
Much of the above description may be unnecessary, as this movie is ever so popular. But seeing it again, after 10 or more years, I forgot just how good the music, the voice acting and the story are. An absolutely great movie for kids of all ages. While not a particularly 'tween' title, even though the boy in the picture may be within that 'tween' age range, this movie is fun for your entire family (and I do mean entire). Everyone from the youngest to the oldest, for those who have yet to see it, will enjoy every minute to the very last drop.
DVD, 2010
Starring Tim Allen and Tom Hanks
My younger brother and sister, both in the 'tween' age range, were insisting that I review 'Toy Story 3' for this digital record. But, having not seen the second installment and barely remembering the first, I decided I would do a little reminiscing of my own and revisit the first film in the series.
Description:
'Toy Story' tells a tale set in a world where, when no one is looking, all of the world's toys come to life. Andy is a young boy with plenty of toys, but the old cowboy Woody is his favorite. He doesn't go anywhere without his pal Andy and has even scrawled his name on Woody's shoe (a distinction of honor and contention between Andy and the other toys). This is all fine and well until on Andy's birthday he gets a Buzz Lightyear toy. The coolest space hero and coolest toy in the world, with his "To infinity and beyond!" catch phrase. Buzz Lightyear is not only Andy's new favorite plaything, but he also believes he is a real space hero and that he can really fly and convinces all of the other toys of these beliefs much to the chagrin of Woody. After a mishap at a pizza restaurant the two toys fall into the hands of the vicious and twisted neighbor of Andy; the dreaded Sid. Woody and Buzz must work together to escape their captor and return to their rightful owner Andy.Review:
Much of the above description may be unnecessary, as this movie is ever so popular. But seeing it again, after 10 or more years, I forgot just how good the music, the voice acting and the story are. An absolutely great movie for kids of all ages. While not a particularly 'tween' title, even though the boy in the picture may be within that 'tween' age range, this movie is fun for your entire family (and I do mean entire). Everyone from the youngest to the oldest, for those who have yet to see it, will enjoy every minute to the very last drop.
Lost Time by Susan Maupin Schmid
Title: Lost Time
Author: Susan Maupin Schmid
ISBN: 978-0-399-24460-5
169 pages
Philomel Books, 2008 edition
This book was on a sort of 'featured' table at the public library near my family's house (which is about 45 minutes away from my home in Seattle) and the cover design and jacket looked interesting enough for me to try. I know the mantra "don't judge a book by its cover" should be ringing in my ears, but old habits die hard.
Description:
This is a tale of the planet of Lindos, a world of ancient cultures and deserts of red sand dunes. The story revolves around a young girl named Violynn, whose parents have disappeared after a trip to a famed archaeological site. Violynn is highly suspect of the Arbiter, the powerful ruler of her planet in the disappearance of her parents and a recent break-in at her home. The Arbiter invites her to a masquerade ball and the Coil, a mysterious and powerful figure, also begins to show interest in Violynn. What is so special about her that two of the most powerful beings on her planet have all the sudden become very interested in Violynn? It turns out that some of her father's belongings possess some very powerful information; information that in the wrong hands could prove deadly. It is up to this one 12-year-old girl to save the fate of her planet and to find her parents.
Review:
This book is a strange blend of sci-fi, fantasy and a sort of pseudo-mystery book and, to me, is reminiscent of the works of Ursula K. LeGuin (albeit for children). The length of the book isn't too daunting or unnecessary (like many works of sci-fi/fantasy) yet there is no sacrifice in characters depth or plot development. The mix of genre's and the futuristic technology of the Croon (the ancient civilization) was enough to keep me interested, but the kids will probably relate more to the protagonist Violynn. Although nothing spectacular in terms of breaking new ground, this was a pretty fun book that is recommended for fans of sci-fi/fantasy.
Author: Susan Maupin Schmid
ISBN: 978-0-399-24460-5
169 pages
Philomel Books, 2008 edition
This book was on a sort of 'featured' table at the public library near my family's house (which is about 45 minutes away from my home in Seattle) and the cover design and jacket looked interesting enough for me to try. I know the mantra "don't judge a book by its cover" should be ringing in my ears, but old habits die hard.Description:
This is a tale of the planet of Lindos, a world of ancient cultures and deserts of red sand dunes. The story revolves around a young girl named Violynn, whose parents have disappeared after a trip to a famed archaeological site. Violynn is highly suspect of the Arbiter, the powerful ruler of her planet in the disappearance of her parents and a recent break-in at her home. The Arbiter invites her to a masquerade ball and the Coil, a mysterious and powerful figure, also begins to show interest in Violynn. What is so special about her that two of the most powerful beings on her planet have all the sudden become very interested in Violynn? It turns out that some of her father's belongings possess some very powerful information; information that in the wrong hands could prove deadly. It is up to this one 12-year-old girl to save the fate of her planet and to find her parents.
Review:
This book is a strange blend of sci-fi, fantasy and a sort of pseudo-mystery book and, to me, is reminiscent of the works of Ursula K. LeGuin (albeit for children). The length of the book isn't too daunting or unnecessary (like many works of sci-fi/fantasy) yet there is no sacrifice in characters depth or plot development. The mix of genre's and the futuristic technology of the Croon (the ancient civilization) was enough to keep me interested, but the kids will probably relate more to the protagonist Violynn. Although nothing spectacular in terms of breaking new ground, this was a pretty fun book that is recommended for fans of sci-fi/fantasy.
Space Race by Sylvia Waugh
Title: Space Race
Author: Sylvia Waugh
ISBN: 0-385-32766-8
241 pages
Delacorte Press, 2000 edition
Being a fan of science fiction, I often am partial to select a book merely on the title and just hope that the contents fit my expectations (maybe not the best idea). Anyhow, that is how I chanced upon Sylvia Waugh's book. No recommendation, not even was the book set up differently on the shelf, I just noticed the spine, grabbed and was on my way.
Description:
'Space Race' tells the story of a young English boy names Thomas. Thomas lives a normal life, except that his parents are from what they call the Other Place and sometimes talk about it or say things in the old language. This is not too strange, as many kids' parents are from other countries but, as Thomas will soon find out, his case is quite different.
Thomas' parents are from the planet Ormingat and have been here on Earth since Thomas was quite young. Thomas and his family are going to have to go back to their home planet and his father tries rekindle Thomas' memory of his own people and world. In learning about his alien self, Thomas also gains a great deal of knowledge (and appreciation) for his 'normal' life on Earth.
Review:
To be honest, this was kind of a strange book for me. It is not that the writing was particularly poor or the plot ill-concieved, but for some reason nothing resonated with me. I had little connection to the characters and was hoping to see what their home planet was like. Instead the imminent trip 'home' never gets off the ground and once I realized this was the case, I lost interest. Maybe some kids out there will pick this book up and enjoy it greatly. But, for my money, there are so many other books out there that it is hard to recommend this one.
Author: Sylvia Waugh
ISBN: 0-385-32766-8
241 pages
Delacorte Press, 2000 edition
Being a fan of science fiction, I often am partial to select a book merely on the title and just hope that the contents fit my expectations (maybe not the best idea). Anyhow, that is how I chanced upon Sylvia Waugh's book. No recommendation, not even was the book set up differently on the shelf, I just noticed the spine, grabbed and was on my way.Description:
'Space Race' tells the story of a young English boy names Thomas. Thomas lives a normal life, except that his parents are from what they call the Other Place and sometimes talk about it or say things in the old language. This is not too strange, as many kids' parents are from other countries but, as Thomas will soon find out, his case is quite different.
Thomas' parents are from the planet Ormingat and have been here on Earth since Thomas was quite young. Thomas and his family are going to have to go back to their home planet and his father tries rekindle Thomas' memory of his own people and world. In learning about his alien self, Thomas also gains a great deal of knowledge (and appreciation) for his 'normal' life on Earth.
Review:
To be honest, this was kind of a strange book for me. It is not that the writing was particularly poor or the plot ill-concieved, but for some reason nothing resonated with me. I had little connection to the characters and was hoping to see what their home planet was like. Instead the imminent trip 'home' never gets off the ground and once I realized this was the case, I lost interest. Maybe some kids out there will pick this book up and enjoy it greatly. But, for my money, there are so many other books out there that it is hard to recommend this one.
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