Nickelodeon's iCarly

Bibliography
Catania, J. (Producer). (2007). iPilot. [iCarly]. Los Angeles: Nickelodeon Network.

Running Time: 27 minutes

Plot
13 year old Carly Shay is living in Seattle with her older brother. She and her best friend Sam Puckett are tech savvy tweens who are recently assigned detention at their junior high school when they Photoshop one of their teachers as a rhino. For their punishment they are asked to host and record the applicants for the school’s Talent Show. At the talent show, though, Carly’s friend, Freddie ends up taping them making fun of the teacher in addition to the applicants. After posting the video online, Sam and Carly get more hits than the actual talent show. While they have to answer to the consequences, this sparks a new idea to the tweens, and their new web show, iCarly is created.

Review
The iCarly pilot is typical of tween representations and stereotypes. The adults represented in the show are either inept, overbearing or immature. The tweens seem to have more responsibility than the adults, however the representation of their characters are that of students who don’t feel bad about doing bad things unless they get caught. However, the show does promote tween identity. Carly supports her growth through her use of web shows. The first broadcast promotes weird human tricks amongst their peers who did not make the cut in the school’s talent show. Ultimately, the show is not great but it will appeal to tweens who want to escape reality for a bit.

Genre
Television Show

Reading Level/Interest Level
Should appeal to tweens in grades 5th – 8th.

Similar Content
Other shows on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel such as Hannah Montana and Drake & Josh.

Personal thoughts
I wasn’t a huge fan of this show, but I can understand why tweens would like it.

Subjects/themes
School
Friendship
Identity
Web Shows

Awards
No known awards.

Series information
This show has so far filmed 5 seasons.

Character names/descriptions
Carly (Played by Miranda Cosgrove): Main character and host of the iCarly Show. Lives with her brother Spencer

Sam (Played by Jennette McCurdy): Carly’s best friend. Helps to host Carly’s show. Does not get along with Freddie.

Freddie (Played by Nathan Kress): The boy who lives next door to Carly. Enamored with Carly and agrees to help her with her show since he knows a lot about cameras and videography.

Spencer (Played by Jerry Trainor): Carly’s 26 year-old brother, an artist who really doesn’t have a mature bone in his body.

Annotation
See how the hottest web show on Nickelodeon got its start.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Bibliography
Spinelli, J. (2000). Stargirl. New York: Random House Children’s Books.

186 pages

Plot
Leo Borlock is a freshman at Mica High in Arizona. Leo enjoys high school; he is the director of a student produced television show for the school named Hot Seat. He is not necessarily impressed with popularity, but likes to know he is part of something. All that changes when Stargirl transfers to Mica High. She is an enigmatic girl, finding quirky ways to encourage the student body. Leo is initially drawn to her, but hesitant due to her strange ways. The school initially supports Stargirl, allowing her to join the cheerleading squad and becomes enamored with her ability to find the best in everyone. However, when she begins rooting for both sides in a basketball game, people begin to distrust Stargirl’s sincerity. Can Leo learn to deal with Stargirl’s uniqueness or is his status within the school more important?

Review
Jerry Spinelli’s Stargirl is a touching commentary on social standing and peer groups in high school. Striking a chord, the book looks at the desire for students to be popular at the expense of their true personalities. Spinelli succeeds in his ability to accurately portray high school life, both the good parts and bad, including everyone’s desire to fit in. Even Stargirl wants to fit in, but her idea of fitting in is quite different to others. Spinelli’s characterizations are quite real, and readers will be able to connect with both Leo and Stargirl, seeing both Leo’s desire to fit in with his peers and Stargirl’s need to find happiness.

Genre
Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Level
This book would appeal to readers in 6th-9th grade.

Similar Content
Tangerine by Edward Bloor
Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Personal thoughts
I really liked Stargirl, it was fun and I liked how Leo was still able to find hope in the end.

Subjects/themes
Individuality
High School Life
Relationships
Coming of Age
Popularity

Awards
ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults

Series information
Spinelli wrote a sequel entitled, Love, Stargirl.

Character names/descriptions
Leo Borlock: A young freshman trying to find his way in high school.

Stargirl: Transfers to Mica High and changes the way the high school and its individuals see themselves by being herself.

Archie: A mentor to both Leo and Stargirl, helping them find themselves during high school.

Annotation:
High School is hard enough to fit in, but what happens when a girl strives to be different, strives to be herself?

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Bibliography
Speare, E. G. (1958). The witch of blackbird pond. New York: Dell.

223 Pages

Plot
Kit Tyler is a young girl living with her grandfather in Barbados in 1687. However, when her grandfather suddenly dies, she is left to fend for herself. Remembering that her aunt and uncle live in New England she leaves for the colonies. For the majority of the journey, Kit keeps to herself, befriending only Nathaniel, the captain’s son. But her friendship is short lived upon arriving to Westerfield and meeting her aunt and uncle. Having come before her letter her relatives are surprised by her sudden appearance. However, they take her in expecting her to abide by their Puritan beliefs. Kit initially does her best to help her cousins and relatives but life is so different than what she expected.

Review
Elizabeth George Speare’s The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a historical fiction novel about the early years of the American Colonies and the Salem Witch Trials. Considered a classic novel the story first develops Kit’s character through her experiences with her aunt and uncle. The story does not necessarily focus on the witch trials until the latter half of the novel. Speare does an excellent job creating a historical novel which can be easily read for pleasure. The characters are loosely based upon historical events which allow Speare to flesh out the characters rather than molding them to real people. Like Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, The Witch of Blackbird Pond also asks readers to evaluate the paranoia that surfaced as a result of hysteria.

Genre
Historical Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Level
This novel would appeal to readers in 5th – 7th grade.

Similar Content
Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Johnny Tremain by Ester Forbes

Personal thoughts
I really liked this book as a kid. The book is a bit dated, but I still thought the book was fun to read. The historical references to the witch trials are not necessarily accurate, but I think it allows readers to get a feel for the characters and a loose idea of the time period. The book is considered a classic in historical fiction, and I wanted to read this over other ones like Johnny Tremain or Caddie Woodlawn.

Subjects/themes
Coming of Age
American Colonies
Witch Trials

Awards
Newbery Award Winner

Series information
No sequels.

Character names/descriptions
Kit Tyler: A young girl who moves from the Caribbean to New England to stay with her aunt and uncle’s.

Nathaniel Eaton: The Ship’s captain of the Dolphin. Becomes friends with Kit.

Hannah: A Quaker living on Blackbird Pond. Since she is a bit of an outsider compared to the Puritan Community, the community treats her as an outsider.

Prudence Cruff: A child who becomes friends with Kit, Nat and Hannah even though her family is against it.

Annotation
The village of Westerfield is not ready for the witch of Blackbird Pond.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Bibliography
Rowling, J. K. (1997). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Scholastic.

384 pages

Plot
Harry Potter is an orphan, living with his aunt and uncle Dursley. His relatives have little respect for him, leaving him to spend his time in a little room under the stairs of their house. He is expected to be neither seen nor heard in the Dursley residence. However, all that changes when a mysterious letter keeps popping up at the house. Mr. Dursley tries his utmost to keep the letters from Harry by vacationing on a remote island. Nevertheless, a large giant appears on the island informing Harry of the letter’s contents: he is a wizard. Now Harry’s life is forever changed, he is suddenly to go to Hogwarts, a school for wizards, but will he be able to fit in?

Review
Rowling’s extraordinary coming of age tale is a modern day classic. The first book in the series sets the stage for the subsequent novels, establishing Harry’s character as one who is courageous but often impetuous, but also very loyal. We also begin to meet his friends in Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger. It is Rowling’s ability to take a well known plot motif and weave an original story is what sets this book apart. She makes what could be a okay tale into a great one, introducing the reader to the wizarding world, it’s curiosities, it’s intrigue, and it’s danger. With much to like for many readers, the Harry Potter Series is a must read regardless of age.

Genre
Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Level
This book has a wide variety of interest ages I would honestly say that it would appeal to readers in 4th grade and beyond.

Similar Content
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman

Personal thoughts
I love the Harry Potter Series. I think Rowling’s prose is excellent in that it has a wide appeal to all ages, making this series one of the greatest for reading with or aloud to a child.

Librarians should note that there was a bit of a backlash about this series in that some people take offense to the witchcraft and wizardry aspects of the novel. Could be an issue with censorship.

Subjects/themes
Coming of Age
Family
Friendship
School
Witchcraft and Wizardry

Awards
Too many to count

Series information
First in a series of seven, as well as movies, book spin-offs and everything else in between.

Character names/descriptions
Harry Potter: The protagonist who just realizes he is a wizard.

Ron Weasley: Harry’s first friend at Hogwarts.

Hermoine Granger: A bit of a know-it-all who also becomes friends with Ron and Harry

Professor Dumbledore: The Headmaster at Hogwarts.

Draco Malfoy: A pureblood wizard who grows not to like Harry or his friends.

Annotation
Could you imagine if a giant interrupted your life to reveal that you are a wizard?

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Bibliography
Riordan, R. (2005). The lightning thief. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.

375 Pages

Plot
Percy Jackson has been kicked out of each public school he’s ever attended. Stuff just seems to happen around him, but here at Yancy Academy, he realizes he wants to stay. His best friend Grover, is a bit strange but needs him. However, one day on a field trip to the math teacher, Mrs. Dodds attacks him. Grabbing a pen, Percy is able to wield it as a sword, killing his math teacher. Fearing for his eminent expulsion and legal ramifications, Percy is surprised to find that no one remembers a Mrs. Dodd. Confused, Percy suddenly starts to see changes in his mom, Grover and his world around him. Just what is happening to Percy?

Review
Riordan weaves an exciting tale full of Greek Mythology and a realistic character in The Lightning Thief. Percy, a half human, half god, is the son of Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea. He is a normal boy who suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder with a penchant for water. Riordan’s character allows readers to dream what it would be like to find out you had an alternate identity. That while still being your self you found out things about your past you never knew. The first in the series The Lightning Thief is sure to be popular amongst many readers and not just those interested in fantasy.

Genre
Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Level
This book would appeal to tweens in grades 4th – 7th.

Similar Content
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Leviathan Series by Scott Westerfeld
The 39 Clues Series

Personal thoughts
I really liked this series. Having read Percy’s series, I found them to be exciting and a great introduction to Greek Mythology

Subjects/themes
Family
Epic Tale
Mythology
Summer Camp
Identity

Awards
ALA Notable book for 2005

Series information
The first in a 5 book series about Percy, but Riordan has also started to write a spin-off series.

Character names/descriptions
Percy Jackson: A Demi-god whose father is Poseidon

Annabeth: At Camp Half-Blood is daughter to Athena

Grover: Best fried of Percy, is really a satyr.

Greek Gods: Poseidon, Zeus, Athena, Pan, Ares, Hades

Annotation
What would you do if you found out your father was a Greek God? Percy is about to find out.

Love.com Volume 1 by Aya Nakahara

Bibliography
Nakahara, A. (2001). Love.com. Volume 1. San Francisco, Ca: VIZ Media, LLC.

Not Paginated

Plot
Risa Koizumi is in trouble. As the tallest girl in class, she can’t find a date. She likes this one boy, but he doesn’t even give her the time of day. The only boy who ever acknowledges her is the shortest boy in class, Atsushi Otani, who just makes fun of her. However, when Risa realizes that Atsushi also likes another girl, they decide to work together to find dates. The two gather the courage to ask their crushes out for a double date. The two dates, thinking that it’s really Atsushi and Risa who like each other, begin to talk to one another. Can Risa and Atsushi iron out this mess?

Review
Love.com is a fun graphic novel chronicling the trials and tribulations of school life. Complete with misinterpreted feelings, playful banter, and growing friendships, Risa and Atsushi are fun characters. While this volume does not completely see a change in Risa’s and Atsushi’s feelings for one another, the author does an excellent job playing off the two’s insecurities and allowing the reader to see the beginnings of a future relationship. It is interesting to see how Risa’s and Atsushi’s feelings for one another change throughout the novel without becoming overly melodramatic or unrealistic. Additionally, the artwork adds to the novel allowing readers to better visualize the characters and their personalities. A fun quick read.

Genre
Graphic Novel

Reading Level/Interest Level
This novel would appeal to tweens in grades 5th – 7th.

Similar Content
Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya
Other books in this series

Personal thoughts
An easy and fun romantic graphic novel without being too over the top.

Subjects/themes
School
Relationships
Insecurities

Awards
Aya Nakahara won the 2003 Shogakukan Manga award for this book.

Series information
First in a series of 17.

Character names/descriptions
Risa Koizumi: The tallest girl in class, likes Suzuki.

Asushi Otani: The shortest boy in class, likes Tanaka.

Suzuki: Object of Risa’s affections, but likes Tanaka.

Tanaka: Object of Otani’s affections, but likes Suzuki.

Annotation
Risa likes Suzuki, but hates Otani. Otani likes Tanaka, but hates Risa. But when Suzuki and Tanaka like each other, Risa and Otani must work together to win their crushes.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Bibliography
Lewis, C.S. (1978). The lion, the witch and the wardrobe. New York: HarperTrophy.

206 pages

Plot
Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sent to live with an old professor during the Blitz in England during World War II. The professor, an old academic is somewhat stern with the children, asking them to stay away from his work. The children then are forced to explore the house on their own. But when playing tag, Lucy notices a wardrobe with no backing. She keeps working her way past thick fur coats until she finds herself in a forest and a light post where she meets a faun. Afraid that she had journeyed too long, Lucy finds her way back to the light post and through the wardrobe. The other children don’t believe her until a couple days later when the journey in themselves.

Review
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is a classic tale. Taking reference not only from the historical time period in which it was written, but also full of biblical allegories, Lewis does an excellent job creating a story to which readers of all ages can enjoy. Originally written for his goddaughter, the book is best for a tween audience. Lewis’ writing style creates a story to which readers feel emotionally connected to. With a variety of characters, Aslan, the Beavers, and even Mr. Tumnus are loveable characters with a good heart. Additionally, readers should enjoy the feel-good ending and hopefully be interested in reading the subsequent novels in the series.

Genre
Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Level
This novel would appeal to readers in 4th – 6th grade.

Similar Content
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

Personal thoughts
I remember reading this book in 5th grade. I have always enjoyed this book, both in terms of the writing style and the content. In light of the fact that the books are now being made into movies, I felt it would be a good addition to the blog.

Subjects/themes
Family
Good vs. Evil
Adventure
Biblical references
Historical references

Awards
ALA Notable Children’s Book

Series information
This is the second book of seven in the Narnia Series

Character names/descriptions
The Pevensies (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy): The four children who enter into Narnia through the Wardrobe by the Lamp Post.

Aslan: The lion who is the king of all Narnia.

Jadis or the White Witch: The antagonist in the story, who is currently ruling Narnia and is the enemy of Aslan.

Mr. Tumnus: The faun Lucy meets upon first entering Narnia

The Beavers: The Pevensies’ first ally upon entering Narnia

Annotation
The Pevensies are about to enter into a world so dangerous and different from their own, but only they can help save Narnia.