May the 4th be with you!

Normally I'd post a craft today but I wouldn't be much of a librarian (or a nerd) if I didn't acknowledge the unofficial holiday that is Star Wars Day. So, I bring you a list of books for Star Wars fans, all of which I have either read or had personally recommended to me by young readers.

Books in the Star Wars Universe
Jedi Academy series by Jeffery Brown
This series is a double whammy, hitting the Star Wars and Diary of a Wimpy kids demographics.

Origami Yoda series by Tom Angleberger
While set entirely in a regular school, this series is clearly influenced by Star Wars and really embraces the saga's philosophies.

Star Wars Infinities by Chris Warner and David Land
Based on the idea of "what if" scenarios, this graphic novel series explores how Star Wars would have turned out if just a few decisions had been altered.

The Clone Wars Secret Missions series by Ryder Windham
This was a short lived series but pretty well loved by a couple of young readers at my library.

LEGO Star Wars: Yoda's Secret Missions by Ace Landers
Several short stories which are pretty firmly seated in the world of Star Wars. They are funny enough to hold up to repeat reads.

William Shakespeare's Star Wars by Ian Doescher
Who knew Star Wars would work so well in iambic pentameter? This series currently consists of Verily, a New Hope, The Empire Striketh Back, The Jedi Doth Return, and The Phantom Menace: Star Wars Part the First. The Clone Army Attacketh is due out in July and Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge is slated for September.

 
Other books that might interest young fans
Space Penguins series by L.A. Courtenay

Flight Explorer edited by Kazu Kibuishi

Missle Mouse by Jake Parker

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Rust by Royden Lepp

The Ender Quintet by Orson Scott Card
 
The Only Thing to Fear by Caroline Tung Richmond
 

Book review - Seriously Wicked

Title: Seriously Wicked
Author: Tina Connolly
Genre: magical realism
Similar books: Hellhole by Gina Damico
                     Little Miss Evil by Bryce Leung and Kristy Shen
Rating: 

a surprisingly practical approach to magic

Summary: Cam is sick of her mother's machinations. She's sick of chores intended to help with plans to take over the world (or at least the town). She's sick of trying to learn spells. She doesn't want to be a wicked witch. When her mother summons a demon that enters the body of the cute new boy at school Cam has just five days to save the world and Devon's soul.

My opinion: This is a great pick for fans of fairy tales. The approach to magic is surprisingly pragmatic. It's nothing mystical or amazing, doesn't come out of nowhere, but is a regular part of Cam's world and a series of chores. Cam herself is a fairly typical teen, dismissive of her mother's lifestyle and filled with zeal to save the world. Really, this is a standard quest novel: there is a set goal, distinct steps that must be taken, and a time frame to avert disaster. The resolution is solid, well set-up without becoming completely obvious. A good choice for young teens.

More information: Seriously Wicked releases May 5.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

Picture books for everyone

The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater

This is a great book for encouraging individuality. Mr. Plumbean (is that a great name or what) lives on a street where ever house is the same. When a passing seagull spills orange paint (which no one knows why it is carrying) on his house, Plumbean repaints it with wild colors and pictures. The neighbors pressure him to conform leading the the book's refrain: "My house is me and I am it. My house is here I like to be and it looks like all my dreams." In addition to the awesome lesson, the text is peppered with such amazing phrasing as the above quote. It has a simple elegance that really speaks to me. The illustrations are rough and quirky. I've found that some kids don't relate to Pinkwater's illustration style. Luckily, this book is easily adapted to a felt board. I've presented it thus several times and it generally will received.

WWW Wednesday

What are you currently reading?
Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin
When Joe's mom and her boyfriend Dean fly off on an unexpected vacation, Joe is left behind. A week to himself, even though he's forbidden to tell anyone about it, promises to be an adventure and a welcome break from the gruff Dean. As the week passes, though, things start to spiral out of control.

The concept of this book sounds like every young teen's dream: a total lack of supervision. Joe's voice is strong and his story is pretty compelling so far.
 
What did you recently finish reading?
Bomb by Sarah Mussi
Genesis just wants to get over her boyfriend, Naz. So she agrees to a blind date. That moment changes everything. When she wakes up, she's in a dark room and a strange vest is strapped to her body. A voice speaks to her through a device glued into her ear, telling her that she's wearing a bomb and if she doesn't do exactly as she is told it will detonate. Gen has just become and unwilling pawn of the Brightness.

Bomb is a fast paced thriller that takes on love, loyalty, terrorism, and governmental policy. It's a book that will keep you reading every spare minute.
 
What do you think you will read next?
What Remains by Helene Dunbar
A story of massive life changes and overwhelming grief.

Book review - Undertow

Title: Undertow
Author: Michael Buckley
Genre: dystopia
Similar Books: Alienated by Melissa Landers
                     The Rule of Three by Eric Walters
Rating:

pretty cool, if a little predictable

Summary: Lyric Walker's life used to be predictable. Until the day that the Alpha arrived on Coney Island and the whole world changed. 30,000 ocean dwelling warriors now occupy the beach and a small group of Alpha teens are about to start attending Lyric's school and it's turning Coney Island into a powder keg. When Lyric is manipulated into helping the Alpha prince, Fathom, assimilate it might be the spark that sets things off. Some people want the Alpha gone - no matter the cost.

My opinion: I love books that bring important ideas to the forefront of our minds. This one suggests that our notion of American society being very accepting is flawed, that faced with a large group of physically superior beings we would react with fear and violence rather than open arms. While the plot follows a rather predictable path, the pacing is spot on. Plus, the setting and people are fantastically described. ItThe characters have depth and development. There is plenty of action and a solid romantic element for those so inclined. This is the first in a series, a fact that becomes abundantly clear when you reach the end, so bear that in mind when you consider reading this one if waiting for a second volume will be problematic for you (as it sometimes is for me). 


More information: Undertow releases May 5th.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

More Star Wars penguins

Back in October, I shared some finger puppet designs with you. Included was this guy:

Pretty funny as a penguin I am, hmm.

Yoda penguin was designed by, and then made for, my nephew. We decided that Yoda needed a crew. Which lead to these 4 puppets.

Up next: Chewbacca. Not sure how that's going to work but it must happen.

Book review - Material Girls

Title: Material Girls
Author: Elaine Dimopoulos
Genre: dystopian fiction
Similar books: Feed by M T Anderson
                     So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld
Rating:

pretty attention-grabbing

Summary: In Marla and Ivy's world teens are at the top of the heap. At age 12 a handful of kids get "tapped", selected for careers in the creative industries. Tapped teens design video games, become musicians, and decide what clothes will be produced. When Marla loses her position in a fashion label's court, relegated to drafting in the basement, and a new pop star threatens to take Ivy's place, both girls begin to question the system that they've always believed in whole-heartedly. A new "eco-chic" trend binds the girls together and might just have the power to tear their world apart.

My opinion: This turned out to be an excellent, thought provoking read. The base plot is not particularly ground breaking; for the first 3/4 it follows the same direction as most dystopian fiction, that of discovering and defying a system that one once believed in. The ending, though, makes it stand out from the crowd. Not only does Dimopoulos point out the flaws in the fashion industry and our image obsessed culture she also does not pave and easy road for her revolutionaries. While the fashion angle won't appeal to many readers, it's worth a read for those with an eye towards social justice and mindful consumption.

More information: Material Girls releases May 5th.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.