Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Sea of Monsters

Bibliographic information: 

Riordan, Rick.  Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Sea of Monsters.  Disney-Hyperion Book, 2007.

Brief plot description:

Percy comes back again to Half Blood Hill to find that the magical borders that protect the camp from monsters and unwelcomed guests are failing. The culprit is unknown but the reason is the magical tree (which houses Zeus daughter) that create the borders, has been poisoned by a person working for the Titans. The only way to save half blood camp is to find the magical Golden Fleece, which can heal the tree back to its original state. To get it, Percy has to go into the Sea of Monsters (present day Bermuda Triangle) and fight a Cyclops. He gains the fleece and heals the tree, but too much. Zeus’ Daughter comes out of the tree.

Brief review:

This is another great book in the series for tweens. I think that this book could be read by fourth through eighth graders.  There are several good references to everyday things that are known to tweens. Also, whenever there is something new to the story that is Greek or just unknown to the reader, it is explained thoroughly. It tidied up the story again at the end of the story and caused enough trouble to keep the story going for the next book.  This book could be used in conjunction with a mythology unit in literature.  The relationship between the gods is sometimes hard to understand and reading this book will give students a different prospective on those relationships.

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

7^th-8^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan

Children of the Red King Series by Jenny Nimmo

The Heroes of Olympus, Book  One: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief

Bibliographic information: 

Riordan, Rick.  Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief.  Disney- Hyperion Book, 2006.

Brief plot description:

Ancient Greek God’s are alive and well in the 21^st century, but no one knows about it. Except for their illegitimate half children that they have with mortals and the mythological creatures peppered throughout the USA. Percy Jackson is one of these children. He is sent to Half Blood Hill, a summer camp for half gods. He is then accused of stealing Zeus’ thunder and must spend his summer trying to find the lightening and stop the gods from plunging into war. He does so and finds the true thief who then becomes the main antagonist for the rest of the stories as leader of the Titan’s resistance.

Brief review:

Percy does all this and more. The story and the myths brought forth in the story were accurate enough so that they could be believable. The book is appropriate for tweens in fourth through eighth grade and would make a great read aloud or individual read.  The book’s words are easy enough to read as well as keeping the story straight.  The plot twists were excellent and it completely blindsided me. The story ended neatly with all major problems wrapped up but just enough to make a successful sequel.  This book would be an excellent book to use with a mythology unit because it bring the Greek Gods to life in a way that modern kids can relate to. 

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

7^th-8^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan

Children of the Red King Series by Jenny Nimmo

The Heroes of Olympus, Book  One: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher

Bibliographic information: 

Coville, Bruce.  Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher.  Sandpiper, 2007.

Brief plot description:

This book is about a 6th grade boy named Jeremy. While being chased by some boys, he ends up in a magic shop.  There he meets the peculiar owner named Mr. Elives. Jeremy looks around the shop and sees a very interesting object. He thought this thing was just a multicolored ball and was about the size of Jeremy’s fist. He asked the owner how much the ball was. Mr. Elives says that Jeremy doesn’t want it. Jeremy argues with the man and Mr. Elives eventually sells the “ball” to Jeremy, claiming that it wants him. In the box with the “ball” was a note that said, How to Hatch a Dragon’s Egg. This shocked Jeremy at first because he thought it was a ball. That night he hatches the dragon and at first this dragon is a pain. What will happen to Jeremy and the Dragon?

Brief review:

I think it would be a good book for the fourth through sixth grade tweens.  Boys (and girls) would most enjoy and relate to the story at that level. Even though the main character is in 6^th grade, that age range would handle it best.  Any older children would possibly get bored with the easy to follow story line.  It would be a very easy read for older students, which would leave them wanting more.  This book does leave room for the reader to have a creative imagination.  Readers may enjoy the rest of the series. 

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

4^th – 6^th graders

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Dragon and Thief by Timothy Zahn

Icefire by Chris d’Lacey

The Circle of Gold by Guillaume Prevost

Timeless Love

Bibliographic information: 

O’Brien, Judith.  Timeless Love.  First Simon Pulse, 2002, p. 230.

Brief plot description:

At the beginning of the story Samantha takes her dad’s BMW out after she has been told not to.  While out she got a dent and becomes very upset.   When she is back at home she tells her mother who is upset too, but gives her an early birthday present.  The present is a strange looking charm.  Samantha is studying in her room for a test on King Henry VIII and Edward when her dad comes home.  She grabs the charm and asks to be any other place then in her room.  Suddenly Samantha is in the presence of King Edward VI.  King Edward VI is very ill, and Samantha begins to help him feel better by getting rid of what is making him sick.  At a party Samantha meets Elizabeth, the future queen.  Samantha becomes friends with Sir Barnaby; King Edward’s old whipping boy.  What will happen to Samantha and the King?

Brief review:

I believe that this book is for sixth grade and upper grade levels.  It would be a great escape book for females.  The book does not require much thinking.  It would be more for a girl who likes to read about some history and fantasy.  I liked the good connection with why Edward is sick and how to cure him with Samantha’s modern day knowledge.  It is a modern day book because of its big connection with medicine. I recommend that this book should not be used in a guided reading group and would best be used as an independent read. 

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

6^th grade and up

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by Bruce Coville

After Hamelin by Bill Richardson

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle

Bibliographic information: 

Lewis, C.S.  The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle. New York: Scholastic, Inc. 2005

Brief plot description:

This is the last book in the Narnia series.  It begins with an ape called Shirt and a donkey called Puzzle.  Shift and Puzzle see an object in Caldron Pool, and Puzzle brings it to the bank.  The object is a lion skin that Shift turns into a suit for Puzzle to wear.  Shift makes Puzzle pretend to be Aslan so that he can take over Narnia.  Tirian goes to stop the bad things, but gets captured by the Calormenes when he turns himself in for killing someone.  Shift is presented the King and Jewel who are tied up as prisoners.  Later two children come to rescue the King.  They are Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole from England, and they have come to help the King and Narnia.  What will happen in the last book of Narnia? 

Brief review:

I think this book could be used for third through high school students.  In the lower (3-4) grades The Last Battle would be best for a read aloud because of the concepts.  For fifth and above the students could read this independently or as a group.  One of the things that need to be looked at is the word ass. For the third and fourth grades it would be easier and safer to replace it with donkey. For other grades you should tell the students that when they see the word to think donkey. Another concept that will need to be discussed is how Aslan and Tash are gods of two different groups of people. This can be presented so that does not bring up religion.  One way is to say they are principles of different schools.  Based on the age you might be able to say they do represent gods.

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

5^th – 8^th grade

             

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Narnia series by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis’ space trilogy

Stinker from Space

Bibliographic information:

Service, Pamela F.  Stinker from Space.  New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1988, p.83.

Brief plot description:

Did you ever wonder what would happen if an alien crashed on Earth?  This is the story of Tsynq Ur who crashes to Earth and must find a body to inhabit because his is badly damaged.  He chooses a creature with black fur and two white stripes down its back, a small brain and even something resembling hands.  Karen had recently moved and has no friends.  She loves space and anything having to do with aliens and space travel.  While in the woods playing she sees a skunk and starts backing away.  He began communicating with her telepathically.  He told her where he was from and that he needed help repairing his ship.  While listening to the evening news Tsynq decides that he could steal the Space Shuttle to return home.  Will he be able to return home?  What are the consequences of their actions? 

Brief review:

I enjoyed this book because it tells a story in a creative and different way.   I think it could be used as a read aloud or individually.  It would appeal to tweens in grades fourth through sixth.  I think the thing to be learned from this book is to accept others even though they may be different.  It also stresses that friends help each other. 

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

4^th-6^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Going Through the Gate by Janet S. Anderson

My Teach Flunked the Planet by Bruce Coville

Lost in Cyberspace by Richard Peck 

The Indian in the Cupboard

Bibliographic information: 

Banks, Lynne Reid.  The Indian in the Cupboard.  Avon, 1980, p. 181.

Brief plot description:

On his birthday, Omri receives a plastic Indian, a cupboard, and a key for the cupboard.  Omri wakes up in the morning and discovers Indian has moved in the cupboard, but turns back to plastic later that day.  The Indian’s name is Little Bear.  Omri buys an Indian chief and takes it home to put in the cupboard, but Little Bear kills him.  Patrick finally believes Omri and wants to have his toy come to life.  Omri puts Boone, a cowboy, with Little Bear.  The next day, Omri goes to the store to get Little Bear a wife.  Patrick and Omri go home to discover Omri’s brothers hid the cupboard in the attic.  That night, Boone gets shot by Little Bear.  Little Bear goes into the floor to get the key.  Tommy, the doctor, patches up Boone.  Omri brings the Indian woman to life, and Little Bear falls in love; they all turn back into plastic.

Brief review:

I like this book because it brings a child’s imagination to life. It could be used when the class is talking about friendship or about the past.  The main idea is to have an imagination and to care about how others feel.  This book could be read aloud or read individually by tweens in fourth through sixth grade.  Boys will like this book because of the strong male character, the adventure involved and the interaction between the toys that come to life and their interaction with each other.       

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

4^th-6^th graders

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

The Return of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks

The Secret of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks

The Mystery of the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

The Key to the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks

Awards:

Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award (Illinois)

California Young Reader Medal

Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award

A Virginia Young Readers Award

Mr. Popper's Penguins

Bibliographic information: 

Atwater, Richard and Florence.  Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  Dell Yearling Book, 1938, p. 139. 

Brief plot description:

Mr. Popper lives in Stillwater with his wife and two children, and he paints from fall to spring. Popper is fascinated by traveling.  One night, Admiral Drake is on the radio and tells Mr. Popper that there is a surprise for him.  The next day a package arrives: a penguin, which he names Captain Cook.  One day, Dr. Smith sends his sick penguin, Greta, to the Poppers. Soon, Greta starts lying eggs.  The Poppers are running out of money, so they decide to train the penguins to perform tricks.  Mr. Greenbaum offers the Poppers a ten week contract for five thousand dollars a week for their penguin act.  One night, the Poppers go to the wrong theater and end up being sent to the police station. Admiral Drake bails Mr. Popper and the penguins out of jail.  Drake offers to take the penguins to North Pole to start a penguin population, and Mr. Popper accepts his offer.

Brief review:

I like this book very much because it tells of a family that takes excellent care of their pets.  I think that the main idea is that the Poppers will do anything to keep their penguins happy and they are determined to be a happy family even with a limited income.  It could be used when talking about the South and North Pole or when talking about pets.  It is a great book for a read aloud for students in fourth through sixth grade, but can also be read at the individual level.  Both boys and girls will enjoy this book.     

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

4^th-6^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s Farm by Betty McDonald

Just Grace Walks the Dog by Charise Mericie Harper

Awards:

Newbery Honor Book

Of Two Minds

Bibliographic information: 

Matas, Carol and Nodelman, Perry.  Of Two Minds.  Scholastic, Inc, 1995, p. 200.

Brief plot description:

Princess Lenora dreams about other worlds.  Prince Coren is to marry Lenora; he’s agreed to the marriage because her people cannot read minds.  On the day of their wedding, an image appears in the pool; Lenora jumps in and Coren is pulled in.  They discover their powers are gone and cannot leave this new place. One night, Lenora dreams of Coren warning her about this new place; she then sees four small people and awakens soon after.  Lenora is thrown into a jail, and she remembers someone telling her that Hevak, the leader of the city, is not to be trusted.  Lenora and Coren gain their powers back.  They destroy Hevak, and Lenora faints; when Lenora awakes, she is home.  Coren tells her that, with the help of their parents, they made it home. In the end, Lenora decides not to imagine other worlds, and Coren and Leona decide to wait before marrying.

Brief review:

I would use this book as an individual read for students in sixth through eighth grade.  I believe that boys and girls will both enjoy this book because they could relate to one of the two characters.  I liked this book because it shows how two different people can be drawn to each other and how they each play a role in getting back to their home.  I think that the main idea is that being different is okay and that imagination can sometimes be bad.  I think that the book could be used when talking about imagination or unexpected things happening. 

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

6^th- 8^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine and Ben Mikaelsen

Out of Time by Caroline B. Cooney

The King’s Shadow by Elizabeth Alder

Knights of the Kitchen Table

Bibliographic information: 

Scieszka, Jon.  Knights of the Kitchen Table. New York: Viking, 1991, p.55.

Brief plot description:

Have you ever wanted to travel in time?  In this book Joe and his friends, Fred and Sam are transported back into the time of knights and dragons.  They travel through time by using a book that Joe's uncle gave him.  When Fred says he would like to see knights, the boys find themselves staring at a Black Knight on horseback.  The knight plans to kill the boys but they avoid him and knock him from his horse.  Three more knights appear and are impressed that the boys have defeated the Black Knight.  The knights are Sir Lancelot, Sir Percival and Sir Gawain.  They tell them that Camelot is under attack and needs help.  They meet King Arthur and Merlin.  A giant is outside the castle gates and a dragon is on the way.  The boys are asked to cast a spell and to get rid of them.  What will the boys do? 

Brief review:

Knights of the Kitchen Table is a fun book about knights, giants, and dragons.  I liked how the author used character names that readers would know, such as, Sir Lancelot, King Arthur, and Merlin.  The book could be used to introduce the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.  It would also be useful in the study of medieval history.    I think the book could be read on an individual bases by third through sixth grade.  I think that boys will especially enjoy reading this book.  This book will encourage tweens to use their imagination and have open minds.  

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

3^rd- 6^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Time Warp Trio series by Jon Scieszka

Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix 

Tuck Everlasting

Bibliographic information: 

Babbitt, Natalie.  Tuck Everlasting.  Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1985, p. 144.

Brief plot description:
Did you ever think of living forever?  In this story the Tuck family finds that they are unable to die.  It is August in Treegap, and three things are about to shape two families lives.  The Fosters live in a cottage on the edge of the woods with one child, Winnie who is 14 years old.  The Tuck family includes: Mae (mom), Tuck (dad), Miles (oldest son), and Jesse (youngest son).  Winnie stumbles upon Jesse drinking water, but she is stopped when she tries to drink.  This event leads to the family telling her the story of how they live forever, including the happy times and the sad times.  Unfortunately, someone else hears the story and a set of events are set in motion.  What will happen to the Tuck family?  What will happen to Winnie?  Is everything about to change? 

Brief review:
I really enjoyed this book because it tells of two families: one that is strict when raising their child and one that is not strict.  It also shows how one little girl finds that she has everything she needs in life.  She also learns that it is okay to grow up slowly when she sees that the Tucks cannot grow up which leads them to miss out on several important life events.  I think that this book could be used for fourth through sixth grades, and will be enjoyed by both genders.  It could be used when talking about different ways of leaving or different time periods.      

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

4^th- 6^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Midnight for Charlie Bone (Children of the Red King Series) by Jenny Nimmo

Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis

Land of Elyon Series by Patrick Carman

Awards:

American Library Association Notable Children’s Books

The Janusz Korczak Medal
IBBY
Polish National Section
Christopher Awards – Winner
Horn Book Magazine Fanfare List
Ohio Choose to Read Program

Recommendations:

Association for Childhood Education International

Booklist, Starred

Bulletin-Center Child Books

Elementary School Library Collection

Horn Book

Kirkus Reviews

NCTE

School Library Journal

Wilson Library Bulletin

Subjects/themes:

Growing up