Geek Power

My wife and I went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows a little over a week ago. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Several people showed up to the movie in costume. We saw Harry, Hermione and Ron waiting in line. Every generation seems to have a movie or show that inspires fans to dress up as characters. Just take a look at Comicon and you'll see what I am talking about. Today I'm going to review a book that goes right to the heart of fantasy books, games and geeks.

"Geek Fantasy Novel"

By E. Archer

For Ages 11 - 14

What would you get if you could take an online fantasy game and turn it into a book? Probably something like “Geek Fantasy Novel.” Fairies, battles and fantastical lands fill the pages with adventure. Rated 2.75 (fantasy, peril, heroism)

Ralph is your basic run-of-the-mill geek. He know the world of computers and fantasy gaming as well as anyone. He's even created his own online games. The one thing that makes Ralph a little different isn't obvious to anyone but himself -- he is forbidden from ever making a wish. When Ralph is invited to set up a wireless network for his royal relatives in England his life gets very interesting. Several wishes, exploding bunnies, mixed up fairytales and disgruntled narrators later, you’ve got a fun but frustrating adventure.

This fast-paced jaunt through fantasyland is schizophrenic and confusing, but many kids will relate to Ralph and see their own childhood imagination games in the story. They'll enjoy the geek turned hero aspect of "Geek Fantasy Novel," but don't expect it to be the next "Harry Potter."

Proud To Be Me

My boys went to the summer matinee yesterday. They saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid. One of the main messages was to be yourself. It made me think of a book I read a little over a month ago.

“I’m Me!”

By Sara Sheridan
Illustrations by Margaret Chamberlain
For Ages 4 – 8
You don't need to pretend when when you love being yourself. That's what "I'm Me!" is all about. Rated 3 (imagination, family time, bad manners)
Little Imogen and her aunt always find it fun to pretend, but as this story shows us, sometimes being yourself is the most fun of all. Imogen’s visit to her aunt’s house begins with a little peek-a-boo through the mail slot. The adventure progresses from there. As Imogen begins to say what she wants to do today, her aunt jumps in with suggestions. A pirate, a princess, even an astronaut, but Imogen always replies with a simple no. When Imogen finally reveals that today she just wants to be herself, they rush off to the park to play and swing and buy ice cream.

The colorful illustrations mirror the energy of the text and add a playful style to this fun tale for afternoon story time. Although some children may point out that the aunt is being rude to constantly interrupt this playful story will be a hit with children who know who they are and their aunts.

Family Vacation

I just returned from a camping trip with my family. It was great - hiking, fishing, cooking over the fire. The entire affair got me thinking about a graphic novel I just read.

"Bad Island"

By Doug TenNapel

For Ages 9 - 14

Think Land of the Lost meets Gilligan's Island. A sailboat vacation turns into a strange science fiction alien romp on a deserted island. Rated 3 (aliens, family bonding, peril)

Mom, dad and two children hop on a sailboat for a family vacation, get caught in an unexpected storm, wash up on a deserted island and end up in the middle of a alien kidnapping gone awry. The sporadic flashbacks to the alien war and abduction explain the strange island and it's inhabitants. Honestly though, that is not what this story is about. The aliens and strange fantasy style creatures are just here for teen interests. This tale is about family time, what it means to be a family and sticking together through thick and thin.

TenNapel made a big splash a couple years ago with "Ghostopolis" but "Bad Island" never really climbs to that level. The illustrations, reminiscent of "Kim Possible" are lively enough to carry the character personalities deep into the content, but the tale seems disjointed and a little over the top. I know what you're saying. "It's a graphic novel. Of course it's over the top." I guess I just don't buy the whole alien war/kidnapping angle.

I did, however, enjoy the castaways trying to escape the hostile island for their suburban peace bit. Each individual int he family had to learn to trust the others, lean on their strengths and work as a cohesive unit to escape. That was fun, humorous and entertaining.What can I say, it wasn't horrible and it wasn't great. Preteen boys will probably love it as they do most graphic novels. I know my son has read it several times already.

Here I Come To Save the Day

I have been very busy the last couple weeks, so it has taken me a little longer than normal to get a new review up. It's summer and that means I'm spending a great deal of time with my kids. But I've got a fun superhero graphic novel for you today.

"Sidekicks"
By Dan Santat
For Ages 6 - 10
What do pets want more than anything? To spend time with their owners, of course. And if their owners are superheros, they may have to become sidekicks to get it. Superheroes, super-pets and super-villains make bring plenty of smiles to the adventure. Rated 3.25 (superheroes, family, comic violence)

Captain Amazing has been watching over Metro City for a long time. A very long time. He's getting old. That point is driven home when he bungles the take down of some villainous nere-do-wells. Captain Amazing decides it's time to take on a sidekick. Since he is out saving the city all around the clock, his loving pets decide to tryout for the part. So his hamster and newly acquired chameleon begin training, even though they don't seem to have any super powers. Amazing's dog gets into the act with a super power and his long lost cat, who can shock people, returns to the scene.

This story is less about crime fighting and more about sibling rivalry, loyalty and family. The pets are there for each other and Captain Amazing, no matter what. Santat, brings the highly energetic storyline to life with lovable characters and just enough heartstrings to bring a little depth to the shallow plot. Young superhero fans will be delighted by the easy-to-read structure and vibrant illustrations. Expect young readers to read "Sidekicks" a couple times before they begin looking for a sequel.

Get a Clue

I receive a lot of mysteries to review. So I'm sure I will post more throughout the summer, but this next one is the last of my mystery binge. I need to read something else.

“Jack Gets a Clue: The Case of the Beagle Burglar”

By Nancy Krulik

For Ages 5 – 10

If Dr. Doolittle were a young boy and a detective, he might be in stories similar to "Jack Gets a Clue." This simple mystery series is great for emerging readers. Available July 1. Rated 3.5 (mystery, talking animals, humor)

Young Jack has a pretty cool secret. After squirrels pelted him with acorns, Jack discovered he could speak with animals. So when his friend Leo’s homework goes missing and Jack’s dog Scout gets blamed, Jack knows he has to prove his dog’s innocence. He teams up with Elizabeth, who enjoys solving mysteries, to follow the clues to the homework stealing culprit.

This is a short chapter book series for young readers, similar to “Nancy Drew and the Clew Crew” or Encyclopedia Brown.” It’s fun and fast-paced with just enough mystery to keep young readers interested. If you like Krulik’s series, “Katie Kazoo Switcheroo,” or you are just a budding detective, “Jack Gets a Clue” is for you.

More Summer Mysteries

I'm still on my mystery kick. I've got two more that will make for good summer reading. The first one has a historical bent to it. Enjoy.

“The Midnight Tunnel: A Suzanna Snow Mystery”

By Angie Frazier

For Ages 5 – 10

Think Nancy Drew set in 1905 in Loch Harbor, New Brunswick. From a dark and stormy night to a Sherlock Holmes-style detective, this fast-paced mystery is perfect for young girls. Rated 3.75 (mystery, danger, history)

Suzanna is a young girl who has been trained by her parents, the managers of a luxury resort, to be well-mannered and proper. Of course, Suzanna would rather be a detective, like her uncle Bruce Snow. He is the Sherlock Holmes of Boston. One dark and stormy evening the daughter of a wealthy guest goes missing and Suzanna thinks she may have seen it happen. Though no one believes her, Suzanna sets out to find the truth. She is very excited when her uncle is called, but quickly finds disappointment upon meeting him and his assistant for the first time. They are very sexist. Nevertheless Suzanna sets out to follow the clues and make sure justice is served.

Although the story begins slowly the place and time are superbly set. Children will be surprised to see the amount of work kids as young as 11-years-old had to do at the turn of the century. When the mystery begins it is fast-paced and intriguing with twists and turns enough to keep readers guessing. Young female mystery buffs will eagerly await Suzanna’s next big mystery.

Mysterious Summer Reading

I've just returned from a wonderful vacation in Disney World with my family. The first attraction we rode at the Magic Kingdom was The Haunted Mansion . We always love that one. This time we discovered some new extras. The Disney imagineers have been hard at work. There are new interactive additions in the line and a few special surprises from the hitchhiking ghosts. The mysteries of The Haunted Mansion got me to thinking about reviewing mysteries.

“The Mysterious Four: Hauntings and Heists”

By Dan Poblocki
For Ages 8 – 12
There's a new Scooby gang in town and they want your help in solving the mysteries of Moon Hollow. This is a quick read for young readers. It's fun and help them practice using logic. Rated 3.5 (mystery, interaction, mild creepiness)

When Viola Hart moved with her family to the small town of Moon Hollow, she thought “there can’t be excitement everywhere.” But Viola loved a mystery and knew how to find them anywhere. Upon investigating her new neighborhood she makes quick friendships with Rosie, Woodrow and Sylvester. The corners of their yards come together in back of their houses, so this is where they convene their a new club – a mystery club.
The story progresses with several different kinds of mysteries. Each member of the club shares a story then asks questions on how to solve it. The mysteries are only slightly interactive since the answers are quickly provided, but they are fun and will help children use logic. The gang expose con artists, uncover the truth behind a local river monster and shed light on a far bigger mystery of the paranormal.

The book comes with a code for a free download of the e-book which contains an extra mystery. Young readers will enjoy the adventure and you can be encouraged that the mysteries entice children to pay attention to detail.