Alex's Selections

Amara, P. (2001). So, You Wanna be a Comic Book Artist? Hillsboro, OR: Beyond Words Publishing, Inc.

Interest Level: Ages 8-12

Summary: Artistic children everywhere like to think of ways to turn their passions into a money making profession as they grow older. This book provides ideas on how to prepare for the trade and thoughts on the industry as a whole. The chapters are broken down in an easy to read manner with graphics and pictures to demonstrate the topics discussed. There are many real life stories of people who have turned this passion for art into an occupation. The stories of real life artists begin with very young people and move up in ages, therefore providing a sense that this is something that can be accomplished.

Review: The artistic child, wither a boy or a girl, would be interested in this book as it provides many good suggestions on how to become a comic book artist. It is rather detailed though and may be too advanced for a younger tween, even though the interest level is listed as low as fourth grade. This book is very specific and anyone not interested in being a comic book artist would perhaps find it dull.

Bailey, J. (2001). Fishing. New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.

Interest Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: From the history of fishing to the glossary at the end of this lovely and colorful book, all things need to know how to catch a fish are included in this book. Written by a professional angler this book gives a glimpse inside the world of a fisherman. The key items found in a tackle box are listed, as are the photographs of different types of fish found in the wild. The book continues with the lessons on how to tie a hook onto your line and making sure your rod is all set to go. The directions accompany color photos of young people doing exactly what is discussed, so it is a very easy way to follow directions. There are all types of fishing included in this book, so that everyone from the fly fisherman to the surf fisherman would find this useful.

Review: The interest level of this book is very specific yet it is a good overall review of how to properly fish. It appeals “to all young fishing enthusiasts” and provides details on how to catch a fish. There are some really beautiful color photographs which enhance the quality of this book. The chapter on “considerate fishing” is a nod to the responsibility that all proper fishermen take on when they fish. It is important to not only fish for food and fun, but to be considerate the environment as well. A valuable lesson for all those aspiring to fish.

Iggulden, C. & Iggulden, H. (2007). The Dangerous Book for Boys. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Interest Level: Ages 8-12

Summary: This book presents a hugely diverse selection of information that boys would be interested in on all levels of life. From historical, to educational, to survival, and just plain fun skills to have this book is a plethora of useful information that is not elsewhere available all in one place. There are things listed that “every boy should know” such as poems (from Whitman, Shelley, and other greats), Latin phrases (both common and uncommon terms), and books with reading levels included. There are educational tools such as grammar lessons. There are historical lesson such as famous battles, extraordinary stories of famous people, and the Declaration of Independence. There are lessons in science topics, such as stars and the universe. First aid and survival guides are also included in this great volume.

Review: I would have named this book “The Essential Book for Boys” instead of it’s current title, as there is a vast amount of useful information to be had in its pages. However, whether boys want to know all of this information at the age ranges listed is an entirely different matter. For a book that is so current, only published in 2007, it has some irrelevant information among the long list of useful information it provides. The part about Rugby rules would probably be overlooked by most American youths. However the historical data and educational materials are well worth reading for any young scholar. While this has “for boys” in the title, there are many things in this book that could appeal to girls as well.

Norton, S. (2008). The Girls’ Book of Excellence: Even More Ways to be the Best at Everything. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Interest Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: This book is a collection of how to instructions on a number of different topics for young girls that provides detailed directions for each step of all the suggested things to learn how to do properly. The book also provides drawings to assist the reader with following directions. The book opens with “how to be the best cheerleader” and ends with “how to amaze yourself”. The instructions are easy to follow. The detailed breakdown of the tips are very appealing to young readers as they lack a lot of adult language and extra nonsense. There are beauty tips, game instructions, and overall general how to do some things that can be applied throughout life.

Review: This book not only provides ways for girls to excel in certain areas but it offers some lessons that are possibly lost on the generations of recent times. Some of the items listed many be too old fashion for some modern young ladies. It seems that some of these “How to” ideas are familiar from the Miss Manner’s collection of books. For instance the “How to make a Hen Egg Cozy” or the “How to make a Silhouette Portrait” seem a bit old fashion, but over all there are some great tips in this book for young ladies in the making. The books would not likely be of interest to boys as the subject matter is 99% based on girls’ interests.

O’Sullivan, J. (2007). 101 Things You Gotta Do Before You’re 12. New York: Lark Books.

Interest Level: Ages 8-12

Summary: As the title suggests this very colorful and informative book offers 101 things all kids should try to accomplish before they turn twelve years old. The suggestions range from interests including reading a classic book to swimming with dolphins. There are indoor activities, outdoor activities, nature related activities and solitary or group activities. While some of the activities are not feasible for all young people due to cost or logistics, all of the suggestions prove to be educational and fun. He book is filled with color photographs of all the things to do. The final item listed in the 101 things to do is to make a list of things to do for the next twelve years.

Review: The 101 things to do in this book are great ideas for children to help them gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. There are so many diverse ideas in this collection of suggestions that it would be hard for any child not to be able to pick at least a few of the ideas to implement into their own lives. Not all the suggestions will work for all kids because someone in Oklahoma may not be able to visit a tide pool for example, but there would be other options that that particular child could partake in. This book can be useful for girls and boys alike.