Reviews: Multimedia Review

K-Gr 8—The charming, handpainted wooden figurines called matryoshka, or Russian nesting dolls, are synonymous for many with Russian folk art. The dolls' heritage stretches back over a century, and this program illustrates how traditional techniques are still being used to make them today. The program's producers serve as tour guides, taking viewers along as they travel through the Russian countryside and visit a marketplace, a toy factory, and the apartment of a matryoshka painter. The production is divided into two segments. The first follows the creation of a set of dolls from start to finish, beginning with the groves of linden trees that provide the raw materials and ending with the varnishing of freshly painted figurines. The carver's skill as he transforms the logs into the distinctive matryoshka shape is particularly striking, and viewers get a close-up look at some of his tools. The second part centers on a master painter and teacher. She chats about her technique, career, and background as a mathematician, as well as life in post-Perestroika Russia, as she designs and paints. The interviews are translated via voiceover, and the co-presenter's dialogue is geared towards younger children. Although the hand-held camerawork gives the production a home-video feel, it allows the filmmakers to present an intimate portrait of the artists' creative process. The travelogue approach provides the opportunity to insert many cultural details that will help students to better understand Russian society. An entertaining assembly of creation and custom, this video would be an excellent addition to collections supporting arts education and cultural studies.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr 7 Up—Artist Peggy Flores explains and demonstrates how to create sculptures of gargoyles and chimeras from clay. Introducing the lesson by showing photos of historical gargoyles from Notre Dame de Paris, she explains how these fierce-looking, medieval creatures are actually rain diversions on building roofs, while the grotesque animal chimeras are decorative. The artist begins the process by explaining the tools and how to work the clay. Close-up photography shows step-by-step techniques to form the clay, and the easy-to-understand narration reinforces appropriate vocabulary. After the forms are completed, Flores fires the clay in a kiln and then paints the creatures to achieve the old world charm of these figures. This film doesn't provide technical instruction on firing techniques, but targets clay manipulation and the process of attaching pieces, the importance of thickness to firing, and the choice of acrylic paint over glaze to achieve the desired results. An interesting addition to middle- and high-school art collections.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

K-Gr 4—Sharon Lightstone offers instructions for 10 art projects, most related to winter and nature, and several pertaining to Christmas and Valentine's Day. The projects, ranging from simple to more advanced, can be made with household items or relatively easy to find materials. For each lesson, she gives a list of materials and takes viewers through the project step-by-step, often repeating and reviewing certain techniques. Basic art information is offered during the lessons. After most of the instruction segments, students are shown making their own creations, and Lightstone points out more tips and variations on techniques. The projects include paper collage snowmen, puff paint snowmen, Jack Frost snowmen (using wax resist and a salt wash), paper snowflakes, winter trees, pine cone trees (using real pine cones), construction paper Christmas art, finger print hearts, Valentine flowers, and other Valentine creations. A segment on winter features live-action footage and still images of winter activities, animals, and plant life to inspire artists. The "Bonus Features" chapter shows more completed projects, mainly related to Christmas, with a brief description of how they were made. The aural and visual qualities are good, but the format is not as slick as youngsters have come to expect. The program would be more useful if other winter holiday projects were included. Best suited for primary grade classes and homeschoolers.—April Mazza, Wayland Public Library, MA

Gr 9 Up—Novice bakers will learn basic techniques in this no-frills approach to cake decorating. Basic Techniques begins with a list of essential equipment and features two experts frosting a cake using a variety of icings. Filming focuses primarily on the decorator's hands preparing the workspace, mixing ingredients, and spreading the icing. Viewers are shown how to add finishing touches, including lavish chocolate curls and flowers to achieve a bakery-quality appearance. The step-by-step demonstrations are narrated in a concise, no-nonsense manner. Instructions are given for fashioning a piping bag out of parchment paper and using it to create beautifully grooved rows along the sides and top of a cake. Beyond the Basics moves into more complex techniques, including transfers, colored piping and collars, frosting roses, and a rag doll figurine. The films were produced in Australia and use metric measurements in the recipes. Since there is very little on this topic available in DVD format, this set would be ideal for classroom use or for public libraries looking to fill the demand for how-to titles.—Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA

Gr 9 Up—Despondent, Ryan writes a letter to his friend Gary who died in a car accident after drinking at a high school graduation party. Ryan, who knew that Gary was intoxicated but let him get behind the wheel, is overwhelmed with guilt. Viewers watch the EMS team cut through the car to reach Gary who is covered in blood; two other people in the car Gary hit were also killed, but little is said about them. There is no mention of seat belts, which might have helped them. The film focuses on Ryan's sadness and Gary's dad's grief. Two college film majors produced the program, and although most of the production values are fine, there are some rough edges, including some scenes that are too dark and soft focus at several points. Preview is available at the producers Web site, insomniaproductionsltd.com. The film will trigger discussions in driver's education and health classes, and in screenings for parents' groups.—Anitra Gordon, formerly Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti, MI

Gr 6–9—Huffing doesn't receive as much attention as other types of substance abuse. Considering how easily children can get access to inhalants, which can be found in any household, both parents and children need to be made aware of the dangers of this activity. This powerful, moving film doesn't pull any punches. In one of the opening scenes, a mother describes how she rushed to a house where her 16-year-old son had collapsed just in time to see his unconscious body being taken into an ambulance. In the ER, she finally told the staff to stop trying to resuscitate him when it became apparent that he wasn't going to recover. A teenage girl describes her descent into huffing addiction and how it nearly killed her. A police officer who had a drug-sniffing police dog living with his family tells how he never worried about drugs in his house, but one morning he found his 14-year-old son dead in his bed, with a can of computer cleaner between his legs and a straw in his mouth. In between the compelling eyewitness accounts of the harmful effects of huffing, a group of teens acts as a Greek chorus, giving dire warnings about the dangers of huffing and listing ingredients that should never be inhaled. Viewers are also warned about Sudden Sniffing Death, which can occur just from inhaling for the first time, and which accounts for more than half of all inhalant-related deaths. This powerful film delivers an important message for students.—David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

PreS-Gr 2—This Brazilian production seems to be an attempt to cash in on the popularity of the Disney/Pixar production, Cars. Three episodes feature race cars Tony and Champ, Tony's girlfriend Chris, Tony's best friend and tow truck Combo, and Combo's girlfriend, news reporter Simone, among others. In the first episode, Champ throws a race to Tony. Tony complains to Combo, and Combo mentions it to Simone who writes a newspaper story that is rewritten by her editor. As a result, everyone is mad at everyone else until the editor is overheard explaining that he changed the story to sell more papers. In episode 2, Combo's boss requires him to enter a race for pick-ups. In the final segment, Chris is invited to a social event and gets a complete makeover. The voice acting is good and the brightly colored cars and other vehicles are cute—and obviously drawn in the style of the Disney/Pixar film. However, the animation is mediocre; during some race scenes, none of the cars seem to be moving.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 6–9—Teens, due to a variety of factors, are more prone to anger than any other age group. This DVD looks at the causes of that anger and suggests ways to deal with it. "The most important thing to remember about anger is that it's something you can use and use to your advantage," says a licensed clinical psychiatrist, one of three experts who provide advice. Their comments are interspersed with compelling discussions by a diverse group of teens about their own problems with anger. The youngsters also participate in scenarios, some more realistic than others, which model unhealthy and healthy behaviors. The film wraps up with the four-step C.A.G.E. process for managing anger: Calm down, Assess the situation, Gauge alternatives, Empower yourself. While stress and anxiety are mentioned as two of the factors that enhance anger, only a brief mention is made of the fact that many teens with anger issues are dealing with stressful family situations involving physical or emotional abuse. The film provides useful information to help teens learn to control their anger and keep it from escalating into violence.—David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 7 Up—Based on the premise that all teens have challenges and issues to overcome, this admirable DVD introduces 15 teens who speak candidly about the problems in their lives, including learning disabilities, the divorce of their parents, eating disorders, and peer pressure to drink and take drugs. Questions are flashed on the screen and then the teens individually respond to them. Viewers learn about the pain and frustration these teens have endured, the steps they have taken to solve their problems, and the satisfaction they feel in overcoming these challenges. The participants offer many strategies for resolving their problems. The film is lengthy and will have to be shown in several sittings. Teachers and counselors will want to pause the DVD often to facilitate discussion among viewers.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 7–9—The importance of friendship for teen girls and the often devastating consequences when those friendships go awry is the focus of this program. Although filmed in an Australian girls' school, the topics are universal. Interviews with experts lend authority, while brief dramatizations and commentary from students will appeal to their peers. The film is divided into segments which could be viewed and discussed separately. The first is about best friends and the support, stability, and acceptance gained through those relationships. The break-up of friendships is dealt with in the second part. While many friendships simply terminate because the girls develop other interests or grow apart, some end due to bullying. The third segment covers indirect aggression—socially ostracizing behaviors such as leaving the victims out of activities, refusing to talk to them, or gossiping. This behavior often goes undetected by parents and teachers and can have a lasting impact on the victim. Coping strategies are offered. This valuable addition to school library collections can be used as a springboard for group discussion.—Lisa Hubler, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

Gr 8 Up—This challenging exercise series is intended for motivated teens who are serious athletes and want to take control of their bodies and improve their sports skills. Matt Richardson is the instructor; one teen performs the exercises at the most difficult level, and another demonstrates a modified or easier routine. Richardson carefully explains the purpose of each exercise and offers tips to execute them more precisely. Additional tips flash across the screen. Each exercise is chaptered and searchable. Bonus features include interviews with Richardson and professional athletes as well as footage of teens engaged in sports. A wonderful resource for teens looking to ramp up their sports training routine.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 3–5—With the help of Josh and Energy Man, nutrition and the new food pyramid is explained in an easy-to-understand manner and with a sense of humor. Josh is a picky eater. His action comic book hero, Energy Man, comes to life to help him understand why he needs to eat a balanced diet. Using other action heroes in cartoon format to represent the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fats, fibers, water, and proteins, Energy Man explains the part that each plays in a balanced diet, and which foods contain each nutrient. He then uses the new food pyramid to explain why some foods should be eaten in greater amounts than others, the amount of each food Josh should be eating daily, and how much daily exercise is necessary. The food servings are stated in cups and ounces, and then actuals servings are shown. After viewing the film, students will be able to apply the guidelines to their daily lives.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 9 Up—Presented in a newsmagazine-style by a diverse group of young adult reporters, the film's seven segments profile various examples of high-risk behaviors, including drug and alcohol abuse and hazing. The most affecting segments tell the stories of average teens who have had tragic experiences with their drug of choice. Especially powerful is the experience of one popular, college bound young woman who overdosed while getting ready for a party. Suffering severe brain damage, her speech, memory, and emotional disorders rob her of her independence. In a heartbreaking interview, the child-like teen communicates an acute sense of lost potential and frustration. The program surveys specific communities where drug use is growing at epidemic rates. Most center on suburban or rural communities; one profiles the growing methamphetamine problems in the Hawaiian Islands, where a particularly potent form of the drug is causing widespread addiction. Information about the physiological and sociological effects of high-risk behavior is presented alongside interviews with individuals affected by substance abuse or hazing, allowing for a combined informational and emotional impact. The segments are not interconnected, which will allow instructors the flexibility to pick and choose those that are applicable to their curriculum. A strong addition to collections supporting drug abuse, health, and sociology units.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr 6 Up—Shin Kazama has just graduated at the top of his class in flight school. He is slated to join the prestigious Yamato Airlines and he's in love with Ryoko, the director of the company's daughter. But he's tricked by his best friend into signing an iron-clad contract with the Asran Mercenary Air Force to fight in Area 88. Unable to contact anyone back in Japan, Shin must fly for three years or earn 1.5 million dollars to fulfill his contract. He's sick of the carnage and the killing, but he starts to appreciate the interesting cast of characters at the base with him. The real stars of Area 88 are the planes: amazing dogfights are fought over landscapes reminiscent of recent desert military campaigns. Area 88, roughly 20 years old, is based on Kaoru Shintani's manga series and is one of the great classics of early animé. Some footage may seem dated, but the terrific action scenes make up for it. This updated version has been restored with great care and deserves to be in all collections where animé or action stories are popular.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

PreS-K—Curious George returns in another set of non-stop adventures. These eight original stories created for the PBS series keep the elements of George that endear him to all, set down in H.A. Rey's classic books. Production values are high, with a jazzy opening and animation better than most Saturday morning cartoons. Each tale is splendidly narrated by William A. Macy. In "Curious George's Rocket Ride," George flies into space to take food to the International Space Station, but his curiosity to find out what's in a box is nearly his undoing. George and some beavers build competing dams in "Curious George and the Dam Builder." When "Curious George Flies a Kite" on a windy day, he's carried off into the sky. Hundley and George are locked out and must find their way back inside the apartment building in "Curious George Finds His Way." George learns that the train station master carries great responsibility in "Curious George Station Master." Not only does George find his way home in "Curious George Goes Up the River, he also locates the missing chicks. George overcomes his newfound fear of the dark in "Curious George in the Dark." In "Roller Monkey," George learns the joys of roller skating. A live-action interlude related to the story and intended to make the tale relevant to viewers follows each segment. Bonus materials include "Curious Constructions Game" and "Curious Shadows Game." Sure to be a hit.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

K-Gr 4—Each title in the series presents a familiar children's story while viewers see the illustrations as they are being created. This happy combination of art and literature widens the programs' appeal and applications. The Great Race is a retelling of Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare." Illustrated in watercolor and crayon, the illustrations are shown in various stages of creation from sketch to final detailing. A female narrator creates different voices for the characters. The Violin's Ghost tells of a man who has no talent for playing the violin who is led, by a ghost, to a Stradivarius violin. With this new instrument, his musical talents shine…or are they the talents of the ghost? In this production, cut-outs and collage illustrations are featured. The pieces are moved around as the male narrator presents the story. Each DVD offers viewers a chance to read the story, either alone or along with the narration. From a computer, pages can be printed out to color. Watching the art being created is interesting and adds something extra to the presentation. The artistic techniques featured make these titles useful for art as well as storytelling units.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 7 Up— Ping Pong is the story of two teen boys who have been friends since they were very young and are now both on the school's prestigious table-tennis team. They couldn't be more different. Hoshino "Peco" is exuberant and cocky, and his goal in life is to play professionally in Europe. Tsukimoto "Smile" isn't interested in anything and acquired his nickname because he never does. When Peco is "skunked" by his rival "Dragon," he quits the game and his dreams. Smile loses to players he can beat because he doesn't want them to feel bad. The tale is about growing up, figuring out what's important in life, and living with the choices all within the scope of playing the game of ping pong. Based on Taiyo Matsumoto's manga of the same name, director Fumihiko Sori's film is faithful to the look and the feel of the comic book. It is brilliantly cast, and when the game play moves into the tournament arena, the action scenes explode with amazing camera work and electrifying special effects. The film is subtitled in English and in Japanese (where necessary). Both an extraordinary coming of age story and a revealing window into another culture, Ping Pong should find a home in all teen video collections, and particularly in libraries where patrons are interested in manga and animé.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 4— Santa, Mrs. Claus, four elves, comedian Snowy the Snowman, the Treetop Angel (who sings and plays the harp), and the Magic Tree of Christmas teach youngsters one original and 13 traditional Christmas songs. The production combines live-action footage with computer-generated animation. In addition, Mrs. Claus (Kitty St. Ives) expressively reads Clement Moore's "The Night Before Christmas," with iconographic illustrations of the poem and background music. The DVD can be viewed with or without on-screen lyrics; the lyrics are displayed karaoke style. Santa (J. D. St. Ives), the lead singer, has a pleasant, deep baritone. Throughout the production, he offers historical facts about Christmas or comments about a song's more obscure lyrics. The troupe leads viewers in singing "Deck the Halls," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Silent Night," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and more. The DVD also has a short blooper section. The CD includes all of the songs on the DVD as well as instrumental tracks for two of the tunes. A fun way to help celebrate the Christmas holidays.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 9 Up—Set in Australia, this film offers a five-step program to avoid harming the environment during a camping trip. These key areas are rubbish management, campsite selection, cooking and washing, outdoor toilet, and staying on track. A female narrator is joined by camp managers and environmental educators who explain each topic while examples are shown on-screen. At the end of each segment, a printed summary is reviewed by the narrator. The key to successful camping is to make minimum impact and think about the consequences of one's actions. Although words, phrases, the narrator's accent, and animals and terrain pictured are all related to Australia, this program could be used by any group planning a camping trip. For libraries with outdoor recreation collections.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 10 Up—A tremendous amount of information is packed into this short program. It begins with a brief discussion about the different responses of plants to the environment, and then explains the hormones that cause these responses. After covering the effects and modes of action of the five major groups of plant hormones (auxins, abscisic acid, gibberellins, ethylene, and cytokinins), some lesser known hormones are explained. The program ends with a short discussion of how plants adjust their flowering time in response to environmental stimuli. Animated sequences are used effectively to show the various modes of hormone action. Since basic concepts are not reviewed, an understanding of fundamental cell biology, including such topics as signal transduction, ion channels, osmosis, and second messengers, is necessary to understand the concepts presented. The information about plant hormones is remarkably thorough for such a brief film.—Tim Maret, Shippensburg University, PA

Gr 7 Up—The scientific causes of earthquakes and tsunamis are presented in easy-to-understand terms. The three basic components of the earth—crust, mantle, and core—are described, and excellent diagrams and illustrations present concepts such as magnetic fields, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The devastating 2004 Tsunami is explored, and interviews with and responses by representatives of major organizations such as the Red Cross and Oxfam are presented. Suggestions to improve the early warning system to alert the most susceptible countries (Third World nations) quickly and systematically are offered. It may take students some time to grasp the nuances of the scientists' accents in this Australian produced film. The chapters in the menu often begin mid-sentence. The primary source materials in this well-organized film will be valuable in world studies, geography, and science classes.—Barbara Hartings, Lebanon High School, OH

Gr 3–5—The six major types of simple machines—levers, inclined planes, wedges, screws, wheel and axle, and pulleys—and the many ways in which they are used in our daily lives are explained and demonstrated in this live-action production. Important concepts, such as work and mechanical advantage, are defined at the beginning of the film and then applied throughout the program. The narrator presents the information in a well-paced, easy-to-understand manner. Along the way, there are chances for viewer interaction as simple questions are asked, then answered. The film ends with a summary and a five-question fill-in-the-blanks quiz to test comprehension. This excellent introduction to a basic science concept will fit nicely into any science curriculum dealing with simple machines.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—Actor Bradley Whitford narrates this two-part investigation of global warming. Appropriate music complements the visuals, and the narrative is enhanced by male and female scientists who discuss their work. Warnings from a Warm Planet examines the impact of global warming on terrestrial and ocean ecosystems. Heat waves, record floods, longer fire seasons, and weather extremes have an intense impact on all life forms. The coral reefs in the Virgin Islands have experienced huge die-offs since 2002; in the Arctic sea, the decrease of ice causes loss of animal habitat and the loss of permafrost affects the lives and cultures of Native Peoples. Predictions for a Warmer Planet contains some of the same visuals and commentary but mainly focuses on weather prediction. Scientists explain the analog, numerical, and computer models they utilize to gather weather data. These programs will appeal to an audience that has some knowledge about global warming and the greenhouse gases caused by burning fossil fuels. The second disc will be most useful for classes familiar with basic scientific principles. DVD extras include a teacher's guide and research documents. For libraries with science and current events collections.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 10 Up—This presentation looks at globalization as human disaster. The case study presented is India's dependence on small farms to supply food for its burgeoning population. Many farmers are at the mercy of large multinational agricultural companies such as Monsanto that supply credit, seed, and fertilizer. Over reliance on chemicals has created dead soil and added to the toxic air, water, and food we consume. Peter Proctor, New Zealand's "father of modern biodynamics," offers a new method of farming—biodynamic agriculture. This is organic farming that produces healthier food and restores the soil. Farms cross India are shown using this method and the step-by-step procedure of composting, planting, fertilizing, and watering the fields. Farmers don't use pesticides and utilize less water than farming dependent upon chemicals. An off-shoot of biodynamic farming is social change—families as well as neighbors work together. Intriguing music and narration by Peter Coyote complement the striking images of India's countryside and people. Strong statements reflect the belief that trade agreements between India and the United States promote chemical farming, gene engineering, and trade imbalances that cause world hunger. Ethics and morality are important pluses in biodynamic farming, a new "grassroots" revolution that could sweep the globe and bring positive change. Science and environmental studies classes can utilize this film to study global affairs and debate the issues of globalization.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

K-Gr 6—Inquisitive traveler Tol Stilts, who seems a lot like Willy Wonka in attitude and appearance, literally runs into a shooting star named Stella, and goes on to find out more about shooting stars. The primary portion of the film begins with computer animation, then moves to live-action as Tol interviews a diverse group of children to learn their views on shooting stars. Lamentably, the program is largely filler and fluff. There are songs, comments from children, and about two minutes dedicated to a very cursory explanation of shooting stars. Dr. Iz provides a smattering of astronomical information, not always focused on the topic, and Stella offers some facts. There are three additional segments. "Lab Chat with Dr. Iz and Stella" provides more information about shooting stars, but again lacks focus, and the rhyming commentary by Dr. Iz becomes old. A planetarium specialist in "The Expert's Corner" lectures about shooting stars. There's considerably more information in this segment, and although he rambles a bit, he covers topics such as comets, Trojan asteroids, and comet tail debris. Again, the presentation lacks focus and organization. Terms are often not defined or appropriately explained. The last segment is a dance video, "Learn Dr. Iz's Izzatronic Dance," which is more fluff. Live-action footage, photography, and computer-generated graphics provide some additional insights. There is humor here, and some slick animation, but not enough information for classroom use.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 10 Up—Everyday objects are incorporated into the exploration of Newton's three laws of motion in this fast-paced production. Illustrations of classical mechanics are presented to explain the relationship between forces acting on an object and the motion of the object. The presentation utilizes an effective mix of everyday applications, equations, experiments, discussion questions, and summaries of each law. Students are encouraged to engage in the discussion and exploration. The Australian narrator's accent is easy to understand. The DVD can be played in its entirety, or specific scenes can be accessed for teaching purposes and for review. While the production does an adequate job of explaining the basic principles and relevancy of Newton's laws of motion based on everyday applications, the use of metric measurements may confuse American students. A supplemental purchase.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

K-Gr 4—Chances are your library's films about the solar system are out of date, and this program is a good choice to update your collection. While a female narrator provides scientific information, two children take a quick tour of our solar system. A few key terms are defined, and then they visit the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Passing through the asteroid belt, they are introduced to the first dwarf planet, Ceres. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune quickly follow. It's a long journey to the last two dwarf planets—Pluto, and recently discovered Eris. The children learn a few important facts about each planet and dwarf planet. When available, photographs or video are shown. Computer-generated landscapes are also used. Only a few moons are mentioned. Some famous astronomers are briefly introduced. While the children's acting is a bit stilted and the occasional use of rhymes may be a little childish for older viewers, this is a clear, up-to-date presentation that meets a significant current need.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 6 Up—In the summer of 2004, Christopher Swain swam the entire length of the Hudson River in order to bring attention to its plight. This film documents his journey from a shallow stream in the Adirondacks all the way to the mouth of the Hudson River in New York City. Along the way, Swain meets with a variety of people working to save the Hudson, including concerned citizens, environmental educators, students, and songwriter/musician Pete Seeger. The filmmaker effectively uses the travels of one man to connect the various stories of these ordinary, everyday heroes with whom he meets. The film also documents Swain's numerous adventures during his swim, including encounters with snapping turtles, toxic effluent, dams, and security guards. Aspects of the history of environmental abuse to the river are interspersed throughout the documentary. The videography and narration are excellent. The specialized nature of this film makes it most valuable for schools within the Hudson River watershed. It also could be used effectively to demonstrate how the actions of ordinary citizens can, and do, make a difference.—Tim Maret, Shippensburg University, PA

Gr 3–5—The fundamental concepts of weather are introduced in this brief production. The narrator begins by posing a series of questions which are discussed and answered during the presentation. As key terms are defined and explained by the narrator, the words are printed on-screen. Four main factors (heat energy, air pressure, wind, and moisture) which interact to influence weather are introduced using graphic transitions. There is a brief discussion about the formation of clouds and types of precipitation. The "You Observe!," "You Decide!," and "You Predict!" sections give students the opportunity to interact. A five-question quiz completes the presentation. The DVD can be played in its entirety, or individual sections can be accessed. Among the bonus features is a glossary and still pictures from the program. The teacher's guide includes national standards correlations, learning objectives, a video script, activities, a pre- and post-test, and a video review. Blackline masters provide valuable extension activities for the classroom. An excellent introduction to weather for classroom or individualized instruction or home schooling.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

PreS—Developed by certified music therapist Lesley Ketchum and the parents of a child with Down syndrome, this program features nine songs ranging from classics like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider" to more difficult pieces such as "Inch by Inch." The title is actually something of a misnomer because only about half of the actions shown are actual American Sign Language (ASL) signs. For the most part, Ketchum does identify which actions are signs and which are merely gestures, but parents expecting to learn actual signs may be disappointed. The program does fulfill its stated purpose—to pair target words in the songs with movement and signs. A section explaining the rationale behind this approach is the only part of the video where children are shown signing. The songs are demonstrated by Ketchum, first teaching the signs and actions and then performing them while singing. The DVD may be useful for early childhood educators and librarians who wish to incorporate some basic signing into their repertoire, but the mixture of actual signs and gestures may cause confusion among those without a background in ASL.—Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Gr 7 Up—The current Presidential campaign and upcoming election promises to be similar to the awkward one of 2000 with a host of contenders from all segments of the political spectrum and an electorate which is becoming increasingly soured on the entire process. This comprehensive program looks back on our country's electoral process from its Constitutional establishment through the election of 2004 as seen by an ambitious group of young political and social activists and students of media. Emphasis is given to a number of critical issues in this well-paced film: the establishment of the Electoral College (in an amazingly lucid explanation) and its usefulness; a particularly intensive examination of the 2000 presidential election highlighting the unfortunate debacle in Florida; and the past and future impact of various electronic voting systems on the outcome of elections. Vintage film/television footage and crisp, clear graphics enhance the large number of interviews with political figures from both parties, national and state governmental officials, as well as college professors in an effort to shed some light on a difficult issue facing our country. Although the volume and the sound are problematic in some parts of the program, particularly the interviews, and the lack of a chapter selection option limits the potential classroom effectiveness of the film, its theme is developed so well that these are minor annoyances. While preview prior to student viewing is suggested, it will be an extremely useful resource.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up—The story of Takayuki "Ted" Tanouye's heroism in World War II was lost for over 50 years, perhaps buried principally by our country's shame over the treatment of Japanese-American citizens during the war years. Tanouye, who was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Clinton in 2000 for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of Italy in 1944, is the focus of this program's astonishing account of the efforts of a group of high school students to make known his accomplishments within the military and cultural worlds in which they took place. The youngsters, who attend the same Torrence, CA, high school as did Tanouye, set out to uncover information about Tanouye as a student and an adult, his accomplishments, and the events that were taking place locally and nationally at the time. The film, which is presented by the students, chronicles their discovery process. They utilized a range of personal interviews (including one with Tanouye's surviving brother), searches of local library and school resources, and the Internet. Courses which include units on local history research will find this a valuable tool. The film's review of the wartime Nisei and Issei relocation program and the incredible military contribution of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team will be welcomed in contemporary issues and history courses. This multiple award-winning film includes chapter selection, a number of supplemental segments, a Web-based curriculum guide, and an English-language caption option. This touching and valuable narrative about the life of a truly "All-American" young man deserves a place in all media collections.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 3–6—This overview of the California missions delivers information in a lively and engaging manner, touching broadly on the features of the missions without providing much historical context or explanation of the purposes and consequences of these institutions. Topics covered include mission construction, agriculture and food, roads and forts, games, and daily life. While pre-Spanish Native American customs and the devastating effect of diseases on the Native population are touched on, the program fails to provide any historical context for the missions or the inherent master-servant dynamic of the Spaniards and Natives. California Jones delivers information with a cheery grin. While youngsters will probably enjoy the frequent sight gags, puns, and demonstrations of cooking, building, and adobe brick-making, the relentlessly upbeat tone is never counterbalanced with the fact that the Indians often were forced into labor in the missions at the cost of their freedom and loss of culture. Additionally, captions mislabel the Natives as "indians" (no capitalization), further trivializing this cultural group.—Sara Oremland, El Dorado Middle School, Concord, CA

Gr 11 Up—Featuring excellent cinematography and photography of the art and architecture of these three major cities, the series reveals the connection between the religion of Islam and its art. A great deal of information about world history is presented, from the 9th century to the present time, and students will learn about the influence of the Islamic world on European culture. Narrator Akbar Ahmed emphasizes the intertwining of religion and culture throughout the series, and the fact that many of the structures have been renovated and adapted by the dominating culture. While some information about the decorative arts, such as pottery, tile work, and calligraphy, is presented, it is not analyzed in as much detail as the architecture. There is an excellent segment on the importance of the rebuilding of the great Library of Alexandria. Some bias towards the Islamic religion is apparent, especially during a discussion about The Rock in Jerusalem. Ahmed also discusses the Shiite/Sunni divisions in the Islamic world. Generally, the information is well-suited to cross-curricular classes in art and architecture, history, and religion. Students will learn a great deal about the social and political history of the Islamic world from these well-organized and interesting films.—Barbara Hartings, Lebanon High School, OH

Gr 7 Up—Doris Haddock (Granny D.) was determined to create a wave of interest for campaign finance reform after she learned of the role that "soft" money played in financing and influencing national candidates. On January 1, 1999, at the age of 89, Granny D. set off to walk across America, from Pasadena, CA, to Washington, DC. This video documents her 3,030 mile, 14 month walk. Her remarkable achievement of rousing support for campaign finance reform while walking across the country is an inspiration to all citizens. While this true story doesn't have a Cinderella ending, significant strides were made when the McCain-Finegold bill, to regulate the financing of political campaigns, was passed by Congress in 2002. During the debate on the bill, Granny D. walked in non-stop circles around the Capital until she met with more than half the Senators. Her dissatisfaction with the loopholes included in the bill prompted her to run for the Senate in New Hampshire in 2004 at the age of 94. This production chronicles the story of a modern-day hero, but it only minimally covers the issue of campaign finance reform. An excellent resource for middle school social studies classes and high school units on women's studies, American government, and aging.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep, San Jose, CA

Gr 2–5—Based on the award-winning book (Kids Can Press, 2002) by David J. Smith, this simple, yet artistic presentation helps to clarify the realities of our global condition for children. Since it is difficult for young children to grasp a world population of over 6 billion people, the story line asks them to imagine the population of the world as a village of just 100 people. Based on this premise, statistics are presented on topics such as nationalities, languages spoken, age, religion, educational attainment, food, poverty, pollution, and more. Some of the statistics will be very surprising. But rather than a collection of numbers, the production flows more like a story. Shelagh Armstrong's colorful acrylic illustrations translate well to the screen, and the animation is well done. Background music adds to the telling. A unique choice for units on community, geography, and global studies.—Kathryn Tvaruzka, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Gr 7 Up—Ohio has always been a pivotal state in Presidential elections (no Republican has ever won the White House without carrying it), and this fast-paced program details how the 2004 election played out in the Buckeye state. Told from the perspective of two young citizen-journalists utilizing a wide variety of personal interviews with supporters of both candidates (Kerry and Bush) as well as historically independent voters, news program video footage, a soundtrack sure to be popular with younger viewers, and a variety of other presentation techniques, the program accurately portrays those characteristics that make Ohio a bellwether state on the national scene. The film also includes an in-depth, casual interview with one of Ohio's more colorful ordinary citizens who might be representative of the entire citizenry. If, indeed, history can be a precursor of what might follow, this powerful, effective, and astute documentary promises to be a valuable resource in every school media collection.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 4 Up—Nine thousand years of Native American history comes together at Blue Lake Regional Park located near Portland, OR. The site is known in the Chinook language as Nichi'qwi or "stand of trees." In April 1806, Lewis and Clark visited the Native American village that was built on this site and detailed what they found in their journals. In 2006, the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, MO, re-enacted their journey. This production presents footage of the event to mark the bicentennial. Park visitors will see a carved wood and stone monument dedicated to the event and commemorating Native American history as well. Even today, Native Americans continue to pass along from generation to generation traditions established in this region hundreds of years ago. The short video is comprised of snapshots from a variety of texts, illustrations from the Lewis and Clark journals, and footage of various celebrations. The filming is sometimes jumpy and often grainy and out of focus. The film is narrated in a monotone, accompanied by drums. An interview with a park biologist explains the various types of wildlife in the park. The DVD would only be helpful for classes from the area planning a field trip to the park.—Lisa Lea Hardey, Sprague High School, Salem, OR

Gr 10 Up—Intense and devastating, yet infused with a sense of hope, this film provides a window into the lives of five teenagers growing up in the roughest parts of New York City. The film's title highlights the powerful undercurrent of optimism that all its subjects express at different points in their troubled lives. One young man explains his goal: "A perfect life would be constant progress." The teens all attended the same experimental school as children, traveling outside the oppressive confines of their city dwellings each summer for an idyllic camping trip. The juxtaposition of the nostalgic footage of the teens as children and today is striking—children who splashed carelessly at a lakeside retreat are shown progressing along a bleak trajectory as they confront the daily realities of urban poverty: drug abuse, absent or abusive parents, gang activity, shelter living, and even prostitution. In their own words, the young men and women contrast their hopes and dreams with everyday challenges as they struggle to create their own opportunities. An epilogue fills viewers in on what has happened in their lives since the project drew to a close; tellingly, the only teen to achieve her goals and attend college is the one who moved away from the cut-throat city environment. Reflecting on her family's move, she says "we have more time to focus on each other" instead of daily survival. A rich, though heart-breaking, addition to sociology-related curricula, the film raises complex questions about the possibilities of success for inner-city teens. Instructors should be aware that strong language and difficult situations are discussed with candor.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Gr 9 Up—This remarkable, award-winning film is aptly titled—unorthodox doesn't even begin to describe the extraordinary manner in which this overview of Jewish culture and identity is presented, cleverly utilizing the classic Barbie doll as a metaphor. That connection is a bit strained sometimes, but it works in the sense of being a thought-provoking metaphor for teachers of and students in history, sociology, contemporary issues, and a host of other courses. In essence, the various historical and contemporary identities of Barbie serve as a platform for this study of Jewish ethnicity. Utilizing a wide variety of TV and movie clips, crisp graphics, clever animation, and the smooth narration of actor Peter Coyote, the producers have abridged thousands of years of tradition and belief into a delightfully upbeat and, at times, humorous study of one group, or "tribe," of people. Unique supplements to the DVD are an equally unorthodox study guide which expands on concepts introduced in the video as well as a deck of conversation cards, each containing a single word which is meant to serve as an initiator of dialogue on aspects of Jewish culture. In addition to providing information on what it means to be an American Jew today, this enjoyable and effective program could serve as a starting point for an examination of other cultural affiliations in America today.—Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up—Chess instructor Bruce Warner narrates and is on-screen for most of this three-part volume, the first title in a series geared for chess students of all ages. Warner has a wealth of knowledge of the game, but that doesn't always translate to an effective instructional DVD, especially for teenagers. For example, on the first disc, he spends 10 minutes describing rank identification and algebraic notation before viewers even see a board and chess pieces. When showing how each piece can move, he demonstrates the moves over and over again, even when they don't require so much repetition. The other two DVDs cover the fundamentals of the game. After explaining why it's important to learn end-game strategy first, the first 30 minutes of disc 2 consists of various end-game scenarios with only a handful of pieces on the board. Warner later has an extended segment on how to win a game where one player has a king and a pawn and the other player only has a pawn. Disc 3 is better paced and covers important elements of the game, such as time/tempo, attack in force, and strategies for opening the game and the middle portion of the game. But then the last 10 minutes is spent showing the first 22 moves of a classic game between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer, not to analyze the game, but to illustrate how to recreate moves written in algebraic notation. The narration often is delivered in a monotone. A better choice for students is Learning Chess the Easy Way (ChessCentral, 2006) by grandmaster Susan Polgar.—David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 7–11—Kiley, Manny, Rainey, and Jo Jo, four average high school students, are having trouble finding time in their busy lives for homework and studying; keeping their grades up; and dealing with parents, friends, and peer pressure. Rainey's father hires a former high school English teacher to help the teens develop good study skills. Through a series of tutoring sessions, she teaches them a variety of skills to help them become independent self-learners. The lessons focus on self-evaluation of study skills, setting goals, organizational skills, time management, active listening, note taking, memorization techniques, and more. The tutor reinforces the skill that is most important to learning—reading for pleasure every day. The tutoring sessions take place in a relaxed setting and are conversational in style with interaction between the students and the tutor. Each session presents a skill, provides practical examples and practice, and a review. Viewers will relate to the problems faced by these four teens. For group or individual viewing, this is a solid choice for middle and secondary collections.—Lisa Lea Hardey, Sprague High School, Salem, OR

Gr adult—Aimed at families planning a visit to Hawaii with their children, this travel guide follow the Roberts family and their two boys, ages 3 and 5. It covers history, nature, culture, accommodations, transportation, and family-friendly attractions and activities such as parks and museums. Sites visited include the rugged Napai Coast, a ride up the Wailua River, the Fern Grotto, the North Shore, and a luau at sunset. Basic family travel tips are included, such as what to pack and how to survive traveling with kids. In addition, the film includes some old Polynesian folktales, Hawaiian language lessons, recipes, and crafts. The narration by the parents is clear, and the background music is pleasant, although the inclusion of more Hawaiian or Polynesian music would have helped support the cultural aspect of the information. In addition to its use as an armchair travelogue, the film could be used as a resource for learning about Hawaii for elementary and intermediate grade students.—Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Home for Children, Rhinebeck, NY

Gr 6–9—Medieval alchemist Nicholas Flamel resides in modern day San Francisco as an antique bookseller, but his quiet life is turned upside down when the evil sorcerer, John Dee, arrives with his golem henchmen to abduct Flamel's wife and to steal a powerful tome, the Book of Abraham the Mage. Teen twins Sophie and Josh, caught in the magical crossfire, accompany Flamel and are introduced to a mystical world of adventure neither can imagine. Michael Scott's novel (Delacorte, 2007) comes to life in this audio presentation. Narrator Denis O'Hare expertly shifts between exotic accents and conveys the urgency in the many action scenes. This title will have wide appeal to fans of fantasy literature and those interested in Medieval history, and it has enough action to hold the interest of reluctant readers. A few pop culture references will date it. Listeners will be enthralled.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 6–8—Benny Shaw is spending the summer with his lighthouse-keeper grandfather on the coast of Ireland in Eoin Colfer's novel (Miramax, 2007). The boy believes he'll be welcomed by the local children because of his athletic prowess, but he's surprised when he's chosen last for teams, bitten by a dog, and knocked on his arse by a girl named Babe. A tomboy to the extreme, Babe lets Benny know that as a townie, he has little to offer. After several amusing encounters, the duo develop a grudging respect for each other. Babe agrees to take Benny on as a partner in her profitable fishing lure business, but complications arise when a local tough boy decides to take it over. Narrator Euan Morton's Irish accent is spot-on, and after a while listeners will become comfortable with it. A brilliant story filled with humor and joy.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 5–7—Georgie, The Richest Girl in the Universe, is still getting to know her parents after being kidnapped as a baby by a gangster and living in an orphanage her entire childhood. She should be happy, but now she has to deal with self-centered heiresses at her private school and her gangly body that always seems to be going in the wrong direction at the wrong time. While most people can fly, Georgie has the unique talent of being able to become invisible. Odd things start happening to her, like fashion-conscious vampires trying to get into her penthouse apartment at night. Her friend, Bug, has become a celebrity as the best flier and during the filming of a commercial he is briefly dragged into the river by a playful giant octopus. Bug even saves Roma, The Second Richest Girl in the Universe, from a prehistoric giant sloth that takes her up the Empire State Building and will only be lured down with chocolate candies. When Georgie and Bug finally reconnect again, they are determined to save the city by finding The Book of the Undead and the pen that activates its magic. They have help from their pet bird and cat, as well as a book club of elderly women, a volunteer at the public library, and Georgie's all-knowing Polish cook. Renee Raudman skillfully and enthusiastically narrates Laura Ruby's fantasy/adventure (Eos, 2007), giving a unique voice to each character . Readers who like action, humor, and fantastical turns of events will like this unusual adventure that is full of unique characters and seemingly random chaos.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate School, Edmonds, WA

Gr 5–8—Elizabeth Winthrop's novel (Wendy Lamb Books, 2006) is set in 1910 Vermont. At first, 12-year-old Grace and her family are thrilled that she's leaving school to work in the mill. The pennies that she earns will help the family get out of debt. Grace works as a doffer at the mill, but she's left-handed and finds the work difficult. When Lewis Hines, photographer-reformer, comes to the mill, the lives of Grace and her friend Arthur change. They work secretly with the child labor commission to expose the conditions at the mill. Frequent background music and Lili Gamache's frantic narration during dramatic plot turns sometimes makes it difficult to follow the story. Bonus features include an interview with the author detailing her research and writing process. An excellent blend of history and fiction.—Karen T. Bilton, Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, Rocky Hill, NJ

Gr 5–7—When Angela Tukesbury, the mysterious new girl, starts the secret game of "cash or dare" after class, Theo thinks that it's his lucky day. The rules seem simple enough—write anonymous dares, randomly draw and perform one, and win the 50 pound jackpot. How hard can it be to wait in the tunnel of an abandoned warehouse? But an unexpected hitch arises when he's sent home from school sick and confined to the house by his parents at the exact time he is to perform his dare. Theo's best friend, Ricky, swaps dares with him. But when Ricky performs the dare, he goes missing. Who could have written such a deadly dare for Theo? Is it too late to rescue Ricky? A game, handwriting analysis, a couple of thugs, and a classic jewelry heist add to the thrills of this thought-provoking novel by Malorie Blackman (Scholastic, pap. 1998). Paul Chequer and Syan Blake eloquently narrate alternating chapters.—Ann Crewdson, Issaquah Library, WA

Gr 6 Up—Listeners may want to linger over Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Scholastic, 2007) since this is J. K. Rowling's last installment in her universally successful fantasy series. Howeverm the high-tension adventures of Harry assisted by Hermione and Ron will immediately draw everyone into the quest to vanquish Voldemort. With the Dark Lord in control of the Ministry of Magic, the trio uses their combined wizardly talents to stay hidden as they follow Dumbledore's assignment to destroy the dangerous horcruxes. Finding those fragmented pieces of their enemy's soul lead the friends to angry arguments, near fatal encounters and, occasionally, humorous episodes. Pursuing Dumbledore's oblique clues also reveal the truth behind a powerful, death-defying magic wand and stone, but that knowledge threatens to sidetrack the teens. The final confrontation is a bloody battle at Hogworts that involves the vast cast of creatures, allies and foes from the previous six volumes. In the end, Harry learns unexpected truths that are pivotal in the concluding struggle between good and evil. Narrator Jim Dale again serves up superbly distinctive characters and adds excitement when he narrates action scenes. Creating more than 200 voices for the Potter series, Dale has not only brought a rich vocal presence to the text, but he's also set an audiobook record for the number of characters portrayed. For those who've enjoyed the print version of the book, listening to this recording will extend and enhance the inspiring climax to this legendary septet.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Gr 5–8—Mia Winchell is a synesthetes—her brain's electrical wiring causes words and sounds to be accompanied by a visual display of colors. She describes laughter as "a pale blue cloud that drizzles down." The word friend is "turquoise with the glow of glossy red." Mia, now 13 years old, has been keeping her condition a secret since she first discovered it in the third grade. When Mia finally confides in her parents, they take her to a series of doctors, and she is properly diagnosed. Once the teen learns that she's not crazy and her problem is synesthesia, she embraces her uniqueness. But she also abandons her normal relationships to spend time with fellow synesthetes. Finally, the death of her beloved cat, Mango, reconciles Mia to her family and friends. Wendy Mass's novel (Little, Brown, 2003) captures the emotional roller-coaster ride of a teenager born with synesthesia in much the same way as Mark Haddon captured the complicated world of autism in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (Doubleday 2003). Mass weaves an intriguing and compelling story filled with believable dialogue and characters. Mia's parents are almost too perfect, but her siblings' and friends' personalities and voices ring true. Narrator Danielle Ferland moves from character to character effortlessly, but without much deviation in voice inflections for the secondary players. In voicing Mia, she does a remarkable job of expressing the whirlwind of complicated teenage emotions. A must for all collections.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Gr 7–10—The clock is ticking much too quickly for 15-year-old J.J. Liddy, his mother, and the other residents of his Irish village. As time seems to slip away more quickly every day, J.J.'s mother jokingly requests more time as her birthday gift. Born into a family of traditional Irish musicians, the boy is torn between his natural love of music and playing with his family at dances, or agreeing to go with his friend to a club on the night he is supposed to play. The decision is made for him when he encounters a woman who tells him she knows how he can get the additional time for his mother. So begins his journey to Tír na n' Ó, the Land of Eternal Youth, a land of faeries who are also mysteriously losing time. Kate Thompson's award-winning book (Greenwillow, 2007) delivers a rich fantasy. Slowly unveiled family mysteries and questions about the identity of the new policeman in town will keep listeners enthralled. The parallel between the loss of time and the busy life we all lead will be apparent to most students. Irish actress Marcella Riordan lends an authentic accent to the reading. Although each chapter is followed by a somewhat long interlude of Irish music which may put off some listeners, the strong musical tie to the story is worthwhile.—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

Gr 7–10—Female linebacker D.J. Schwenk is back in Catherine Gilbert Murdock's delightful sequel (Houghton Mifflin, 2007) to Dairy Queen (Houghton Mifflin, 2006; Listening Library, 2006). D.J. is in the 11th grade and an appreciated member of the Red Bend High School football team. She's dating (sort of) Brian Nelson from a rival town's team. Everything changes when the teenager suffers a shoulder injury and her sports career is threatened. Weird things are happening with Brian, too. He wants to keep their relationship a secret and seems embarrassed to be seen with her. D J.'s life takes an unexpected turn when her brother has to deal with a spinal-cord injury incurred during a football game, and she must have the tenacity to encourage his recovery. Narrator Natalie Moore provides just the right voice for D J. to project her humor and warmth. Listeners will relate to these appealing characters and the slice-of-life plot reminiscent of novels by Sharon Creech and Joan Bauer. Hopefully, we haven't heard the last from D.J.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 9 Up—It's the summer before her senior year in high school, and Katie Ellison has discovered the thrills of making out behind the back of her sweet but bland football player boyfriend in this novel by Meg Cabot (HarperTeen, 2007). She regrets the web of lies that her various shenanigans have required, but just can't seem to stop herself. Her talent for photography, dependability on the job, environmental consciousness, and reputation as a star student rescue her from a bad-girl image for everyone except herself. Katie knows that she had a part in ruining a good friend back in the eighth grade in order to become part of the in-crowd. And now that boy, Tommy Sullivan, is back in town and she's even making out with him. How much more complicated could one girl's life be? Narrator Krista Sutton brings Katie to life with a reading that exudes hormones. Listeners will be aware of the "good" Katie trying to re-make the "bad" girl as Sutton's reading moves the situation to a pivotal tell-all moment. She masterfully lets listeners hear Katie's eye-rolling and finger-crossing. Cabot fans will like this light-hearted story full of summer fun, dreams come true, and a happy ending, even though the plot is predictable.—Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY

Gr 4–8—Fans of the series will be delighted to be reacquainted with many characters from the previous volumes in this sixth book in the fantasy series (Greenwillow, 2006) by Diana Wynne Jones. Cat Chant is now training to become the next Chrestomanci. His life becomes entwined with a young enchantress, Marianne, when he meets her on a trip to Ulverscote. Marianne Pinhoe hesitantly gives Cat a griffin egg which begins a chain of events in which both Cat and Marianne are reluctant major players. Marianne should be avoiding Cat lest her clan's clandestine magical pursuits be discovered, but she needs his help in preventing a war between the Pinhoes and the Farleighs. Only Marianne realizes that her mentally unstable grandmother is engineering the war. Gerard Doyle's competent reading of Jones's richly humorous and sometimes dark tale is a delight. His portrayal of the children as unwilling heroes reveals their doubts and suspicions through voicing nuisances. The pacing of the reading is perfectly in tune with the obstacles faced by the characters. Newcomers to the series will be drawn into the marvelous Chrestomanci universe, and fans will be surprised and delighted with the turn of events that lead to a most satisfying ending.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 4–7—It's the summer before seventh grade and Catherine is excited because a new girl, Kristi, is moving in next door. Maybe she will have someone to spend time with this summer while her best friend is on vacation. And perhaps her younger brother David, who is autistic and always disrupts her life, will learn the rules for acting "normal." She's tired of having to be vigilant to prevent David's embarrassing outbursts and wants to be able to have easy friendships and slumber parties. At her brother's occupational therapy clinic, Catherine befriends Jason, an older boy who is confined to a wheelchair and communicates using flashcards. Catherine is delighted that she is becoming friends with this sure-to-be-popular future classmate, but she worries that Kristi won't like her after she finds out about David and learns that Catherine is friends with a disabled boy. Catherine attempts to help her brother behave more normally by teaching him dozens of rules, such as don't put toys in the fish tank, take off your shirt when you swim but not your shorts, and sometimes people laugh to hurt you. Cynthia Lord's Newbery Honor Book (Scholastic, 2006) is sympathetically narrated by Jessica Almasy. Her youthful voice captures Catherine's hope, confusion, and frustration perfectly, but she is less successful at differentiating other characters. The text's use of multiple fonts to distinguish Catherine's written list of rules for David and Jason's speech cards is difficult to render in audiobook format. Students who are not strong auditory processors may benefit from having the book available while listening to the CD to avoid confusion.—Sara Oremland, El Dorado Middle School, Concord, CA

Gr 5 Up—Michelle Paver's novel (Katherine Tegen Books, 2007) opens with the stillness of three friends' hunt for prey in the snowy woods, and very shortly one of them is captured. In a lovingly described post-Ice Age world, Torak and Renn set out to recover Wolf, Torak's pack-brother. Boy, girl, and wolf have faced physical hardship, human evil, and the darkness of otherworldly demons before, but this time they're in a race for Wolf's life, as Soul-Eaters plot to break down the barrier with the Otherworld. On the blinding white fields of the far north, the friends face killing blizzards, treacherous ice, tests of friendship and trust, and ravenous ice bears, and Torak is finally forced to confront his powers as a spirit walker. The third volume in the six-book series delivers convincing shifts from quiet reflection to heart-stopping action, strong characters, deft writing, and a well-researched prehistoric world in which dark magic is based on myth. Ian McKellen masterfully narrates with pacing that savors the quiet moments and heightens the drama. With each book the series darkens and deepens, as Torak learns more about himself and his heritage. The novel will appeal to both younger and older YA readers as it seamlessly weaves together adventure, survival, anthropology, the wild, and a young man struggling to find his place in the world.—Alicia Conklin, High School of Economics & Finance, NY

Gr 7–10—Andy Ramos and Glory Martinez are pursuing their respective music and softball dreams in John H. Ritter's novel (Philomel, 2006). Set in San Diego, the story gives a nice flavor of the summer scene at Ocean Beach's diverse community. Trumpeter Andy is creating his own fusion sound with fellow band members Tran and Little Lobo when his childhood friend, Glory, returns to town. Her goal is a softball scholarship, and Andy's music inspires her best play. Old tensions give way to a new romance, and both teens are trying to be there for each other. Opportunities arise for both of them, but Andy almost loses sight of what is really important when a shady figure, Max Lucero, offers the young musician/skateboarder a fast track to fame. Dan Woren narrates with youthful enthusiasm and handles the Latino characters with subtle, but clear accents. The combination of realistic teen relationships, tongue-in-cheek humor, strong family connections, and a bit of Faustian mysticism with Max's character gives this recording broad appeal. High school and public libraries serving Hispanic communities will find it especially valuable.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Gr 4–6—Edgar and Ellen are mischievous twins who revel in being creatively malicious. Determined to stymie the mayor's plans to build an 11-story hotel on the site of their beloved Gadget Graveyard, the pair brainstorm a number of plans to foil the construction. When their escapades are being copied by an unknown prankster, the twins realize their status as the city's resident rascals is in jeopardy. They set out to identify The Mason, and must descend into the sewers to stop him. Ariadne Meyers competently handles the narration of this third volume (Aladdin, 2006) in the series by Charles Ogden. However, make sure treble settings are turned low, as Ellen's voice is high and shrill, and the Mayor's voice is grating. In an unexpected twist, Meyers sings the songs scattered throughout the story. There is also crowd noise and echoing microphone voices in the scenes which take place at Foundation Day, the town's celebration of the hotel foundation's pouring. A fun listen.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Burnhaven Branch, Burnsville, MN

K-Gr 3—African-American jazz artist Robbi K's third album for children features one traditional and ten original upbeat songs. She's been a back-up singer for Aretha Franklin, Jewel, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, and others. This outstanding album features rap, calypso, rock, jazz, blues, classical, and Cajun musical styles. Her sultry alto voice is joined by virtuoso performances by guest artists Eileen Ivers (fiddle), Chieli Minucci (jazz guitar), Jimmy Owens (jazz trumpet), Bakithi Kumalo (bass), Hayes Greenfield (saxophone), Brady Rymer, Guy Davis, and Jon "Bowzer" Bauman of Sha Na Na. The songs include "Feel da Beat," "Summer's Here," "Eating Some Pizza," "Legend of John Henry," "Music Is My Friend," "Favourite Things" (with a fantastic jazz arrangement), "Got Me Laughing Blues," and others. A must purchase for all libraries.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

K-Gr 5—The opening cut, "This Farm/Theme Song," sets the tone for the recording. It's definitely country, casual, and upbeat fun featuring the cast of the Emmy Award-winning PBS show, The Biscuit Brothers. Set up as an "old-time" radio broadcast, the concept recording gets off to a running start and just doesn't stop. Short interludes are inserted between musical production selections, serving as segues between numbers. Some are instructional, covering topics such as musical dynamics and tips for learning a new song, and some just add humor. Excellent arrangements breathe new life into traditional tunes such as "Oh Susanna!" (an updated arrangement features tight harmonies), "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad" (cool and jazzy), "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain" (a slow tempo makes this hot), "Frog Went A-Courtin'" (a pleasant hoe-down), and "My Bonnie" (with body music enhancements added). The Fields/Donovan classic, "Aba Daba Honeymoon," is updated with ukulele, xylophone, and kazoos. Original songs by Allen Robertson and Jerome Schoolar are catchy and singable. Highlights among the original songs include "Chickens Playing Bongos" (a Bossa Nova featuring different musical instruments) and "P.B. & J." (an empowering tune about making one's own lunch). Fans of the TV show will be thrilled with this recording.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH

PreS-Gr 1—Canadians Shari and Jerry Tallon present 20 songs, nursery rhymes, and fingerplays designed to help young children develop language skills and creative movements. Some are traditional folk songs, accompanied by guitar, and others were written by the Tallons. Four of the songs include horns, piano, and percussion in rock, jazz, and Latin musical styles. All of the vocals and instrumental backups are very good. Several pieces are performed twice, once with all the lyrics, and then without key words, so that educators can ask children for their ideas in creating their own actions. The playlist includes "Wheels on the Bus," "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly," "Rain, Rain Go Away," "When Chicks Wake Up," "Be A Frog," and others. Among the fingerplays and nursery rhymes are "Caterpillar, Caterpillar" and "Pussycat, Pussycat." The accompanying guide contains all the lyrics, suggestions for activities, patterns for puppets, and a short bibliography. A useful resource for classroom and daycare teachers, children's librarians, and parents.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 6–10—In 1864, the last year of the Civil War, a Confederate submarine, the H. L. Hunley, became the first submarine to sink an enemy warship (the USS Housatonic). But something went wrong, and the Hunley suffered the same fate and lay buried in Charleston harbor for more than 100 years. In 1995, archaeologists discovered and raised the submarine from its watery grave. Sally M. Walker's book (Carolrhoda Books, 2005), winner of the American Library Association's Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal in 2006, covers the construction of the submarine, its mission, and how it was finally located and excavated. The enhanced CD features over 80 maps, photographs, and illustrations from the book that complement the listening experience. Actor J. R. Horne's reading brings this historic event to life. This story of adventure, courage, and treasure will enthrall listeners interested in archaeology, history, the Civil War, and adventure.—Larry Cooperman, formerly Seminole High School, Sanford, FL

Gr 6 Up—With this easy-to-install software, students can create their own comic books using images saved on their computer. The simple drag-and-drop interface and design templates make use easy and intuitive when starting out; a PDF file with instructions is accessible from the Help menu. To create a comic, users select a basic page layout from the more than 100 templates, which range from a single panel "splash page" to 8 panels. Then images from the user's computer can be dragged into the panels, and word bubbles, action text, and other clip art can be added. Any saved image can be used, from digital photos to basic clip art. An extremely bare bones set of clip art is included with the program, so users will want to supplement it with additional art. The publisher's Web site (mycomicbookcreator.com/products) offers some free art downloads and other versions of the program for purchase, such as Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator. After the comic is completed, it can be printed or saved in a PDF, GIF, or a variety of other formats. The program is ideal for those interested in making simple comic books out of photographs, video game screenshots, or other images.—Ben Riegler, McHenry Public Library District, IL

Gr 1–4—This page-by-page facsimile of Helen Frost's book (Capstone, 2007) provides basic information about the sabertooth cat—appearance, group behavior, hunting, habitat, and extinction. Double-page spreads feature computer rendered images that are lifelike enough to be slightly scary, showing an animal that looks like a cross between a puma and a hyena with very big teeth. The corresponding text is printed in English on the top of the page and Spanish on the bottom. Unfamiliar vocabulary is printed in orange and defined, in both languages, in the glossary at the conclusion. The index, located at the end of the book, is brief but accurate, though less useful for the computer platform than the print version. The book can be read in English or in Spanish, and the audio can be turned off. In the review copy, turning the audio on actually turned the sound off and vice versa, a potential source of frustration for young users. The clearly read English and Spanish renditions are well paced. Buttons allow for backing up and moving forward, although at times this resulted in a shutdown of the program, especially on the Macintosh platform; the same problem was sometimes encountered when changing languages. Clicking on the "website" button leads to a page listing three Web sites, all offering solid information about these animals. This program could be used in ESL instruction since the topic will interest the intended audience.—Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

Gr 3–6—Kids who love animals are going to have lots of fun with this sequel to Pet Vet 3D: Animal Hospital (Dec. 2006, p. 75). This very realistic simulation game transports players to an African wildlife park where the young vet is ready to set up her first animal hospital. Not only must she learn all about the animals there and how to treat them, but she must build a reputation with the people in the area and manage her money as she develops her practice. The graphics are excellent, and the characters are very realistic. A tutorial clearly demonstrates goals and navigation tips, and helps players become familiar with the activities, scenarios, and possible solutions. This is important since there's so much going on in the game. A player can set up a profile and choose from three levels of difficulty. The game then consists of various scenarios of increasing difficulty which must be completed in order. The player must monitor the vet's health and energy; make sure that she eats, sleeps, and relaxes enough to stay healthy; sees to it that she cares for, cleans up after, and plays with the animals in the hospital; buys books, medical instruments, supplies, and animal toys; and more. The game loads easily and the movements run smoothly on most computers; an 800 MHz CPU or higher, a 64 MB 3D graphics card, and DirectX 9.0 are required for optimum performance (the latest version of DirectX is included on the CD). However, the game can run on weaker computers with a few adjustments to the settings. This is the perfect simulation game for animal lovers and future veterinarians, and the next best thing to an African safari.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 2–5—This CD-ROM teaches children how composers make music expressive using musical symbols. The game opens with a scene featuring a pond, a gentleman, a concert house, and a garbage can. The pond is a link to the games which consist primarily of auditory and visual quizzes. The gentleman links to a glossary, and the garbage can is the "quit" link. The concert house hosts a variety of activities that introduce musical expression. "Musical Cinema" features video footage of a concert pianist performing classical pieces. In the "Expression Room," youngsters can create their own masterpiece. Students can choose from a variety of composers, including Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart, and can use a menu of musical symbols to mark the piece for musical expression. Most of the directions and help are provided via narration, and there is little reading required. After marking the musical selection, users can have it performed by Bibi the rabbit, Ally the alligator, or Newton the robot, or they can choose to perform it themselves. Players should have some prior knowledge of music and musical notation. An additional purchase for school and public libraries.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 3 Up—The first Crazy Machines game, The Wacky Contraptions Game (Feb. 2006, p. 78) proved that people enjoy putting together Rube Goldberg-style devices that solve problems. This game has 200 new challenges. Student scientists are challenged to use bellows, boards, blimps, batteries, and balls to move boxes, pour tea, and pop balloons. The game starts with "Inventor's Training Camp," 100 warm-up brainteasers to prepare players for the second part, "New from the Lab." In both sections, the professor challenges players to construct machines that will accomplish simple tasks, using wild and off-beat pieces like gramophones, robots, springs, balls, and toasters. The tasks get progressively more difficult, but the concepts build upon each other, so players actually learn physics and engineering along the way. There are also sections in which players can create their own goofy experiments using tools from the brain teasers, and store or exchange them with friends. Navigation is fairly simple, and the game saves automatically, but it does not allow for multiple players. The game requires a DirectX 9 compatible sound and graphics card and 100 MB of free disc space to accommodate the realistic graphics. The disc also includes a copy of the manual (which is also available in print format) and solution guides to each section, which may come in handy. The youngest students may get frustrated as they venture to the higher levels of the game that will challenge even adults, but the combination of brain teasers and physics/engineering puzzles will entertain for hours.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY