Multimedia Review

K-Gr 6—Artist Michael Moodoo (Michael Dowell), a former elementary school art teacher, offers budding young artists step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions using "secret" and basic shapes to create 3-D drawings of safari and rainforest animals: poison dart frog, giraffe, toucan, elephant, and lion. At the beginning of each chapter, Moodoo provides fun facts about each animal, while humorous animation adds to the fun. The secret shapes he uses to draw the various creatures are the oval, football, rainbows, smiles, mountains, robot hands, holding hands, gum drops, shields, and soft triangles. This colorful production with its lively and humorous host will be a welcome addition to elementary art classrooms.—Beverly S. Almond, East Lee Middle School, Sanford, NC

PreS-Gr 3—Appealing computer-generated animation tells the story of a community of Hispanic insects, spiders, slugs, and other creepy crawlies who live in the Canary Islands. Voice-over acting is expressive and professional. Lively songs and background music in Latino or calypso styles enhance the stories. In Colossal Tales, new student caterpillar turns the heads of all the males in class, and they show off whenever she is around. Carlos gets in trouble after claiming to be a champion diver, and has to prove himself when dared to dive off a giant board into the local swimming pool. In Topsy-Turvy, the students volunteer to help with the community garden, but Carlos is reluctant to give up his Saturday to do his part. When he bumps his head, he dreams that the doctor has given up his practice, the teacher has shut down the school, and his parents and everyone else in town are doing their own thing. His bad dream convinces him to stop slacking off. Carlos and Antonio are awestruck by Sluggy's new spaceship toy in No Prize Surprise. When Carlos's dad can't afford to buy the toy for him, the young caterpillar steals money from Sluggy. Subtitles are available in English or Spanish, but the English version includes many Spanish words and phrases. These entertaining films teach important values and will delight young viewers.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 8 Up—This Australian-produced program looks at cyberbullying and how students can deal with it. Some of the best advice is offered towards the end of the DVD when the narrator says, "You don't always have to be online. Interact with family and friends. Have fun!" As sage as that advice may be, most young adults are not about to opt out of communicating with their peers online. Another excellent piece of advice is, "Trust your instincts" and use common sense by not replying to cyberbullies and by telling an adult when something troubling happens online. There are several problems with this presentation that may interfere with its message. There is an annoying blurry background of words superimposed on a computer screen that is the background for the segue between segments. Also, American students may be confused by some unfamiliar dialogue. For example, in one scene, when a teen's mothers asks where he has been, he replies, "I've been kicking the footie." The female narrator has an Australian accent, and the cast of high school students is primarily Caucasian. Notwithstanding these potential problems, there is a lot of good information presented here, including the suggestion that students check their digital footprints by Googling their name on a regular basis. "The best result for young people would be zero," says the narrator.—David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 8 Up—Reminiscent of the feature film The Breakfast Club (Universal Pictures, 1985) starring Emilio Estevez and Ally Sheedy about a diverse group of high school students who meet in detention, this film is set in a more contemporary, urban high school—but that's where the similarities end. A half-dozen painfully stereotyped students are spending the first day of summer vacation in a generally unsupervised detention room because of transgressions that occurred at the end of the school year, while desperately attempting to convey a message about dealing with prejudices, violence, bullying, and poor choices. From a pregnant Hispanic girl to the overly solicitous president of the school's Bible Club to African-American bullies to the only white student left in the entire school and the quiet yet internally smoldering student, the overly simplistic plot simply fails. High school viewers will recognize the contrived nature of leaving students in an unsupervised setting; young people possess a much more finely honed sense of believability and sincerity than the program's writers and producers seem to allow these characters. The script's antagonist continually provokes the other detainees in a stilted, awkwardly presented script; racial, cultural, religious, and sexual issues are brought to the surface, but there is hardly any resolution. Chapter selection, online study guides, and alternative endings are available.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up—This DVD-ROM is a compilation of ten 14-minute explorations of various careers in the performing arts. The scope is broad and includes all facets of the industry: dancer, actor, singer, musician, writer, director, theater technician, video producer, public speaker, and performing arts educator. Each vignette employs a documentary-style approach and focuses on the life and experiences of an individual working in each of the fields. The most unique aspect of the film is that those featured are not superstars, but rather ordinary people who share their personal definitions of success. Shortcuts provides a pragmatic and realistic perspective on what it means to work in the performing arts industry. Additional features include a PowerPoint presentation, "What It Really Takes," and an open-source online module that provides educators with additional lesson plans and other tools that help connect to strands and themes within a standards-based curriculum. Collectively, these tools will help students take stock of their talent and initiate the process of identifying the additional skills that they may need for success. This film will be of particular interest to middle and high school and junior college programs in music, theater, TV production, and public speaking.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Gr 7 Up—The issues of prejudice and stereotyping are explored in this film. Video, photos, graphics and a variety of diverse individuals help present the message. The point is made that we all have prejudices and that it is human nature to categorize or label people who are different from "us." The most important observation made is that "every 'us' is somebody else's 'them'." Examples such as left-handedness and eating behaviors are effectively used to demonstrate how prejudice can become divisive when we group people and form beliefs about them with incomplete information. The concept that stereotypes help us make sense of the world and establish order in our minds is a viable starting point for classroom discussions. The dangers of extreme prejudice such as slavery and war are presented as well. This unbiased program will be a welcome addition to school library collections.—Mary Grace Flaherty, Sidney Memorial Public Library, NY

Gr 1–6—In these dance exercise programs which combine hip-hop and aerobics to create a cardiovascular fitness workout, six African-American children make up the class; two are overweight and it is difficult for them to perform the moves correctly. While this might be reassuring for some viewers, it should have been noted that some of the participants were less fit and, with practice, would eventually be able to improve their performance. The routines are broken down into steps, but essentials like how weight shifts, what part of the body pivots or swivels, and whether knees should be bent are not described. The demonstration-only instruction is further obscured by the dancers' baggy t-shirts. As a result, viewers who are less kinetically adept will have trouble mimicking the moves. Steps are introduced one after another, followed by a demonstration of the complete routine. Learning the routines would have been easier if the group performed one step, then the next, adding on and repeating the entire routine as each new step was added. Instead, the instructor suggests that viewers rewind as many times as necessary to learn each step; there is no menu selection to find each step. The programs begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down and stretch, but the instructor doesn't coach the dancers on the stretches. The instrumental music accompanying the routines is boring and repetitive, consisting of little more than a machine beat and two or three riffs of music. Overall, the routines are fun, employ a variety of moves, and provide a great cardio workout if one can overcome the challenges of the poor instructional quality. The Fitty Cap routine varies slightly from the Rockin Rhythm dance exercises, most notably in the addition of baseball type caps that become reference points for some of the moves.—Constance Dickerson, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Beachwood, OH

Gr 4–7—Eleven-year-old Alice McKinley has moved with her widowed father and brother to a new town where she is entering the sixth grade in this poignant and endearing film based on Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's The Agony of Alice (Aladdin, pap. 2007). Her mother died when she was only four, and Alice is lacking a female role model to help her adjust to the problems and insecurities associated with pre-adolescence. She is also facing the daunting challenge of making friends in a new school. Actress Alyson Stoner does a fabulous job as Alice. All of the preteen's quirks, her penchant for getting into trouble, her fantasies, and her charm are brought to the screen. The film stars Lucas Grabeel (High School Musical) as her helpful and annoying older brother, Luke Perry (Beverly Hills 90210) as Alice's dad who is struggling to be a good father while still dealing with his own grief, and Penny Marshall (Laverne and Shirley) who steals the show as Alice's gruff homeroom teacher, Mrs. Plotkin, who becomes the girl's champion. Those familiar with the Alice books might miss some of Naylor's wit and edge, but this film that will appeal to most preteen girls and should be considered for all collections.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

Gr 4 Up—Based on Noel Streatfeild's classic novel (Yearling, pap. 1993), this is the story of three girls who were adopted in the 1930s into the very odd London household of Professor Matthew Brown. After depositing the babies with his niece and a nanny, Great Uncle Matthew (GUM) goes off in search of fossils. After Matthew is gone for many years and the money that was left for the children's care begins to run out, lodgers must be taken into the house. As a result, the girls grow up living with retired college professors, a car mechanic, and a teacher of theater and dance. Pauline, the oldest girl, wants a career as an actress; Petrova is obsessed with airplanes, and the youngest, Posy, wants to become a dancer. The youngsters go to a special school for the arts where Pauline becomes an excellent actress and Posy excels at dancing. The cast is an incredible group of excellent English actors: Emma Watson (Hermione in the Harry Potter films) plays Pauline, Eileen Atkins, Richard Griffiths (The History Boys), Lucy Boynton, Yasmin Paige, and others. This beautifully photographed and finely acted production, with universal themes that are still relevant more than 70 years after the book's original publication, will be a family favorite and an instant classic.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 1—These two engaging picture books by Susan Middleton Elya feature Spanish words scattered throughout rhyming English text and vivid illustrations by Steven Salerno. Bebé Goes Shopping (2006) at the grocery story with his mother. He sits in the shopping cart in the "supermercado" and eats the "leon" and other animal crackers from the box. Bebé Goes to the Beach (2008, both Harcourt) with his "muy bonita mama" and plays in the "arena" (sand), chases a ball, and has fun with other activities before taking a nap. Spanish words are woven into the context of these simple stories. The author narrates in a quiet, soothing voice. The detailed watercolor and ink illustrations from both titles are scanned icongraphically, and sound effects enliven the telling; quiet music plays behind the narration. The production concludes with an on-screen glossary of the Spanish words. Youngsters will quickly learn the Spanish words and will enjoy the lively rhythm of these engaging stories.—Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

Gr 7 Up—This adaptation of Jacques Prevert's famous poem written in French, "Pour faire le portrait d'un oiseau," and translated into English by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, skillfully conveys the artist's attempt to find meaning in his art. Produced and directed by Seamus McNally, this award-winning short film employs live-action footage, voice-over narration, and an original music score by Lance Horn to bring the poem to life. A young boy, observing an artist struggling to capture the image of a live bird on canvas, recites the poem as if he is composing it in his journal. The acting is superb, and the imagery of the film is a visual delight, lyrical and subtle. The European charm and subdued colors and music match the mood of apprehension as the artist waits for the bird that will complete his portrait. The text of the poem in English and French and a brief biography of the poet and translator is provided as a printed insert with the DVD. Simple yet sophisticated, this cinematic masterpiece is a rare find and could be used on many levels in secondary classrooms to teach poetry, art, or film—Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX

K-Gr 4—In the 9th-century English kingdom of Kippernium, 12-year-old Jane is supposed to be training to be a lady-in-waiting, but instead she is a knight's apprentice with a dragon for a friend. In the first five episodes of the animated TV series based on Martin Baynton's children's books, viewers meet Jane, Dragon, and a variety of castle characters from the jester to the cook. In "Tests and Jests," Jane must find a way to rein in a snotty young prince who is constantly raiding the kitchen. In "The Tooth Fairy," both Dragon and the princess lose teeth and get a trinket—but who is the Tooth Fairy? "Jester Justice" forces Jester into a duel of honor, which he cleverly loses. Dragon gets sick in "A Dragon's Tail" and Jane and her rival, Gunther, must work together to find a cure. In "Shall We Dance," Jane refuses to wear a dress and doesn't go to the ball, but her friends find a way to make it up to her. Clever computer-generated motion-capture animation gives the episodes a 3D effect that is visually stunning. The characters are unique,, gentle humor abounds, and the plots usually have a moral that is presented in a low key manner. Bonus features include access by episode, profiles for five of the main characters, an interesting short on the art of Jane and the Dragon, and a printable coloring page that can be accessed by computer. Audio quality is good, and both English and Spanish language tracks are available. This fun, entertaining program will appeal to both boys and girls.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

PreS-Gr 2— Little Sister is unlike most films made for young children today—it isn't loud or animated or hyperactive. It's simply the beautifully photographed live-action story of four-year-old Cora who spends the day helping her mother feed the baby animals on the family farm while her father is out in the fields and her sister and brother are at school. The pair begin their chores, with Cora's mother explaining what they are doing and constantly praising her daughter for her efforts. After a while, Cora becomes tired and her mother tells her to take a nap in the small wagon that they have been using to cart around their things. As Cora naps, she dreams of finding the baby animals all alone on the farm, and decides to help them. She puts the babies into the wagon but can't find their mothers or her own. When she spies a small house in the pasture, the small neighbor lady inside reassures her that the babies are safe with their mothers. As Cora awakens, her siblings and her mother are there and have prepared tea party. The film is like a picture book brought to life; in fact, it opens with illustrations that gradually transform into live action. Themes of developing confidence, building self esteem, and the importance of a loving family are apparent throughout. The actors do a commendable job, especially Cora Hulsey in the title role. While the film is lengthy for young children, it can be viewed in segments. Little Sister is the first title in a projected series that will depict a young child's life in both rural and urban settings. A delight for young viewers.—Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

PreS-Gr 3—According to John Scieszka, we have all been misled concerning the tale of the three little pigs. The true story, as told by Alexander T. Wolf to Scieszka, was really about the quest for a cup of sugar and a very bad cold. After his terrible sneezes destroyed the first two houses belonging to the little pigs, Mr. Wolf had to eat those victims because it would have been a waste to leave "a perfectly good ham dinner" lying there! And when the third little pig insulted his dear, sweet grandmother, the wolf reacted as any loyal grandson would, huffing and puffing and trying to knock down the pig's door. The truth is that Mr. Wolf was framed, since the story of a bow tie-clad wolf going door to door in search of a cup of sugar needed to bake a cake for his granny is not exciting enough for the newspapers. Lane Smith's sepia-toned illustrations spring to life, with added animation and wonderful movement between scenes. Narrated matter-of-factly by Paul Giamatti, the tale is accompanied by Chris Thomas King's jazzy musical score which is perfectly suited to the sophisticated but light-hearted mood. Optional subtitles are available. In an interview with the author and the illustrator, they discuss how the book came to be and reveal how their close relationship and unique brand of humor help them create imaginative books. An outstanding picture book (Viking, 1989) has been made even better as it springs to life in DVD format.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

PreS-Gr 6, adult—These DVDs are intended to "introduce children and school staff to the many choices of activities available on playgrounds and field areas." Each instructional program features video segments of diverse children playing games and taking part in other activities on a school playground. There is information on markings, skill development, and rules of the game. A few games are for individuals or large groups, but most are designed for small groups. The preschool and kindergarten DVD covers several alphabet and basic physical activities like skipping and balance beam. Some of the games would be difficult for young students, like spelling words or playing hopscotch. The kindergarten through third grade segment covers 11 of the 17 games in the teacher's guide. Some of them will be very familiar, like tetherball and four square, while others are variations on traditional games or new games. The DVD for third through sixth graders introduces 6 of the 20 games in the guide, including well-known games such as Around the World played with a basketball hoop. Sometimes an adult is in the background helping to explain the rules. Although the program is promoted as a way to decrease injuries, bullying, classroom disruptions, and confrontations, the DVDs don't provide specific information about how this is accomplished. The companion rules guide emphasizes the five components of a "Peaceful Playground." The conclusion of each DVD features equipment and other items related to the games that can be purchased from the company. While there is nothing especially innovative about the games or how they are presented, the series does offer some good ideas to get children to be more active on the playground.—Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary, Edmonds, WA

Gr 6 Up—"Prevention is the best strategy," is the resounding theme of this program about child predation, kidnapping, and abuse. Seemingly innocent interactions may result in devastating harm, but a few clearly identified strategies may save young people from becoming victims. The narrator delivers straightforward, responsible messages. Her advice is matched to realistic scenarios depicting suspicious situations, abductions, Internet dangers, and other circumstances the could endanger young people. Some startling personal safety information is presented: many abductions occur when a young driver is forced into his/her own car and driven away; strangers may try to enter the home when a teen is babysitting or at home alone; Internet safety is largely ignored by children's parents; and when a kidnapped child isn't located within the day, chances increase that the youngster may never be found. By learning how to avoid and escape intrusions, as depicted in this program, young people can usually save themselves from harm. The safety strategies presented can go a long way in preventing dangerous situations. A fine choice for personal safety instruction at the middle and high school levels.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 9 Up—Centuries after the Mayans mysteriously abandoned the cities of their Central American empire, architects, artists, and linguists from around the world gathered to translate the complex hieroglyphic writing found on monuments and in a handful of surviving bark books. Once the hieroglyphs were deciphered, the scientists shared the knowledge with indigenous people to help them reclaim their heritage, showing a practical and socially relevant purpose to the often considered studious science of archaeology. This film presents the story of how these experts cracked the code that helped them decipher the mysterious hieroglyphic script. Sound and picture quality are excellent. Computer graphics pinpoint locations, show architectural reconstructions, and clarify the images of the hieroglyphs. This program would be fascinating viewing for those interested in archaeology, Central American history, or linguistic studies. The work of Dr. David Stuart, who began deciphering the hieroglyphics at age 12, will inspire students.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 3–5—The fundamental concepts of electrical energy are explored in this film. Animation and live-action footage help explain concepts such as electrical charge, electrical current, and static electricity as well as terminology such as neutrons, protons, repulsion, and more. The examples are interesting and easy to understand. Students will want to try rubbing a balloon on their head to make it stick to the wall and charge a comb so it can pick up paper. Additional materials include pre- and post-tests, a review sheet that will be handy for students to have while watching the program, a vocabulary exercise, a writing activity, and an exercise on "understanding electric bills." A great introduction to or review for a unit on electricity.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

Gr 3–5—What do buildings, roads, floors, toothpaste, and soap have in common? They can all be made from the same natural material—rocks. Exquisite live footage and photos of rocks in nature and the same material sliced and polished and manipulated into forms we use every day comprise this offering. Jazz music accompanies the female narrator as she presents the information. Topics such as "What Are Rocks?" and "Grouping Rocks" are displayed on screen, and the facts are delivered in a concise, no-nonsense style. The three types of rocks are identified and explained. Important vocabulary words appear on screen. Crossover activities are provided to link the science information presented to math, reading, and writing activities. This solid instructional production follows the National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks for Science and supports the upper elementary science curriculum.—Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

K-Gr 2—Colorful animated characters with curious minds introduce five concepts related to energy and forces: static electricity, friction, buoyancy, inertia, and sound. Clear and concise information is supplemented with entertaining examples. The storylines includes familiar activities, such as sledding and floating. The DVD is divided into segments by topic that can be accessed individually from the menu. Cause and effect relationships connect each activity to the topic. A song at the end of each segment reviews the concepts presented. A useful introduction to a science lesson.—Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 6 Up—This informative and compelling series, produced to celebrate NASA's 50th anniversary, documents the history of the space agency, the development of aerospace technology, the cultural climate of the space race, and the modern scientific discoveries that have originated from space flight. The saga of the United States' space exploration is captured with dramatic pacing and nail-biting tension through both triumphs and tragedies. Historical footage provides a record of these achievements, including the selection of the first seven astronauts in 1959, Neil Armstrong's first space docking, the Mercury mission which sent the first American astronauts into space, the 1967 Apollo 1 disaster, the Apollo 13 and 16 lunar landing missions, and the work on the International Space Station. among other milestones. Interviews with astronauts and mission control workers provide an invaluable perspective into the history of space exploration. Narration by award-winning actor Gary Sinise bridges the contemporary interviews and historical footage. This series presents a fascinating chronicle of American space exploration and will enhance the study and discussion of these topics in middle and high school classrooms.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

PreS-Gr 2—Animated characters of the Zula Patrol attempt to teach young children about outer space in four short segments: "Moon Mayhem" (how moons orbit their planets), "Three Ring Gorga" (the universe), "The Probe Who Came to Dinner" (a space probe explores a far away planet), and "Forget-Me-Naught" (astronaut training). Entertainment seems to be the main focus as there is not a great deal of science-related information provided. "Multo Moments" segments review some facts about space and show a few actual space launches from the Johnson Space Center, the Goddard Telescope, and diagrams. The concept of a Multopedia (flying book) connects the information to books. Actual facts about space may get lost when paired with the far-fetched plots. The DVD ends with a multiple-choice adventure game and a captioned sing-along music video. Narration is available in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Although very young children may enjoy the colorful animated characters, the music, and the silly adventures, teachers will find very limited use for this program.—Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 8 Up—Color bearers were those troops who carried the American flag into battle, honored to become a prime target for enemy gunfire. This program seeks to promote that same essence of national pride by examining the concept of patriotism utilizing an abbreviated historical overview of the flag from colonial times to the aftermath of September 11th. Through dramatic recreations, archival materials (artwork, maps, and film footage), and interviews with historians and family members of patriotic and brave Americans, the producers share occurrences which engendered pride in our national symbol's heritage. Particularly interesting are the segments dealing with the tedious restoration process of the actual flag and the African-American Civil War soldiers who carried our flag into battle. Soldiers who participated at the Normandy Invasion, at Iwo Jima, and in Vietnam also offer oral accounts. The program moves at a very slow pace in some areas, but the chapter selection option can ease viewers around some of those parts. Fittingly, the presentation ends with a challenge for each of us to develop our individual concept of patriotism, a wonderful takeoff point for discussion about how we can metaphorically become color bearers. School media personnel and classroom instructors should carefully evaluate this affordable title before purchase to determine if it is applicable to their curriculum.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up—This four-part production provides on-site reenactments and historical analysis of colonialism on the North American continent. The series is divided regionally (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest) and details the voyages of Henry Hudson, Pedro Menendez, Francisco Coronado, Vilus Bering, and Jean Ribault. With the help of ship logs, personal diaries, oral histories, and other primary source materials, the events surrounding European expansion into the New World are dramatized and sensationalized. While the novelization of these exploits does entice the audience with period detailing and imagery demonstrating the harsh realities of exploring and colonizing present-day America, the expert analysis does little to contextualize the troubling language and treatment connected to both women and indigenous people throughout the series. Many of the episodes reinforce the racist and imperialist attitude toward American Indian culture without framing this perspective with information about the conventions of the time being depicted. Although Native scholars and historians take part in the general commentary, they do not speak to the portrayal of their culture in the film. As an educational resource, it would seem important to explicate words like "savage" to avoid violent stereotyping and to question the very concepts of "conquest" and "discovery." Gender norms in relation to both women and men during the age of exploration are similarly lacking a historical context. This resource may have value for a history curriculum, provided that educators link the retellings to a point in history and counter the reenactments' depictions with a more balanced worldview.—Vincent M. Livoti Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Ludcke Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Gr 9 Up—Narrated by Indian film director Mira Nair, this film introduces the country through profiles of several Indian people. Although the narration includes some background about India's history and geography, most of the information is provided through the stories of a boatman who takes religious pilgrims on the Ganges, a "cable guy" entrepreneur who has built a successful business in the slums of Bombay, a wedding planner in Delhi, a Muslim man who works in Delhi's largest mosque, a boy in a Hindu school, a test pilot for the Indian Air Force, a deaf cricket player, and a fisherman in the mangrove swamps. Their experiences illustrate the complexity and contradictions of Indian society, where ancient traditions co-exist with the technology and fast-paced life in the 21st century. Nair concludes that India is a nation that has always been "driven by hope" which comes from its belief in new opportunities through reincarnation. Visuals include live-action footage supplemented with pictures of scenes from across the country and maps. While this film is interesting, it doesn't provide significant background about India's geography, people, government, or rapidly growing high-tech economy, and it is too lengthy for most classroom use. It will not replace extant productions such as India in Transition (Indra Prods., 2004), and should be considered as an additional purchase for most schools.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 10 Up—This remarkable anthology presents five instances in which ordinary individuals and groups of people exhibited extraordinary bravery to help others avoid certain death at the hands of the Nazis during World War II. "Angel of Bergen-Belsen" focuses on the actions of Luba, a young nurse, who saved 94 orphaned Dutch children at the German concentration camp; Luba shares much of her story throughout the section. "Whatever Happened to Raoul Wallenberg?" retells the story of the Swedish diplomat credited with saving at least a 100,000 individuals from death with the liberal—and now generally accepted to be unwarranted—use of diplomatic immunity., "M10: Escape and Evasion in Europe" explains how the British government agency designed devices, plans of escape, and covert communication systems to help captured Allied servicemen as well as underground Resistance fighters throughout occupied Europe. "Nazi Ghost Train" relates the incredible September 1944 saga of how emboldened Resistance fighters, with the assistance of daring railroad employees, literally hijacked a train filled with 1500 men and women on their way to the death camps; the dramatic recreations are particularly moving. The final episode, "Shot from the Sky," chronicles the story of a downed American pilot who was sheltered by French citizens, but eventually betrayed and sent to the Buchenwald camp for what seemed to be a certain death; his story of survival illustrates his courage as well as that of others who risked their lives as supporters of the underground. The individually-accessible segments contain some images of Nazi brutality. Utilizing an astonishing blend of recreated events, touching and insightful interviews with the actual participants as well as numerous historians, poignant vintage film clips including clandestine home movies and stills, and crisp graphics, the producers have crafted an outstanding compilation that is sure to be a cornerstone in all media collections.—Dwain Thomas, formerly of Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up—Finally, an historical perspective of American Indian history that tells the story without glorifying the European-influenced conquest of the continent. In eight half-hour segments, viewers are given a chronological look at tribes, their cultural complexities, leaders, and achievements. Host Tyler Christopher, a Choctaw/Seneca actor, lends credence to the presentation. Historical and contemporary footage, photos, tribal artwork, etchings, and graphic representations are utilized to present the story of the American Indian. The first disc spans the years before European contact, including much debated questions of Native peoples' origins. Creation stories from the tribes are placed in balance with various "scientific" theories. Viewers learn about the numerous technological, architectural, and artistic achievements of these civilizations in North America that predated those in Europe. The next DVD details the Indians' introduction to and contact with European invaders. While it is true that Indians initially assisted the new arrivals by teaching them essential survival skills, the deception and greed of the white people led to aggressions on both sides. Agreements were routinely broken, storehouses plundered, lands taken, families murdered, and intellectual property stolen as our founding fathers built the U. S. Constitution on many of the Indians' long-established governing policies. The third segment offers biographies of Indian leaders in the 1800s (Chief Tecumseh, Chief Black Hawk, Cochise, Sitting Bull, and others) and covers the wars waged against the tribes. Each biography provides adequate historical background and can serve as a useful stand-alone unit. The murder and plunder associated with Manifest Destiny is depicted. The final segment features contemporary military heroes, athletes, artists, and statesmen. Two narrators are employed; a presents women's achievements, and a male narrates the rest of the film. There are a few mistakes in the depiction of one tribe's events while showing another tribe's regalia, dances, songs, etc., but the overall accuracy is quite good. A fascinating, honest look at the civilizations and accomplishments of the American Indians.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Gr 10 Up—The current plight of the Algonquin, an indigenous people once living throughout Quebec is examined in this documentary. Filmmakers Richard Desjardins and Robert Monderie demonstrate how the Algonquin, with a history dating back 5,000 years, have lost their land and rights throughout the years since Europeans settled in North America. Living under abject conditions, in poverty, marginalized, and cut off from their traditions, and facing the eradication of their distinct culture, some are challenging the Quebec government to recover the land and its resources taken from their people. Picture and sound quality are good, but Desjardins' narration is somewhat dry. Many of the interviews are conducted in French or Algonquin, so reading the subtitles constantly is required for English-speaking audiences. Viewing this program could lead to classroom discussions about the rights of indigenous peoples, but it is quite costly and would better serve audiences in Canada.—Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

Gr 3–6—The years 1770 to 1789 were pivotal times in American history. Colonists dissolved their ties with Great Britain, fought a war for independence, and established a new government. This animated series, featuring an all-star voice cast, follows three fictional young people who work in Benjamin Franklin's print shop through this tumultuous period. Sarah has recently arrived from England and is searching for her missing father. Although her loyalties lie with the Crown, she gets caught up in the fight for American independence. Henri is a French orphan, and James longs to be a journalist. The youngsters meet and interact with historical characters such as Benjamin Franklin (Walter Cronkite), John and Abigail Adams (Billy Crystal and Annette Benning), Paul Revere (Sylvester Stallone), and Thomas Jefferson (Ben Stiller) as events unfold. Viewers get to see these heroes behind the American Revolution through the eyes of the children, with Sarah's viewpoint providing an insight into British perspectives. Women and minorities, including Native people, are also represented. While much of the dialogue is fictional, the historical events are accurate and, when possible, historical quotes are used as part of the conversation. The 40 episodes, running about 20 minutes each, focus on a particular historical event such as Bunker Hill, The Boston Tea Party, Valley Forge, and Benedict Arnold's act of treason. Each event portrayed can stand on its own, but they flow smoothly from one to the next are best viewed in order. Although the focus is definitely on the side of the Americans, the program shows arguments from both sides. The bonus features are very helpful. Benjamin Franklin's "Newsbytes" give a quick overview of the historical information from each episode. "Continental Cartoons," and "Mystery Guest" provide games to reinforce concepts. "Now and Then" offers a compare and contrast between the 18th and the 21st centuries. Intermediate grade teachers will welcome the clear curriculum applications of this series to support American history units, and students will find the program both entertaining and educational.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—Following one of explorer Robert Peary's many attempts to reach the North Pole just before the turn of the 20th century, he returned to New York City with a half-dozen Inuits from their native Greenland for study by the American Museum of Natural History's emerging science of anthropology. This remarkable program details the subsequent story of Peary's further expeditions as well as the heart-rending account of the lone Eskimo in that group to survive—a seven year-old orphan named Minik. Utilizing vintage stills. archival live-action segments, credible recreations, and interviews with contemporary sources, this nicely paced presentation chronicles the struggle Minik faced as a child of neither culture. His fascination with and ultimate adoption of Western society left him alienated from his native Eskimo heritage, but still estranged from the society he embraced. His abbreviated life is perhaps a metaphor for many who might find themselves in a foreign setting—either literally or figuratively—and struggling for identity. Paralleling the program's main focus on Minik's evolving situation is that of Peary's desperate quest for recognition, which he ultimately received. Today, however, there is widespread doubt in the scientific community that he actually reached the North Pole. An eloquent look at an often overlooked, thought-provoking chapter in American history.—Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 11 Up—This documentary details the influential arch of the Zapatista Movement as it mobilized the sociopolitical unrest of Mexico's poverty-stricken and indigenous populations through the "Other Campaign." The Zapatista Army of National Liberation is a revolutionary group based in the Chiapas region. The group's namesake, Emiliano Zapata, commanded the Liberation Army of the South during the Mexican Revolution. The Zapatista movement was created in 1994 to protest the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The movement owes much of its success to utilization of the Internet as a means to both garner support and disseminate their message. These efforts brought international attention to the dire circumstances of Mexico's poor and indigenous people and established a network of support for its goals and mission. With the help of in-depth interviews and footage evidencing governmental and police abuse, the film encapsulates the origins of a movement that will continue to effect politics and policy related to globalization in Latin America and beyond. Bonus features include a photo gallery and a teacher's. guide. A wonderful addition to political science, economics, and cultural and intercultural programs of study for advanced high school and college collections.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Ludcke Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA

Gr 9 Up—Ten incidents which were either the precursors to or the consequences of high profile events in our country's history are introduced in this high-quality anthology. The producers commissioned ten independent filmmakers to bring these incidents to life. The compilation has great value as an enrichment and research source. Each episode, which bears the artistic vision of its producer, relies on commentaries by noted historians to explain the event and its later significance; extremely credible live re-creations; period artwork, crisp graphics, well-selected photographs, and archival footage. The events featured are: the 1637 massacre of Native Americans by English settlers near what is now Mystic, Connecticut, which contributed to the establishment of a pattern that some feel continues in a less bloody vein today; Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787) over taxes which strengthened the call for the adoption of our Constitution; the California Gold Rush which began in 1848 and motivated the opening of the Western United States; the bloody 1862 battle at Antietam which eventually led to the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation; the Homestead Strike in 1892 which first pitted the forces of labor against the owners of a powerful Pennsylvania steel company; the 1901 assassination of President McKinley which led to the Progressive Era; 1925's Scopes Trial which highlighted the deep divisions within our country on many levels that continues today; the development of the atomic bomb during World War II; the 1956 introduction of Elvis Presley to a nationwide audience via television which illustrated that medium's power as an instrument of cultural change; and the Freedom Summer of 1964 and the callous murder of three civil rights workers. This excellent compilation accurately details pivotal moments in our country's history that impacted its future. A significant resource for supplemental use in the classroom and as a research tool.—Dwain Thomas, formerly of Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 9 Up—This documentary offers a fascinating and well-constructed exploration of the miraculously preserved world hidden below modern-day Rome. An ancient blueprint, predating the fall of the Roman Empire, remains intact under the bustling capital and brings even more significance to its moniker, "the eternal city." Ancient Rome slipped from sight gradually, in a 2,500-year process of natural disasters, fires, wars, and intentional burial. As the city rebuilt and expanded over several centuries, earlier buildings became tremendous landfills that raised the ground level of the entire city by several meters, occasionally enshrouding whole neighborhoods. A dedicated team of archaeologists and volunteer urban explorers conduct an in-depth tour of these rarely seen and uncharted wonders. Rome's underground is laden with ancient homes, early roads, places of worship, and the first sewer and aqueduct system in the world—each filled with unique mysteries, puzzles, and challenges. This film would be an excellent addition to any ancient history, Western civilization, archaeology, or anthropology program at the high school or college level.—Vincent M. Livoti, Kresge Center for Teaching Resources, Ludcke Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MASports

Gr 10 Up—Interviews with professionals from Australia's College of Sport Psychologists and a diverse group of Australian athletes examine the different mental and emotional demands faced by both professionals and amateurs participating in a variety of sports. Intercut with dramatizations of athletes experiencing psychological problems, these conversations include descriptions of the problematic mental and emotional states as well as coping mechanisms and assessments of subsequent success. A female taekwondo champion struggles to find a balance between the conflicting states of tension and relaxation necessary to function well in a match. A soccer coach works toward bringing out the best in a promising teen player who has trouble adapting to the team dynamic. A female golfer struggles to maintain concentration by learning to focus on particular cues. Local colloquialisms (e.g., "spitting the dummy") may translate awkwardly in a classroom stateside, and the internal monologues utilized during the dramatizations (which, in one instance, includes implied profanity) are somewhat clumsy. Still, the production adequately covers a unique topic and would serve collections supporting psychology, sports, and even career curricula.—Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format. Check distributors' Web sites, playaway.com, and your audio download retailer for availability and price.

PreS-Gr 2—Join Professor Pocket and her bilingual friends Desi the Dinosaur and Chico the Chicken on a musical adventure to visit the farm where Chico was born, where horses fly and pigs drive tractors. While Professor Pocket mainly speaks in English, Desi and Chico sing and speak their dialogue primarily in Spanish, often in full sentences. There are five original songs and a remake of a Latin American folksong, "Los Pollito." The tunes are appealing, and the combination of music interwoven with entertainment and instruction reinforces key language learning concepts and vocabulary. The characters' voices are warm and friendly, with clear pronunciation, and the songs are upbeat and fun, so listeners can learn and practice pronunciation. This title is a combination of language immersion and entertainment, making it an enjoyable means to expose children to the Spanish language.—Denise A. Garofalo, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY

PreS-Gr 2—These 16 upbeat traditional and original children's songs performed by Jorge Anaya in Spanish introduce the Spanish words for letters, numbers, colors, parts of the body, and directions. Many songs, such as "Brilla, Brilla, Estrellita (Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)" and "Cabeza y Hombros (Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes)" are traditional nursery tunes. Others, such as "Los Mananitas" and "De Colores," are songs from the Latino heritage. There are also original compositions by Anaya. Anaya's voice is pleasant, and his songs are perfectly aimed at a young audience. The songs introduce Spanish vocabulary as well as Latino musical styles, including salsa, merengue, and ranchera. The intent is to present a collection of music that can be used as part of an immersion program for early language acquisition. The songs are, for the most part, quite repetitive and children will easily learn the Spanish words. Lyrics are included with key words translated. While the musical quality of Dan Zanes's excellent !Nueva York! (SLJ, Oct. 2008, p. 77) is better and the album has a broader appeal, !A Bailar! is a generally sound selection and the songs will provide excellent curriculum support, especially for youngsters in preschool and kindergarten—Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

Gr 6–9—Henning Mankell's novel (Delacorte, 2007) is set in 1956 in an isolated logging town in the Swedish mountains. Eleven-year-old Joel Gustafson's mother abandoned him and his father when he was very young. The boy likes to spend time with his father, listening to stories about the days he spent as a seafarer, and dreams of going to sea when he grows up. One night he observes a lone dog outdoors and imagines that he is headed for the stars. Joel creates a secret society and begins sneaking out at night to look for the dog. Along the way, he runs into a few of the town's oddest people, including a mean-spirited older boy who encourages him to take part in pranks that make him uncomfortable. He also discovers that his father is having a sexual relationship with the waitress at the local bar. After attempting and escaping from a dangerous adventure, he gains some insight and becomes more understanding of his father's loneliness. Australian narrator Francis Greenslade's reading is pleasant, and there are musical interludes between chapters. This stark story leaves much unanswered and is sometimes repetitive and childish, yet is has mature themes and vocabulary.—Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY

Gr 5–8—Young sleuths Calder, Tommy, and Petra join forces again to solve a mystery in Blue Balliett's exciting novel (Scholastic, 2008). Their adventure begins with a school field trip to the Chicago Art Museum to see a free exhibit of Alexander Calder creations, made possible by an anonymous donor. In spite of their learning-must-never-be-fun teacher, Miss Button, they all enjoy themselves. Two weeks later, Calder joins his dad on a business trip to a remote village in England and, while strolling through the Blenheim Palace grounds, encounters an Alexander Calder sculpture, the Minotaur, also a gift from the same anonymous donor. However, the tradition-bound villagers don't appreciate such generosity and are boisterous in their disapproval. When both Calder and the Minotaur disappear on the same night, Tommy and Petra take a flight to England to help Calder's dad find him. Without Calder's guidance, the youngsters must combine their strengths and work together to solve the mystery. Balliett combines art history, historical locations, suspense, and intrigue into an exciting and mind-spinning mystery filled with clues, puzzles, and more twists and turns than the Blenheim Palace maze. Narrator Deirdre Lovejoy does a phenomenal job with an array of American dialects as well as an English brogue. This is Balliett at her best.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Gr 5–9—In the second volume (2008) of his trilogy, Irish author Eoin McNamee continues the fantasy he began in The Navigator: Chosen to Save the World (2007, both Random/Wendy Lamb Books). Strange things are happening, along with an increase in earthquakes and tidal waves, signaling that the Harsh are finagling with time again. Cati tries to wake the Resisters but is unable to, so once again she contacts Owen. Along with Dr. Diamond, the pair journey to Hadima, the City of Time, to find a tempod that will save time and prevent the Earth from colliding with the moon. Along the way, street-wise Rosie joins them and discovers an imprisoned, one-handed Yeati that aids them. Cati, who is bitten by a dog child, temporarily joins their pack, losing sight of her mission. This fast-paced adventure is peopled with dynamic characters. Narrator Kirby Heyborne seamlessly changes voices from character to character, bringing the story to life and listeners into the heart of the action. This volume can stand alone, but familiarity with the first book would make this one even more compelling. A fine choice for public and school libraries with substantial fantasy collections, especially those that have the print version of the first two titles.—Kathy Miller, Baldwin Junior High School, KS

Gr 7 Up—Susan Beth Pfeffer's apocalyptic, coming-of-age novel (Harcourt, 2008) immediately draws listeners into a terrifyingly macabre world where life as we know it ceases to exist. "Wednesday, May 18…At the moment when life as he had known it changed forever, Alex Morales was behind the counter at Joey's Pizza, slicing a spinach pesto pie into eight roughly equal pieces." Alex is clueless to the events unfolding around him. His mother has been called in to work at the hospital, his father is at the funeral of his grandmother in Puerto Rico, and his brother Carlos is away from home in the Marines. So when Alex's parents fail to return home following unimaginably catastrophic environmental events caused by the collision of an asteroid and the moon, the teenager becomes protector, provider, and parent to his two younger sisters. Alex's strict upbringing in a close-knit Catholic, Puerto Rican family is called into question when he is forced to do immoral and unethical acts, such as body shopping—stripping the valuables from corpses lying in the streets—to barter for things they need to survive. Pfeffer's Life As We Knew It (Harcourt, 2006) looked at the event from a small-town perspective; this companion novel looks at the same incident set in New York City. Robertson Dean narrates in a rich, clear voice as he reveals the story through Alex's third-person narration. Themes such as our response to climate changes and the failure of society to care for individuals in the event of such a catastrophe will be wonderful discussion starters with middle and high school students.—Beverly S. Almond, East Lee Middle School, Sanford, NC

Gr 7 Up—Over the course of one summer, Frankie Landau-Banks, a somewhat geeky girl with an unassuming nature, has developed into a 15-year-old with an attention-grabbing figure, a new attitude, and sights set on making changes at her elite boarding school in this novel (Hyperion, 2008) by W. Lockhart. The teenager also has a new boyfriend, a gorgeous senior who belongs to a long-standing secret society on campus—The Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, known mostly for silly pranks and a history of male-only membership. With a witty, sharp, and intelligently scheming mind, Frankie manipulates the Loyal Order to do her bidding with pranks meant to make a political statement about the male-dominated and classist nature of the school. Tanya Eby Sirois adequately voices the characters. Frankie's personality is portrayed most effectively; some of the slang and the attitudes of the male characters feel forced. Telephone calls are relayed using special effects that are mostly convincing, and the segments that are told via emails are well conveyed and perfectly paced. Listeners will feel that they are a part of the teen's disreputable and humorous history. An overall fun listen that the author's fans are sure to enjoy.—Stephanie A. Squicciarini, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—Alissa Hunnicutt does a more than capable job reading these two related stories (Scholastic, pap. 2008) by R.L. Stine. In the first story, Hunnicutt superbly conveys the mounting fear that Britney Crosby feels towards her cousin Ethan's creepy old ventriloquist's dummy named Slappy, voicing him to sound like Donald Duck gone psycho. Of course, she has every reason to be terrified of the wooden sociopath, and she and a friend try to get rid of the cursed item. As usual, her parents don't believe her, sand this comes back to haunt them in the second story. The Crosby family and Britney's best friend go to Horrorland for a vacation. While most people might have suspected something weird was happening, the family falls for it hook, line and sinker. Stine ups the chills level by concluding the second story with the girls realizing that Britney's parents have disappeared, and Slappy is responsible. The abrupt ending leaves no doubt that the girls are doomed to the nasty fate hinted at in the Horrorland story. Effective and nearly constant sound effects enhance the telling and increase the tension. This production will definitely be a hit with the author's fans and listeners who relish scary tales.—B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara County Library, CA

Gr 3–5—Julia Gillian, 10, prides herself on knowing about a lot of things in this novel (Scholastic, 2008) by Alison McGhee. Her parents, distressed that she is not an avid reader, insist that she finish reading the dreaded "green book" that she knows will end sadly with the death of an old dog. Since her own dog, Bigfoot, is getting on in years, it frightens Julia that the book won't have a happy conclusion. With the help of a neighbor, Julia learns that everyone has fears and her own can be overcome. The girl's interactions with neighbors and storeowners comprise most of the action. Julia Gillian's character is a bit arch, and she is able to overcome her fears a bit too suddenly. Narrator Emily Bauer is adept at sounding exactly like a young girl. She captures the fear, defiance, sadness, and eventual acceptance that Julia Gillian experiences. Her skillful narration makes the listening experience more satisfying than reading the book.—B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara City Library, CA

Gr 4–6—Nine-year-old Maggie doesn't play baseball, but baseball is her life. Her family loves it as well. But do you route for the Yankees or the Giants? Maggie's made of sterner stuff. She's a Dodgers fan, and they don't exactly have a winning record, but Maggie's sure she can change that through prayer and willpower. She also has some additional help—Jim, a new guy at the fire station, is teaching her how to score a baseball game. It's a difficult skill to learn, but each time she scores a game she feels like she's helping the team. When Jim is drafted into the army and goes to Korea, Maggie writes to him with news from the home front, especially baseball news. Soon his letters to Maggie stop, and the girl is facing more serious issues than who scored a triple in the ninth. She starts researching the Korean War, and finds another reason to pray. This well-written, introspective book (Clarion, 2008) by Newbery author Linda Sue Park is read with verve and a true New York accent by Julie Pearl who creates different voices for all the characters. This novel offers a window to another era with characters who ring true. Even those who don't love baseball will enjoy Maggie's gumption and the moral dilemmas she faces. This excellent production will leave listeners feeling like they've just witnessed a home run.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up—In Cristina Meldrum's grim debut novel (Knopf, 2008), Aslaug lives an isolated life in Maine with her fanatical mother. She spends her home-schooled days learning about herbology and languages, but knows nothing of the world. After her mother's mysterious death, the girl moves in with her Aunt, a Pentecostal preacher, and her religious fanatic cousins. Rune is the first teenage boy Aslaug has ever met and she soon becomes pregnant. When the cousins are killed in a church fire, Aslaug is put on trial for murder. The narrative constantly shifts between Aslaug's time with her mother, her stay at the church, and her court trial. The story contains beautiful language and is lyrically narrated by Kirsten Porter, but the transition to audio is unsuccessful. The endless recitations of plant lore grow tedious, and the constant bouncing back and forth between three different time periods is confusing for listeners. There is little in the story to charm or entice teens, and only the most persistent listeners will endure to the end.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gr 10 Up—This live theater production of George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara examines newsworthy questions about war, morality, and salvation. Set in pre-World War I London, the play opens as Lady Britomart brings together her adult children—Barbara, Sarah, and Stephe—with their long-estranged father, munitions mogul Andrew Undershaft. It appears that Undershaft will disinherit his children because his company has a tradition of giving the arms factory to a capable adult born out of wedlock. The children prefer to forgo their fortune, especially Barbara who has risen through the ranks of the Salvation Army. Barbara and her fiancé, Adolphus Cusins, face a dilemma when generous donations from Undershaft and a liquor manufacturer are the only way their organization can help London's poor. When it's learned that Cusins' parents aren't married under English law, Undershaft offers him the arms business. Will Cusins lose Barbara if he chooses the inheritance? Can he bring true reform if he owns the arms used for strife? The conclusion leaves some questions unanswered. Listeners may find it distracting that occasionally the audience responds to action not reflected in the script. The cast of 12 keeps the action lively and the dialogue crisp. It would have been helpful for teachers to have the CD case list the acts by track. Despite the serious topics, and sometimes protracted conversations on morality, this adaptation of Shaw's comedy has many thoroughly British, humorous moments. A supplemental purchase for high school library's supporting a British literature curriculum.—Barbara S. Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Gr 6–9—This is the first title (Razorbill, 2008) in a projected trilogy by Jacquelyn Mitchard about Meredith and Mallory, 13-year-old twins with extraordinary powers who discover that evil is residing in their own community and must decide how to fight it without revealing their powers. The girls are polar opposites in temperament and interests: Meredith is outgoing, popular, and a cheerleader, while Mallory is a quiet, introspective loner. After a disastrous fire in their town, Mallory can see into the past while Meredith can see the future. But can they harness this power to save their community? Emily Durante captures their initial innocence and then their growing confusion, frustration, and angst as outside forces seem to take over their lives, driving them apart. She passionately verbalizes Meredith's obsessions, subtly voices Mallory's bewilderment concerning what is happening to her and those around her. She slows the pace to describe feelings such as "power paired with grief" and quickens it as the villain continues to threaten the girls and their town. The calmness of their mother's voice accentuates the girl's tension and growing terror. While the story has a few loose ends, Durante's masterful reading makes them seem inconsequential. A captivating audiobook.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Gr 5–9—Mary Jane Auch's novel (Holt, 2006), narrated by 11-year-old Norm Schmidt, opens on the morning of July 4, 1946, with the whole town excited that rationing is over and fireworks are back. Norm, helping out in his family's meat market, catches his hand in the meat grinder and is rushed to the hospital. His hand must be amputated, and his dreams of bikes, cars, baseball, and drawing may be over. His parents react to the accident in different ways. His father becomes stoic with guilt, and his mother insists that Norm learn to do everything for himself. When Norm's best buddy tries to convince him to give up on baseball, the boy only becomes more fired up to try harder. An article about a one-handed major league pitcher provides additional encouragement. Norm also learns to fit back into life at school as a result of his mother's admonition to his teachers that he get no special treatment and a new friend who helps him become more confident of his artistic abilities. A colorful bully, Norm's best friend's sense of humor, the Boy Scouts, and baseball add to the fun. Listening to this book is like falling into a Norman Rockwell painting and getting to live among genuine post-war Americans. Narration by Ryan Sparkes and the Full Cast Family is enjoyable and well done. Period music and an interview with the author and her husband, whose childhood inspired the novel, add to this superior production. Fans of John Ritter's The Boy Who Saved Baseball (Philomel, 2003), Hoot by Carl Hiaasen (Knopf, 2003), and Edward Bloor's Tangerine (Harcourt, 1997) will enjoy this audiobook.—Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY

Gr 2–4—Philomena Wonderpen can't wait to go on the school camp for two whole days and one night. She's going to room with two of her best friends and has prepared a wonderful snack for their secret midnight feast. Plus, she's taking along her amazing magic wonderpen that allows her to draw anything, make a wish, and the drawing becomes real. Best of all, Philomena is certain she will win the most points and become the School Camp Star. Unfortunately, her midnight snack gets crushed, water floods the cabin she was supposed to share with her friends so they have to split up, and her friend Minna seems to be star-struck by the awful Sarah Sullivan who is leading in the race for star points. Even Philomena's wonderpen is failing her. Can she ever set things right? Listeners will be rooting for this very likable character. Melissa Chambers narrates this enjoyable story by Australian author Ian Bone, charmingly portraying the dynamic young heroine and providing convincing voices for the other child and adult characters. Sound effects—from cheering children to ringing bells—are somewhat overused and interrupt the narrative. Still, this is a minor annoyance in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable presentation.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Gr 7–10—Mia Thermopolis, the 16-year-old Princess of Genovia, has broken up with her steady boyfriend and has been dumped by her best friend in this installment (HarperTeen 2007) of the popular series by Meg Cabot. In the midst of all this, Mia's Grandmere insists that she prepare to give a speech to an exclusive club of New York businesswomen, called the Domina Rei. All of this becomes too much and Mia refuses to leave her bed until her parents conspire to have her start seeing a psychologist. Along the road to recovery, Mia is charged to do things that scare her, including bra shopping with Lana Weinberger, telling J.P. that she is in therapy, and giving the speech. As she feels her life is tumbling around her, Mia discovers a secret that could affect her family and all of Genovia. Mia's depression and lethargy become wearing and, although the novel ends with personal triumph for the teen and a world-altering event, the plot is plodding. Clea Lewis, narrator of previous volumes, provides a distinct voice for each character, though Mia whines incessantly, and each of the other characters seems to be a caricature of a stereotype. Nevertheless, fans of the series will beg for this audiobook.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Gr 4–6—Mandy Hope loves helping out at Animal Ark, a veterinary clinic run by her parents, Drs. Emily and Adam Hope, in this tale by British author Lucy Daniels. On a quiet Saturday morning at the clinic, Mandy meets Rush, an Old English sheepdog puppy who they discover is deaf. Mandy loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian some day, just like her parents. Every year she and her friend James participate in the "We Love Animals Fundraising Campaign." This year they decide to hold a "dog wash." When another Old English sheepdog puppy shows up in bad shape, Mandy and James decide to investigate. They eventually trace the puppies back to a local breeder and discover a house full of puppies. Mandy's persistence and some quick thinking on the part of James help them solve the mystery and save the puppies. Clare Corbett's narration is fluid and engaging. This delightful title will appeal to animal lovers and mystery fans alike. An excellent addition to the series.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Gr 3–6—Sarah Simpson's life is going nowhere fast is this novel by Rebecca Rupp (Candlewick, 2008). The sixth grader is trying to find some order in her chaotic life and settles on journal writing and list making as a way to organize her thoughts. Sarah's parents have recently divorced and she feels deeply betrayed by both of them. Add low self-esteem, orange hair, and being overweight to the mix, and Sarah is just plain miserable. Her journal entries reveal a confused young girl who slowly comes to terms with her situation and gradually discovers that there is something good and likable, if not admirable, in all of the people in her life. Sarah's vulnerable and bewildered voice is capably captured by Emily Durante who depicts all the angst, embarrassment, and unchecked enthusiasm of a 12-year-old girl. She adds just the right amount of drama and incredulity to the reading, and projects Sarah's wry sense of humor in a matter-of-fact manner. A good choice for children dealing with self-esteem and family issues.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 8 Up—Present-day Austin, Texas, is a hotbed of vampires and werewolves in Cynthia Leitich Smith's fantasy (Candlewick Press, 2007). The parents of 17-year-old Quincie Morris, who narrates the tale, died three years earlier in a car crash, leaving her to live with her Uncle Davidson, with whom she co-manages the family restaurant, Sanguini's. A few weeks before the re-opening of the vampire-themed restaurant, the chef is mauled to death. They scramble to find a new chef, hiring the talented but quirky Henry Johnson who prods Quincie into drinking wine, skipping school, and discovering her sensuality. At the same time, Quincie's half-werewolf best friend and long-time crush, Kieran, under suspicion by the police for murdering the chef, reveals that he will be leaving Austin to join a pack of werewolves. There are more murders and, as Henry's and her uncle's behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Quincie starts to fear for her life as well as Kiernan's. Although listeners will be intrigued by the vampire lore and the life and death ending, they may find the plot development at the beginning of the story a bit plodding. Kim Mai Guest voices Quincie in an expressive, young voice and handles all of the other characters equally well. This audiobook is for mature young adults who are vampire aficionados.—Jo-Ann Carhart, East Islip Public Library, NY

Gr 4–7—Ten-year-old Felix and his young friend Zelda are on the run again in Morris Gleitzman's sequel to Once (Bolinda Audio, 2005). In the first book, the two children escape from a Polish orphanage that has been commandeered by Nazi soldiers. They find refuge with a kind dentist, only to be discovered and put on a train headed for the death camps. This book opens with Felix and Zelda fleeing from the Nazi train and hoping to find shelter in a nearby forest. They are taken in by a woman who lives alone on a farm and are renamed Wilhelm and Violeta. The boy constantly worries about being discovered and knows in his heart that he must leave the farm in order to save his two friends. He secretly plans his departure and then enlists the help of a sympathetic Nazi Youth soldier who agrees to try to look after Violeta. But before Wilhelm can leave, the Nazis hang Violeta and the woman in the town square for being traitors. One of Wilhelm's constant worries is that someone will discover that he has a circumcised penis, a fact that will have to be explained to some children. Also, Violeta's shocking death could be distressing for young listeners. Gleitzman narrates this poignant, powerful tale of the Holocaust from a child's perspective, conveying the terror of a child living in hiding.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Gr 7 Up—A large sea monster, believed to resemble a narwhal, is roaming the seas and has destroyed over 200 ships that dared to cross its path. French Professor Pierre Aronnax, a distinguished marine biologist, has set his sights on killing this "gigantic cetacean." He and his faithful assistant, Conseil, accept an invitation to join an expedition aboard the Abraham Lincoln, an American frigate. The monster is finally sited and a battle ensues, resulting in Aronnax, Conseil, and a harpooner being tossed overboard and rescued by Nemo, captain of the Nautilus, a large submarine, which had been mistakenly thought to be a sea monster. For ten months, the three men sail with Nemo, a "terrible avenger, a perfect archangel of hatred." They are enthralled with the captivating scenery, discover new sea creatures and lost cities, and become trapped in a iceberg. Jules Verne's classic offers a perfect blend of suspense, adventure, and excitement that will entice even the most reluctant readers. This audiobook also contains a companion ebook—a 272-page printable PDF file complete with a full table of contents and index—and an interesting mini biography of Verne. Michael Prichard provides a stalwart narration; his rich, deep voice offers subtle changes for each character. An essential science fiction classic and a great choice for libraries in need of updating their collections.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH

Gr 7 Up—This audio version of Emily Bronte's classic is narrated by Ann Flosnik. Initially, her narration makes it difficult to distinguish between characters, but as the tale progresses, her vocal characterizations become more dramatic and unique for each character, drawing listeners deeper and deeper into this dark and brooding love story. The first disk of the set also contains a PDF ebook of the full text of the novel which can be downloaded. Some students will want to read along with the narrated version, while others can use the ebook as a reference tool for class assignments. A nice addition to classic literature collections and a good way to enhance the English curriculum.—Anita Lawson, Otsego High School, Otsego, MI

PreS-Gr 5—In this entry in the award-winning series, musician/songwriter Richard Perlmutter brings together 12 outstanding classical compositions written especially for dance. He wrote zany lyrics for each piece, and sings along here with superb vocalists Elin Carlson, Susan Boyd, Jonathan Mack, and Jon Joyce. For example, Perlmutter writes "I want my diploma/I want it right now/I made it through four years/Nobody knows how" to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1" by Edward Elgar. Throughout the album, excellent background music is provided by the United States Marine Band, the Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and other groups. Among the classical pieces included are "The Washington Post" by John Philip Sousa (march); "Maple Leaf Rag" by Scott Joplin (two step); "Carmen" by Georges Bizet (habanera); "Les Patineurs" by Emile Waldteufel (waltz for ice skaters); "Neapolitan Dance" from "Swan Lake" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (ballet); and others. The bonus track, "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven, is one of Perlmutter's most often requested songs ("Beep, Beep, Beep"). All of the compositions are then repeated as instrumentals. This unique series continues to be an excellent introduction to classical music for children.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 2—The Hoose family, featuring Phil and his daughter Hannah, sings eight original and one traditional song in folk, rock, and classical musical styles. Accompanied by guitar, piano, keyboards, congas, mandolin, banjo, and bass, some of the pieces are performed before a live audience, so the sound quality sometimes suffers from an echo-chamber effect. "One Little Ant" is sung to the traditional tune, "One Elephant Came Out to Play," and poses the eternal question: to squish or not to squish. The other songs include "I Know Math," "Head and Shoulders," "When Are We Gonna Get There?," "I'll Trade You" (a child tries to trade her vegetables for junk food), "Stars," "Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite," and "Wag My Tail." This fun album invites listener participation.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Gr 4–8—Lang Lang, the renowned Chinese piano prodigy, has written an inspiring autobiography (Delacorte, 2008) that recounts his musical experiences from the age of three as well as some of the changes that have occurred in his homeland during the past quarter of a century. The pianist's father was a strong disciplinarian, making his son constantly practice. Lang is honest about his mixed feelings concerning his regimented upbringing. His love for music is obvious throughout the autobiography. Lang appeared during the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and, as a result, his life story may interest the book's intended audience. Andrew Pang does a fine job as narrator, perfectly conveying Lang's changing perceptions as he recounts his childhood memories and thoughts about his current resounding successes. An introduction by Daniel Barenboin, renowned composer and pianist, helps put Lang's accomplishments in perspective. This inspiring autobiography, adapted by Michael French, is a fine choice for most collections.—B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara County Library, CA

Gr 1–5—This entry in the award-winning "Stories in Music" series, created by conductor Stephen Simon, upholds the same high standards as the previous recordings (Peter and the Wolf, Juanita the Spanish Lobster, and others), and completely fulfills its goal of expanding the listening horizons of children, developing their listening skills, and encouraging parents and children to experience music together. Focusing on Tchaikovsky, this album presents the music of "Swan Lake" along with the story of this famous ballet expressively narrated by Dr. Konrad Czynski (Yadu) of Minnesota State University-Moorhead. The world-renowned London Philharmonic Orchestra provides the dramatic and energetic music. Following the music, Bonnie Simon narrates a brief biography of Tchaikovsky, with samples from some of his other compositions. Then Joe Stump, celebrated shred guitarist, plays a heavy metal arrangement of the "Swan Lake" theme music. Stephen Simon explains the difference between major and minor keys, and finally, listeners are encouraged to sing the lyrics to "Tchaikovsky Wrote a Great Ballet." The accompanying 24-page booklet includes a number of activities. This unique, outstanding production belongs in every library's music collection.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

PreS-Gr 3—Kyle Dine has food allergies and knows how to relate to children with similar problems. With the assistance of several other excellent musicians on guitars, bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, clarinet, drums, congas, bongos, maracas, and shakers, Dine and a children's choir sing 14 songs about allergies to nuts, dairy, wheat, and shellfish, and the problems individuals with allergies face when they go to birthday parties or the grocery store. Performing in a variety of musical styles, including rock, blues, and folk, Kyle's mellow vocals make for pleasant listening. Among the tunes are "Smellephant the Allergic Elephant," "No Dairy Please!," "Tingle on My Tongue," "Gluten-free Blues," and others. This unique album will be welcomed by families dealing with food allergies.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

K-Gr 3—Martin Jenkins's book (Candlewick, 1999) relates the story of how, after the female penguin lays her egg and goes back to the sea, the male Emperor penguin is responsible for keeping it warm and safe for two months until it hatches. Shortly after the chick arrives, the female returns to feed and care for the baby. The lively text and Jane Chapman's wonderful illustrations will enthrall youngsters. The CD features three tracks: a competently and pleasantly narrated version with sound effects, a read-along version with page-turn signals, and a segment that includes more details about Emperor penguins. This nature story offers abundant penguin facts and can supplement a polar region unit, be paired with The March of the Penguins film as well as other recently released books about penguins, and be enjoyed in a listening center.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

Gr 1–4—In this story (Stone Arch, 2007) by Michael Dahl, two boys are reading comic books when one of them inadvertently reads one that had been hidden by the Spellbinder, an evil wizard. The comic unleashes the smashing scroll (formerly disguised as a stone silo on a farm) which unrolls, leaving a giant paper trail that threatens to cover the entire Earth. Written in graphic novel format, all the titles in the series feature the mysterious Librarian who is searching for the lost book of the Library of Doom. The narration is steady and the sound effects are minimal, though occasionally distracting. The story is told with a very minimal number of words. Narration can be turned on or off, and the pages can be turned automatically or manually. The CD-ROM features an author interview, background information about the Library of Doom, a glossary, and Internet links. A supplemental purchase for early, reluctant, or struggling readers who enjoy the graphic novel format.—Jill Altman, Saluda Primary School, SC

Gr 3–6—The titles in this series are similar to ebooks, but some of the features are interactive and there are cool sound effects and occasional animated artwork, in this case showing battles and explosions. This nonfiction title (ABDO, 2007), written by Joe Dunn and illustrated by Joseph Wight and Rod Espinosa, highlights the surprise attack that changed the course of World War II. The history of the bombing of Pearl Harbor is presented, the heroes of the battle are highlighted, and the consequences of the attack are described. Information about the monument to the battle's victims is presented. The table of contents is interactive—chapter heading can be clicked to advance readers to specific pages. The illustrations adequately portray the surprise and horror of the attack. Students can choose to have the narration turned on—text is enlarged and highlighted in color as it is read—or off. Navigation is easy. Using prominent buttons on the bottom of the screen, readers can stop, go forward or back to other pages, and exit to the home page, table of contents, glossary, or review quiz. For further information, users are directed to the ABDO Web site, where links are not easy to find. Given the popularity of graphic novels with young people, and the appeal of battles among boys, this title is sure to be a hit.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 3–6—The titles in this ibook series describe historical events in graphic novel format. The California Gold Rush by Joe Dunn (ABDO, 2007) provides brief, but accurate information about the events leading up to and immediately following the discovery of gold in California in 1849. The CD-ROM moves the book experience directly to the computer with only a few added features. Students can choose to have the narration turned on or off. If the book is read to users, the pages progress automatically (although they can be stopped or skipped over by using the arrows and stop button). Words or dialogue panels are highlighted in color as the text is read aloud. Each "page" is simply a picture of a page from the book (text and graphics); readers can click on a forward or back arrow to move through the pages. The narrator is adequate, but adds little emotion or interest to the text. The map, glossary, list of related Web sites, and index are well organized, but provide no interactivity. A brief multiple choice quiz is provided, and a monotone voice announces "Good job" for correct responses. Where graphic novels are popular, this might be of interest to reluctant readers. Otherwise, the print edition will serve the same purpose.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT