Gr 6 Up—Library workshop presenters Riley Roam and Kenny Mikey are the zany hosts of this program which they refer to as "creative literacy." In an introduction to the first DVD, Roam presents a few brief booktalks of titles in the steampunk genre, but from there it is all about getting teens and tweens involved through games and crafts. Viewers can select from three sections: Steampunk, Global Games, and Storytelling Olympics. Each one includes an overview presented by the hosts, followed by a menu of activities. In Steampunk, crafts include jewelry, goggles, bike tube crafts, and magnets. Most of the projects use easily obtainable recycled items and inexpensive materials, but many require some prep time before teens arrive. Games, including an icebreaker name game called Zombie Tag, and the Boov Ship Game, based on Adam Rex's
The True Meaning of Smekday (Disney/Hyperion, 2009), are demonstrated by teens. Global Games features Mancala, juggling balls and a hackey sack. Storytelling Olympics includes tips for teaching teens video storytelling, as well as two improvisational games. The second DVD covers crafts from around the world, including a djembe drum from Africa, candy sushi from Japan, and worry dolls from Guatemala, among others. While the majority of the crafts are unisex, they will be particularly appealing to librarians offering DIY programs, which are so popular with teen girls. The connection to literacy is loose at best, but anyone who works with teens will find useful ideas here.—
Cary Frostick, Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA
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