Pirateology, by Captain William Lubber

Pirateology, by Dugald A. Steer (from the perspective of Captain William Lubber).  New York: Candlewick Press, 2006. 32 pages.


Ahoy, mateys! The journal of Captain William Lubber, a notorious pirate hunter tracking the legendary pirate Arabella Drummond, was discovered in a treasure chest. Read the ship's log, see the map of his journeys, and learn more about pirate lore, weaponry, tying knots, weaponry, ocean navigation, and the Jolly Roger. This pop-up book, which was designed to look like worn parchment, is chock-full of sidebars, maps to unfold, and drawings of infamous real-life pirates. As Captain Lubber logs his journey around the globe, learn more about pirates from Tortuga and Port Royal in the Caribbean to China, Madagascar, and Nova Scotia.

This interactive, oversized volume offers a wealth of information and facts about pirates that reluctant readers will enjoy. While this book offers some interesting information, it is perhaps best as a first source for information about pirates. Tweens who want more may be interested in books such as Hannah Pritchard, Pirate of the Revolution, Pirate's Log: A Handbook for Aspiring Swashbucklers, or Under the Eagle's Beak: The Search for the Treasure of the Pirate's Pit.

Editorial reviews can be found at Amazon. The book's official website can be found at http://www.biblioweb.co.uk/pirateology/.

Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports, by Alden R. Carter

Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports, by Alden R. Carter. New York: Holiday House, 2006. 192 pages.

This collection of interconnected stories and vignettes follows students at Argyle High as they learn the games of football, love, and life. Is there a brain hidden in that 300 pound linebacker after all? Who has a secret crush? This collection reminds readers that nothing is as simple as it seems.

Readers must leave their preconceptions and stereotypes at the door as they read this collection. For middle school readers who aren't quite ready for the heavy subject matter of Chris Crutcher's books, but who still love reading about sports, Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports is a funny, fast-paced read that most will enjoy.

The author's website can be seen at www.aldencarter.com. Editorial and reader reviews can be found at Amazon.

Fantastic Mr. Fox, by Roald Dahl

Fantastic Mr. Fox, by Roald Dahl. New York: Puffin Books, 1970. 81 pages.

"Nobody outfoxes Fantastic Mr. Fox!" Mr. Fox must steal from the three meanest farmers in the countryside so he can feed his family. But they've discovered his thievery and are out to kill him. They can destroy his burrow, but they can't destroy his brains! Can Mr. Fox come up with a plan to save his family and hoodwink the farmers?

Fantastic Mr. Fox is suitable for tweens at lower reading levels, but can be enjoyed by anyone. Wes Anderson's movie version was a hit last year, which may increase interest in this book.

Reader reviews can be found at Amazon.com. The movie's website can be seen at http://www.fantasticmrfoxmovie.com/.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney. New York: Amulet Books, 2007. 224 pages.

Greg Heffley is a pretty average kid. His older brother is a jerk, his younger brother is obnoxious, his best friend is a dork, and his parents don't understand him. And now that he's started his first year of middle school, everything is changing. His friendships aren't the same as they used to be, and he isn't sure what kind of person he wants to become. When his best friend Rowley gains success and popularity as the school cartoonist, and starts to grow away from Greg, he shares the pranks and funny tricks he plays as he tries to make his friendship the same as it used to be.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books have become a cultural phenomenon in the past few years. In my time volunteering at my public library, tweens ask for these books every day--our most common reference question seems to be "Do you have any of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books?" An understanding of these illustrated novels is essential to any public librarian who wants to know what's currently popular. These books capture the self-absorption of middle school kids, and appeal to many middle school boys who see themselves and their troubles in the journal of Greg Heffley. He is neither super popular or a huge loser, the two ends of the spectrum that most teen movies focus on. He's just a regular guy, and his voice comes out in the novel. Highly recommended.

Customer and editorial reviews can be found at Amazon.com. Wimpykid.com is a great site for all the Wimpy Kid books and movies.