Paradise Valley, John Mayer (Columbia)

However you feel about John Mayer’s personal life, you’ll find Paradise Valley is a back-to-basics blues sounding album. His gift as a guitarist is clearly demonstrated as he skillfully interprets his music in this peaceful, mood altering collection. Most of the tracks on his sixth studio album convey a laid-back, relaxed stroll through Midwest America. Though not a huge country fan, I think the recent popularity of country with Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, and Hunter Hayes is pretty cool. Mayer’s duets with Frank Ocean on “Wildfire” and Katy Perry on “Who You Love” make these tracks extra special. This album is much more accomplished and approachable, and while it gives the listener wonderful ballads, it lacks some of the edginess of past albums. Mayer has definitely chosen to play it safe here, and I guess I can’t blame him. Check out “Wildfire” “Badge and Gun,” “On the Way Home,” and “Who You Love.”—Geena G., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Madden 25 (Electronic Arts)

Any true football fan knows, the new season is incomplete without a new release from the gameplay icon, John Madden. That is one of the reasons the Madden football franchise has been a success since its inception. Another is developer Tiburon’s continued tweaking of the game with every new installment. Madden 25 is no exception to this, and offers players several interesting features and improvements. Many of the upgrades benefit the running backs. The new Precision Modifier allows jukes, spins, stiff-arms, and more in order to get around defenders. While executing these moves and manipulating the console, players can combine moves ensuring success on the field. There have been upgrades to the playbook, and use of the Read-option plays. The Infinity Engine has been enhanced for more realistic animations, but still needs work. Owner Mode gives players the opportunity to draft players, sign free agents, restructure contracts, and manage all aspects of the stadium. This part really adds to the experience. A definitely satisfying game that any football fan will dive into. Rated E for Everyone. Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.—James M.,grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (Activision & Red Fly Studio)

It is hard to believe that the Ninja Turtles have been around for about 30 years, and of course, have amassed a huge following. The popular cartoon series on Nickelodeon has been a big part of their resurgence, so it makes sense to jump on the bandwagon with a videogame.  The game’s premise is that April O’Neil has been kidnapped, and the Turtles must fight to save her and New York City from the evil Shredder and his gang. The game campaign lasts roughly five hours, and is totally combat-based. The four turtles always fight together, and the martial arts-style fighting is action-packed, with a ridiculous amount of combination attacks and button mashing sequences. Difficulty levels continue to increase throughout the campaign, which makes things challenging. Each turtle has his own weapons, fighting style, and personality, and players can switch between each of these at will.  The Turtles’ familiar nuances are numerous, especially with all the references to pizza. There is a classic mode feature that allows you the play the game in vintage black and white. There is also a multiplayer mode for up to four friends, and a local co-op mode for up to two players. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is very reasonably priced and will provide you with hours of great “cowabunga” fun. Rated E for Everyone. Platform: PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Nick M., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

“Nothing’s impossible in Minecraft,” says Elizabeth Grohoski. She would know. Grohoski recently spent three months using the online game to create a virtual replica of the Mattituck-Laurel Library in Mattituck, NY, complete with a model of the working piano in the library basement (http://ow.ly/nQwCN).

Why? Because Karen Letteriello, comanager of the parents’ and children’s department at Mattituck-Laurel, where Grohoski works as a technical processor, thought the virtual Minecraft library would help attract young patrons. It has.

The project started when Letteriello read a School Library Journal feature story by librarian Sarah Ludwig about a highly successful Minecraft library club at the Connecticut school where she worked. Letteriello wanted a similar program in her library and asked Grohoski, a gamer since the age of six, to create it.

An immensely popular game launched widely in 2011, Minecraft allows users to build in a 3-D virtual world with cubes similar to Legos—but without any of the proscriptive kits and manuals. There are few limits to what a user can create in Minecraft. It’s all about gamers using their imaginations.

After creating a beta version of the project, Letteriello launched the finished site on June 20. The reaction has been a “tornado,” she says, with children clamoring to sign up and play.

Letteriello and Grohoski’s vision of the game features an appealing library-centric scavenger hunt. Each room of the Minecraft library offers a clue inside treasure chests tucked into the virtual shelves. Clues provide students with a summary of the plot, title, author, and call letters—so children can locate the books inside the physical library.

There are other activities as well—a maze, mini-games in which children can locate objects like sheep wool in multiple colors, and eventually a racetrack, which Grohoski hopes to build. Children can play a few notes on the virtual piano or ride up and down the virtual elevator—just like the one inside the real branch. And for those looking to explore outside the building, Grohoski shifted existing Minecraft destinations closer to the virtual library. These include a desert temple, village, ravine, and stronghold.

Students with their own Minecraft accounts can log on from home, or they can play at the library free of charge. The library offers five laptops with video cards, which play the full version of the online game, plus six iPads loaded with Minecraft’s pocket edition.

Letteriello is planning future educational projects using Minecraft and other digital tools. One possibility: a virtual opportunity to explore Ancient Greece and Rome. Her goal is that students will find their library experience as seamless as exercising their curiosity.

“I want them to use [the library presence in Minecraft] the same as they would the actual library, take a book home and teleport into another world,” she says. “I want them to feel the gaming world is just another part of the library.”

Mattituck resident Pam Kaminsky’s 13-year-old son, Collin, is “obsessed” with the Minecraft library, she says. He and his 16-year-old brother, Owen, are also impressed with Grohoski’s expertise with the game. “[Collin] says, ‘The librarian is talking to me about my program? Wow,’” says Kaminsky. “It’s like he has a new connection with the librarians.”

“Now the kids walk in and ask if Elizabeth is here,” says Letteriello. “She has a cult following.”

Children sign up to play on Fridays, when they can interact with others in the virtual branch. “We have waiting lists that you can’t imagine,” says Letteriello. “And Elizabeth continues to build. It’s taking on a life of its own.”

Teen Tech Camp: Raspberry Pi

Photo credit: Rebecca Murphey

Our library partnered with local tech professionals Julia Elman and Sarah Kahn (UNC-SILS MLS 2008) to host a daylong event focused on programming Raspberry Pi using the Python programming language. Thanks to a generous donation from the Python Software Foundation (PSF), we were able to provide each attendee with a Raspberry Pi, power supply, an SD card, and two books on programming in Python to take home.

The event was open to students ages 12 to 18, regardless of previous computer programming experience. Sign up was first-come, first-served, and teens who attended a similar event in Fall 2012 were given a bit of advance notice. Only twenty spots were available due to the limited amount of equipment we received from our PSF grant. Volunteers from the tech community set up the network and provided instruction. Noted Python educator Kurt Grandis developed the curriculum outline for the day, but when Kurt had a family emergency, Clinton Dreisbach stepped in at short notice to provide the actual instruction.

Seventeen students spent from 10 am to 5 pm learning the basics of programming in Python as well as the ins and outs of using a Raspberry Pi. We were able to send them home with the materials provided by the grant, as well as a free monitor, keyboard, and mouse. In other words, a free computer. How much did this cost my library? About $30, spent on name badges and painter’s tape.

Powerful Partnerships

Photo credit: Rebecca Murphey

How was it possible to provide such high quality STEM programming to the teens in Durham for almost no cost to the library? We were able to benefit from powerful partnerships. When the PSF grant came through (in a mere six weeks), Sarah and Julia began canvassing for volunteers and materials.

They gathered gently used peripherals from individual donors as well as from Triangle Ecycling, a local ewaste recycling organization. Julia’s company, Caktus Consulting Group, provided funding for a healthy breakfast and lunch for campers and volunteers. Splatspace, a local hackerspace, donated nifty 3D printed Raspberry Pi cases. The City of Wilson (home of North Carolina’s first community owned gigabit broadband network) provided the campers with goody bags and cool promo sunglasses. Providing these extras was a great way to show teens and their parents that they are valued members of the library community.

Lasting Results

Teen Tech Camp attendees ranged from 12 year-olds with no programming experience to 18-year-old veteran hackers. Teaching complex concepts to a diverse audience was not easy. Some of our attendees were definitely more motivated by the copy of Minecraft we preloaded on to their Pi than anything else.

Photo credit: Rebecca Murphey

But to quote organizer Julia Elman, our “goal for the 2013 Teen Tech Camp was not to have the students walk out of the library, ready to take on complex computer programming challenges. It was to spark interest in the students and get them excited… By using varying techniques and providing a safe space for learning, we were able to engage every student at an individual pace. They will take away the motivation, energy and drive to keep on learning, because someone believes in them.”

During the 2013-2014 school year, we plan to support the young coding community created at Teen Tech Camp by hosting library sponsored hackerthons and providing further resources online. By providing high quality materials and technology instruction to young people, we hope to empower the next generation, increase diversity in the technology field, and encourage teens to be digital content creators as well as consumers. You can do it too!

Autumn Winters, Teen Services Manager at Southwest Regional Library, a regional branch of the Durham County Library system in Durham, North Carolina

Interactive Comics

Thirty-two titles from the “DC Super-Pets,” “DC Super Heroes: The Man of Steel,” “Superman,” and “Batman” series are now available as interactive ebooks from Capstone. An additional 28 titles will be released in the fall. There’s a one-time fee for “DC Super-Pets” interactive ebooks ($31.99 ea.) and “DC Super Heroes” ($33.99 ea.), which grants access to unlimited circulation for all students 24/7 in school, at home, or on any mobile device. “Our DC Comics brand of full-color chapter books offers readers the perfect introduction to DC Comics characters and are among Capstone’s most successful and best-selling series,” noted Matt Keller, Capstone’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Librarians can expand their digital collection with the titles kids love without having to worry about hidden fees or circulation limits.”

Math Challenge

WGBH Educational Foundation’s Innovation Math Challenge is for anyone who wants to create fun and engaging math educational media—educators, student teams, gamers, or programmers. Applicants can submit entries of games, math videos, infographics, or manipulatives. The contest challenges individuals or teams to design and create a web-based digital resource between two and six minutes in length related to middle school math and connected to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. The entry should be “engaging, rich in content and context, and go beyond strictly procedural teaching.” The deadline for submission is November 22. Check out the website for more information and contest rules. Up to 100 winners will each receive $1,000.

3.0, Marc Anthony (Sony Music Latin)

Marc Anthony has had a long and successful career; having sold more 11 million albums worldwide. Many consider him a top player in the industry and a true diplomat of Latin music. His newest album, 3.0, is his 11th studio album to date and is very much what fans of his expect—an integration of pop, samba, and Latin folk sound. What Anthony does add on 3.0 is a little more emphasis on pure salsa. Continued collaboration with longtime partner Sergio George on the production end helps Anthony put forth a solid album. As a Marc Anthony fan, I found the album to be a great listening experience with passionate vocals, romantic charm all rolled up in a hypnotic dance beat. But I recognize that his days of mainstream pop chart toppers are probably over. This album is more for salsa purists and fans of Latin music, as listening to the whole album can sound a little bland and repetitious. Check out the following tracks:  “Volver a Comenzar,” “Cautivo de Este Amor,” and “Vivir Mi Vida.”—Latyese M., Grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Stars Dance, Selena Gomez (Hollywood)

Stars Dance is Gomez’s fourth studio album but her first solo attempt and the results are acceptable. Having watched Gomez’s rise to stardom on Disney’s The Wizards of Waverly Place, I can say that I am a fan of hers and would like to see her succeed. And in many ways she does. This album shreds the Disney image and launches her into the adult world. Gomez shows her take on electronic dance music with her own blend of synth and electro pop. She tries to bridge the gap between her two worlds with music that will find a following with her teen fans and their parents. It is a big risk and although the album is nothing earth shattering, her music is accessible, danceable, and pretty memorable. Stars Dance proves that Gomez has the staying power to play in the big league, and with a little more work she can definitely give her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Justin Bieber, a run for his money. Tracks to check out are “Come & Get It,” “Slow Down,” “Birthday,” and “Love Will Remember.”—Ryan A., Grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Walking Dead: 400 Days (Tell Tale Games)

If you are a zombie fan or a Walking Dead fan, this game is for you. 400 Days is really a bridge game between Season 1 and 2 of The Walking Dead: The Game and comes at a bargain price. Like other Walking Dead games, the focus here is on the strong narrative over shooting or gore and horror. In this installment, you play as one of five different characters within five different stories. Each one takes place at some point in time within a 400-day span at a truck stop in Georgia. Missing posters line a littered bulletin board where you select your character in any random order.

One episode can start on the Day 200 of the apocalypse while another might start on Day Two of the outbreak. Each one does have a common piece that links them together and the game does not seem disjointed or confusing. What is really cool is that the game play in each vignette does not seem repetitive or boring. That is due to the choice system that is built into The Walking Dead gaming system. The only disappointment here is that 400 Days is so concentrated that it only takes about a hour and a half to get through all five vignettes. Again, it is a bridge game, so you kind of know this but of course you still want more. The action and drama are definitely worth it. Rated: M for Mature. Platform: Play Station 3, Xbox 360 and PC.—James M., Grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Magnetic, Goo Goo Dolls (Warner Bros)

The Goo Goo Dolls have been around for over 25 years and certainly possess the accolades to prove it. The trio made up of Johnny Rzeznik, Robby Takac, and Mike Malinin recently released their tenth studio album—Magnetic. Fans of the group will be delighted with it. At its core, it is a light, summer-type album with 11 pop-rock songs that make for great listening. There are no themes or statements here; or any political or social messages. Anyone who has enjoyed the band’s prior music will find plenty of reasons to just sit back and be impressed by the band’s ability to continue to produce great and upbeat music. The wonderful acoustics, driving groove sound and solid vocals from front man Rzeznik is exactly what one would expect from a Goo Goo Dolls album. To help them, the band enlisted the help of some of the best producers, Rob Cavallo (Green Day), John Shanks (Van Halen), Greg Wattenberg (Train), etc. All this collaboration made for an impeccably executed album with strong momentum throughout. It will be nice to see what else this band has in store for the future. Definite tracks to check out— “When the World Breaks Your Heart,” “Bullet-proof Angel,” “Rebel Beat,”  “Come to Me,” and “Slow It Down.”—Stephen E., Grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Blessed Unrest, Sara Bareilles (Epic)

On The Blessed Unrest, Bareilles deviates from the pop mainstream approach she has produced in the past and has taken some risks. Bareilles continues to craft great music as she boldly bounces from one music genre to another. The album’s 12 tracks contain Motown-flavored rhythms, EDM-inspired sounds, ghostly love songs, hushed and jazzy piano ballads, and of course the inspirational pop song. Not every tracks works, but Bareilles is such a strong melodic songwriter that she doesn’t risk isolating herself. Fans will have more than enough to grab onto here and many will applaud her daring to venture out of her comfort zone. Tracks to check out are “Brave,” “Little Black Dress,” “Chasing the Sun,” and “1000 Times.”—Geena G., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

NCAA Football 14 (EA Tiburon)

Can you believe it’s that time again? Football season is almost upon us and the next installment in college football is here with NCAA Football 14. The burning question is what’s new with this edition, and fans will be happy to know that much has been overhauled to make the experience even better.

First is the new Infinity Engine 2 which aids the mechanics by giving a realistic feeling to players’ movements on the field. This refinement called Force Impact System calculates speed, momentum, and mass allowing for subtle movements, accelerations, and nimble navigation on the field. Option Play has been emphasized with 30 new Option types including a Playbook devoted to plays. The Ultimate Team element that is very popular in other EA games makes its debut. Now gamers can build their own dream teams across the decades. The biggest changes are in the Dynasty mode that allows you to choose special coaching skills through experience points. More points lead to upgrades. There is also Power Recruiting to help across the board recruitment based on a point based system. Little was done to improve the graphics and sound, but since PS4 is just around the corner I am sure that this will be addressed with the next addition. NCAA Football 14 is great fun with lots to offer but probably won’t appeal to a hugely new fan base. Rating: E for Everyone, Platform PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.—Andrew B., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Talk a Good Game, Kelly Rowland (Clean)

Talk a Good Game is Kelly Rowland’s fourth studio album since her split with Destiny’s Child in 2002. Much of the success of her past albums has been the variety of musical styles and wide appeal to multiple audiences. Rowland seems to be streamlining her efforts with a more defined R & B sound, showcasing a modern style. She is out to prove who she is and what she can do outside of Beyonce’s shadow. Talk a Good Game is Rowland’s most personal album yet—she gets very real about sex, relationships and her love/envy feelings for Beyonce. In collaboration with Pusha T, Wiz Khalifa, and The Dream, and production by Rico Love, Mike WiLL Made It, and Pharrell, this album is a slick production that is super sexy and super soulful. Definitely should satisfy old and new fans alike. Tracks to check out are “Dirty Laundry,” “Gone,” “Freak,” “Street Life,” and “You Changed.”—Uma N., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial HS

Encore, Hunter Hayes (Atlantic)

Hunter Hayes took the country music industry by storm with his 2011 debut album It’s a Wonderful Life, and fans will not be disappointed with this special release, Encore. On Encore, he reworked three of the original 12 tracks while adding five more songs. Hayes felt that Encore was complementary to his debut album, and a good segue into what he is working on next. Encore captures what made him popular with his debut, and bumps it up a notch. Duets with Jason Mraz and Ashley Monroe on “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me” and “What You Gonna Do” make these tracks more meaningful and fulfilling. The beautiful harmonies and melancholy sound stay with you long after the song ends. The three rerecorded tracks shake things up a bit, giving the listener more of what they already love. Encore is really just that—an encore. It gives fans more of what already works, and it will be interesting to see what Hayes comes up with next. Check out these tracks—“Storm Warning,” “Wanted,” “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” “I Want Crazy,” and of course, “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me,” and “What You Gonna Do.”—Claire H., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Last of Us (Naughty Dog/Sony)

The Last of Us is not only a game but a true interactive experience where you become emotionally attached to the outcome. In this postapocalyptic society, survival is the name of the game. The game begins introducing the characters and a world thrown into chaos by a biological virus that leaves humans as survivors, or as infected. Our hero Joel lives in a militarized zone under martial law, and is doing what he can to survive. He is charged with smuggling a teen named Ellie out of the military zone and to a safe haven. This supposed simple quest turns into a gut-wrenching journey full of action, horror, combat, and stealth.

This is not a running and gunning game. With supplies and weapons pretty sparse, the player must make difficult choices. It is all about planning and thinking strategically. The game’s visuals are superb, bringing realism to all aspects of the game, as well as an investment by the player into the anguish and psychological turmoil surrounding this world. Another plus is the real time inventory system that allows the character to access items and create useful items to survive. This encourages exploration and keeps the player engaged, hooked and committed throughout.

The Last of Us is a whirlwind of gaming experience that is unlike most others out there. Worth checking out. Rating: M for Mature. Platform: PlayStation3.—Will P., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Librarians can pair audio with print to build literacy skills. The launch of the Playaway Bookpack program has been announced by Findaway World. Each Bookpack features a preloaded audiobook and its print version, and is packaged in a plastic hanging bag. There are currently more than 200 titles available for preschool through young adult readers. “Playaways have been used as powerful read-along companions for years. Launching Playaway Bookpacks is our way of making it easier than ever for users to access these pairings and especially easy for libraries and classrooms to deliver this service,” said Nancy Stickney, Vice President Playaway Products Group.

Books for preschool to third grade students include titles from Peggy Parish’s Amelia Bedelia collection, Gene Zion’s Harry the Dirty Dog and Other Stories, William Steig’s Sylvester and the Magic Pebble and Other Stories, and Jean Fritz’s What’s the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? And Other Stories of Famous Americans. For grades three to six, works range from Gennifer Choldenko’s Al Capone Does My Shirts and Carl Hiaasen’s Hoot to Russell Freedman’s Lincoln: A Photobiography and Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time. Among the middle school selections are Irene Hunt’s Across Five Aprils, Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars, and Christopher Paul Curtis’s The Watsons Go to Birmingham. Libba Bray’s Beauty Queens, Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games, and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter are among the titles for young adults. Be sure to check out the complete list.

Medal for Libraries and Museums

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is now accepting nominations for the 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal honors museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions to their communities. Public or private nonprofit museums, including art, history, science and technology, children’s, and natural history museums; and all types of nonprofit libraries, including public, school, academic, research, and archival, are eligible to apply. Complete applications must be mailed to The National Medal for Museum and Library Service, Office of the Director, Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1800 M St. NW, 9th floor, Washington, DC 20036-5802 and postmarked by October 15, 2013 (no faxes or emails). Check out eligibility requirements for libraries and museums, and then complete a nomination form.

National Book Awards Virtual Exhibit

The National Book Foundation’s Up All Night online exhibition showcases the National Book Award Winners and Finalists in Young People’s Literature from 1969 to 2012. The exhibition features 228 titles, including picture books, novels, graphic novels, novels-in-verse, poetry, and nonfiction books. Forty-five readers, writers, and National Book Award authors who were inspired by the titles have contributed videos, interviews, collages, essays, poems, and other artwork. For example William Alexander, the 2012 National Book Award Winner in Young People’s Literature for Goblin Secrets (S &S, 2012), contributed essays and recordings of himself reading passages from Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Tombs of Atuan and The Farthest Stone (1973 winner).

Educator Workshop at Serious Play Conference

Interested in designing serious games? Administrators and teachers interested in integrating educational games into the K-12 curriculum are invited to attend a one-day workshop on August 19, 2013 at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington during the Serious Play Conference. Teachers and administrators who have incorporated game-based learning as well as senior serious games developers will share their insights and discuss what kind of products are best for different ages, where in the curriculum they work well, and how to measure learning objectives. The one-day workshop is $200 and registration is open now.

Serious games are simulations of real-world events or processes designed for the purpose of solving a problem. The Serious Play Conference is an annual event held to examine the current challenges and future developments in the field.

Random Access Memories, Daft Punk (Columbia)

This fourth studio album from the French duo Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo reflects the disco style of the 70’s and 80’s. It is a mix of soft rock, pop, disco, and some stadium–dance productions inspired by the one and only Giorgio Moroder, an influential Italian record producer and founder of the Oasis label.  Known for a funny and playful essence, this 13-track album continues the trend. Full of catchy beats, the musical sound on Random Access Memories veers from cinematic to disco to jazzy to post-modern funk, using only live instruments, a synthesizer, and vintage vocoders. The opening track “Get Lucky” starts things off with a bang, compliments of Nile Rodgers’s distinctive guitar style. From then on, the album is an all around great ride. Tracks to check out include “Lose Yourself to Dance,” “The Game of Love,” “Touch,” and “Within.”—Geena G., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Grid 2 (Codemasters)

I have always been drawn to car racing games and am happy to report that Grid 2 makes the cut for me. In this game, players promote the World Series Racing league (WSR) by participating in various racing events around the world to determine who is the best racer. ESPN provides live coverage of your races, and along with your evolving garage hub, this helps increase your fan base. There are 50 cars spread among four tiers, with each tier offering better challenges, vehicles, and events. The different events include Overtake, Checkpoint, Touge, Face Off and Live Route events. The diverse environments add to the excitement and impressiveness of the game. The realism factor is also a plus factor where the extensive detail makes you forget that you are in your own home. The game will provide hours of action-packed fun in a spectacular environment, sure to please all kinds of car racing fans. Rating: E for Everyone. Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC.—James M,  grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move (Nintendo)

Minis on the Move is primarily a puzzle game in which the player guides toy versions of Mario, Princess Peach, Toad, Donkey Kong and others around different terrains. The moving characters advance by the player putting the correct directional paths in front of them and avoiding the obstacles. Starting simple, the game gets more complex without becoming frustrating. New elements such as bombs, cubes with springs, and hammers that rotate are introduced every couple of puzzles, keeping things engaging and entertaining. There are 240 stages in the main game, giving the player a lot to contend with. There are four modes in the main game—Mario’s Main Event, Puzzle Palace, Many Minis Mayhem, and Giant Jungle. The most challenging are Many Minis Mayhem and Giant Jungle, and you also have the ability to create your own puzzle to share. Minis on the Move provides hours of fun, but with a more impressive gameplay twist it could have been so much more. Rating: E for Everyone. Platform: Nintendo 3DS.— Nick M, grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Golden, Lady Antebellum (Capital)

Nashville’s leading trio, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood aka Lady Antebellum, has just released their fourth studio album, Golden. The group’s broad appeal comes from their winning sound that is not only country, with banjos and mandolins, but embraces the mainstream pop scene as well. Although this album was picked as a breakout album, there is not much here that shakes things up—and that is fine with me because I like Lady A just the way they are. Scott and Kelley’s vocals complement each other beautifully on the many really catchy melodies. Scott’s voice is more confident and commanding, while Kelley continues with his distinctive Tom Petty sound. Some of the twelve tracks sing of love and being in love, with others addressing the pain and heartache of breakup and betrayal. Tracks to check out are “Better Off Now (That You’re Gone),” “Downtown,” “Get To Me,”  and “Goodbye Town.”—Latyese M., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Music From Baz Luhrmann’s Film: The Great Gatsby (Interscope)

Jay Z is truly the perfect choice as the executive producer of the music for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. He expertly connects today’s music of rock, rap, hip-hop, and electronica, with the glitzy charm of the 1920’s Jazz Age. Under the guise of various artists such as Beyonce, will.i.am, Andre 3000, Florence Welch, the Bryan Ferry Orchestra, and Lana Del Ray, the essence of the film—love, seduction, money, and an excessive lifestyle—is driven home. Many tracks have a hypnotizing dub beat, conveying a dark and eerie mood reminiscent of doomed love. Some may feel that this blend does not work, but the music is really quite visionary and inspiring, and works to expose a new generation to the classic that is Gatsby. Tracks to check out are “Back to Black,” “Lover Is the Drug,” “Together,” “Love Is Blindness,” and “$100 Bill.”—Eugene K,  grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Star Trek: The Video Game (Namco Bandai Games)

There are a lot of great features awaiting players of Star Trek: The Video Game. The game begins right where the 2009 film ended. In trying to rebuild the planet Vulcan, rifts in space are opened that allow the Gorn, a reptilian race first seen in the original television series, to descend on Federation space. Assuming the role of Kirk or Spock (voiced by the actual actors), you must now combat these lizard-like troublemakers. Unfortunately, the game becomes very Halo or Call of Duty-like, which is not the course of action that Star Trek games have ever taken. It was always diplomacy and problem solving over all out warfare, yet here combat is the name of the game with fancy high tech weapons and lots of shootouts. The action is fun but does become a bit predictable relatively quickly. Thank goodness for the humorous banter between Kirk and Spock, solving many of the mini-game puzzles, and the traversing of areas and the scaling cliffs, ravines, and more. Overall, Star Trek: The Video Game has a lot to offer but falls short of an exceptional gaming experience. Add an extra star if you are a diehard Trekkie. Rating: T for Teen. Platform: PlayStation 3 and Xbox. Stephen E.,  grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Paramore, Paramore (Fueled by Ramen)

Paramore is Paramore’s fourth studio album but the first since the split with original members Josh and Zac Farro. This Tennessee indie rock band has come along way since their Warped Tour days. The 17-song track list is fresh and upbeat, but the lyrics at times reflect the turmoil and pain of the last two years. Hats off to producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen for unifying and bring out the best in Williams, York, and Davis. The album melds the classic sounds of Paramore with the band’s new-found embrace of electronics, allowing the group to shine. Williams is truly testing the waters with her daring but brilliant vocals. This coupled with the band’s experimentation with instrumentals—triangles, glockenspiels, ukuleles and guitars—all show Paramore’s growth and their willingness to launch themselves to the next level. Check out “(One of Those) Crazy Girls,” “Ain’t It Fun,”  “Still Into You,” “Fast in My Car,” and “Hate to See Your Heart Break.”—Uma N., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Next Day, David Bowie (ISO/Columbia)

I have been aware of David Bowie and his importance in the music world, but not a particular fan of him until I recently saw the movie Perks of Being a Wallflower. One of the key songs which represents the movie characters’ struggle for identity and acceptance was by David Bowie. This led me to listening to his music from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. I was really surprised to find out that he released a new album entitled The Next Day after an absence of 10 years. Now at the age of 66, Bowie has once again reinvented himself. Like the album title, the album shows some new sides of Bowie but in reality many of the tracks are reminiscent of over three decades of musical genius. His lyrics are clearly more introspective and direct and seem to carry the weight of his age and wisdom. Definitely check out the ballad “Where Are We Now?”, “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)”, “(You Will) Set the World On Fire,” and “Love Is Lost.”—Maureen L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Save Rock and Roll, Fall Out Boy (Decaydance/Island)

Fall Out Boy is certainly not new to the music scene. Starting as a hard core punk rock garage band from Chicago, they transformed with each album into a more mainstream music sensation. Save Rock and Roll is their first album in four years and is very reflective of who Fall Out Boy is today. It is a much more personal album where the band is not trying to save rock and roll per se, but rather, reinvent themselves for today’s world. These songs are somewhat theatrical and intense, with driving drumbeats and acoustic guitar melodies. The band’s vocals are engaging, passionate, and at times a touch intimate. This album is certainly all over the place musically, from hip-hop to new wave. Check out “The Phoenix”, “Rat a Tat,” “Just One Yesterday,” “Young Volcanoes,” and the finale with Elton John, “Save Rock and Roll.”—Will P., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon (Nintendo)

Dark Moon gives our hero Luigi a chance to finally outshine his brother Mario, and prove his worth in this ghost-busting adventure. It combines humor with a Disney’s Haunted Mansion-type of scary, spooky atmosphere, making the game a worthwhile experience. The story begins with Professor E. Gadd needing Luigi to find the scattered pieces of the ghost calming artifact, the Dark Moon. Without it, his docile spectral assistants turn hostile. It is up to Luigi and his trusty vacuum, the Poltergust 5000, to save the day. There are five mansions to explore, and the unique objects are uncovered by solving interactive puzzles. Luigi uses his flashlight to uncover items and ghosts lurking in nooks and crannies. There are also many different types of ghosts, each requiring different tactics to capture it.

There is also a four-player cooperative mode called ScareScraper that allows joint ghost hunting, adding to the enjoyment of the game. The only disappointment here is the inability to save checkpoints and having to restart an entire level even if you were 95% done. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is a great gaming experience providing hours of fun for everyone. Rating: E for Everyone. Platform: Nintendo 3DS.—Ryan A., Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Author/illustrator extraordinaire:

Willems has created more than 40 books for children. The exhibit will feature “preliminary drawings that give viewers a glimpse of Willems’ process, as well as other finished illustrations that fully reveal his comedic genius and the influence of his early work as an animator for Sesame Street. Willems’ own work is accompanied by a selection of work from his private collection by the comic book artists and cartoonists who have inspired him most, including Charles M. Schulz, William Steig, and Saul Steinberg.”

Related programming include a members-only opening featuring a talk by the author on June 22 (reservations required), Mo Willems Day at The Carle on June 23 with a book signing for guests and another Mo Willems Day at The Carle on July 13. Ongoing events for school groups and guests will take place in the Museum’s Art Studio, Auditorium, Galleries, and Reading Library.

And the Winner Is…

Jane Addams Book Awards:  Each Kindness (Penguin) by Jacqueline Woodson and We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March (Peachtree) by Cynthia Levinson are winners of the 2013 Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards in the Books for Younger Children and Books for Older Children categories.

Two books were named Honor Books in the Books for Younger Children category: Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers (Marshall Cavendish) by Sarah Warren and We March (Roaring Brook) by Shane W. Evans. In the Books for Older Children category, two titles were named Honor Books: Marching to the Mountaintop: How Poverty, Labor Fights and Civil Rights Set the Stage for Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Hours (National Geographic) by Ann Bausum and Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World (Houghton Harcourt) by Sy Montgomery.

Established in 1953, the annual Jane Addams Book Award honors books published in the U.S. during the previous year that “address themes of topics that engage children in thinking about peace, justice, world community, and/or equality of the sexes and all races.”

Debut author awards: The 2013 winners of the International Reading Association (IRA) Children’s and Young Adult Book Awards have been announced. The award recognizes promising debut authors—only first and second books by an author can be considered. Deborah Jo Larson’s One Frozen Lake (Minnesota Historical Society Pr.) won in the Primary Fiction category, and E. S. Redmond’s The Unruly Queen (Candlewick) received an Honor. Eight Days Gone by Linda McReynolds took the Primary Nonfiction prize, while the Honor in that category went to Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building (Lee & Low) by Christy Hale.

Susan Verrico was the Intermediate Fiction winner for Privateer’s Apprentice (Peachtree), and Lana Krumwiede and Natalie Dias Lorenzi nabbed the Honor award for Freakling (Candlewick) and Flying the Dragon (Charlesbridge), respectively. The Intermediate Nonfiction winner was James Doyle for A Young Scientist’s Guide to Defying Disasters with Skill and Daring (Gibbs Smith).

In the Young Adult category, the Fiction winner was Lovely, Dark and Deep (S & S) by Amy McNamara, and the Honors went to Out of Reach (S & S) by Carrie Arcos and E. M. Kokie for Personal Effects (Candlewick). We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March (Peachtree) by Cynthia Levinson won the Young Adult Nonfiction award.

Peer awards: Fifteen books have won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) 2013 Crystal Kite Award. The awards recognize books from 15 regional SCBWI divisions around the world and the winners are selected by other children’s book writers and illustrators. All titles nominated must be published by a SCBWI member.

This year’s winners are: The Magyar Conspiracy (Tafelberg) by Neil Malherbe (Africa), Ten Tiny Things (Fremantle) by Meg McKinlay (Australia/New Zealand), The One and Only Ivan (HarperCollins) by Katherine Applegate (California/Hawaii), Glory Be (Scholastic) by Augusta Scattergood (Southeast), The Dark Unwinding (Scholastic) by Sharon Cameron (Mid-South), Samurai Awakening (Tuttle) by Benjamin Martin (Middle East/India/Asia), Creepy Carrots (S & S) by Aaron Reynolds (Midwest), How to Babysit a Grandpa (Knopf) by Jean Reagan (Southwest), See You at Harry’s (Candlewick) by Jo Knowles (New England), Capture the Flag (Scholastic) by Kate Messner (New York), Boy + Bot (Knopf) by Ame Dyckman (Atlantic), Chained (Farrar) by Lynne Kelly (Texas/OK), The Stamp Collector  Fitzhenry and Whiteside) by Jennifer Lanthier (Americas), Fifteen Days Without a Head (Oxford Univ. Pr.) by Dave Cousins (UK/Europe), Pickle (Roaring Brook) by Kim Baker.

Tech awards: Tod Brekhus, Capstone Digital president, has won EdTech Digest’s 2013 Leadership Award, and the company’s flagship product, myOn reader, was selected as the best e-Learning Solution in the Cool Tool Award category. The awards honor “tools, trendsetters, and leaders in the education and technology sector. The distinguished awards program recognizes outstanding solutions—and the best and brightest minds—in education and technology.” Log on to EdTech Digest’s website for a full list of award finalists and winners.

“We are very proud to have myON reader chosen as the best e-Learning Solution,” noted Brekhus. “In just three short years, myON reader has created a unique reading environment that makes reading fun for students, a critical component in their individual academic success.” myOn reader offers online access to more than 4,000 books with multimedia supports and creates a collaborative reading environment where students, educators, and parents work together to support student reading performance.

Library Makeovers

In-need schools receive free renovations: Twenty-five school libraries across the country will be renovated thanks to the 2013 Target School Library Makeover Program. Each in-need school will get 2,000 books, new carpet and furniture, and a technology upgrade that includes iPads, interactive white boards, and more. In addition, students and their siblings will receive seven books to take home. The school libraries slated for renovation are in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Washington.

To renovate the schools, Target is partnering with The Heart of America Foundation, a national nonprofit headquartered in Washington, DC, that promotes volunteer service and literacy, and recruiting the Target design and construction teams to do the work pro bono.

“The Target School Library Makeover program is part of our commitment to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “By reimagining school libraries and transforming outdated spaces into state-of-the-art learning centers, Target hopes to ignite a love of learning and put more children on the path to high school graduation.”

Game On

Games in the classroom: Administrators and teachers are invited to attend a one-day workshop focused on integrating games into the K–12 classroom on August 19, 2013 at Digipen Institute of Technology in Redmond, WA. The workshop is part of the Serious Play Conference that will be held August 20–22. Attendees will get advice on the types of games that produce the best results. The workshop will feature serious games developers as well as teachers and administrators who have integrated game-based learning. Speakers include David Martz, Muzzy Lane Software; Susan Meek, Breakaway Games; Dan White, Filament Games, Ray Yan, Digipen; Tammie Schrader, an elementary school science teacher from Spokane, WA; and Michele Zimmerman, master trainer, Amazing Grace Christian Schools. The speakers will discuss the kinds of products that are best for different ages, where they work in the curriculum, and how to create and measure learning objectives. Register now for the workshop: the early bird price is $100; a pass for the Serious Play Conference and the workshop is $350.

Serious games are simulations of real-world events or processes that are designed for solving a problem and their primary purpose is to train or educate users. The Serious Play Conference examines the current challenges and future developments of serious games.

Advocacy

New website: Everyday Advocacy is a new website launched by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The website offers resources “designed to empower librarians and library staff to take action in their libraries, communities, and beyond.” Make sure to check out the website to easy to implement ideas and tips.

Summer Programs for Students

The joy of reading: Middle and high school students from all over the world will come together at The Great Books Summer Program to discuss the books they love and some topics in literature. There’s an intermediate program for students in grades 6 to 8 and a senior program for those in grades 9 to 12. The sample readings include works by Dante, Virgil, T. S. Eliot, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thomas Hardy, Emily Dickinson, and Herman Melville, among others. Guest speakers include writers and filmmakers. The program gives students the opportunity to experience college life and have fun by exploring the surrounding areas, swimming, going to baseball games, attending Shakespeare productions, and more. The programs are held on the campuses of Amherst College in Massachusetts, Stanford University in California, and Oxford University in England. Tuition ranges from $1,745 for a one week session to $5,385 for a three week session.

The 20/20 Experience, Justin Timberlake (RCA)

It has been a while since Justin Timberlake’s last album in 2006, but fortunately the much anticipated 20/20 Experience is worth the wait. This showman and renaissance entertainer proves how far he has come since his In Sync boy band days. This third solo album, while not a comeback album as such, expresses his true artistic and creative abilities, making him a leader in the new soul/R&B movement. The well-crafted tracks show the heavy influence of producer Timbaland, with Timberlake’s rich and distinct vocals and signature falsettos. Typical R&B style is infused with diverse elements and musical influences that make this a great listening experience. Definitely check out the hit “Suit and Tie,” as well as “Spaceship Coupe,” “That Girl,” “Mirrors,” and “Let the Groove In.”—Uma N., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Honky Tonk, Son Volt (Rounder)

Honky Tonk is Son Volt’s seventh studio album, and the group has perfected themselves both musically and as lyricists. The famous country Bakersfield Sound made popular by Buck Owens is clearly present but mixed with a more contemporary alternative rock style that Son Volt is known for. It leaves listeners with a rawer set of songs, complemented by a symphony of acoustics from steel guitars, strings, fiddles, accordions and mandolins. What makes everything work here is Son Volt’s singer Jay Farrar. His poetic lyrics and warm voice capture the overall mood and emotion of the album perfectly. Honky Tonk has a lot to offer. Don’t miss “Hearts and Minds,” “Brick Walls,” “Seawall,” “Barricades,” and “Wild Side.”—Maureen L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Tomb Raider (Square-Enix)

Lara Croft is not new to the gaming world, but this game puts a twist on an old successful series. This version is a prequel, presenting how Lara Croft made her transformation from tomb raider to superhero. The story begins with Lara as a young and inexperienced adventurer searching for a lost island with her crew. Shipwrecked on a dangerous island in Japan’s brutal Devil’s Triangle, they must survive the elements and contact with ritual cultists. Here Croft has to amass weapons and learn to navigate the trails, caves, cliff formations, and more. Full of action and adventure, this game does a wonderful job balancing the exploration, problem solving, and search and destroy combat missions. A really nice feature is the ability for players to take breaks from the game and travel back to previous locations where they can uncover hidden treasure or clues missed the first time around. There are also optional excursions to explore tombs and solve puzzles that are so well done that it is worth putting the time aside to take a look. Tomb Raider will not disappoint fans of past games and will appeal to those new to the series. Rating: M for Mature. Platform: PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.—Latyese M., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Walking Dead: AMC’s Original Soundtrack—Volume 1 (Universal Republic)

This is a great soundtrack and a perfect companion to the hit television show The Walking Dead. My only complaint is with so much music to choose from why are there only eight tracks, making for just 28 minutes of listening pleasure? All I can hope is that AMC will release another volume soon that’ll include the tracks left out of this one. That said, the songs that comprise this album were well chosen and truly reflect the distinctly ominous and haunting atmosphere of this gripping series. Check out Bear McCreary’s theme song remix by UNKLE with its industrialized soundscape, as well as “You Are The Wilderness,” “Take Me Home,” “Warm Shadow,” and  “Running.”—Eugene K., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

MLB 13: The Show (Sony)

As a baseball fan, I look forward to the new features that this annual franchise puts out. And I’m happy to report that MLB 13: The Show has hit its mark. The Sony developers have added more realism in the game play with some great new features, including batting stances, pitching motions, home run swings, minor league stadiums, and fielding and running animations. Most of the tweaks occur in the Road to the Show mode, where players truly feel like they are in the game. Between the new camera placements, audio components, added manual catch options, fast-forward stimulator, and offline tracking of players, game play is an awesome experience. Another great feature is the Career mode, which allows anyone to rise from being a mere rookie to a becoming a superstar. Rating: E for everyone. Platform: PlayStation 3, PSVita.—Nick M., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (Sony)

It has been eight years since Sly and his pals Bentley, the techie turtle, and Murray, the two-fisted hippo, have been in action. But one go at Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time and it’ll feel like they’ve never been gone. A mysterious villain is stealing pages from the ancient Thievious Raccoonus book, erasing the Cooper family history. Turning their van into a time machine allows Sly, Murray, and Bentley to travel the world and set things right. The Time Travel factor allows you to explore eras from the ancient Middle East, the Wild West, and feudal Japan. Each stop in time introduces a series of challenges filled with secrets to uncover, and reveals the ability to free one of Sly’s ancestors, making each one a playable character. Many of the great games used across the genre are used here: shooting galleries, mine-cart races, stealth sequences, and plenty of running, jumping, and climbing across 3-D worlds. You’ll also want to take a break from the game’s main mission and search for the bonus treasure that’s scattered throughout the game. Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time provides hours of action-packed entertainment, and it definitely won’t disappoint you. Rating E for everyone. Platform: PlayStation 3, PSVita.—Ryan A., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Illustration by David Plunkert.

Lately, there’s been more drama than usual in our library. At the moment, one of my students is swapping some diamonds—yes, diamonds—for a hefty amount of railway ties. Another is secretly plotting to swipe an unsuspecting classmate’s body armor. And a group of friends can’t believe their luck: they’ve just stumbled across a trove of valuable chests in an abandoned mineshaft.

Welcome to our Minecraft club. Every Friday afternoon, 28 middle school and high school kids get together in our library’s computer lab to feast on candy and play one of the world’s hottest video games.

What exactly is Minecraft? It’s a game in which players use three-dimensional blocks to build their own unique world. Minecraft began as the brainchild of Swedish programmer Markus “Notch” Persson, and an early version of it was originally released in 2009. Nowadays, the game is available in an iOS, Android, and an Xbox 360 version that’s published by Mojang, a Stockholm-based video game developer. According to the Swedish company, more than nine million people have purchased Minecraft, and as I write this sentence, 9,610 fans have bought it within the past 24 hours. Think of the game, as Wired magazine said, as “a virtual version of Lego” that has “no instructions, no levels, no mission structure, no story, no lives, no points, no clear goal.” So what does Minecraft have to offer? Well, as it turns out, plenty.

For starters, kids can construct whatever they want—anything from an inconspicuous igloo to the starship Enterprise. But more than that, the game lets players exert an enormous amount of control over the worlds they’ve created. For instance, skilled players can get extremely creative with the materials at hand, which commonly include wood, stone, and metal, transforming or (in Minecraft-speak) “crafting” them into tools, weapons, food, supplies, and even magical potions. When you set up a server for Minecraft, you can tweak its settings, but for the most part, the worlds are huge—about eight times larger than Earth—with various biomes, including deserts, snowfields, and jungles. Players create their own shelters and explore the world. They also lug around a variety of objects—including torches, weapons, armor, mining tools, and prepared food—to keep themselves well fed and safe from other players and predators (more on that later). It’s easy to move around in Minecraft: just press the “W,” “A,” “S,” or “D” keys. Need to suddenly leap into the air? No sweat. That’s where the space bar comes in handy, and by simply left- or right-clicking, players can effortlessly interact with their environment.

I confess: I wasn’t always wild about Minecraft. Like other technology that I’d put off trying, the game intimidated me. It seemed like Minecraft was solely for supergeeks and hardcore gamers. And while it’s true that I’m still a little intimidated by Minecraft, the game is accessible, fun, and, ultimately, an excellent learning tool for both nerds and non-nerds. In January, my colleague Chris Buckley and I launched a Minecraft club at the Hamden Hall Country Day School, a private pre-K–12 school in Connecticut. Chris is our school’s help desk technician, and he’s also a lot of other things, including an ethical hacker, a maker, a sharer, and (lucky me!) a server builder.

Screen Shot of the Minecraft club’s creations.

The world of Minecraft offers some lovely sunrises, but things get really interesting when night falls. That’s when the spiders, zombies, skeletons, and other assorted monsters come out. To avoid being killed by these menaces, players must make fires, create weapons, and construct shelters, which are typically multistory wood or stone structures with storage chests, a crafting table, pets, farms, and farm animals. Sometimes our kids really outdo themselves, and their home bases have also included towers, castles, pyramids, and even a spaceship.

In a multiplayer server like ours, the operator (Chris and I are our server’s ops) can set it to any of the following difficulty levels: peaceful, easy, normal, and hard. In the peaceful setting, players can’t fight with one another and don’t have to eat, and there aren’t any monsters. I’d recommend that librarians start their servers on peaceful. That way new players can get the hang of building things and forming allegiances without having to worry about surviving a hostile attack.

Minecraft also features several game modes. If you’re a newbie like I was, you’ll want to check out the creative and survival modes. The creative mode is a lot like the peaceful setting: it’s perfect for exploring and building, because there are no gnarly creatures, no player-versus-player, or “PVP,” fighting, and no need to consume calories. It’s a perfect starting place for you and your kids, but you probably won’t want to stay there for very long.

Although some of our students prefer this tranquil state, most of them relish the opportunity to fight—and that’s one of the reasons our server is now set on survival. In this more-challenging mode, every time players slay a monster, they accumulate experience points, or xp, which enable them to enchant materials (how about a pickax that breaks rocks faster?) or create magical potions, which can temporarily grant players invisibility, Herculean strength, or lightning-quick reflexes. If you want your kids to be able to set up communities, trade (and fight) with one another, and battle monsters, survival is the way to go.

During my first few weeks with Minecraft, I logged on whenever I could, and my students gave me lessons in building structures and crafting. One of them helped me build my house and another showed me how to plant crops. Sometimes I’d log in and discover that they’d left me gifts of food or gold. Because I’m an op, I can make things a little easier for myself, but I try not to take any shortcuts, because I want to learn how to play the game. Still, it helps to have a partner who’s an experienced Minecrafter, who can advise you on the finer points of administering a server. If I didn’t have Chris, I’d most likely recruit one or two of our most trustworthy students to help me run things.

When we first started our server and began meeting, the students treated it as a virtual society: they claimed land, built cities, appointed a leader for each city, began trading, and took on various societal roles. It was fascinating to watch. Our students completely governed themselves, and they had a strong sense of right and wrong. For example, damaging or stealing materials from other players (a practice known as “griefing”) was firmly discouraged and met with swift punishment.

In addition to society building, one of my favorite things is to develop challenges for our students. It’s a great way to spend our weekly meeting time together. One week we created an obstacle course—complete with lava and water pits—that requires players to clear difficult jumps and walk a tightrope. Some of our kids created a coliseum where players can practice fighting monsters or one another to sharpen their combat skills. I also created a scavenger hunt with clues hidden throughout the server that led to a secret chest of diamonds. Each one of these activities involves a ton of planning, communicating, and delegating, with players jumping in to help one another.

In the few short months that I’ve run our club, I’ve learned some important lessons. One is that middle school and high school kids don’t always get along well. After repeated instances of griefing, stealing, and fighting, we duplicated our original server so that each group would have its own. Now there’s far less bickering. I’ve also learned that one way to avoid inappropriate language, cheating, and poor gamesmanship is to keep an eye on the server logs, which include everything that’s said on the server as well as many of the actions. By monitoring the logs, we can make sure that students are acting appropriately, and we can temporarily ban those who aren’t. We’ve also learned to limit the hours the server is open. Now, it’s off during the school day, and it shuts down again in the late evening. Since we’re a school, we need to make sure that our students aren’t playing Minecraft when they should be studying or sleeping.

One challenge we haven’t found an elegant solution for is in creating student accounts. Players each need their own account to participate, and at $26.95 apiece, they’re expensive. MinecraftEdu, a small group of educators and programmers, offers educational discounts, but even those are almost $20. Many of my students already had their own accounts, but those who didn’t ended up shelling out their own money—even though I offered to purchase accounts for them with my programming budget.

Minecraft is a social activity that’s fun for kids to play with one another (and in many cases, make new friends), but the game also offers a host of learning opportunities. Most strikingly, it requires kids to collaborate. Unlike some of the assignments we educators create to force kids to work together, Minecraft requires an organic type of collaboration that’s managed by the students themselves, not by their teachers. Minecraft also fosters communication skills, as players type, guide their fellow players around, and even create message boards.

Since there’s practically no limit to what players can do with Minecraft, it encourages creativity big-time. As players grapple to solve myriad problems—everything from the complex (how to create a lever system that lifts players into an arena) to the simple (how to get an ocelot to follow you home)—they are developing communication, analytical, and social skills that apply to nearly every area of their lives. Perhaps not surprisingly, Minecraft can also be used to teach everything from science to writing to math. The possibilities are endless. For some great examples of lessons, activities, and tutorials to use in the classroom, visit MinecraftEdu.

Just a few hours before I wrote this, I logged on to Minecraft and noticed that two of our ninth graders were playing it. One of the boys showed me a roller coaster he’d just finished creating. I hopped into one of the carts, pressed a button, and off I went—zipping through glassed-in underground tunnels, up steep hills, and through passageways lined with lava. This student, who struggles in some of his classes, had completed something remarkable, an engineering feat that a vast portion of the population could never equal. As I rode along, he tweaked the track here and there, making sure that everything ran smoothly. “This is amazing!!!!” I typed. I hope he’s proud. Minecraft is a game, but it’s not just a game. It gives students the opportunity not only to dream big, but also to build big. And if, along the way, you get to talk a little smack and be a little silly, then all the better.

Sarah Ludwig is the library department chair and academic technology coordinator at Hamden Hall Country Day School, a pre-K through grade 12 independent school in Hamden, CT.

mbv, My Bloody Valentine (self-released)

It’s been 22 years since the Irish alternative rock band My Bloody Valentine released its landmark album, Loveless. The fact that I wasn’t even born means that I discovered its music much later. Like so many other fans, I’ve waited patiently for the group to release a follow-up, wondering if it would ever happen. So when the announcement came that mbv was available, I was in shock. But that shock turned into delight since much of the new album is similar to Loveless. It’s a dreamy tapestry of atmospheric noise driven by Keith Shield’s guitar work. The subtle vocals mesh with the distortion and manipulated guitar sound, achieving a woozy-like effect. Some tracks are more melodical and complex than others, with an occasional jazziness coming through. My Bloody Valentine’s sound is still clearly groundbreaking, especially with the breathy and angelic Bilinda Butcher’s vocals. The best tracks are “Wonder 2,” “If I Am,” “New You,” and “Nothing Is.”—Latyese M.,  grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Cave (Sega/Double Fine Productions)

The Cave is a great puzzle game that’s full of action and adventure, and it’s bound to provide players with hours of entertainment. It features seven protagonists, each with a unique ability. Players choose three abilities at a time, which shape the path that the game follows. Unfortunately, the game begins the exact same way each time, which can be a bit tedious. The journey is narrated by the cave itself, which has a wicked sense of humor that mocks as much as guides the adventure. The hidden alcoves, crevices, and niches contain all sorts of unforeseen wonders and surprises—everything from carnivals to pyramids. Each area offers a new set of puzzles, and the game’s diverse design keeps players on their toes, as they look for clues to proceed to the next task. The three-person control system can be troublesome and a bit confusing, but overall The Cave is addictive and fun to play. Rated T for Teen. Platform: PlayStation 3 Xbox 360.—James M., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Black Knight Sword (Grasshopper Manufacture and Digital Reality)

Black Knight Sword is a unique online gaming experience that’s engaging right from the start. The game is a theatrical performance complete with stage, orchestra, puppets, audience, and curtains. The story begins with a dark and gloomy introduction full of intrigue and mystery. All you know is that the Black Knight has been reborn as the agent of a sword spirit whose mission is to destroy an evil princess. The game features five levels, which require you to fight off enemies, resulting in lots of blood and gore. The sword is your primary tool, and new abilities and upgrades are available as you progress. The real challenge is to complete each level, since you lose everything if you run out of lives, and then must start again from scratch. While that might be frustrating, the sense of accomplishment you get by advancing is truly awesome. The fighting is action-packed, and there are other challenging aspects, like navigating lofty platforms while avoiding spikes, pitfalls, and spewing fire. The real trick here is in the timing of your strikes and jumps, and mastering those moves isn’t easy. After completing the Story Mode, you can explore additional content in the Arcade and Challenge modes. The real beauty to Black Knight Sword is in understanding its commitment to the game play and in the perseverance needed to succeed. Rated: M for Mature. Platform: PlayStation 3. Release date: April 2013—Eugene K., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

All That Echoes, Josh Groban (Reprise)

All That Echoes is Groban’s sixth studio album and while his impressive vocals still dominate, he has teamed with producer Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls, My Chemical Romance) for a more pop, alternative-rock sound. While it’s always good to reinvent oneself and dabble in different musical styles, it seems a little forced here. Groban delivers a great sound, but lacks the strength and intensity he’s known for. Of course, All That Echoes has a lot to offer, and it’s certainly worth listening to. The best tracks are where the old Josh Groban shines through, especially “E Ti Promettero,” “Sincera,” “The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress,” “Falling Slowly,” and “ I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever).”— Stephen E., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Night Visions, Imagine Dragons (Interscope, Deluxe Edition)

The Las Vegas–based rock band Imagine Dragons has recently released a Deluxe Album version of Night Visions that includes five bonus tracks not previously released. This alternative rock band has captivated fans worldwide and spent weeks on the Billboard chart with its debut album hitting the number-one spot. Along with a massive tour, the band decided to release a special deluxe edition that would include songs that have only been performed at live concerts. Many of the songs were specifically requested by the fans themselves. The tracks include “America,” “Selene,” “The River,” “Round and Round,” and “My Fault.” The Night Visions Deluxe edition, sold exclusively at Target stores, will also feature two additional bonus tracks, “Cover Up” and “I Don’t Mind.”  Imagine Dragons has been called the breakout rock band of 2012 and with its great vocals and sound it’s sure to continue to go places.—Geena G., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Fire Emblem: Awakening (Intelligent Systems/Nintendo)

Fire Emblem, a tactical RPG (role playing game) that’s extremely popular in Japan, has just been released in the United States. This classic strategy-driven gameplay is brilliantly executed on the Nintendo 3DS system. Awakening sticks to its core mechanics and charm, but it’s more user-friendly and accessible to those who aren’t familiar with the franchise. There are three difficulty levels and a hefty cast of characters to work with. The game begins with your customized protagonists awakening in a field and suffering from amnesia. Mysterious creatures called Risen are dropping from the sky as armies are invading the Fire Emblem world. The basic grid-and-turn-style combat is an essential part of this game, which also follows the rock-paper-scissors model for weapons: swords, lances, and axes. Building relationships is also an integral part of Fire Emblem. Pairing allies and having “support conversation” can affect battle chemistry and offers insights into the characters’ strengths and weaknesses. There are also side missions with optional StreetPass features. The battle animations provide an edge-of-your-seat experience, and the soundtrack is really incredible—right down to the closing credits. There’s so much content in Fire Emblem: Awakening that gamers will have countless hours of serious entertainment in front of them. There’s also the promise of downloadable content that’s coming soon. Definitely a thumbs-up and worth checking out. Rated: T for Teen. Platform: Nintendo 3DS.—Nick M.,grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Legend of Zelda

Published by Dark Horse Comics in North America, in conjunction with Nintendo, Hyrule Historia features concept art, the official history of the world of Hyrule and the work of a pair of Japanese manga artists, who go by the pen name of Akira Himekawa. Their combined previous manga works include The Dragon Dreams of Twilight (2011), Astro Boy (2003), The Legend of Zelda manga adaptions, and more. This title will be considered the bible for Zelda fans and provides a great foundation for a costume/gaming night program for your teens—and it’s also bound to inspire fan fiction and art contests.

Nike + Kinect Training (Microsoft)

There are plenty of fitness titles on the market, but Nike + Kinect Training is for the more serious athlete. It combines the expertise of a professional trainer with a customizable program that requires quite a bit of willpower and stamina. You’ll need a decent amount of workout space since many of the moves require sideways leaps and jumps, and you’ll need your whole body to be visible so your movements can be picked up by the sensors. After calibrating the Kinect device, submitting stats, and undergoing an initial fitness assessment, you’re ready to begin. A major selling point of this game are the choices that are offered. With your Nike trainer, you set a fitness goal—get strong to build muscle and power, get toned for lean muscle and definition, or get lean by burning calories to induce weight loss. Then you get a custom, four-week workout that complements your goal with an impressive selection of exercises and fitness games to keep things exciting. The correct technique is emphasized and a rep or exercise does not count if it doesn’t fall into the acceptable range of movement. You get post-workout stats, an achievement piece, and a new assessment after four weeks, so the game is truly customized to meet your needs. If you don’t want a program, you also have the option to do quick workouts with warm-ups and cool-downs included. Nike + Kinect is a great workout and it’s perfect for an exercise enthusiast. Rating: E for everyone. Platform: Xbox 360.—Claire H., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Devil May Cry—Vergil’s Downfall (Ninja Theory/Capcom)

The “Devil May Cry” (DMC) series has been around for a while, and I’ve enjoyed playing it for quite some time. So I was definitely looking forward to this new installment of DMC featuring the main character, Dante, and the never-before-told story of his twin brother, Vergil. I was surprised at first that Ninja Theory retooled the game and gave Dante a bit of a makeover. But the heart and soul of the series remains intact, and honestly, making the gameplay a little easier has alleviated some frustrating moments. This game is all about combat, which intensifies as you progress. Dante has angel (left trigger) and demon (right trigger) weapons that allow players  to constantly swap weapons, such as swords, handguns, shotguns, axes, and scythes. Battles are fast-paced and require timing and precision, so players’ abilities and skills are constantly challenged. New enemy types are introduced throughout the game, so players need to constantly reconsider their strategies. Dante can use his grappling hook to pull enemies toward him or push himself to them. Most of the game takes place in Limbo, which Dante must fight his way through without getting killed. There really isn’t much of a story here, but then  again, this game is all about the fighting. Platform: PlayStation3, Xbox 360, Rated: Mature.—Will P., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Love, Charlie, Charlie Wilson (RCA Records)

Charlie Wilson is an experienced artist with a gift that allows him to continue to be a mover and shaker in today’s music world. His latest album, Love, Charlie, is a true testament to his career. This artfully arranged album contains beautiful love songs, all sung in a flirty but cunning style. This album is innovative and refreshing, while maintaining an old-school style that highlights the best that R&B has to offer. At the age of 60, Wilson’s voice is certainly not what it once was, but the depth of his vocals is unprecedented and his range remains strong. This well-rounded album won’t disappoint his fan base and might even lure some new ones into the fold. Tracks to check out are “If I Believe,” “I Think I’m in Love,” “Our Anniversary,” “Turn Off the Lights,” and “Show You.”—Uma N., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Paper Mario: Sticker Star (Nintendo)

The annual Mushroom Kingdom holiday of Sticker Fest is taking place at the festival grounds in Decalburg. But Mario’s old nemesis, the evil Bowser, disrupts the event, scattering the kingdom’s sticker collection far and wide and kidnapping Princess Peach. It’s up to Mario and the spirited royal sticker caretaker, Kersti, to set things right. With Kersti’s help, Mario can paperize any environment, taking three-dimensional objects and flattening them into an ever-folding paper world. Mario’s trusty hammer and stiff boot are his main weapons, but he also uses a variety of stickers to enhance his power. Most battles are enjoyable and follow the classic running, swinging, and jumping associated with Mario games. Mario is such a happy and charming character that players can’t help but laugh alongside this mustached hero. Throughout the game, you collect specific items to turn into stickers, which are needed to solve puzzles and mazes. Some of the best and most rewarding parts of the game are in finding the solutions to move to the next stage. There’s lots of Mario-style fun here that will provide hours of adventure, making you smile over and over again. Rating: E for Everyone. Platform: Nintendo 3DS.—Ryan A., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Burning Lights, Chris Tomlin (Sparrow Records)

Music has always been an important part of my life, as is being a person of faith. That’s why it’s really cool to have an opportunity to listen to Christian themes in modern music. Worship leader, musician, and songwriter Chris Tomlin does just that on Burning Lights, his seventh studio album. Tomlin’s trademark songs express Biblical themes combined with personal reflection, and they’re truly meaningful and inspirational to the listener. The appeal of many of the 12 tracks is in Tomlin’s emotional call to his audience. He recognizes the difficulty and challenges we face on a daily basis, and that in tough times, we need to seek comfort from God. He does this by mixing Christian lyrics with electronic beats, strings, and rap vocals in a traditional Brit-rock style. For example, on the opening track, “Awake My Soul,” featuring Lecrae, he recites a passage from the Book of Ezekiel, which adds a whole new dimension to the power of the song. The same goes for “Crown Him,” in which Tomlin reconstructs the timeless hymm “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” with the help of Karl Jobe’s vocals. Other notable tracks include “Whom Shall I Fear,” “Lay Me Down,” and Thank You God for Saving Me.” Although this album is definitely not for everyone, it’s worth taking a listen to.—Latyese M., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Contrast, Conor Maynard (Capital)

This 20-year-old YouTube sensation has hit it big and may just be a continuation of the British invasion that began with One Direction and Adele. With his debut album, Contrast, Maynard has already conquered the U.K. pop chart and is now bringing his success to the States.  Lucky for him, he has all the ingredients for a recipe for fame—good looks, sex appeal, a great voice, self-esteem, and the backing of powerful people in the music industry. On the track “Pictures,” written by Frank Ocean, Maynard’s voice comes across with such depth and maturity it literally shines. On “Lift Off,” the fast-paced beat and pumped-up pop sound produced by the Neptunes’ Pharrell Williams works perfectly with Maynard’s voice. One of the best tracks is “Better Than You,” where he’s paired up with the feisty Rita Ora. Listeners will definitely feel the great chemistry between these two performers. Other tracks to check out are “Turn Around,” with Ne-Yo, “Animal,” and “Vegas Girl.”  It will be interesting to see what comes next from this new heartthrob of the music industry.—Maureen L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School