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

Unorthodox Jukebox, Bruno Mars (Atlantic)

Unorthodox Jukebox is a great album even though it only has 10 tracks. Mars’s contemporary pop style is more infectious on Unorthodox as he mixes strong vocals with R&B, reggae, ’80s new wave, doo-wop, and funk sounds. Mars has a boyish charm, but he’s able to bring sincerity to everything he produces. This album shows us a more confident and mature Mars with a rawer, almost sleazier side, then lets us see some of his vulnerability. Definitely check out the new wave ’80s sound on “Locked Out of Heaven,” the breezy listening on “Treasure,” the Michael Jackson influence on “Moonshine,” the reggae steel drum jam on “Show Me,” and the beautiful piano ballad on “When I Was Your Man.” Bruno Mars shines on Unorthodox Jukebox and makes a strong statement to the music world.—Latyese M., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Forza Horizon (Microsoft)

If you love the open road, Forza Horizon is the auto-racing game for you. Set in the gorgeous Colorado countryside, the story is based on the Horizon Festival. Races fall into themed categories, and you gradually build your skills by moving from one tier to the next, which heightens the sense of excitement. With the expansive terrain, great new features are the mixed-surfaces events and point-to-point races.  Players need to vary their driving styles to handle the constantly shifting non-asphalt roads, which is both refreshing and challenging.  The name of the game here is competition—and it’s embedded in the game play. Your speed is captured and posted on the leader board, as well as on Xbox Live for the whole world to see.  Horizon’s multiplayer is very intense and action-packed, but the cooperative free-roam system also has a lot to offer and is probably underutilized.  Overall Forza Horizon is a terrific racing game that provides hours of entertaining fun and features the thrill of exploring the Wild West. Rated: T for Teen Platform: Xbox 360.—James M., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

How did you feel when you found out you had won Edublog’s Lifetime Achievement Award?

I had totally and utterly forgotten I had been nominated. At one o’clock in the morning someone tweeted “Well done!” And I have to admit, I asked, “What have I done?”

What do you do on your blog?

The blog is a record of all of our events and training days at schools and conferences. We also put up links to resources we’ve discovered. Most of them are free and, hopefully, useful. But it’s not about the resources, it’s how they can be used. That is the basis of my being: enabling children of all ages and abilities to take off and fly.

Can you tell us about your background?

I taught for 25 years, eight of which were spent in a school located in the third highest social deprivation area in the south of England. That’s where I learned the majority of my craft. I had to find ways to engage, motivate, and inspire those children; to change their perceptions of themselves into people who can be, and want to be, writers and learners. These were children who had possibly never seen what enjoying learning looked like. That is a crucial part of what we encourage teachers to do now: when doing our demo teaching sessions, in schools and around the world, we encourage colleagues to sit in among the children, mucking in, modeling the enjoyments of writing, and so much more.

In 2005 I was nominated for a BECTA (British Educational Communications and Technology Agency) ICT in Practice Award. Increasingly, I was being asked to work with schools and educational authorities to find ways to use technology to raise teaching standards. For the last seven years, I’ve been traveling up and down the UK all around the world with my partner, Sarah Neild, presenting and looking at bringing the curriculum even more alive.

How did you come to start using games in your teaching?

About 12 years ago, I was diagnosed with I have Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), which began attacking my central nervous system. It’s not stopping me yet! I now walk with a cane, which forms an interesting lesson starter, as children come up with inventive things to say about my stick, which I call “Mr. Walker.”

Around the time I was first diagnosed, I was given Riven, the second game in the Myst series. While my daughter, Ellie, sat on my lap, wandering through these worlds and talking about these beautiful landscapes in such an expressive way—even though she was only little—I realized that I could use them in school to encourage my children to pick up words, and juggle them, too.

Now you’re known as “the Myst man.” Why?

Yes. I find that slightly surreal, as we do a huge amount of other things too. The Myst games form a significant part—but only one part—of what we do. We work with schools on the games-based side of learning but also looking at lot of different online technologies, always with an essential permanent focus on the learning that springs from them.

How do you use gaming worlds to help children write?

We use games as a stimulus. When we are teaching writing, the idea is to get children talking about the game and to gain confidence, find words and play with them, and from that springs an amazing amount of inventive compositions.

Children are very plot centric-when they are writing. It tends to be “and then I, and then I, and then I.”  What I do is try to help them develop, often without them even realizing, a sense of setting, character, and atmosphere as priorities to bring plot alive.

While teaching, we project one of these moving worlds up on a large screen, a remarkable living world, perhaps with leaves struggling to escape the bushes, and birds dancing with the wind. I think I then startle people by making no reference to it for a long time. We talk about everything else but the world behind me, such as guessing why Mr. Walker is full of holes.

We slip into the landscape almost without them knowing it. By then they’re desperate to talk about what’s on the screen. But now it is no longer a screen; it forms part of where we are. The key element is that we don’t move for a long time. We aren’t playing the game. Quite a while in, I might ask, “Shall we go for a walk? Before we go, how about we have a go at remembering where we are now? Do you know, one of the best ways to remember something is to write it down? Can you squeeze in a simile here or a metaphor there? Go for it! Write like the wind (only neater, because the wind has dodgy handwriting)!”

Without realizing it, even the most reluctant writers are writing. As they do so, I reassure them of one or two things. One: There is no right or wrong idea. Two: Don’t worry about your spelling. And I really do mean, “Don’t worry. Get it down. Go for it!” I don’t want them to fret and mess up a stunning description.

Can you share an example or two of how this works in the classroom?

We use many other things as a stimulus. I often take children into Epic Citadel, a free app on the iPad, to create an unpopulated setting, and then we populate that place with characters. I begin to tell a story while we’re doing that, and the children get involved in the storytelling. I use stories as boxes in which to put lots of tools and techniques. We might use iPad apps, such as Pottery HD Lite, to create objects that bring the story alive. We might explore a site like Snappywords to discover alternative vocabulary. The tools and the stories are constantly changing.

How has your work impacted kids on an individual basis?

I often work in special schools. We were at a school for children with profound learning difficulties, and I took children on a virtual trip to the beach using a projected computer game. We were in a land from the game Myst III: Exile and were experiencing a stunning beach setting. We also had buckets of water in the classroom, sand, and hair dryers for the wind.

There was a seven-year-old boy in the group who had never spoken a word in his life. He was making sand castles against the virtual backgrounds, making sounds like “Puttitin puttittitin.” He was so desperate to talk that his teaching assistant was kneeling down with him, crying. He was building a sand castle and “putting it in.” Then, with his sandy hands, he discovered the interactive whiteboard showing the beach. He found my laptop and discovered that if he pressed the up, down, left and right arrows he could navigate around this virtual world. He found the mouse and began exploring even more. He was so calm about it. The rest of the class was standing around him, talking about this place. He then figured out how to open a virtual door and exclaimed, “I did it!” He could control a virtual world. Those are small steps for a majority of our children, but this was enormous for him.

Another time we were at a school for children who had been excluded from other schools for behavioral reasons. There was a boy who’d displayed severe violent behavior elsewhere. I had created a scene using Myst IV: Revelation and we were standing in front of a quite ominous scene, with an upturned ship.

Within seven minutes, he was asking questions, and, by the end of the session, he was producing writing of such beauty it would melt you.

He said to me afterwards, “I just didn’t think I could write anything like that. This is first time I’ve ever done it. Hopefully I can knuckle down to it and remember how do to this in all of my other challenges.”

What tips do you have for other teachers who might adopt your method?

You have to be very careful about age-appropriateness with any game or online tool you use. But then, take your time. Don’t rush forward. An amazing amount of learning comes from even tiny movements in a digital sense.

What are some of your favorite worlds to work with?

Jules Verne’s Return to Mysterious Island, Dear Esther, Wild Earth, and Wild Earth: African Safari, a Wii game.

Any apps you especially like right now?

Tag Galaxy, which builds wonderful collections of images, as the basis of non-linear discussion. Lino, which enables children to plan or record the results of research collaboratively. Tagxedo, which creates living, dancing word clouds. It’s like the marvelous Wordle, but with even more style. It isn’t all about the words, though: tools like Psykopaint and Tiltshiftmaker allow us to bring worlds alive in imaginative ways too.

Assassin’s Creed III

Taking place in a variety of time periods and locales, Ubisoft’s historical action-adventure video game series spotlights the members of an age-old secret sect of lethal warriors. Recently released, the hot-selling fifth installment harks back to Revolutionary War-era America for inspiration. Like the other entries in the franchise, the game includes a modern-day interface featuring protagonist Desmond Miles, the descendant of several Assassins, who uses a machine called the Animus to re-live the genetic memories of his ancestors and search for powerful artifacts and important secrets that will help him to stave off disaster in the present day. Set in the American colonies between 1753 and 1783, the newest iteration introduces Connor Kenway, son of a Mohawk mother and British father, an Assassin who has sworn to use his fine-honed abilities—and an arsenal of 18th-century weapons—to fight for liberty for both his people and his fledgling nation.

Oliver Bowden’s Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken (Ace, 2012; Gr 10 Up), the fifth in a series of original game-based novels, focuses on the life of Haytham Kenway (Connor’s father). Written in journal format, the book begins in 1735 London as the 10-year-old Haytham describes an attack on his family home, the murder of his father, and the kidnapping of his sister. Taken under the wing of a tutor, a member of the Knights Templar, Haytham is raised to accept that order’s philosophy while also honing his lethal skills. However, when he discovers that his father was an Assassin, longtime enemies of the Templars, everything he believes is thrown into question. Haytham’s quest for revenge and his philosophical struggles unfold over the course of many years and numerous globe-spanning adventures, climaxing with his return to the American colonies and his encounter with the son he did not know that he had, a son who stands on the other side of the ideological—and often violent—divide  between Templars and Assassins. Both compelling character study and page-turning adventure tale, this novel deftly incorporates numerous elements of the Assassin’s Creed universe and expands upon the newest game.

The Art of Assassin’s Creed III (Titan, 2012; Gr 9 Up) provides a behind-the-scenes look into this universe with stunning large-size reproductions of concept artwork and concise commentary from game writers and artists. Chapters focus on creating the present-day setting; character development (finding the right look for Conner and a cast of true-life individuals and fictional personages); historical settings (pristine wilderness, faithfully re-created colonial cities, and famous forts and battlegrounds); and epic-scale naval battles. Throughout, the text emphasizes the attention paid to historical detail (e.g., Boston is based on an actual 18th-century city plan) and awareness of the game-play experience (the heights of buildings have been adjusted to “facilitate climbing,” always important for an Assassin on the job). An amalgamation of sketches, handsome portraits, painterly landscapes, and thrilling battle scenes, the illustrations are sure to captivate Assassin’s-Creed–loving browsers and expand their playing experience.

A trio of Assassin’s Creed graphic novels (Titan, 2012; Gr 9 Up)—Desmond (vol. 1), Aquilus (vol. 2), and Accipiter (vol. 3)—grabs teens with dramatic color-splashed covers, each showing a close-up image of a mysterious hooded warrior (split down the middle by the spine, the books feature the titular historical personage on the front cover and modern-day counterpart on the back, opening out to reveal one visage that seems to span across centuries). Translated from the French, these crisply illustrated volumes blend game plot essentials with original story twists and characters. Desmond’s present-day adventures segue neatly into those of his Assassin ancestors, with action-packed mêlées, heroic deeds, unforeseen betrayals, and a mysterious artifact of great power making appearances in both timeframes. The story arc is driven by well-scripted dialogue and artwork that neatly contrasts lush outdoor landscapes with sinister scenes shrouded in shadows. A gripping read for gamers.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Released in 2011, BioWare’s massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is set thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader, when the galaxy is divided by war between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. Players choose their avatar and define their own experience as they forge allegiances, engage in battles, and explore this expansive virtual world. The ultimate “Holocron” of information, Star Wars: The Old Republic: Encyclopedia (DK, 2012; Gr 8 Up) provides a gloriously illustrated and in-depth guide to the settings, history, and lore of this intricately imagined universe. Beginning with a helpful timeline, the book is arranged by factions, and gamers can find each of the eight avatar classes contained within these sections. Lengthy chapters cover “The Republic” (Republic Trooper), “The Jedi Order” (Jedi Knight and Consular), “The Sith Empire” (Imperial Agent), and “The Sith” (Sith Warrior and Inquisitor), while “Mandalorians,” “The Underworld” (Bounty Hunter and Smuggler), and “The Hutt Cartel” get briefer treatment. For each sect, detailed text and colorful artwork introduce important events, culture and philosophy, government organization, military forces and fleets, weapons and armor, major characters, and much, much more. Chapters zooming in on the galaxy’s diverse species and planets finish up this impressively comprehensive work. Dynamic and well-written, the text provides clear explanations and summations that make it easy for readers to dip into particular sections or use the index to follow points of interest. Illustrations include diagram-style close-ups of characters, equipment, and settings as well as magnificent depictions of light-saber duels, starship battles, and other moments of high drama. In addition to the game, this era also serves as setting for novels and comics, making this volume a must-have for Star Wars collections.

Dragon Age

Launched in 2009 with Dragon Age: Origins (Electronic Arts), BioWare’s dark fantasy role-playing series includes a sequel released in 2011 and an assortment of downloadable content add-ons (Dragon Age III is in development for 2013). The action is set in the fictional kingdom of Ferelden, a realm besieged by civil unrest and threatened by invasion form an ancient foe. Choosing their race (human, elf, or dwarf) and role (warrior, mage, or rogue), players are tasked with the quest of uniting disparate forces and vanquishing the forces of evil.

Originally released in digital format, Dragon Age: The Silent Grove (Dark Horse, 2012; Gr 9 Up), a graphic novel penned by franchise-lead-writer David Gaider, has recently been published as a hardcover by Dark Horse (2012; Gr 9 Up). This page-turning tale recounts the adventures of Alistair, King of Ferelden, and his two roguish companions, Isabela, a cunning and courageous pirate captain, and a merchant-turned-mercenary dwarf named Varric. Together, the comrades travel deep into a city of assassins, break into a well-guarded prison, and trek into a treacherous swamp—encountering villains, a dragon, and a magic-wielding Witch of the Wild along the way—as Alistair embarks on a quest to unearth secrets about the fate of his father, Maric. Unfolding at a satisfying pace, the script combines contemporary beats with flamboyantly descriptive language, moments of humor with scenes of sword-clashing fury. The detailed artwork defines the setting and conveys events with bright hues, vividly drawn details, and a lively sense of motion. The adventures continue in Those Who Speak (Dark Horse), scheduled for release in January 3013.

If your gamers prefer narrative fiction, Tor has re-issued Gaider’s 2009 Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne (2012; Gr 9 Up), a prequel set prior to the action of Dragon Age: Origins. Providing backstory about important individuals and detail about their realm, the novel focuses on the actions and relationships of three young adult characters: Maric, a newly made and somewhat self-doubting king determined to free Ferelden from foreign invaders; Loghain, a brazen outlaw who reluctantly becomes an ally; and Rowan, warrior maiden and Maric’s intended bride. As they attempt to recapture the stolen throne, the three soon discover that not only does danger lurk everywhere, but that romantic passions can lead to turmoil. Well-written descriptions and dialogue, sound characterizations, and a twist-turning plot keep readers glued to the pages.

Halo 4

First introduced by Microsoft Studios in 2001, this first-person-shooter sci-fi standby celebrates 10 years with the November 2012 release of the latest installment. Players once again step into the high-tech boots of the Master Chief, a bioengineered super soldier, to take on deadly aliens and save humanity. Teens who would like to find about more about the process behind designing the game will delight in browsing Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 (Titan, 2012; Gr 8 Up), an attractive volume packed with full-color concept artwork. Accompanied by insightful commentary from the artists involved, the book explores the game’s environments, characters, weaponry, and vehicles. The text identifies the inspirations behind the visual design, which incorporates and acknowledges previous incarnations of the game while also providing a fresh perspective. Varying from comic-book-style images of armor-wearing warriors and toothy aliens, to amazingly realistic depictions of battle rifles and spacecraft, to dynamic paintings of breathtaking aerial fight scenes, the illustrations provide much to admire and explore.

Publication Information

BOWDEN, Oliver. Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken. Ace. Dec. 2012. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-425-26151-4; eBook $9.99. ISBN 9781101613412.

MCVITTIE, Andy. The Art of Assassin’s Creed III. Titan. 2012. Tr $29.95. ISBN 9781781164259.

CORBEYRAN, Eric. Assassin’s Creed: Desmond (vol. 1). ISBN 9781781163405.

_____. Assassin’s Creed: Aquilus (vol. 2). ISBN 9781781163412.

_____. Assassin’s Creed:Accipiter (vol. 3). ISBN 9781781163429.

Ea vol: illus. by Djillali Defali. Titan. 2012. Tr $9.99.

RYAN, Ian, et al. Star Wars: The Old Republic: Encyclopedia. DK. 2012. Tr $40. ISBN 978-0-7566-9839-3.

GAIDER, David & Alexander Freed. , Dragon Age: The Silent Grove. illus. by Chad Hardin. Dark Horse, dist. by Diamond Book Distributors. 2012. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59582-916-0.

GAIDER, David. Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne. Tor. 2012 reissue. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7653-6371-8.

DAVIES, Paul. Awakening: The Art of Halo 4. Titan. 2012. Tr $34.95. ISBN 9781781163245.

Lego™ Lord of the Rings (TT Games/Warner Bros.)

For those who think Legos are for children, think again. After the overwhelming success of the Lego Star Wars franchise, TT Games has decided to try their luck with Lego Lord of the Rings. The simplified narrative and family-friendly gameplay are a real bonus and all the most riveting moments of the film trilogy are recreated here to provide players with hours of action and adventure. The solid gameplay begins with an epic quest by Frodo and his companions to journey to Mordor to destroy The One Ring of Power. The main quests are full of side battles and players can swap protagonists at any point to take advantage of their respective abilities. There are also plenty of entertaining diversions such as seeking out white mithril blocks, racing through checkpoints, fighting enemies, and unlocking characters that help provide secrets in the campaign. Of course, this game is more fun when you play with a friend and the game allows each of you to be involved in separate campaigns that don’t negatively affect the other.  TT Games and Lego have a gold mine here and the coming release of The Hobbit movie should only make this game more popular. Rated E for Everyone. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Wii.—Nick M., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (Treyarch)

The Call of Duty franchise has dominated the gaming market the last few years and Black Ops 2 does not disappoint. Even with the familiar search and destroy gameplay, Treyarch has introduced a host of new features in Black Ops 2 that enhances gameplay. The single player campaign now has a developed storyline that is split between the original Cold War plot line of Alex Mason and Sgt. Frank Woods and the future with Mason’s son in 2025, both fighting the evil war lord, Menendez and his terrorist organization Cordis Die. New to single player mode is the option of multiple endings, which is best showcased in Strike Force missions. In multiplayer mode, (the main reason to play Call of Duty in my opinion), players have the option to customize their weapons, accessories and even perks pre-campaign, and the new Score Streaks system has replaced in-game rewards. The great online multiplayer modes such as Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag,  and Search and Destroy are here in all their glory. And of course Black Ops would not be Black Ops without Zombies—lots and lots of Zombies. This installment is better than ever with the Survival, Grief, and the Tranzit mode. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is the most thrilling installment yet and any fan of this franchise will definitely be satisfied. Rating: M for Mature. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation3, Wii U and PC.—Andrew B., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 Motion Picture Soundtrack (Summit/ChopShop/Atlantic)

Like the previous Twilight Saga albums, Breaking Dawn Part 2 follows the established protocol that the listener can enjoy this great soundtrack without being a fan of the movie. An interesting selection of artists with varying degrees of fame have been enlisted to create the 14 tracks that make up Breaking Dawn Part 2.

Most of the songs have a soulful sound that are heavy on mood and incorporate a bit of wailing as well. Overall the album possesses a haunting, almost melancholy sense of mourning that is reflective of the ending of this franchise. With that being said, there is also a dance beat evident in certain tracks as well as some pop/synth rock/punk ballads. Nikki Reed, who plays Rosalie in the film, is featured with her husband and former American Idol contestant Paul McDonald on the piano ballad “All I’ve Ever Needed.” Other tracks to check out are St. Vincent’s “The Antidote,” Ellie Goulding’s “Bittersweet,” Feist’s “Metals,” Boom Circuits’ “Everything and Nothing,” and my favorite, Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years: Part 2.”—Maureen L., grade 12,  Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Red, Taylor Swift (Big Machine)

Red is Swift’s fourth studio album. Many of the 16 tracks have a love-related theme, clearly influenced by her past relationships.  If anything, this has made her even more alluring and loved by the music industry. Her collaboration on this album with Max Martin, Ed Sheeran, and Shellback add to her mastery of a broader range of musical styles, which only cements her position as a pop diva. Definitely check out the pop chant-along “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” the dubstep-inspired “I Knew You Were Trouble,” as well as the alternative country sounds in “All Too Well” and “Stay Stay Stay.” Red is a fabulous album that will continue to solidify Swift’s musical career.—Claire H., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Just Dance 4 (Ubisoft)

With 43 tracks of party-pleasing music, Just Dance 4 is the latest installment in the Just Dance franchise. Balancing contemporary rock and pop with classic Barry White and Rick Astley provides listeners with hours of fun, as well as an awesome workout and fitness experience. Like other Just Dance games, you follow the figure on the screen while pictograms in the bottom-right corner tell you what the next move is, and the score bar at the top left lets you know your score. If you’ve never played this type of game, it might take you a turn or two to get the hang of things. The choreography is the most important part of the game with lots of arm and hip shaking. Sometimes, the motion sensor didn’t properly register the slower dance moves, but overall, the game is still a blast.

Dance Quests add extra challenges to each song and a few tracks are designed purely for multiplayer capability, like Dirty Dancing’s “Time of My Life” and Rocky Horror’s “The Time Warp.”  There is also a Battle Mode feature in which players compete head to head in traditional dance-off style. The new Just Sweat mode allows you to get an intense workout by selecting a specific style like ’80s aerobics, Latin Dance, Cheerleading Bootcamp, or Kickboxing fight moves. Workouts range from 10 to 45 minutes and an on-screen calorie counter is included. This new component alone might be all the reason you need to get in shape in the comfort of your very own home. Rating: E for Everyone. Platform: PlayStation 3, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360.—Geena G., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Skylanders Giants (Activision)

Sylanders Giants, like the original Sylanders: Spyro’s Adventure, is a very kid-friendly action-adventure game that has added more depth and difficulty, and some new features. This is a very magical game for me since it’s essentially Pokemon come to life. The Skylanders Giants starter pack includes the game, the Portal of Power, and great Skylanders toys (four Giants—Tree Rex, Crusher, Bouncer, and Swarm). The 16-level main story also features Heroic Challenges, Arena Battles, and Skystones. Each Skylander controls one of the eight elements: water, air, tech, earth, magic, fire, undead, and life, using these to battle enemy monsters (very Pokemon-like). You can pick up accessories and powers as the game progresses. The point of the game is to build an arsenal of Skylanders that you can use at any time to battle the evil Kaos. The Giants were the “first” Skylanders and they possess powers and abilities necessary to save the world.

Skylanders Giants provides hours of entertainment since the variety of characters and added difficulty levels keep the action fresh as well as challenging. The negative side is that Activision will release 16 new characters over the next few months along with upgrades to the older characters. So if you want to keep up to date, you’ll have to spend more money, which is a bit of a bummer. Rated: E for Everyone. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and 3DS.—Nick M., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Push and Shove, No Doubt (Interscope Records)

Fans of No Doubt have been waiting for a new album for about ten years, and thankfully, Push and Shove does not disappoint. These 11 tracks mark a return to the group’s type of ska-punk sound reminiscent of the 80’s and 90’s pop scene. This by no means makes the album sound dated. On the contrary, No Doubt mixes in electro-pop, dancehall, and semi-dubstep with Mazor Lazer, all expertly produced by Spike Stent. The songs have a catchy dance beat that gives the album character and a certain uniqueness that not all artists possess. Definitely check out “Settle Down,” “Looking Hot,” “One More Summer,” and “Sparkle,” to name just a few. Fans of No Doubt or just Gwen Stefani will be satisfied with this release. Hopefully the next album won’t take as long.—Latyese, grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Borderlands 2 (Gearbox)

The enemy, Handsome Jack, has just attempted to murder you. Luckily you are nursed back to full fighting strength by none other than the chatty robot Claptrap from the original Borderlands. Stuck in Pandora, your mission is to stop Handsome Jack and his army of robots from claiming all the riches of Pandora for Hyperion Corp. Most of the quests focus on the town of Sanctuary, which helps streamline the action sequences and gives the player the ability to tackle side quests when needed. Combat is the heart of a game where there is plenty of shoot-em up action complete with a treasure trove reward. Players choose one of four vault hunters and each one possesses certain fighting skills or psychic powers. No matter if you’re Salvador the Gunzerker, Axton the commando, Maya the siren, or Zero the assassin, you can wield any of the weapons from pistols to bazookas that Borderlands 2 has to offer. Some weapons do more than fire bullets; they set the enemy on fire, electrocute them, or cover them with corrosive goo. The Borderlands 2 campaign is more fun to play with friends, and now with Badass Rank players can receive Badass redeemable tokens when they win certain challenges. Borderlands 2 will provide hours of combat and shooting rampages that should satisfy those who are into war games. Rating: M for Mature. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC.—James M, grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

FIFA 13 (EA Sports)

FIFA 13 is definitely a step up from FIFA 12, and that is saying a lot since I loved FIFA 12. With the addition of First Touch Control players can add more weight to the initial touch that is put on the ball. This introduces an air of risk since passes are not certain to hit their mark, and play does not become rote. The dribbling feature is also better since players can pull both triggers when handling the ball. This ensures that the player will face the opponent resulting in a maximum offensive advantage. The improved AI really keeps the game going, allowing teammates more focus in creating plays and driving the ball. The feel here is more flexible, adjustable, and adaptable, which is just more challenging and fun. Another great feature is the EA Sports Football Club. The Catalogue rewards players’ actions with in-game items that will boost career mode players. Match Day draws in the real soccer season by rating what players and teams are doing in real-time while you play the game version. FIFA 13 also incorporates Kinect features so players can give verbal commands as well. This is truly an awesome game experience that delivers lots of excitement and demanding play. Rating: E for everyone. Platform: Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation3.—Ryan A., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

ALA also plans to offer some special IGD activities, including a national video game tournament, which will once again use the Ann Arbor District Library’s GT software. Here’s how it works: participating libraries organize a local tournament in which their players compete against players at other libraries for national bragging rights. And if your library doesn’t have enough games, don’t worry: ALA has teamed up with donors to provide free copies of games for libraries nationwide. This year Ravensburger, PopCap, and GameTable Online will be sponsoring the tournament. If your library would like to get in on the action, receive donated games, and appear on an international map of participating locations, it needs to register online by November 2.

The 2^nd Law, Muse (Warner Brothers)

The title of Muse’s sixth studio album is inspired by the second law of thermodynamics and it certainly seems to fit. This unpredictable album deals with survival within a society by showcasing Muse’s ability to reinvent itself. Each of its previous albums stressed a specific musical style, but on The 2^nd Law the listener hears a multitude of styles and sounds all together on one album. Tracks go from loud symphonic and throbbing synths and guitar solos to classic sounds with simple vocals to dubstep.  From the thunderous opening track “Survival,” which became the official anthem of the London Summer Olympics to the passionate but simple sounding “Save Me” and “Liquid State,” written and sung by bassist Chris Wolstenholme. Other great tracks are “The 2^nd Law: Isolated System,” “Panic Station,” and “Supremacy.” Even though the album is all over the place musically, it is still an artistic feat. Muse fans should be pleased.—Uma P, grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Uno, Green Day (Warner Brothers)

This is the ninth studio album for Green Day, which has evolved from the bratty, rebellious punk band from Dookie to making rock operas and Broadway plays. Uno, the first of a garage-rock trilogy that will be released over the next few months, tries to combine the commercial pop-punk sound with the smart-aleckness of earlier times. Many of the songs on Uno are about themes the group has addressed over their long career. Uno is a typical record that tries to capture the past and not something I expected from Green Day. It is a solid album but nothing earth shattering; Green Day just seems to coast on this one. Tracks to check out are “Sweet 16,” “Fell for You,” “Troublemaker,” “Let Yourself Go,” and “Oh Love.”—Maureen L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Madden NFL 13 (EA Games)

There are definitely a lot of changes accompanying this latest installment of the Madden NFL franchise and many are for the better.  First is the addition of receiver awareness. The receiver must be ready (indicated by the icon changing from a gray to color) before the quarterback can throw him a pass. This is much more realistic since a blind throw into the field should not result in a completed pass. Also a new physics engine breaks the repetitive sequences that have occurred in other versions. This makes playing challenging, exciting and more interesting. The game has a more subdued and classic presentation style and swapped out the former booth announcers for the likes of Phil Simms and Jim Nantz. Instead of loud hip-hop and rock and roll tunes it has opted for instrumental scores, changing the whole feel of the game. Another improvement is that Xbox players can use the Kinect microphone and call out commands such as blitz or deep pass rather than using the traditional controls. Madden NFL 13 provides hours of great football entertainment and has made some dramatic changes that were needed to set this installment apart. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 Rating : E for Everyone.—Will P.,grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Darksiders 2 (Virgil Games)

Darksiders 2 continues the story of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse and is a follow-up to the 2010 original Darksiders. In this installment, Death, the protagonist, believes that his brother War has been unjustly accused of extinguishing humanity. His quest is to restore mankind and clear his brother’s name. To accomplish this, Death must embark on an epic journey that involves invading fortresses, slaying beasts, solving puzzles, and completing monumental tasks. The force Corruption, with his multitude of demons, stands in Death’s way and continues to wreak havoc across Hell, Heaven, and zombie-infested Earth. Darksiders 2 is standard dodging and attacking fare and Death is quite nimble while wielding powerful weapons. As you progress, you can gain more weapons, the ability to summon demon lords, or even split your soul in two to solve complex puzzles. While a lot of the action is repetitive, there are some challenging fights that keep things interesting. The game consists of a dramatically larger world and a campaign that’s about three times longer than in the original version. It’s definitely a great game, but it has lots of blood and gore. It’s perfect for players who enjoy the morbid side and quest-driven plots. Rated: M for Mature. Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.—Eugene K., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

NHL 13 (EA Sports)

As a big hockey fan, I’m enjoying the changes that have been made in NHL 13. It’s a thoroughly engaging game that’s tons of fun to play. The game uses True Performance Skating to make the skating experience more realistic. Hockey is a game of strategy and positioning, not of bulk and speed—and NHL 13 mirrors real skating: to stay in control a player must sacrifice speed. Another change to the gameplay is the revamped AI which is called EA Sports Hockey IQ. Goalies and skaters now react to rushing more appropriately. Plus, players can skate backward more easily, as well as cradle and handle the puck better. Goal tenders are more acrobatic and more likely to stop easy goals.

NHL13 also has two new modes. One is NHL Moments live, which allows gamers to relive great moments from games past by challenging them to recreating the exact moment themselves. The other new mode is GM Connected. This very popular feature lets gamers create a hockey league that consists of managers, players, and a commissioner. With scrimmage modes, playoffs, tournaments, and more, NHL 13 really gives you an awesome hockey experience. One might even say that it’s better that what the actual hockey season has to offer. Rating Everyone, 10 and older. Platform: PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.—Andrew B., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Truth About Love, Pink (RCA)

The Truth About Love is Pink’s sixth album and has been much anticipated after a four-year hiatus. The ferocious rocker delivers on Truth, showcasing a variety of musical styles, all with that Pink attitude that fans have grown to expect. The lead single, “Blow Me (One Last Kiss),” combines defiant lyrics with an edgy dance-pop that makes it an instant smash. “Are We All We Are” is another in-your-face protest song in which Pink is fed up with everything and lets you know it. Her great vocals shine on her mushy acoustic ballads such as “Beam Me Up,” “Try,” and “The Great Escape.” Her stunning voice will give any top singer a run for their money. On Truth, Pink also collaborates with some of the best and does it with their comfort zone in mind. She works with Lily Allen on “True Love” and Eminem on “Here Comes the Weekend.” Overall, this is a great album that proves that Pink has got what it takes no matter what’s going on in her personal life.—Claire H., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Game on: Libraries in the United States and across the world are coming together to celebrate the American Library Association’s (ALA) 5th Annual International Games Day @ Your Library on Saturday, November 3. Beginning this year, National Gaming Day has been renamed International Games Day to reflect the interest of libraries outside of the U.S. It’s up to individual libraries how they celebrate this special day, but there are lots of freebies for your library if you fill out a registration form. (So far, nearly 900 libraries have registered.) There are three new sponsors for the event. PopCap is donating copies of their games Bookworm and Bookworm Adventures to the first 2,000 libraries that register. Ravensburger is donating 1,000 copies of its board games, Labyrinth, as well as coupons for $5 off on orders at the Ravensburger online shop. And all of the games on GameTable Online’s site will be available to play for free on that date to encourage everyone to join in the fun.

So hurry up and register for International Games Day @ Your Library. If you need ideas for gaming activities, check out The Librarian’s Guide to Gaming: An Online Toolkit for Building Gaming @ Your Library. And ALA has a press kit that you can use to publicize the event that includes posters, public service announcements, and more.

Environmental Video Challenge

Student video project: Explore the Blue Water Challenge, launched by Take Me Fishing and Discovery Education, is a hands-on project for students in middle school. Students in grades 6 to 8 are asked to select a waterway or water-related issue in their community, do research to identify a problem related to their chosen project, and develop and carry out an action plan to create positive change. Teams of two to four students, along with a teacher acting as mentor, must then create a two- to five-minute video that shows how they improved a community waterway or water resource. The video can be a documentary, a news story, an interview, a digital story, etc. Make sure to check out the Challenge overview, application, and rules. All entries must be received by March 14; winners will be announced by the end of April. One grand prize-winning team will receive a U.S. water-based adventure trip for up to four students and their mentor, a $1,000 scholarship check for each student, and $5,000 for the school to continue work on the project. Second and third place winning teams will receive scholarship checks and teacher awards.

The Water Challenge is part of ExploretheBlue.com, a free resource for K–8 teachers and parents to engage students in discussing the importance of outdoor recreational activities like boating and fishing and to encourage an appreciation of our lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. The site features lesson plans, activities, and much more.

Listen Up

The Collier Brothers:  More than 40 classic children’s titles by acclaimed authors James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier will be released in audiobook and ebook formats by AudioGO under the Audio Bookshelf imprint throughout the year. Among the historical fiction and nonfiction titles are Newbery Honor Book My Brother Sam Is Dead (1974), The Bloody Country (1976), The Winter Hero (all Four Winds Pr, 1978), With Every Drop of Blood (1994), Jump Ship to Freedom (both Delacorte, 1981), The Jazz Kid (Holt, 1994), and The Winchesters (Macmillan, 1988). In addition, the 23 volumes in the Colliers’s “Drama of American History” series will be released as ebooks. With these releases, a whole new generation of children will be able to enjoy these great books in new formats.

Save the Date

Book and author festival: If you’re in the area, make sure to visit the annual Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books and Authors on Saturday October 13, 2012 at The Lincoln School in Providence. Tickets are $5 at the door, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The event runs from 9 am to 5:30 pm. An awesome group of authors and illustrators—Tom Angleberger, Harry Bliss, Michael Buckley, Brian Floca, Marie-Louise Gay, Alan Katz, Lynn Munsinger, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Stephen Savage, Gary Schmidt, and Chris Van Allsburg—will each give a 30-minute presentation about their work, life, and philosophy. Then, you’ll be able to talk with them and have your books signed (you can bring up to three books to be signed or purchase the books at the Festival). Also, you can participate in bookmaking crafts, enjoy an exhibit of antique children’s books and books that inspired these authors and illustrators provided by the Providence Athenaeum, and listen to a concert by children’s performer Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. For those attending the event, professional development credits are available. And of course, donations are accepted to help promote early childhood literacy in Rhode Island. Make sure to check out the schedule of events. If you need directions to the Festival, they’re available online.

Calling All District Library Supervisors

Survey: For the first time in more than 40 years, a national survey of school district library supervisors is being conducted by a University of Maryland research team. Dubbed the Lilead Project, the survey will launch on October 10 is the first of its kind to be conducted in more than 40 years. It will poll more than 300 library supervisors in the largest preschool through grade 12 school districts in the country as well as the largest school district in each state. The aim of the survey is to “create a concrete, national picture of the challenges school district library supervisors face, the tasks they’re being asked to perform, and their value—perceived and real—in their district.”

The project, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is being led by Dr. Ann C. Weeks, Associate Dean of Academic Programs in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland. Prior to her appointment at the University, she was Director of Library and Information Services for the Chicago Public Schools, Executive Director of the youth divisions at the American Library Association, and Coordinator for the National Library Power Program. In addition to the survey, there is also an online community, the Lilead Network, where district library supervisors, and later other school library professionals, can come together to share their best practices. All district library supervisors can join the community—even if they are not part of the survey.

Sparkle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (RCA)

The soundtrack for the remake of the movie Sparkle has a tough act to follow. The original 1976 soundtrack featured eight songs by powerhouse Aretha Franklin and hit number one on the R&B Billboard charts. Knowing this, producer R. Kelly enlisted big-name artists such as Jordin Sparks, CeeLo Green, the late Whitney Houston, and the emerging British Nigerian singer and actress Carmen Ejogo to generate some buzz and vocal power. The result is an album that has some great tracks, but considering that it’s more such a high-profile group, it’s a bit of a letdown. Of the 11 tracks, Ejogo’s solo performance on “Yes I Do” is a definite highlight. The 1950′s doo-wop vibe fits perfectly with the album’s retro feel. Sparks really shines on the gospel song “One Wing,” but the single “Celebrate” with Whitney Houston falls flat. Speaking of Houston, it was wonderful to hear her perform again on “Celebrate” and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” but unfortunately her voice and strength wasn’t what it used to be. Overall, this album doesn’t sparkle—it just has some shining moments.—Claire H., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes ( Warner)

Lego Batman2: DC Super Heroes presents a lighthearted and family-friendly version of the Caped Crusader but still mimics the calculating and troubled nature that prevails in the “Dark Night” series. A great addition to the Lego series is the first-time use of voice acting instead of miming among the characters. The humorous banter enhances the confrontations between Bruce Wayne/Batman and the colorful cast of villains—the Joker, Penguin, the Riddler, Poison Ivy, and more. The spoken dialogue helps the pacing of the narrative as Batman and Robin deal with the villains’ breakout from Arkham Asylum. Batman then enlists the aid of Superman (whom he has a strong opinion about) as well as others from the cast of DC’s Justice League. The 15 missions take you to a vast number of locations around Gotham City, and although the gameplay is simple and repetitive, it’s still loads of fun. There are a few new sequences as well, which make things extra exciting. Traveller’s Tales gives you to opportunity to freely roam around Gotham collecting scattered items such as red-and-gold bricks and parts of mini-figures. Most items have a puzzle or challenge tied to them that makes collecting these more high stakes. It’s definitely a great game, but Lego Batman2 may not appeal to older gamers. Rated E for Everyone.Platform: Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Nick M., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

NCAA Football 13 (EA Sports)

NCAA Football 13 is a great game with a very high replay value. The latest version features subtle changes and additions that’ll be obvious to anyone who’s been playing the series for a while—and you’ll appreciate them. The passing game has some challenging and exciting improvements such as new ball trajectories, added placement control, variable throwing speeds, and better timing on deep passes. The on-the-field game play has always been great, but now you can scout with NCAA’s Dynasty mode. With scouting and recruiting working together, you’ll gain more information to influence your choices. A really awesome feature is the Heisman Challenge. This mode lets you play with 10 to16 former Heisman Trophy winners and try to match or exceed their statistical achievements. Overall, this installment has a lot to offer and provided hours of satisfying game play. Rated E for Everyone. Platform: PlayStation3 and Xbox 360.—Ryan A., grade 9, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Star Wars: National Star Wars Reads Day is October 6. The event is an initiative of Lucasfilm and its publishing partners, Abrams, Chronicle Books, Dark Horse, Del Rey, DK, Scholastic, Titan Magazines, and Workman. Although the sign-up period to receive a free Star Wars event kit from the sponsors (1000 libraries signed up) has ended, there is another option available for libraries that want to participate in the event. ABDO Publishing is offering a free Star Wars event guide containing teacher’s guides, promotional posters, interviews with celebrities connected to the franchise, a list of nearly 300 Star Wars universe terms, a video of the event that was held in the Hennepin County Library in Minneapolis, and an order form for the 68 ABDO/Spotlight Star Wars library editions. You can also follow Star Wars Reads Day on Facebook.

Game On

Free online game: Electronic Arts’s Star Wars: The Old Republic, previously a subscription only massively multiplayer online game (MMOG), will be available online for free starting this fall. The free version allows players “to play free to Level 50, with game play restrictions that limit game options and access to certain game content,” according to Jeff Hickman, the game’s executive producer. Those who continue to subscribe for $15 per month will have free unlimited access to all game features and game updates. The publisher will rely on players buying premium content and virtual items to make money.

Digitally Yours

Multimedia ebooks: eBoost is ABDO Digital’s new multimedia line of flip book ebooks that are combined with related media links. Among the multimedia features of ABDO’s flip books is the ability for readers to turn pages and make them larger. Each ebook in the new eBoost line also includes Web links; downloadable content; embedded videos; RSS and/or Twitter feeds; notes and custom links fields for teacher comments, posting messages, and student assignments; and more. The eBoost titles, featuring secure Web-based hosting by ABDO, are compatible with Macs, PCs, iPads, and Android-based tablets such as Kindle Fire or the Nook. The new line is being launched with 164 titles for elementary through middle grade students. Titles can be ordered individually or in bundles such as Animal Kingdom, Body Systems, The Civil War, Planet Earth, and more. eBoost is sold as a site license with simultaneous access for multiple users.

Granted

Public awareness campaign: The 2013 Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant is an annual $3000 award open to all libraries. To apply for the grant, libraries must come up with a public awareness campaign using the National Library Week Theme—“Communities matter @ your library—and involving at least one other community organization. An application form and guidelines are available on the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant website. The application deadline is September 30. The winner will be announced after the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle in January 2013. The winner must provide documentation of their activities and submit a report to ALA’s Public Awareness Committee by May 20. The grant is sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing and is administered by the Public awareness Committee of the American Library Association (ALA).

Read On

Literacy initiative: Author John Green, Michael L. Printz and Edgar Award winner, has been named the spokesperson for the 2012 Teen Read Week, a literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). The theme of this year’s Teen Read Week—celebrated October 14-20—is “It Came from the Library!” “Getting more teens to pick up a book and make it a regular habit” is what Teen Read Week is all about says Jack Martin, YALSA president. Among his duties, Green will host a national event to kick off the celebration and will judge a contest in which teens are charged with creating a video about their favorite book.

Handwritten, The Gaslight Anthem (Mercury)

Handwritten is the New Jersey-based band’s fourth album and the first with a major label. It’s the band’s most versatile work, combining indie punk, raw rock and roll and soulfulness, all in a high-energy sound. It’s easy to hear the influences of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Tom Petty, and others in these tracks, but Gaslight has reinvented itself enough that they feel fresh and new. The lead single, “45,” gets the listener’s immediate attention and never lets go. Fallon’s voice never wavers, and he sings with such passion and gusto that you almost think he’s singing just for you. Coupled with Rosamilia’s slashing guitar work, this album will speak volumes to a wide audience. Other tracks to check out include “Handwritten,” “Howl,” “Mulholland Drive,” and “National Anthem.”—Will P., grade 11, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Living Things, Linkin Park (Warner)

Living Things is Linkin Park’s fifth studio album, co-produced by Mike Shinoda and Rick Rubin. This album is full of style, tempo, and mood shifts that set Linkin Park apart and showcases their nonconformity. Living Things is full of noteworthy experimental tracks that demonstrate the constant state of transition of this band and its ability to successfully reinvent itself. Full of bubbling synthesizers, crisp lyrics, buzzing guitar riffs, and the legendary rap-rock interplay between Bennington and Shinoda, this album recalls ’90s rock with a fresh and vibrant twist.  The only disappointment here is the length of the album—a mere 36 minutes, with most tracks under the three-minute mark. That said, Living Things is a great album that fans of the band will crave. Check out “Burn It Down,” “Castle of Glass,” “Victimized,” and “Lost in the Echo.”—Maureen L., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

The Amazing Spider-Man (Activision)

The Amazing Spider-Man game is almost a continuation of the movie version: Peter Parker must save Oscorp employees from a new strain of the cross-species virus that they’ve been infected with. There are more than 20 missions to execute in which Spidey can confront enemies head on or attack from the shadows. He has stealth takedowns using web cocoons, and his signature spider-sense intuition. One of the game’s best features is the webslinging. Being able to move between the skyscrapers of New York is awesome and the game allows Spidey to twist and turn through the air, creating great visual effects. There’s also Web Rush which allows you to see all of the places to send Spidey, in a slow-motion setting. The bottom line? The Amazing Spider-Man isn’t the greatest game out there and the action is very repetitive, but it still provides hours of just plain-old superhero fun.  Rating T for Teen. Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, Nintendo DS.— James M., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Just Dance Greatest Hits (Ubisoft)

Just Dance franchise is at the top of its game. To keep the momentum going, Ubisoft has just released Just Dance Greatest Hits, which features more than 30 of the most popular titles from Just Dance 1–3. Players can choose from “Just Dance” or “Just Create” modes. With the Just Dance option, players can find songs and follow the dances as well as create personal playlists. You can also enjoy some Medley Solo/Duos and Simon Says. With Just Create, players have a dance-off against the original performance and can develop their own choreography for others to perform—definitely loads of fun! Just Dance Greatest Hits will provide hours of great entertainment from the latest chart toppers to the classics from the ’70s and ’80s while satisfying anyone’s need to boogie. Rated: E for Everyone. Platform: Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3.—Geena G., Grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

“Clearly, if libraries are serious about attracting younger patrons, games are a medium to be embraced strategically,” says “Patron Profiles: Media Consumption and Library Use,” the final installment of a four-part national study by our sister publication, Library Journal. “If libraries are going to remain relevant in the world of rich media content, they must offer a wide range of digital content products.”

Although the survey’s 2,020 respondents were 18-years-old and above, a section of the report focusing on patron use of video games offers some interesting insight into the behavior and preferences of library users that can help librarians improve or plan their programming.

“Digital games get a lot of attention in Libraryland, especially when it comes to teen programming,” the report goes on to say, but among households with children, only 54 percent were aware that libraries lend them. Of those families, 20 percent indicated a strong desire that libraries offer digital games, while 33 percent had a moderate desire. Of all those surveyed, 65.7 percent said they didn’t know their library lent games.

With only 15 percent of respondents saying they were aware that libraries offered video games, it’s not surprising they ranked dead last on the list of places to obtain them, with only 6 percent of gamers saying they turn to the library as a primary resource. Retailers such as Target and Walmart led the pack, followed by gaming stores, online purchases, and getting them from family and friends. Downloading gaming apps and buying them on eBay even ranked higher than the library as top sources.

But the demand is there. Respondents between the ages of 31-40 were most interested in borrowing children’s games from the library, with 43.8 percent of them saying they would. Meanwhile, an almost equal amount of patrons under age 31 (23.2 percent) and those between ages 41-50 (23.8 percent) say they’re interested in borrowing children’s games.

When it came to games for teens, 27.7 percent of all respondents between the ages of 31-40; 30.5 percent of those 31 years old and under; and 19.9 percent of those between the ages of 41-50 say they’d be interested in checking them out. There was less interest in educational games, with 28 percent of those between 31-40, 23 percent of those between 41-50, and 16.5 percent of those 31 and under saying they would check them out. And, the report says, younger age groups outpace the average by a “significant percentage” when checking out games.

Overall, only about one-third of survey respondents knew libraries loaned video games, which can be explained by the fact that the mean age of those surveyed was about 54, generally a bit older than families with gaming tweens and teens.

If librarians want to compete with other sources and stay relevant, they must understand the demographics of their patrons and monitor any changes in borrowing activity, especially across various media, the report concludes.

“If you aren’t doing so already, offering or programming gaming for families, kids, and teens can entice younger patrons or parents with children,” the report says. “Consider the social aspects of this activity, and enhance the library as a place that creates community in all formats.”

The report goes on to say that young families may be particularly interested in educational apps and games. “Display the library’s curation mastery by developing lists to go home with or offering iPads or tablets preloaded with good apps for a variety of age levels,” the report explains.

“This issue of Patron Profiles is rich with insight into how patrons currently tap media in their libraries,” said Rebecca T. Miller, series editor and SLJ editor-in-chief. “It also points to sleeping opportunity and confronting challenges for libraries as the culture embraces more diverse media and as formats shift.”

Also, the report recommends that librarians include media creation—such as videos taken on Flip cameras—into their programming, especially for teens. “Load the results on to YouTube, and share them on your website and via social networks. Tweet out the links!” the report says.

Although patrons of all ages borrow CDs, younger ones don’t want to wait for them. “This might be an opportunity to offer buy-it-now options for this demographic—especially in the age of the decline in bookstores and other brick and-mortar media outlets,” the report adds. “This may also point to younger patrons’ familiarity with free or affordable streaming services,” such as Pandora and Spotify.

“Patron Profiles: Media Consumption and Library Use” is the fourth installment of volume one in an ongoing research project. Read Library Journal’s full coverage of the report.

The action is set in the world of Ninjago, created long ago by the first Master of Spinjitzu who also forged four formidable weapons: the Nunchucks of Lightning, the Scythe of Quakes, the Shurikens of Ice, and the Dragon Sword of Fire. Upon his death, he left the objects under the protection of his two sons, Garmadon and Wu. However, Garmadon, twisted by his lust for power, tried to steal the armaments for himself, and was defeated in battle by Wu, who banished him to the underworld and hid the artifacts in the far corners of Ninjago. But Garmadon formed an alliance with Samukai, king of the Underworld and leader of a skeleton army, and launched a plan to retrieve the Four Weapons and seize control of the realm.

Knowing that he would need help to stop his brother, Wu recruited four young men to become ninja, training them in the ways of Spinjitzu (a technique in which one whirls around at top speed to create a tornado of power) and teaching them to tap into their inner strengths. Together, they will defend their home against otherworldly creatures and protect the Four Weapons from those who would use them for evil. The Serpentine, an assemblage of competing tribes of snakelike villains, were introduced to the franchise’s storyline in 2012.

The new season of the highly rated animated TV show is scheduled to premiere on Cartoon Network on July 18. Kids can visit the series’ website to view video clips, browse photos, read character profiles, and chime in on fan surveys (“Which ninja is most like you?”). Free online video games include “Spinjitzu Snakedown” (players choose a ninja persona and protect a village from evil serpentine forces) and “The Four Paths” (players navigate through various terrains using the mouse to move and jump). Youngsters can also cruise over to LEGO’s dedicated website for character profiles, detailed travel guides (with descriptions of locales, summaries of flora and fauna, and lists of things to do), LEGO product info, and playing tips, and a variety of videos and games.

Book Tie-ins

Ninjago fans will enjoy meeting their favorite characters and exploring familiar plot elements and scenarios in the pages of these tie-in titles. In the Official Guide (Scholastic, 2011; Gr 2-5), Sensei Wu provides a detailed introduction to this intricately imagined world. Sections cover the realm’s history, characters (including a cast of skeleton villains), dragon inhabitants, ninja and Spinjitzu training, important locations, and more. Flavored with touches of humor and tidbits of wisdom, the first-person narration unfurls at a graceful pace and creates a believable voice for Wu. Numerous full-color images appear throughout, showcasing the characters and their devices, and fact charts (weapons of choice, favorite foods, hobbies, quotes, etc.) and “Ninja Notes” add more detail. The book ends with a recounting of the heroes’ perilous journey to retrieve the Shurikens of Ice. Fun for browsing or reading cover to cover.

A series of easy readers (K-Gr 4) combine straightforward storytelling with vibrant full-color artwork and invitingly open layouts. Way of the Ninja (2011), introduces Kai, the son of a blacksmith who is left reeling when his village is attacked and his sister Nya kidnapped by skeleton troops. Hope is offered by the mysterious Sensei Wu, who reveals secrets about the young man’s father and offers him the chance to become a warrior and “learn to tame the fire inside.” In another story, the young Masters of Spinjitzu (2012) are sent on a dangerous mission to find the Scythe of Quakes, and soon discover that it will take all of their training and their best teamwork to succeed. The series continues with The Golden Weapons and Rise of the Snakes (both 2012; all Scholastic). Subtitles break the text into accessible sections, while short sentences, basic vocabulary, humorous dialogue, and brisk action keep the pages turning quickly. The colorful illustrations support the narratives with visual clues. Good choices for beginning readers or as share-alouds for younger franchise fans.

Four fast-reading chapter books (Gr 2-5) each focus on one of the heroes, highlighting the featured individual’s personality traits and personal challenges. Each book begins with a segment from Sensei Wu’s journal, a first-person entry that recounts how the master met the young warrior and his particular strengths and weaknesses, followed by a short story and a multi-chaptered adventure both written in a clear third-person narrative. A combo of personal experiences and vigorous encounters with the enemy reveal details about the character and his role on the team. Kai: Ninja of Fire displays both his fearlessness and headstrong rashness when he goes on a special quest with a fellow ninja; an orphan with no memories of his past, Zane: Ninja of Ice (both 2011) is conflicted when Garmadon offers to reveal these secrets in exchange for betraying his friends; always ready to crack a joke or come up with a useful invention, Jay: Ninja of Lightening must use his talents when he and Kai are accused of a crime they didn’t commit; and Cole: Ninja of Earth (both 2012, all Scholastic), a natural-born leader, devises a clever plan to remind his companions of their unique strengths and demonstrate the importance of working as a team. Utilizing short sentences, straightforward language, and snappy dialogue, the narratives are filled with clearly described exploits and sparkling humor.

Graphic Novels

Combining compelling storylines with eye-grabbing artwork, Papercutz’s series of graphic novels (Gr 2-6) will wow Ninjago devotees. In “The Challenge of Samukai” (#1; 2011), Garmadon overhears the skeleton ruler bragging about his ability to conquer Sensei Wu and his young cohorts, and the two baddies make a high-stakes wager for control of both the Underworld and Ninjago. The fast-paced tales that follow depict Samukai’s ill-fated efforts to hold up his end of the bargain, while touching upon elements of the Ninjago back story. In “Mask of the Sensei” (#2, 2012), the skeletons have been defeated and peace reigns over the land, but Sensei Wu is behaving oddly. When their wise leader suddenly transforms into a ruthless despot, Kai and his friends soon discover that an imposter is on the loose, but will they be able to get to the truth and set things right before it’s too late?

“Rise of the Serpentine” (#3, 2012) takes place after Ninjago has been invaded by nefarious snake-like villains. The inhabitants of a village are acting strangely, and when the four young warriors investigate, it soon becomes apparent that the Hypnobrai are on the loose, using their hypnotic powers to mesmerize the townsfolk, and the situation becomes even more dire when the ninja begin to fall under their control one by one. In “Tomb of the Fangpyre” (#4, scheduled for release on August 21), Sensei Wu sends his students in search of true knowledge about their slithery enemy. Each warrior will travel to a far-off place to track down the shattered pieces of the serpent stone, an artifact that contains the history of the snake tribes, encountering difficult-to-navigate terrain and ferocious foes along the way and ultimately discovering secrets important to the fate of Ninjago.

Balancing moments of Sensei Wu’s wisdom with the more lighthearted quips of his young followers, the storytelling is fast-paced and satisfying. The characters are faced with situations that require them to use their particular weapons and abilities (including the versatile Spinjitzu whirlwind), personality traits, and smarts to overcome diverse challenges. Ablaze in bright colors and filled with motion, the artwork brings the characters and settings to life while referencing their LEGO-style characteristics. Rapid-fire events are delineated through artfully laid-out panel sequences, with an occasional full-page image adding perspective and drama. Great choices for reeling in reluctant readers, nourishing youngsters who can’t get enough of the world of Ninjago, and encouraging imaginations to soar.

Publication Information

FARSHTEY, Greg. LEGO Ninjago: Official Guide. Scholastic. 2011. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-545-36258-0.

WEST, Tracy, adapt. LEGO Ninjago: Way of the Ninja. (Reader #1). 2011. ISBN 978-0-545-40113-5.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu. (Reader #2). 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-40114-2.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: The Golden Weapons. (Reader #3). 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-40115-9.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Rise of the Snakes. (Reader #4). 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-43592-5.

ea vol: Scholastic. pap. $3.99.

FARSHTEY, Greg. LEGO Ninjago: Kai: Ninja of Fire. 2011. ISBN 978-0-545-34827-0.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Zane: Ninja of Ice. 2011. ISBN 978-0-545-34828-7.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Jay: Ninja of Lightening. 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-36994-7.

_____. LEGO Ninjago: Cole: Ninja of Earth . 2012. ISBN 978-0-545-36993-0.

ea vol: Scholastic. pap. $4.99.

FARSHTEY, Greg. LEGO Ninjago: “The Challenge of Samukai” (#1). illus. by Paulo Henrique. 2011. Tr ISBN 978-1-59707-298-4; pap. ISBN 978-1-59707-297-7.

____. LEGO Ninjago: “Mask of the Sensei” (#2). illus. by Paulo Henrique. 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-59707-311-0; pap. ISBN 978-1-59707-310-3.

____. LEGO Ninjago: “Rise of the Serpentine” (#3). illus. by Paul Lee & Paulo Henrique. 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-59707-326-4; pap. ISBN 978-1-59707-325-7.

____. LEGO Ninjago: “Tomb of the Fangpyre” (#4). illus. by Jolyon Yates. August, 2012. Tr ISBN 978-1-59707-330-1; pap. ISBN 978-1-59707-329-5.

ea vol: Papercutz. Tr $10.99; pap. $6.99.

Send teens who want a taste of the action to the Mass Effect 3 website to browse a selection of videos showcasing trailers, strategy tips, and interviews with game creators; access quick intros to the featured settings, weaponry, characters, and more; and download a demo. The “Mass Effect Wiki” provides information about each entry in the series; the extensive Mass Effect universe (plot elements, characters, alien races, settings, a timeline, and more); gameplay details, descriptions, and tips; and the latest news.

Book Tie-ins

Covering all three installments, The Art of the Mass Effect Universe (Dark Horse, 2012, Gr 7 Up) is jam-packed with images and insights. Penned by game-series insiders, executive producer Casey Hudson and art director Derek Watts, the book’s brief, descriptive captions provide a revealing glimpse of the scope of this huge-scale project, the thought processes behind the deftly envisioned cosmos, and the creative team’s dedication to making the characters and action as compelling as possible. Sections covering each episode delve into the development and evolution of characters (including a diverse array of alien species), intergalactic locales, vehicles and technology, weaponry, and more. True-life inspirations behind the design of certain elements are discussed, such as the gracefully flowing scalp tentacles of a blue asari (intended to resemble a woman emerging from the water with her hair swept back), NASA concepts referenced for the ultramodern interior of the Citadel (government seat), and a stealth spacecraft (Shepard’s Normandy) patterned after delta-wing fighters and the Concorde. The variety of ideas exhibited in row after row of preliminary sketches shows readers how the artists let their imaginations fly free before adapting the final product to satisfy the demands of the unfolding plot and fit within technical animation confines. Ranging from early renderings to dazzling production artwork, character concept drawings to dramatic full-page, poised-for-action portraits, the visuals are not only stunning, but also provide a sense of the game’s unique and groundbreaking photo-realistic design.

Graphic Novels

Dark Horse has also published a trio of Mass Effect graphic novels (Gr 9 Up) featuring stories developed by the game’s lead writer, Mac Walters. Bridging the first two games, Mass Effect Volume 1: Redemption (2010) is set just after an attack during which Shepard’s ship was destroyed. Dr. Liara T’Soni, a beautiful asari with a sharp intellect and a talent for biotics (the ability to use mass-effect fields to move matter), travels to the lawless Omega space station to search for the commander (or his remains). Facing one dangerous situation after another, Liara encounters members of Cerberus (a black-ops organization dedicated to ensuring human survival at any cost), other would-be allies, and numerous unseemly individuals while trying to get to the truth. The tale simmers with dramatic dialogue, plot twists, and explosive battle confrontations, and the artwork has a steely veneer that suits the dynamic action.

Set several decades before the first game, Mass Effect Volume 2: Evolution (Dark Horse, 2011) takes readers back to the year 2157 to delve into the past of the enigmatic Illusive Man, the mysterious head of Cerberus and an important character in the series. A mercenary soldier fighting alongside Earth forces during a war with the militaristic turians, Jack Harper comes into contact with an ancient alien relic that will alter him physically, fuel the fire behind his pro-humanity movement, and change the course of his destiny. Resplendent in icy blues and earthy browns, the crisp artwork does much of the storytelling, depicting both scenes of turbulent combat and quieter interactions that enhance character development. The dialogue is concise and the plot unfolds neatly, building suspense and presenting well-timed revelations.

In Mass Effect Volume 3: Invasion (Dark Horse, 2012), a prelude to the third game, the Omega space station is threatened when a horde of bio-mechanical creatures is unleashed by Cerberus scientists studying Reaper technology. In order to protect her territory, asari Aria T’Loak, ruthless crime boss of the vice-ridden station and the only one able to control its warring gangs, is forced to make an alliance with a general from the pro-humanity organization. As battles rage around and within Omega, power plays unfold, hidden motivations are revealed, and deceptions and double-crosses abound. Using her considerable cunning and her powerful biotic abilities, Aria is determined to stand against the enemy… whether it be monstrous marauders or so-called allies. Much characterization is created through the dialogue, as Aria and the intellectual General Petrovsky argue tactics and jockey for the upper hand, while Ashe, the no-nonsense Cerberus operative tasked by Illusive Man with infiltrating Omega, verbally vents his hatred for all things alien (along with plenty of expletives). Contrasting dark star-filled backdrops with bright interiors, the artwork vividly conveys the events and the intensity of the numerous confrontations between individuals and spacecraft. Scenes showing Aria utilizing her biotic forces to disarm, push back, or otherwise neutralize her foes are infused with sizzling blue shades and streaks of white lightning. Suspense, surprises, and high-octane action make for a page-turning adventure.

Publication Information

The Art of the Mass Effect Universe. Dark Horse, dist. by Diamond Book Distributors. 2012. Tr $39.99. ISBN 978-1-59582-768-5.

WALTERS, Mac & John Jackson Miller. Mass Effect Volume 1: Redemption. 2010. ISBN 978-1-59582-481-3.

_____. Mass Effect Volume 2: Evolution. 2011. ISBN 978-1-59582-759-3.

_____. Mass Effect Volume 3: Invasion. 2012. ISBN 978-1-59582-867-5

Ea vol: illus. by Omar Francia. Dark Horse, dist. by Diamond Book Distributors. pap. $16.99.

This article originally appeared in School Library Journal‘s enewsletter SLJTeen. Subscribe here.

Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys (RCA)

Alicia Keys, a 14-time Grammy Award–winning singer and songwriter, has recently released her fifth studio album, Girl on Fire. Consisting of 13 tracks, the album is a lively mix of material that proves she’s more determined than ever to stay on top of the charts. This impressive effort features intimate ballads and powerful anthems, all steered by Keys’s soulful voice and moving lyrics. Collaborating with Babyface, Bruno Mars, Krucial, Jeff Bhasaker, Gary Clarke Jr., Pop and Oak, Maxwell, Emeli Sande, and Jamie XX has certainly upped the ante here on Fire. This album has a little bit of everything—from Keys’s trademark piano, heavy drums, and electric sounds to reggae and future soul. It’s definitely an inspirational mix of tracks that shows how mature and multitalented Keys truly is. Favorite tracks include “Fire We Make,” “De Novo Adagio,” “New Day,” and “Tear Always Win.”—Claire H., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Warrior, Ke$ha (RCA)

Warrior is Ke$ha’s second album and has been well-received by the music industry. Her loud musical style is mixed with a ’70s rock sound, drowsy rapping, and cutting-edge electro-pop—all rolled up into one. Warrior documents Ke$ha’s improbable journey—from being a waitress to becoming a musical sensation. One would think this wouldn’t translate well, but Ke$ha has invented her own genre and the success of this new sound is pretty evident.  The tracks on Warrior feel authentic, and the listener understands that Ke$ha is what she says she is—whether you like it or not. The crass and raw lyrics coupled with a catchy pop music sound are quite refreshing in today’s music market.  Her collaboration on “Dirty Love” with legendary punk rocker Iggy Pop is pure genius and the two are wonderful together. Other great tracks include “Supernatural,” “Only Wanna Dance with You,” “Thinking of You,” and “Die Young.”—Geena G., grade 10, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (Brady)

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition isn’t a totally new game—it’s a sequel to Arkham Asylum, which was released more than two years ago. The game begins with the arrest of Bruce Wayne, and his placement inside Arkham City, a sectioned-off part of Gotham City full of criminals and thugs. Assisted by Alfred, Wayne escapes and becomes Batman. After putting on a Bat-Suit, the player is prompted for a fingerprint scan to authenticate that you are truly the Batman. So cool! Then Batman does what he does best—he takes out the many villains that plague Gotham. Like its game predecessors, Arkham City AE uses awesome controls and battle tactics. Using the large variety of takedown moves keeps the game fresh and exciting. And since it covers a large section of the city, players get to explore and uncover missions and solve puzzles along the way.

The Wii U version really makes this game rock because of the gamepad’s touch screen. It acts as a wrist computer on Batman’s new armored suit (the female version was stolen by Catwoman). All updates, radio communications, maps, audio surveillances, and gadgets are here and heighten the player’s sense of being Batman. Also new is BAT (Battle Armored Tech) mode, which gives Batman a surge of power to dish out some massive damage. Not only does the main campaign provide hours and hours of action-packed fun, but Arkham City also contains all of the downloadable content that was released on previous versions. Players can take on the roles of Catwoman, Batman, or Robin. There are Combat and Predator Challenges that deal with your stealth and strength. This is truly a great gaming experience, and I highly recommend it to those that are familiar with Arkham Asylum and to those that aren’t. Platform: Wii U. Rating: T for Teen.—Eugene K., grade 12, Floral Park (NY) Memorial High School