SPONSORED BY: Annick Press, Charlesbridge, Tuttle Publishing, and School Library Journal
EVENT DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET/12:00 – 1:00 PM PT

This archive is no longer available.

Learn about fall’s collection of new books for your young readers during this School Library Journal webcast event.  From illustrated books to chapter books, topics range from superheroes to farmers, and then some! Discover what it means to be a samurai in Benjamin Martin’s Samurai Awakening, and find out if an American teenager has what takes to save his friends.  Read about Bill Finger, the man who gave Bruce Wayne a name and made him a detective in Marc Tyler Nobleman’s picture book (illustrated by Ty Templeton) Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman. See a new take on the classic Old MacDonald nursery rhyme in Old MacDonald Had Her Farm (written by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Tina Holdcroft) with brightly illustrated pictures and tongue-twisters to help readers learn about vowels while using the same E-I-E-I-O refrain. Register now to see what else Annick Press, Charlesbridge, and Tuttle Publishing will share from their fall book releases.

Panelists:

Paula Ayer – Editor, Annick Press
Alyssa Mito Pusey – Editor, Charlesbridge
Rowan Muelling-Auer – Publicist, Tuttle Publishing

Moderator:

Luann Toth – Mangaging Editor, Book Review, School Library Journal

Can’t make it on October 16? No problem! Register now and you will get an email reminder from School Library Journal post-live event when the webcast is archived and available for on-demand viewing at your convenience!

Follow us on Twitter! @SLJEvent  #sljfallkids

By registering for this webcast, you are agreeing that School Library Journal may share your registration information with sponsors currently shown and future sponsors of this event. Click here to review the entire School Library Journal Privacy Policy.

Movie Novelization

Greg Cox’s The Dark Knight Rises (Titan, 2012; Gr 9 Up) provides a gripping recounting of the movie’s plot. The story unfolds on a scale both epic and intimate, as the citizens of Gotham are threatened by a ruthless terrorist named Bane and his army of followers, and Bruce Wayne struggles for balance between his own existence and that of his alter ego. Written with a sense of gritty realism, the accessible narrative has a pared-down quality that keeps the pages turning quickly. Action scenes, large-scale skirmishes, and fist-to-fist confrontations are described with suspenseful rat-a-tat pacing, while dialogue exchanges and moments of introspection reveal the characters’ back stories and personal motivations.

Though violence is an integral part of the telling (and there is some strong language), it is not gratuitous, and malicious schemes are countered by the actions of altruistic individuals and the emergence of unexpected heroes. The point of view shifts among the players, providing readers with a broad IMAX-style perspective as the various story lines develop and intersect; plot twists are foreshadowed but kept tightly shrouded until the appropriate time, building toward a thrilling conclusion. Teens will be drawn in by the movie-poster cover—the enigmatic Caped Crusader silhouetted against the fiery profile of a bat emblazoned in the Gotham sky—and satisfied by the book’s explosive action and solid storytelling.

Tools of the Trade

The Dark Knight Manual (Insight Editions, 2012; Gr 6 Up) reveals the inner workings of Batman’s clandestine world with full-color photos from the film trilogy, plentiful illustrations and diagrams, and a vault-load of “classified” documents. Purportedly compiled by Bruce Wayne, this scrapbook-style volume fittingly opens with the police case file on his parents’ murder, followed by a Gotham Post front page featuring a “Chaos Sweeps Gotham” headline and photo of a triumphant Bane. In subsequent sections, Batman describes his training in various fighting techniques (under the tutelage of the nefarious Rā’s al Ghul), the secrets of his subterranean base (including detailed blueprints and a removable map), his suit (illustrated with design sketches and a flip-through progression of its multiple layers), weaponry (there’s even an inset manual for his trademark grappling gun), and state-of-the-art vehicles (plans, diagrams, schematics, and cock-pit views).

The book ends with dossiers about Harvey Dent, the Scarecrow, and the Joker, and brief bios of other villains and allies. Hand-written Post-it notes are scattered throughout, and a large fold-out map of Gotham City completes the package. Movie plot elements, character relationships, and plenty of Batman background are woven into the first-person text, and the “official” materials are carefully detailed and believably designed. Though keeping track of the removable items might be a challenge for libraries, this is great browser for movie fans.

A Look Behind the Scenes

Jody Duncan Jesser and Janine Pourroy provide an opulently illustrated and insightfully written overview of The Art and Making of the Dark Knight Trilogy (Abrams, 2012; Gr 8 Up). This handsome oversize volume details the creative process for all three movies-Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012)-focusing on the challenges unique to each film, making contrasts and comparisons, and tracing the evolution of both the story and the behind-the-camera artistry. A prologue sets the scene, delineating the inspirations for a film franchise envisioned to be “more classical drama than super hero fluff” and a Batman who is not “a one-dimensional comic book hero in black tights, cape, and bat ears, but rather a complex, multidimensional human being, a real man struggling to overcome life’s tragedies and his own inner demons.”

Filled with commentary from movie creators, the well-organized chapters provide an insider’s view of the complete creative process from screenplay, casting, and production design to on-set filming and the final touches of post-production. Readers get the skinny on all manner of movie marvels, including the creation of the villainous Two-Face’s half-burned visage, the shooting of an action sequence showing an 18-wheeler truck flipping over (end to end) on a city street, and the filming of the final movie’s football stadium sequence on location at Heinz Field with nearly 12,000 extras and the Pittsburgh Steelers. They also get a clear idea of Christopher Nolan’s vision for the trilogy (every element, from the smallest detail of costume to major plot points, was required to fit into the realistic world that he has conceptualized), his hands-on style of directing, and his determination to push beyond the traditional limits of filmmaking.

The spectacular large-size photos include dramatic movie stills, on-set images of cast and crew, close-ups of costumes and props, and more. Concept artwork, storyboards, costume designs, set plans, and reproductions of referenced comic book illustrations also adorn the pages. Whether thumbed through or consumed cover to cover, this volume is a must-read for Dark Knight devotees and also deserves a place in collections focused on the history of film and filmmaking.

Batman’s Wheels

Mark Cotta Vaz shines the spotlight on one of the Caped Crusader’s most defining aspects, the Batmobile (Insight Editions, 2012; Gr 8 Up). From its first appearance as a cherry-red sedan in the 1940s comics, through its numerous incarnations on comic-book pages and in media formats (TV and movies), to the tough-looking Tumbler of Nolan’s film trilogy, the evolution of Batman’s crime-fighting vehicle is clearly recounted, revealing how the “Batmobile has changed with the times and reflects the times, like the Dark Knight himself.” The well-written text places this icon in the broader context of the Batman universe and in popular culture, while also zooming in on the specifics of the design concepts and challenges behind creating particular incarnations, such as the familiar convertible with the double-bubble windshield from the 1960s TV show, or the elegantly streamlined yet menacing-looking machine for Tim Burton’s Batman. Commentary from comics creators, movie directors and producers, and even stuntman drivers add interest and behind-the-wheel insights. Abundant and stunning, illustrations include reproductions from comic books, film photos, blue prints, concept artwork, and even a fold-out image of the Tumbler. A fascinating read.

See also round up of Batman graphic novels sure to entice teen movie viewers.

Publication Information

COX, Greg. The Dark Knight Rises: The Official Movie Novelization. Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Nolan & Christopher Nolan. Titan. 2012. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1781161067.

The Dark Knight Manual: Tools, Weapons, Vehicles & Documents from the Batcave. Text by Brandon T. Snider. Insight Editions. 2012. Tr $40. ISBN 978-1-60887-104-9.

JESSER, Jody Duncan & Janine Pourroy. The Art and Making of The Dark Knight Trilogy. Abrams. 2012. Tr $40. ISBN 978-1-4197-0369-0.

COTTA VAZ, Mark. Batmobile: The Complete History. Insight Editions. 2012. Tr $35. ISBN 978-1-60887-103-2.

Bane from Dark Knight Rises

Fans of the Caped Crusader are breathlessly awaiting the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13), scheduled for release by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 20, in traditional and IMAX formats. A sequel to the critically acclaimed and commercially successful Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight(2008), the movie is the final installment in director Christopher Nolan’s masterfully envisioned film trilogy based on the iconic DC Comics character.

In this new adventure, Batman, now considered a public enemy, returns to Gotham City to take on a frightening foe who threatens its inhabitants. Appropriately named Bane (Tom Hardy), this ominous breath-mask-wearing villain possesses a deadly combination of fine-tuned fighting skills and intelligence. Batman also finds himself tangling with the mysterious Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), otherwise known as Catwoman. Christian Bale once again stars as Bruce Wayne/Batman, with other members of the ensemble also reprising their roles: Michael Caine as the loyal and resourceful butler/mentor, Alfred Pennyworth; Gary Oldman as Gotham City Police Department Commissioner Gordon; and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, the technology-designing genius who runs Wayne Enterprises.

Kids can visit the official website to view video trailers characterized by a beguiling blend of dramatic tension and explosive action. Poster-style images of the characters—resplendent in metallic grays, blacks, and silvers—can be browsed or downloaded, and a gallery of full-color film photos provides a close-up look at the players and their high-tech gear. Younger fans looking for some Batman action will find games, activities, online comics, videos, and more at the DC Nation website, a tie-in to the block of animated TV programming starring heroes from the DC Universe that airs on Cartoon Network.

Book Tie-ins

HarperCollins presents a lineup of movie-inspired books geared toward youngsters of varying ages and reading levels. Decked out in dynamic comic-book-style covers, two staple-bound picture books (PreS-Gr 2) introduce the film’s new characters. In I Am Bane, the villain invades the Gotham City Stock Exchange and absconds with important financial records that will give him control of the city, but Batman is already on the way, armed with a secret weapon and steely resolve. It’s a Batman versus Catwoman duel when cat burglar Selina Kyle steals a necklace from Wayne Manor, and Bruce tracks down the culprit, only to discover that she is not as easy to catch as he had anticipated. Both tales unfold through clearly written narratives with an appealing combination of suspense and action. Mostly covering full spreads, the brightly colored illustrations depict events with detail and boundless energy. Effective touches add excitement to important scenes; for example, the speed of a motorcycle chase is emphasized by the angle of falling snow, or sparks blast from beneath the tires of a sports car as Selina peels out in the vehicle that she has just stolen from Bruce. Engaging read-aloud choices for movie fans.

Simple sentence structure, straightforward vocabulary, enticing illustrations, and page-turning suspense propel new readers forward in two “I Can Read!” (Level 2) offerings (K-Gr 2). In first-person narrative, Batman introduces his Tools of the Trade, highlighting gadgets and vehicles-a computer used to analyze chemicals and scan fingerprints, the all-terrain Batmobile, an aircraft that can hover or fly, and more—while also touching upon movie characters and plot elements.

In Batman versus Bane, the hero returns to Gotham to take on a dangerous new villain whom police have found “…too strong to stop and too smart to catch.” Both tales are illustrated with action-packed comic-book-style artwork that supports the texts with visual clues and highlights the bigger-than-life quality of the muscle-bound, square-jawed characters. Fist-to-fist encounters are depicted with flair, but are not overly graphic. With their high-interest subject matter, these offerings will grab beginning readers and also appeal to the read-aloud crowd.

Filled with images from all three entries in the Batman film trilogy, The Secret Files Scrapbook (K-Gr 5) provides a vividly illustrated overview of the Dark Knight’s world. In clearly written first-person text, Batman introduces the wonders of the Batcave, his suit and weaponry (Batarang, pneumatic mangler, etc.), and vehicles (the Bat-Pod motorcycle, Bat aircraft, etc.) with a combo of full-color photos, sketched schematics, and Wayne Enterprises blueprints. Other sections offer background on villains (newcomers to the trilogy as well as veterans such as the Joker and the Scarecrow) and tried-and-true allies. With pages resembling tabbed file folders, snapshots “attached” with paperclips, and “Top Secret” stamps throughout, the layout reflects the scrapbook approach. In addition to getting the scoop on the major characters, readers will appreciate the opportunity to take a closer look at Batman’s gadget-carrying Utility Belt, various views of his high-tech armor, cockpit details for the Batmobile, and more.

Based on the first two films, The Dark Knight Legend (Gr 4-7) recounts the events leading up to the newest movie. A prologue sets the scene by describing important occurrences in Bruce’s childhood: his discovery of a bat-filled cavern on the grounds of his family’s estate, the murder of his parents during a robbery, and his close relationship with Alfred. Crisply written chapters describe Bruce’s training and transformation into Batman, and his efforts to bring Gotham’s bad guys to justice and restore hope to its citizens. When the Joker comes to town, the stakes become higher and closer to home for the Dark Knight, as the villain threatens the woman he loves and his new ally, District Attorney Harvey Dent. As the book comes to a climax, readers learn why Batman takes the blame for evil deeds of which he is innocent and is branded as a wanted man, creating the perfect entrée into the plot of new film. Streamlined and quickly paced, the storytelling is sprinkled with tension-filled dialogue and brief glimpses at the motivations and emotions of the characters. The slick image of a battle-ready Batman on the cover will draw in movie fans, and eight pages of captioned full-color photos are included.

Looking for Batman adventures that will appeal to young adults? Check out next week’s SLJTeen e-newsletter for a selection of graphic novels and more.

Publication Information

ROSEN, Lucy, adapt. The Dark Knight Rises: I Am Bane. illus. by Scott Cohn. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213222-2; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221938-1.

_____. The Dark Knight Rises: Batman versus Catwoman. illus. by Andy Smith. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213221-5; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221937-4.

HUELIN, Jodi, adapt. The Dark Knight Rises: Tools of the Trade. illus. by Steven E. Gordon. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213223-9; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221940-4.

_____. The Dark Knight Rises: Batman versus Bane. illus. by Andie Tong. pap. $3.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213224-6; ebook $4.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221936-7.

SNIDER, Brandon T. The Dark Knight Rises: The Secret Files Scrapbook. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213228-4.

DEUTSCH, Stacia, adapt. The Dark Knight Legend. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-06-213227-7; ebook $5.99. ISBN 978-0-06-221935-0.

ea vol: HarperFestival/HarperCollins. 2012.

This article originally appeared in the newsletter Extra Helping. Go here to subscribe.