Introduction

As part of San Jose State Unversity's LIBR 264 class, this blog contains digital representations of what I considered to be good books in Tween Literature. These projects are my attempts at trying a variety of methods including a book talk, website, comic strip, glogster poster and book trailer. Each entry includes the title of book, link to the digital project, description of method, and justification of source. Note, each link will take you directly to the page and will not open in a new tab.

For more information about these titles and other tween materials, please see my Tween Materials Blog in the Other LIBR 264 Projects link.

Thanks!

Katherine Bottomley

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Project #1: Book Talk of Suzanne Collins' Gregor the Overlander

Link: http://www.archive.org/details/GregorTheOverlander

Method: I created a book talk for Gregor the Overlander using the Sound Recorder in Windows then imported the file into http://www.archive.org/, a free website allowing users to upload content to the web.

I chose a book trailer for this source because I felt this was the type of book that would probably be a hand sell in the library.

Reason for Inclusion: I love Suzanne Collins' works. I think she does an excellent job with setting, mood, and characterization. In both this series and her Hunger Games series, the main characters are not perfect, but do have redeeming qualities which endear them to the reader. It is interesting to watch these characters develop throughout both the individual books and series. Additionally, each of her books force the reader to think about their own perceptions of society which can be very empowering to young adults.

Murder at Midnight by Avi

Project #2: Comic Strip of Avi's Murder at Midnight

Link: http://www.pixton.com/comic/bf1ojxsh

Method: The comic strip was created at http://www.pixton.com/, a free website allowing users to create their own cels. The page was not necessarily easy to use, as the site wants you to pay for a more exclusive membership.

Nevertheless, I felt that using a comic strip would be an interesting way to promote books online. Additionally, this book really lends itself well to a comic strip representation.

Reason for Inclusion: Avi's novel shows that characters in literature do not necessarily have to be smart, they can be average people with whom readers can connect with. Murder at Midnight is a fast paced mystery giving tweens a likeable hero.

My Mother the Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow

Project #3: Book Trailer of Robert Sharenow's My Mother the Cheerleader.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRKe49-ZcKg

Method: The book trailer was first created as powerpoint slides in Microsoft Powerpoint. They were then uploaded to Windows Live MovieMaker where I added transitions, set time limits, and imported sound. Lastly when the final product was finished the project was saved and uploaded to YouTube.

As a Historical Fiction novel, I felt that it was important to help readers visually see the book and its significance. Since the book's events are centered around Ruby Bridge's desegregation attempts at school, pictures of actual footage would be more powerful.

Reason for Inclusion: Sharenow's novel is an excellent example of historical fiction. The novel portrays the Civil Rights movement in such a way that the reader is interested and moved by the material while giving a realistic representation of one girl's experiences.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Project #4: Website of Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game

Link: http://www.wix.com/kabottomley/westinggame
(with active tabs)

Method: The website was created by using http://www.wix.com/, a free site allowing users to create their own webpage. Some elements do cost money, but sites can be created without purchasing anything (I didn't). The website does take time to create, but I was pleased with the finished product.

I loved using a website to market this book. Since the book is a mystery, creating suspense was important to me. While I could have created another book trailer to have the same effect, I also wanted readers to participate in the book as Raskin did.

Reason for Inclusion: For me this book represented quality tween literature with intelligent writing, a thoughtful mystery, and great characterization.

Airman by Eoin Colfer

Project #5: Glogster of Eoin Colfer's Airman

Link: http://kabottomley.glogster.com/airman/?

Method: This poster was created at http://www.glogster.com/, a free site allowing users to create their own digital posters. Like some of the other sites used, the site allows for users to purchase elements, but users are not required to. Pictures were found on the site with the exception of the book cover.

Since this book was so descriptive, I felt a visual representation would be the best method. Due to the various plots, I wanted to keep the glog simple and to the point while still exciting.

Reason For Inclusion: I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I thought it combined elements of classic stories while retaining an engaging plot. It is the type of book that will appeal to a wide range of audiences as well as pushing readers to greater works such as Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo.