Giant Hello!

Giant Hello is a social networking site for tween users- it was created to mimic the functionality of both facebook and Myspace. Users can create profiles, become fans of their favorite pop icons, books, and films, and play games. If users are under 13, their profiles are private until their parents authorize the child. In order to invite friends, tweens must either enter their email addresses or can print out an invite that contains a code and hand deliver it to their friends. Messages between users are filtered to allow only pre-approved words and phrases, so the site is considered safe. If you would like to keep your children off of facebook and Myspace, then Giant Hello is a site to consider. Although the site is free, there are advertisements that your tweens will be subjected to. The site is most popular with younger tweens between the ages of 8-10.
www.gianthello.com
Ages: 8-10
Rating: Low Additional

The Ball Hogs (Kickers #1)

The first installment of the Kickers series focuses on the theme of team work. When Ben joins the co-ed soccer team, the Bobcats, he is determined to be the star player even though he is a novice. Much to his dismay, his obnoxious nemesis Mark has proclaimed himself the star player and taunts Ben at every turn. In order to play well and start scoring goals, the boys must learn to play together as a part of a team.




Wallace, Rich. (2010). The Ball Hogs (Kickers #1). New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 128 pages. ISBN-13: 978-0-375-85754-6.

Ages 8-10
Rating: High Additional

Found (The Missing #1)

On the recommendation of a classmate, I picked up this book and could not put it down- okay, I was listening to the audio version of the book so I could not stop listening. I listened during my drives to and from work and on every break that I had during the working day. The only hard feelings I have about the book is that it's the beginning of a three book series. I would love to read them all, but need to explore other authors.

This is the first installment of award-winning Science Fiction writer Margaret Haddix's series, The Missing. When thirteen year old Jonah gets a letter via snail mail that simply says, "Beware! They're coming back to get you." he blows it off as a prank executed by one of his classmates. When his friend Chip gets the same exact letter, the two can't help but ask questions. With the help of Jonah's younger sister Katherine, they begin to unravel the mystery of their identities and who exactly is coming back to get them. The letters lead them on an adventure where they come face to face with FBI agents, witnesses who refuse to remain silent, and a secret and dangerous history involving 36 infants and a plane that no longer exists. The writing is quick paced and propels the reader forward on the edge of their seats. It would be a surprise if kids didn't devour this volume and ask for more- luckily the story continues. Lovers of Haddix's Shadow Children books will not be disappointed. 

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. (2008). Found. New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 314 pages. ISBN: 978-1-416-95421-7.

Ages 8-10
Rating: High Additional