The FIVE: Cool Books About Back-to-School

There's no denying it, folks. If you haven't started school yet, you might still have a few days left of sleeping in, staying up late, and spending all those hours in between at the beach or the park or camp (or even inside reading your favorite books or commenting on this blog!), but let's all just admit that summer is coming to a close.

But! Have no fear, because back-to-school is actually a really fun time of year. Think about it: school supplies! Shiny new sneakers! Lockers that will hopefully open! It's a time for new beginnings, and to celebrate, here are my top five favorite books about the first day of school (in order of younger readers to older!):

1. Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish: This gem of a book marks the first time readers got to see what crazy Amelia was like as a kid. Is it any surprise that she's just as wacky and hilarious as the adult Amelia?

2. Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary: Ramona the restless is more like it! It's the first day of kindergarten, and Ramona is off to school just like her big sister Beezus. Too bad it's not quite what she expected.

3. Judy Moody Was in a Mood. Not a Good Mood. A Bad Mood by Megan McDonald: Third grade is not for wimps, and Judy Moody is more than a bit wary about what the new school year will bring. Turns out, it brings a whole new perspective after her teacher assigns a “Me” collage and Judy discovers more about herself than she imagined.

4. The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life by Lauren Myracle: It's the beginning of middle school, and Allison unknowingly arrives with the most embarrassing accessory clinging to her pant leg. The day doesn't get any easier, but Allison learns to trust herself.

5. Reluctantly Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor: Alice can't understand what's so special about the first day of seventh grade, except maybe that school ends a whole half hour earlier. She vows to make it a year to remember, though – which proves harder than she imagined.

Any of these back-to-school stories ring true for any of you? Leave a comment about your favorite back-to-school books!

–Morgan, Scholastic staffer

The FIVE: Best Things about Summer in the City

I'm convinced that I'm solar-powered. If it's cloudy out, I'm in a bad mood. If it's sunny out, I feel like I could run a marathon, do a 4-hour stand-up comedy show for a crowd of thousands, and write a novel. And wail at guitar. All at once. So it's a good thing summer is here, because a few more weeks of bad weather and I probably would have alienated my friends and family for good. But that's just one of . . .

THE FIVE REASONS SUMMER IN NEW YORK CITY IS SO GREAT!

1. The weather. ‘Nuff said I think.
2. The sunsets. Alright, so it's a little mushy, maybe, but picture this: you're playing Frisbee in the park. Your parents are cooking up some food on the grill, and that mouth-watering smoky smell is kinda hanging in the air. The sun is going down, and just as it's getting too dark to play, your parents call you over for tasty chow. You sit back on the grass, fresh burger in hand, and watch the sky turn purple and orange. Isn't that the definition of summer bliss?
3. The concerts. I don't know if you've seen the lineup of FREE summer concerts in New York, but it includes such favorites of yours and mine as Green Day, The Jonas Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, Black Eyed Peas, All-American Rejects, Natasha Bedingfield, et al. What other city can boast that? I love my hometown of Chicago to death, but we never had anything like the free shows that Today and Good Morning America put on. Of course, you've gotta convince your parents to get up around 5 AM to see them . . . or you could always watch the concerts on TV if you can't make it to the live show in New York!
4. The fashion. Now I gotta admit — I'm no fashion connoisseur. I wore nothing but sweatpants until I was 12, still own (and wear!) t-shirts I had when I was in 8^th grade, and wear white flip-flops, much to the dismay of pretty much everyone I know. (I think they look cool . . .) But living in New York has definitely made me step up my fashion game. Just by being around all these amazingly well-dressed people, their classiness and taste tends to rub off on you. If you feel stumped about wardrobe assembly, take a trip to NYC in the summer — when people dont have to hide their outfits in bulky overcoats — and take some notes.
5. The mood. Maybe I'm not the only one who's solar-powered, ‘cause it seems like everyone is happier between May and September. New York is notoriously grumpy, but in the summer everyone walks around with . . . well, not a smile on their faces, but something close to that. There's just less stress, less worry. It's like everyone wakes up in the morning and thinks, "Relax, baby! It's the summer!" Chicago is definitely like that too, though, and so is D.C. Hmm . . .

OK, so maybe it's not the best things about summer in NYC — maybe it's just the best things about summer, period! Whatever, who cares. I'm gonna hit the park! Later, Splotters!

— Jack, STACKS Staffer

The FIVE: Best Summer Movies

It’s technically still summer, even though school is starting again soon, or maybe even already has started again for you! So what do you want to do at the end of a long day, or a long week? Grab some popcorn, a pizza, a couple of ice-cold Cokes (think I’ll have one right now. . .), open the windows, and plop yaself down on the couch to relax with one of these great summer DVDs! What makes a great summer movie? A few things: a) No drama. Summer is fun, and drama is not. It should have a lot of action, romance or hilarity. b) Should be recent. The classics are great and all, but when you’re kicking back with that Coke in your hand, you don’t want your parents lecturing you about why the cinematography in Citizen Kane was so revolutionary.

1.       Finding Nemo. My affection for Wall-E is established at this point, but when it comes to Pixar movies for the summer, you can’t beat the one that’s about the ocean. (Rated G)

2.       Indiana Jones. This one has action, romance, AND is really funny. The rare trifecta! Plus there’s Harrison Ford, who might just be the coolest person to ever walk the earth. Indiana Jones 4 was naught but a pale shadow of the Nazi-punching joy of the original. (Rated PG-13)

3.       Pirates of the Caribbean. I feel weird putting a recent summer blockbuster on here, especially one that involves Jerry Bruckheimer, king of all that is cheesy about summer movies, but I think we all know that the first Pirates was something pretty special. It was way better and more fun than it had any right to be, and all that swashbuckling adventure stuff just screams “SUMMER!” to me for some reason. (Rated PG-13)

4.       Singin’ in the Rain. Breaking my own rule about “no classics” here, but this one will never get old. Talk about romance! (Rated G)

5.       Riding Giants. The ultimate summer movie. An Indie documentary about surfing, with some of the most beautiful cinematography ever (there I go again!) and a really great soundtrack. Nothing but sun, beaches and the ocean. Watching it never fails to put me in a good mood. (Rated PG-13)

Enjoy the summer, Splotters – it seems like it’ll last forever, but autumn will be here before you know it!

— Jack, STACKS Staffer

The FIVE: Coolest Libraries in the World

What's better than a library? Well . . . DANCE PARTIES. OK, but after that? Nothing!

Library fact #1: They look sweet.

Library fact #2: They hold zillions of books.

Library fact #3: The books are all FREE!

Not sure what else there is to say! The world is full of amazingly gorgeous libraries, and sometimes I find myself surfing the web, looking at library pictures, wishing I could go to one and just sit there and read for hours . . .

With that in mind, I'd like to present (sigh) the Five Coolest-Looking Libraries On Earth!

Strahov Philosophical Hall, Prague
If you ever saw Beauty and the Beast, this is what I remember the Beast’s library looking like.

Austrian National Library, Vienna
The ceilings are so tall it kinda seems like a lot of wasted space. (Think how many more books could fit there!) But it sure is beautiful.

Suzzallo Library, Seattle

This looks more like a castle than an actual library, but who cares? It makes me want to read Harry Potter.

Trinity College Library, Dublin

This place is so big it can fit like a megajillion books! Think how long it would take you to read all of those, and how much smarter you would be after you did.

New York Public Library, NYC

Well here's one I don't have to rely on the Internet for – it's a few blocks from where I'm sitting right now! And let me tell you, it's magnificent. Huge and hushed and very welcoming with those famous lions out front. If you ever find yourself in the city, come check it out!

That's all I got, Splotters! Any other cool libraries I should know about?

— Jack, STACKS Staffer

The FIVE: Detectives and Spies

I've always thought it would be so cool to be a spy or detective. Besides getting all that really cool gear, you'd be able to solve cases and find out secrets that no one else could. But unfortunately for me there are three things getting in my way of being an ultimate spy and/or detective. One, I'm about as graceful as a chicken on skates. I'd probably blow my cover by knocking over something or running into a wall. Two, spies need good hearing, and mine is less than stellar. I'd most likely mistake "I took the money" for "I'll look for honey." And third, detectives need to pay really close attention to detail, which definitely rules me out. You know you're looking for ketchup in the fridge and can't find it, but it turns out that it’s really right in front of your face? Yeah, that's me.

So in lieu of my improbable future job as a detective, I live through the characters in books. I bring you my Top Five Favorite Detectives and Spies!

Nathan Fox from Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times by L. Brittney
When I think of Nathan Fox I think of James Bond 007 if he lived in Old England during the time of Shakespeare. What makes Nathan Fox an amazing spy is he's also a gifted actor. This old school spy has all the skills needed: acting, swordplay, dagger-throwing, street fighting, code breaking and intelligence gathering. Oh and did I forget to mention that Nathan is one of the key players in influencing Shakespeare's stories? That is if he makes it through all of his missions alive of course . . .

Benny, Violet, Henry and Jessie Alden from The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

No matter what your circumstances are or where you live, these kids show that anyone can be a detective. What's awesome about the Alden's is that they can stick together and never once get into a fight. Heck, if I tried solving a mystery with my brother, things would be sure to go awry. However, what would happen if the Alden's tried solving something like "The Missing Television Remote Control"? Now that would be sure to spark disagreements between the brothers and sisters.

Evie and Andrew from the Spy X series by Peter Lerangis
Though I'd be a terrible detective and spy, I'd definitely rise to the occasion if my mother went missing. That's why Evie and Andrew make it on my top five list! When a case becomes personal...watch out because there is no stopping two children on the hunt for their mom.

Frank and Joe Hardy from The Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon
Two handsome teenage boys on a mission to make their town safer...how could I not include them on the list? These two brothers have been solving mysteries for over eighty years with their exciting stories. They've solved about any crime and mystery imaginable: murders, drug peddling, race horse kidnapping, diamond smuggling, medical malpractice, big-time auto theft, and even hijacking of strategic materials and espionage. Now if that doesn’t get them a job with the CIA or FBI, I don't know what will!

Nancy Drew from the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene

I certainly couldn't have a top five detective and spy list without the famed Nancy Drew, now could I? As a role model for all young girls, Nancy Drew is the epitome of a strong and independent young heroine. Hailed as the "teen detective queen," Ms. Drew never lets us down, solving any mystery that comes her way.

After listing my top favorite spies and detectives, I kind of want to go out and find my own mystery to solve. However, due to my obstacles and weaknesses listed above, maybe I'll just stick to crossword puzzles and cryptograms.

— Carly M., STACKS Staffer

THE FIVE: Best Books about Camp!

Ratha's post about the Camp Confidential series got me thinking about my own camp experiences. I've only been to cheerleading camp, which I don't consider “real” camp because instead of spending all day taking swimming lessons in a lake or making arts & crafts, I was stuck in a gym, practicing back handsprings and losing my voice. In other words, my camp experience was nothing like what I imagined!

Luckily, I got my fill of sleep-away camp thanks to reading. (And really, isn't that the coolest part of reading? That you can travel to places you've never been, without even leaving your house?) So, if you're like me and you love reading books set at camps, check out my list of THE FIVE best books about camp!

5. There's a Bat in Bunk Five by Paula Danziger
After reading this one, I reconsidered my dreams of sleep-away camp. Because, bats?! IN MY BUNK? No, thank you! In this book, Marcy gets to be a junior counselor at a creative arts camp, and she's psyched about spending the summer away from her family and reinventing herself. The problems begin when she meets her charges in bunk five. Can she handle them and all the challenges they bring?

4. Camp Nowhere (The Nightmare Room #9) by R. L. Stine
Haunted camps are the best! In this book by uber-scary author R. L. Stine, Russell is a senior camper and is ready to make his mark. The canoe trip over the legendary Forbidden Falls is just the place to do it . . . or is it? Russell must overcome his fear, or put up with his co-campers' teasing for the rest of the summer!

3. The Big Camp Secret (Sweet Valley Twins Super Edition) by Francine Pascal
Speaking of haunted camps, this one is by far my favorite Sweet Valley Twins book! Elizabeth and Jessica are away for two weeks at sleep-away camp, and they waste no time diving into all the fun. But a mysterious light at an abandoned house near the camp draws their attention, and camp lore has them wondering if the grounds are haunted! The twist in this book happens pretty quickly, but the twins spend the rest of their time in camp trying to keep their big secret. 

2. Letters from Camp by Kate Klise
Camp Harmony is supposed to be a place for sparring brothers and sisters to learn how to get along. But this summer's batch of campers finds the whole thing to be just plain weird: strange uniforms, gross food, and chores all day long! Told through letters, memos, menus, and other documents, you'll discover just what's behind the wacky Camp Harmony!

1. Help! I'm Trapped in the First Day of Summer Camp by Todd Strasser
Jake's first day of camp turns out pretty rotten. But tomorrow's another day, right? Wrong! Jake keeps waking up to relive the same awful day over and over again. He's sure he just needs to figure out what he's doing wrong in order to break the cycle. But at camp, it's not so easy to tell right from wrong! (Interestingly, the dilemma of the repeating day is also central to the book 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass, which I reviewed for Ink Splot a while back. Do I detect a pattern in my favorite stories?)

So, what sorts of camps do you readers go to? Leave a comment and let me know!

— Morgan, Scholastic Staffer

The FIVE: Best Greek Mythological Figures

Don't you just love Greek mythology? I know I sure do. I mean, come on, it's like one of the first soap operas ever. You have Zeus, king of the Gods. Then there's Ares, the God of War -- of course he's the one who starts all the world's conflicts and battles. And then there's Hephaestus, son of Zeus, who is married to Aphrodite, but she doesn't love him because he is ugly, and then she goes and cheats on him with Ares. Talk about drama! And that's only one of the shockers facing the Greek mythological figures. It's no wonder we're still reading the famous works of Homer, Euripides, and Sophocles after all these years — look at all the great material they wrote!

Well, you might not be familiar with Homer's The Odyssey, Euripides' The Bacchae, or Sophocles' Oedipus the King. But have you heard of a little series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan? If you said, "Heck, yeah!" then you already know a bit about Greek mythology.

However, if you aren't familiar with any famous figures of Greek mythology, then get ready to meet my top five:

5. Poseidon
I just love the sea — the waves, the dolphins, everything! — and that's why the god of the sea, Poseidon himself, makes it on my top five list. Unfortunately, he's also the god of earthquakes, but I'm just going to let that slide for the moment because what other god can make horses out of sea foam? That's pretty cool in my book. Wonder what Poseidon looks like? For some reason, King Triton in Disney's The Little Mermaid comes to mind.

4. Aphrodite
She's the goddess who all the Gods on Mount Olympus fought over. In a competition between goddesses, she was even deemed the most beautiful by Paris of Troy. Unfortunately, that didn't end well considering it spawned a war known as the Battle of Troy. Ring a bell? I'm talking about the one . . . the only . . . Aphrodite, the goddess of love, lust, and beauty. But remember, such extreme beauty can be deceiving and often lead to tough circumstances.

3. Nike
Nike, depicted with wings in most paintings and statues, was a goddess who personified triumph throughout the ages. As the goddess of strength, speed, and victory, it only made sense that Nike was friends with Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Together, they could make mortals fittingly wise and victorious.

2. Apollo
Without the god of music, prophecies, poetry, and archery, how dull would parties be . . . honestly? That's what I thought! Not only would Apollo have been the life of every shindig (surely he'd bring the tunes and tell great stories), but he would have been the hottest one there since he was also often referred to as the most beautiful of the gods. Cute god + music + poetry = my kind of guy!

1. Kronos
Who is even more powerful than the almighty Zeus, king of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus? That would be Zeus' father, Kronos. Well, that was until he was overthrown by his own sons, Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. But before that day, Kronos ruled during the so-called Golden Age and was revered for his devotion to harvesting.

Those are my top five picks from the many Greek mythological figures written about over time. After all, I didn't even include most of the Olympian deities, Primordial deities, Titans, Cyclopes, river gods, nymphs, or giants! I really wonder how people in ancient Greece kept all of these mythological figures straight. Well, I suppose it's similar to knowing the entire cast of High School Musical as well as all of the songs and lyrics from HSM1 through HSM3 . . .

— Carly M., STACKS Staffer

THE FIVE: Best Beach Reads

I grew up on the beach, so packing a bag and a cold sandwich and walking down to the scalding hot sand was a regular part of my summer vacation. We always brought some standards -- fresh fruit, LOTS of sunblock (I learned my lesson early on, after a particularly bad sunburn!), plenty of beach towels, and of course, a few things to keep us entertained for when the waves got too rough or the sun got too bright.

As we head into the summer season now, I got to thinking about the best beach books — you know, those titles that so clearly capture what the summertime is all about: relaxing, swimming, friendships, and exploring! So here are my top five choices for the best beach reads:

5. Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman (ages 10-14)
Hailey and Claire are best friends, but it seems like this summer, everything is changing. Claire's family is moving away, and even their regular summer hangout — the beach club — is closing at the end of the season. Hoffman is one of my favorite authors, with her magical and mystical stories; this one is classic Hoffman, because one day the girls discover that a bad storm has delivered a mermaid to the shore. It should be simple enough to rescue the ever-weakening mermaid by bringing her back to the ocean, but alas, she's in love with the boy running the beach club's gift shop. Strange and dreamy, this beach read was turned into a feature film a few years ago. Check it out!

4. Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford (ages 9-12)
Raise your hand if you've ever put off a homework assignment! Well, we've all been there, and in this book, poor Moxy has put off her summer reading homework so long that she now has exactly one day to do it all. But she can't help it if things keep getting in the way — like inventing stuff, or gardening. Will she finally read her homework before it's too late? This hilarious book will leave you relieved that YOU haven't waited until the last minute to complete your summer homework. (Hint, hint.)

3. Summer Reading is Killing Me! (The Time Warp Trio) by Jon Scieszka (ages 7-10)
Speaking of summer reading lists, have you ever misplaced yours? Sam, Fred, and Joe (members of the Time Warp Trio) find themselves stuck in the pages of books – literally! Now they have to deal with 266-pound chickens and other crazy book characters in order to help save the heroes of kids' literature. A helpful reminder to keep your summer homework in a safe place!

2. Boy-Crazy Stacey (The Baby-sitters Club #8) by Ann M. Martin (ages 9-12)
This one holds a special place in my heart because in it, Stacey and Mary Anne spend two glorious weeks with the Pike family in Sea City, New Jersey — which was modeled after the beach towns I grew up near! This title has everything I love about summer: boardwalks, beach days, miniature golf, salt water taffy . . . I could go on. As usual, some baby-sitting crises arise, but Stacey and Mary Anne manage to come out on top and learn some key lessons.

1. Alice the Brave by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (ages 9-12)
At some point growing up I realized not everyone is as fond of the water as I am. Take Alice, who's about to enter 8th grade. She and her friends spend all their days at a friend's swimming pool — sounds relaxing, right? Well, not for Alice, because she's way too busy hiding her fear of deep water from her friends — who, meanwhile, are busy with secrets and changes of their own. A great beach read for those of you who maybe don't love the beach as much as I do! 

So what about you all? When you go to the beach, which books do you like to read?

— Morgan, Scholastic Staffer

The FIVE: Best Baseball Reads

Swing Batter Batter Swing!
Strike! You're outta here!
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks . . .

What's the most famous American pastime -- and has also changed how Americans live today? Baseball! With important events such as Jackie Robinson breaking down color barriers, Babe Ruth's historic home runs, and the introduction of many significant athletes, baseball has made a major impact on American history.

Because of baseball's crucial role in US history, it's no wonder so many authors have written books about this fundamental pastime. So as we dive into another exciting season of baseball, get pumped up with my top five baseball reads:

5. The Prince of Fenway Park by Julianna Baggott
If you're a fan of baseball, especially a fan of the Boston Red Sox, you'll love this book. Join 12-year-old Oscar Egg as he takes on what he believes is a curse on his favorite team. Will he be able to break the curse deep below Fenway Park in time for the Sox to win the World Series? [Note: Even Yankees' fans will want to read this exciting story!]

4. The Brooklyn Nine: A Novel in Nine Innings by Alan Gratz
Step back in time as the Schneider kids take you through their baseball experiences and connections, from old-time Brooklyn to today. While reading about the games and team adventures that the Schneiders' embark on, you'll witness how the sport of baseball has fundamentally changed and yet remained the same.

3. Safe At Home by Sharon Robinson
Who knew a 10-year-old's summer could be so terrible?! Meet Elijiah Breeze, a.k.a. Jumper. His father just passed away, he has to leave his secure suburban home in Connecticut for his mother's home in the hectic area of Harlem in New York City, and he has to trade in basketball, his favorite sport, for baseball camp. Discover how Jumper fares as he struggles to adjust to a new life, a new sport, and a new world.

2. Heat by Mike Lupica
In this heartwarming yet fast-paced, exhilarating novel, Mike Lupica offers readers an exciting look into the world of baseball. A former sports columnist for The New York Daily News, Mike Lupica is the go-to author for kids' sports reads. In this book Lupica invites us into the home of Michael Arroyo, a poor Cuban boy living in the Bronx with his older brother after losing both of his parents. With all Michael has lost — his home, his parents, and his friends from Cuba — Michael still has baseball. Follow Michael as he tries to overcome the obstacles hindering him from doing what he loves best: playing baseball.

1. The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
What would you do if the fate of your town rested on winning one baseball game? Now, that's a lot of pressure! Author John H. Ritter captures this very problem as he introduces Tom Gallagher, the boy who has to save the town and the sport of baseball. The good news is he has a plan. The bad news? It's going to be extremely challenging . . .

You don't have to be a fan of baseball to enjoy these books. They aren't just about the sport, but they are also about forming lasting friendships, enduring hardships, and overcoming obstacles.

— Carly M., STACKS Staffer

THE FIVE: Best Horse Books

In real life, I've never ridden a horse. But in my imagination, spurred on by my obsession with horse books, I've trotted along a trail and galloped across the finish line ahead of my competition over and over again. So for those of you looking to lose yourself in some good horse books, here's five to check out:

The FIVE: Best Sidekicks From Books

Imagine this: a tired hobbit is climbing up the side of an enormous active volcano. A very heavy ring sits on a chain around his neck; the weight of the ring is making the individual chain links cut into his skin. He hasn't had food or drink for days, and since leaving his home months ago he's been stabbed, tied up in a web, and chased by orcs. He keeps climbing, determined to make it to the top, but eventually fatigue wins out and he collapses on the side of the volcano. The end. Game over. Evil triumphs and proceeds to make life generally miserable for everyone.

Bad ending, huh? That's what would have happened in Lord of the Rings if Frodo hadn't had Sam at his side. As we all know (or if not, SPOILER ALERT!), what really happens after Frodo collapses is that Sam picks him up, carries him to the top, and saves his life/the world. Which raises the question: how many of our favorite stories only turned out the way they did because of a courageous sidekick? To honor these unsung heroes, I'd like to present the Five Best Sidekicks Ever.

5. Peeta, The Hunger Games (for ages 12 and up)
While the debate rages on on the Hunger Games message board about who Katniss should end up with, one thing is pretty obvious: without Peeta and the dramatized love story he helped her pull off, Katniss might not have made it to the end of the games. The fact that he actually does love her just adds a whole new twist to this hero-sidekick relationship. That relationship will probably be one of the focal points of the sequel (also ages 12 and up), Catching Fire (which comes out September 1, 2009) — at least, I hope so!

4. Snowy, The Adventures of Tintin
Part of me thinks it might be a good idea to keep a Wire Fox Terrier around at all times in case I ever get tied up by some mustache-twirling villain. Snowy has chewed through ropes that were tying Tintin's hands many, many times. Plus, he's just really funny and pretty darned cute. Snowy is actually so famous in Europe (where he's known as "Milou") that he appeared on a 10-euro coin back in 2004, next to his pal Tintin.

3. Ron/Hermione, Harry Potter
This is tricky, 'cause technically Ron and Hermione are actually two people. But there's no question that Harry needed them BOTH to defeat You-Know-Who, and how can you pick Ron over Hermione or vice versa? Hermione's so smart, always coming up with brainy solutions or providing a crucial bit of magical trivia. And Ron is unflinchingly loyal, supportive, and brave. But if I really had to pick one, I guess I'd . . . nah, I can't do it! To make up for that cop-out, here's the recently released two-minute trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, out in only a couple months . . .

2. Bean, Ender's Game
Bean was already really cool in Ender's Game. The tiny supergenius helped Ender develop some of his best Battle Room strategies, and he was right there at his side when Ender started training on the asteroid. But Bean got even cooler in Ender's Shadow, the "parallel" companion novel to Ender's Game, in which it's revealed that Bean was behind a lot of the successes and "lucky breaks" that helped make Ender a star — for example, he helped put together Ender's army using undervalued, unappreciated players. (Although part of me wonders why Orson Scott Card wanted to undermine his original protagonist . . . )

1. Sam, Lord of the Rings
Not much doubt about this one, was there? Almost everything that Frodo goes through, Sam goes through as well — and in the end, he's the one who has the strength to actually pick Frodo up and carry him up that mountain. In a lot of ways, Sam is the emotional heart of that whole story, especially as Frodo becomes more and more distant towards the end. Sean Astin's strong performance as Samwise Gamgee in the movies ensures, thankfully, that this character will be remembered for a long time.

Who are your favorite sidekicks? Let me know in the comments!

— Jack, STACKS Staffer

THE FIVE: This Book Is Making Me Hungry - Part 2

After reading my blog entry THE FIVE: This Book Is Making Me Hungry - Part 1, you all must think I am either an amazing baker or about two hundred pounds after trying out all those recipes. I must admit I am not a very good baker, nor am I two hundred pounds; however, I do LOVE reading fiction and looking at fun recipes, so that’s the reason like I finding cookbooks based on fictional books.

If you enjoyed part one, then check out today's entry where you'll find more fun, festive, and no longer fictional recipes.

Mary Poppins in the Kitchen: A Cookery Book with a Story by P. L. Travers
She's everyone's favorite English nanny! With her endless bag of goodies, creative quips, and innovative methods, only this nanny would let you mix sugar with your medicine to make it taste good. Author P. L. Travers has filled this cookbook with an abundance of recipes that will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth, such as cherry pie, jam tarts, candy kisses, lemon soufflé, and a dish called the Queen of Puddings. Yum yum!

The Boxcar Children Cookbook by Diane Blaine
Growing up, I absolutely loved the Boxcar Children series! Not only did Violet, Benny, Jessie, and Henry Alden solve interesting mysteries, but these orphans (who lived out of a boxcar) always seemed to make the most delicious-sounding food with the simplest ingredients. So if you like simple and yet scrumptious food without the hassle of tons of ingredients, you’ll want to try out this cookbook. Plus, cooking in a kitchen is undoubtedly a lot easier than cooking in a boxcar.

The Fairy Tale Cookbook: Fun Recipes for Families to Create and Eat Together by Sandre Moore
Who can resist a good fairy tale? I know I certainly can't! But when you mix a fairy tale with food, it's even better! That's why I recommend this cookbook. With recipes such as Aladdin's Date Bread, Sleeping Beauty's Birthday Cake, Cinderella's Pumpkin Pie, Grinch’s Green Beans, and many more, you'll wish you had a magic wand so that you could immediately try all the recipes in here.

Disney Recipes: From Animation to Inspiration by Ira L. Meyer and Marcello Garofalo
What do you get when you mix the world of Disney with a cup of chefs, a couple tablespoons of creativity, a few teaspoons of innovation, and a dash of pizazz? Bam! You get a cookbook completely inspired by a plenitude of Disney movies and their characters. Though I don't currently own this cookbook, I'm looking forward to getting it because it is my kind of cookbook! With nutritional information, easy recipes, quotes from the characters, and most importantly, pictures of the food, this cookbook is sure not to disappoint. Plus, with recipes such as Merlin's Magical Broth, Mickey Mouse's Special Breakfast, Peter Pan's Crispy Spinach with “Pixie Dust," and more, this cookbook will have you acting and singing along to your favorite Disney movies in no time.

Fairies Cookbook by Barbara Beery
Author Holly Black is absolutely right about what people usually think of fairies. I know I think of fairies as cute pixies with wings, dressed in pink flowing gowns, and flying around sprinkling fairy dust, much like the Disney fairies we're all so familiar with. Though Holly Black would probably quiver in her shoes when seeing this cookbook, I personally find it totally sweet . . . and I mean that literally. With recipes organized according to whimsical categories — Sugar Plum Fairies, Garden Fairies, Rainbow Fairies, Snowflake Fairies, and Secret Fairies — you'll probably want to throw on some fairy wings and dance around the house when tasting these unbelievable morsels. However, I wouldn't recommend using sugar as fairy dust unless you want a sticky floor.

Now I only wish more books would come out with fun, themed recipes. For example, how cool would it be to have a cookbook based on The 39 Clues series? Or maybe an Allie Finkle cookbook of cupcakes? That sounds good to me! What kind of cookbook would you love to see?

— Carly M., STACKS Staffer