Build Stuff!

Caney, Steven. Steven Caney's Ultimate Building Book. Running Press Kids, 2006. ISBN 978-0762404094. Ages 9-14. http://www.amazon.com/Steven-Caneys-Ultimate-Building-Book/dp/0762404094/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1286571985&sr=1-1

Find everything you ever wanted to know about how to build things in this book. Learn about the history and different types of buildings and structures. Then gather the tools and materials you will need to create your own buildings with rods and connectors, bricks and blocks, and panels and planes. From toothpick bridges to sugar-cube castles to one-tarp tents, learn how to build just about anything with this inventive how-to guide.

Make Magic!

King, Mac. Mac King's Campfire Magic: 50 Amazing, Easy-to-Learn Tricks and Mind-Blowing Stunts Using Cards, String, Pencils, and Other Stuff from Your Knapsack.  Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2010.  ISBN 978-1579128296.  http://www.amazon.com/Kings-Campfire-Magic-Easy-Learn/dp/1579128297/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286571695&sr=1-1

Mac King is a serious magician who loves to make people laugh.  This book, with illustrations that are at first glance silly and cartoonish, can help you learn serious magic and make people laugh too.  The explanations are clear, supplies are easily obtained, and the spirit of fun that infuses the book will keep you coming back for more!

Become an Artist, or Just Draw Like One!

Sautter, Aaron.  The Boys' Guide to Drawing Aliens, Warriors, Robots, and Other Cool Stuff.  Capstone Press, 2008.  ISBN 978-1429629171.  http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Drawing-Aliens-Warriors-Robots/dp/1429629177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286567708&sr=1-1

Aaron Sautter specializes in drawing things boys like, and this book is a collection of some of the best.  Aliens, monsters, cars, trucks and more are all broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.  Once you’ve mastered the basics, add your own special touches to create a universe of cool creatures that no one else could have imagined!

Rock On!

Brown, Jimmy. Beginning Rock Guitar for Kids: A Fun, Easy Approach to Playing Today’s Rock Guitar Styles (CD Included). Hal Leonard Corporation, 2006. ISBN 978-1423411314. Ages 9-14. http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Rock-Guitar-Kids-Approach/dp/1423411315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286219317&sr=1-1

Learn how to play guitar in a real rock band with this simple beginner's guide. While most beginning guitar books have kids strumming out the chords to "Yankee Doodle" or "Home On The Range," this book will have tweens rocking out to modern rock songs while learning the basics of playing an electric guitar. A great introduction to the world of rock music for anyone wanting to play the guitar.

Surf the Sidewalk!

Werner, Doug, & Badillo, Steve. Skateboarder’s Start-Up: A Beginner’s Guide to Skateboarding (2^nd ed.). Tracks Publishing, 2009. ISBN 978-1884654343. Ages 9-14. http://www.amazon.com/Skateboarders-Start-Up-Beginners-Skateboarding-Sports/dp/1884654347/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286219217&sr=8-1

This beginner's guide to skateboarding introduces skateboarding as a personal expression and a challenge. Tweens can learn about the anatomy of the skateboard and get a feel for the basics. The book also introduces 14 essential tricks that every beginner must learn. With over 350 photos, this easy-to-read guide will have tweens surfing the sidewalk in no time!

Take a Sheet of Paper into the Third Dimension!

Nguyen, Duy.  Uber Origami:  Every Origami Project Ever!  Sterling Innovation, 2010.  ISBN 978-1402771842.  http://www.amazon.com/Uber-Origami-Every-Project-Ever/dp/1402771843/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286565872&sr=1-1

Did you know that "uber" means "extreme" in German?  This book is truly the ultimate extreme book on origami.  Duy Nguyen is a master, and his newest book takes you from the basics to projects that include airplanes, submarines and dinosaurs.  Who knew there were origami submarines?  And you don’t need fancy paper, you can use a dollar bill or junk mail.  Even old homework.  What an awesome way to recycle!

Make 'em Laugh!

Klutz editors.  The Encyclopedia of Immaturity.  Klutz, 2007.  ISBN 978-1591744276.  http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Immaturity-Klutz-1-editors/dp/159174427X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1286565494&sr=1-1

In the mood to annoy parents and teachers, or just be a little silly?  This is the book for you.  It contains literally hundreds of quick how-tos, and none of them (or at least very few of them) will help you get better grades.  Learn how to clonk your head on a wall with great sound effects and no injury, win unfair bets with your friends, and make fake vomit.  So immature!  So much fun!