Iron Man keeps kids reading!

exerpt from: Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 4/19/2010 2:53:00 PM

"Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 (PG-13), a live-action movie from Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures based on the Marvel Comics character, jet-boots into theaters on May 7, 2010. This sequel to the box-office hit Iron Man (2008) is also directed by Jon Favreau, with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark—billionaire industrialist, brilliant inventor, consummate playboy, and the eponymous superhero. This time around, the world knows that Stark is Iron Man, and the pressure is mounting—from the press, the public, and the government—for him to share his technology with the military.

However, Stark, who is worried that the information will fall into the wrong hands, is determined to keep his armor suit secrets to himself. Pepper Potts (once again played by Gwyneth Paltrow), newly promoted to a leadership role in Stark Industries, remains his staunch supporter, but a conflict is brewing with his old friend James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle), whose position in the Air Force has him advocating for Stark to give up the goods. Scarlett Johansson takes on the part of Natasha

Romanoff (a.k.a. Black Widow), Stark’s new assistant who may or may not be a spy, while Mickey Rourke plays Ivan Vanko (Whiplash), a frightening villain with a knack for engineering cutting-edge technology and a years-old beef against Iron Man. With Whiplash and other powerful forces unleashed, Stark will need all of the allies he can find to keep the world safe from evil.

Kids can visit the official Web site to get the specs on the characters and access videos, downloads, and photos. An “Extras” option links viewers to the “Stark Expo 2010” homepage, an international exhibition (originally launched by Stark’s father in the 1950s) designed to highlight “the technological wonders that will enhance lives everywhere.” Included are an introductory letter from Stark, a promo about the 1974 Expo (complete with old-timey footage of Stark’s father), a slick-looking clip spotlighting the 2010 event, and a rotatable map of the grounds. Send readers interested in exploring Iron Man’s history, the bios and back stories of other comic-book personas, and the entire Marvel Comics Universe to their Web site."

Book Tie-ins
"Several Iron Man and Iron Man 2 titles" are available at the Lancaster Public Library. "The punch-packing covers—adorned with colorful artwork and photos from the film—are sure to entice movie fans." Click on the links below to see where the item is available.

1 The rise of Iron Man written by Michael Teitelbaum. 2010. Early Reader Level 4

2 Iron Man springs into action! 2010. Board Book, ages 0-3

3 Iron Man : the junior novel written by Stephen Sullivan ; based on the screenplay by Ma...c2008. chapter book

4 Iron Man : I am Iron Man adapted by Lisa Rao ; pictures by Guido Guidi ; based on th...c2008. Early Reader Level 2

5 Iron Man. Armored avenger / writers, Fred van Lente ... [et al.] ; ar...c2008. Juvenile Graphic Novel, all ages

6 Marvel adventures Iron Man writer, Fred Van Lente; pencilers, James Cordeiro & Ronan C...2007. Juvenile Graphic Novel series

7 Friends and enemies written by Michael Teitelbaum. 2010. Early Reader Level 3

8 Deep freeze by Frank Berrios ; illustrated by Michael Borkowski. c2009. Picture Book

9 The creeping doom Fred Van Lente, writer ; Ronan Cliquet, penciler ; Amilton...2009. Juvenile Graphic Novel

10 Enter the dragon Fred Van Lente, writer ; James Cordeiro, penciler ; Scott K...2009. Juvenile Graphic Novel

11 Heart of steel Fred Van Lente, writer ; James Cordeiro, penciler ; Scott K...2009. Juvenile Graphic Novel

12 Hostile takeover Fred Van Lente, writer ; James Cordeiro, penciler ; Gary Er...2009. Juvenile Graphic Novel.

13 The Crimson Dynamo returns! adapted by D.R. Shealy ; illustrated by Patrick Spaziante. c2009. Early Reader Level 3

14 Next avengers. Heroes of tomorrow [videorecording] / Lionsgate presents a...c2008. DVD format. Rated PG