Unbored: The Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun

by Joshua Glenn, Elizabeth Foy Larsen, Tony Leone

Unbored is the guide and activity book every modern kid needs. Vibrantly designed, lavishly illustrated, brilliantly walking the line between cool and constructive, it’s crammed with activities that are not only fun and doable but also designed to get kids engaged with the wider world. With contributions from a diverse crowd of experts, the book provides kids with information to round out their worldview and inspire them to learn more. From how-tos on using the library or writing your representative to a graphic history of video games, the book isn’t shy about teaching. Yet the bulk of the 350-page mega-resource presents hands-on activities that further the mission in a fun way, featuring the best of the old as well as the best of the new: classic science experiments, crafts and upcycling, board game hacking, code-cracking, geocaching, skateboard repair, yarn bombing, stop-action movie-making—plus tons of sidebars and extras, including trivia, best-of lists, and Q&As with leading thinkers whose culture-changing ideas are made accessible to kids for the first time.Just as kids begin to disappear into their screens, here is a book that encourages them to use those tech skills to be creative, try new things, and change the world. And it encourages parents to participate. Unbored is exciting to read, easy to use, and appealing to young and old, girl and boy. Parents will be comforted by its anti-perfectionist spirit and humor. Kids will just think it’s awesome.Contributors include: Mark Frauenfelder of MAKE magazine; Colin Beavan, the No Impact Man; Douglas Rushkoff, renowned media theorist; Geoff Manaugh, author of BLDGBLOG; John Edgar Park, a CG supervisor at DisneyToon Studios; and Jean Railla, founder of GetCrafty.com and Etsy consultant.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Childrens, Reference, Crafts, Family

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2012

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked this book out from my library system to see if it contained activities to do with my 7-year-old grandson. There are some activities and books that we could enjoy together, but most of it is geared toward a slightly older audience. If you have a gifted child, are home-schooling, or have a child with ADHD this book is full of great ideas. In fact, one section is titled "You have ADHD? Congratulations!" Having ADD/ADHD can make a kid's life tough, but there are benefits to having a busy brain: creativity, curiosity and persistence among them. If this book had been available 25 years ago, I definitely would have owned it to use with my son. I've got it on my wishlist, because I know my grandson will love the suggestions.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two complaints about this book (which, by the way is FULL of great ideas). One, it seems to have a slight problem identifying the age of its readers. Meaning, the directions sound like they're talking to my 7-year-old, but a lot of the stuff in the book requires you to be older and have a better understanding of things in the world, so I'd think 10 and up would be a better estimate. My son loved the section on "fart games," though. ;)

Second complaint, they list a LOT of "good books" for kids, but the publication dates are really old and not all of these are still relevant to today. The authors, particularly Joshua Glenn, seem to talk down to the kids that enjoy Harry Potter or Diary of a Wimpy Kid (hint: If you talked to your librarian, you would know that saying "this book is WAY better than that book you love" is no way to get a kid to read something) and value these older books more highly. While I agree that classics like A Wrinkle in Time hold up well and will still be loved by generations of kids to come, they could have picked some AMAZING overlooked books from the past five years or so instead of digging into the archives of what they liked as kids. For instance, When You Reach Me is a wonderful companion to A Wrinkle in Time and an award winner, too!

Overall, I thought this was a really well-done book. Towards the end there were some preachy bits, but I don't think that detracted too much. The size of the book means it really shouldn't be read cover-to-cover, but I think I will let my son explore and see if he wants to try any of the projects or ideas inside.

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, this book is full of lots fun ideas and things to do. And I appreciate that it isn't all cheesy craft projects. But it's weirdly preachy for a book all about how you should think for yourself and not let grownups tell you what to do. It was pretty good, with fun ideas, but also weirdly preachy moments, book and TV shows recommendations that may not be age appropriate for most kids and weird digs. (Why the hate for the M&M mascots and Harry Potter?) And in their attempts to make kids feel free from helicopter-parent grownups, the whole book reads like an insult towards grown-ups. It would, however, be fun to slam down onto the table next time someone complains that they're bored and there's nothing to do.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

As other reviewers have discussed, this is not a book you read straight through. It's subtitled a field guide and that it is. I did however go through the entire book and read several of the entries. If you love this book, you will likely find it preferable to buy it so you have it as a constant resource.

It's at a high reading level yet the language is directed towards children so it is definitely a book meant to be shared by the child and the "grown-up" (their term). As a former teacher, I like that element of book sharing. In my experience, it often builds reading enthusiasm and skills in the child.

This book makes me somewhat sad because I asked myself, "Are we at this point in our society when we have to instruct kids on how to use imagination and creativity?" What I like to think is that this book exposes families to novel ideas and resources that we just don't have the time to find independently anymore--or at least to organize into a concise and visually appealing field guide. The latter is better than the former though I offer no confirmation of its accuracy.

Here is a sample of some of the sections I dogmarked:

* Green Your Clean (how to make chemical free home and body cleaners using common household supplies)
* How to Criticize Everything (this is mostly re: film/art/music criticism. May prove helpful for writing better GoodReads reviews)
* Be a Citizen Scientist (You do not have to look beyond your own backyard or these websites to explore your universe.)
* Train your Grownup to Geocache (Self explanatory. I really want to geocache but I have to first buy treasures to leave behind.)

With DIY, related book excerpts, interesting facts, and resources for days, there is something for everyone in this book.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I confess I haven't read this book from cover to cover--more browsed through it with an eye toward whether or not I wanted to buy it (the copy I was looking at was from the library--I decided I did want to buy it). It puts me in mind of a book I had when I was a kid called The Hodgepodge Book or something. It was a big book full of rhymes, folklore, and superstition-type beliefs (things like if your palm itches, you will soon receive money, or that letting rain fall on your bare head will make your hair grow). This book has instructions for activities, as well as information about things like recycling and good movies by genre (musicals, etc).

This is a very valuable collection of ideas, activities and information. The one drawback I see to it is that some of these exercises require specialized equipment (e.g. LED lights and "button" batteries), things we don't commonly have around the house. This will mean a trip to the hardware store, and in my experience, by the time we get what we need for an activity, sufficient time may have passed that the activity no longer seems interesting. However, it's a risk I'm willing to take because there is so much in this book that could be engaging.

[Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbored features some of my favorite zine writers of the past. It is a book targeted to their children. I think it is an attempt to get youngsters interested in the passtimes of their elders. It reminds me of being taught hippy crafts like tie-dying, when I was a kid in the 80s. I have no idea if a child would enjoy Unbored.

[Mickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Only boring people get bored.” ― Ruth Burke
this is my kind of book--what to read, watch do and think about when you have the world at your feet. This is my new go-to gift book for kids 8-100.

[Robert Hudder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these type of books. When I was growing up, occasionally I would come across these books filled with activities. They would be the nub and the all of some subject on just a few pages. Each of those sections could then expand to fill a lifetime.

It makes sense more in this age of computing as it forces you to act in some way. There is just enough to interest you and pull you away from your screen and impel you into the world. Geocaching, cooking, homemade games, and activism are all together. Those are only a few of the many topics that get a decent introduction.

I tried to get my kids to read it earlier and they did to some extent. Now, as my youngest is hitting 14, there is still enough in here to meet his interest, if I can only get him to read it. But I think he will as we are having those discussions before cracking the book (making his own videogame, cooking, interesting movies to watch, making stop motion movies have all come up recently)

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers fun ideas, tips, games, facts and lists. Bit too old for this book, as it's really geared towards more kids to high-school (read it because coworkers showed it to me). Was a fun read to browse through, though.

[colomboamericana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun, but is a little outdated

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mix of activities & history / learning opportunities. Will be a good present as my cousins' kids get older.

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool for tweens and early teens to think about hobbies, interests, and values. Gives interesting and random factoids, like the history of food condiments.

[Clara · Rating 4 out of 5]

fairly decent read; yeah, it's outdated as all get out, but that's how nonfiction works, so I'm not concerned

[Kim Hunt]

Glenn, J., Glenn, J. d., Leone, T. l., Larsen, E., Larsen, E. d., & Kasunick, H. l. (2012). Unbored: the essential field guide to serious fun. Bloomsbury USA.

Professional Review: Surges, C. S. (2012). Unbored: The Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun. School Library Journal, 58(9), 163-164.


Reference Type: Handbook

Call Number: 790

Content Scope: This reference is recommended for grades 5 through 8 and is a collection of how-tos, inspirational articles, comics, and excerpts from literature which mixes learning new skills and fun. Giving kids information to learn more about their world.

Accuracy Authority Biased: Introductory articles by leaders in the field are included at the beginning of each subsection.

Arrangement and Presentation: Chapters in the book build upon one another progressing from you, to home, society, and adventure. Each chapter is divided further into subsection. Photo illustrations are included.

Relation to Similar Works: The library collection includes 5 other books on activities for kids but they are all craft type books.

Timelessness and Permanence: The book does include technological topics which may be out of date within 5 years.

Accessibility/ Diversity: The activities in this handbook vary from sedentary to active meeting the needs of kids diverse learning styles.


Cost: $25 each

[Lisa Daugherty]

Glenn, J. (2012). Unbored: The essential field guide to serious fun. New York:Bloomsbury, USA.

Citation by: Lisa Daugherty

Reference type: Handbook

Call Number: 790

Scope/Content: A litany of activities for young teens that can be done inside, outside, online, or offline.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: A book about having fun that hits the mark.

Arrangement/Presentation: Broken down into chapters with pictures on every page that help demonstrate the task at hand.

Relation to Similar Works: This is a unique book so there really is not anything else similar to it in the collection.

Timeliness/ Permanence: The ideas in the book will always be applicable fun suggestions for kids.

Accessibility/ Diversity: These ideas are good for most children and adults.

Cost: $17.00

Review: http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...

[Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're after something full of ideas and activities for the family/kids to keep occupied, this is a good book to leaf through.

You do have to take into account that despite the many fabulous suggestions to keep yourself "unbored", some of the references listed to apps and websites for further reading at the end of a section, are sadly no longer. I have no doubt that Google could help out with any requests for further information on a specific activity/topic, but who could be bothered, right!?

Negative aside, This book holds something for EVERYONE. If a coke and mentos geyser isn't your thing, a list of movie musicals for a movie night might be better....There really are SO many suggestions. If I had to pick a favourite page (or two!), I'd have to choose the ideas for journal keeping and also starting a blog.

[Carol Beggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The woman at the Bloomsbury booth at BookExpo America 2012 told me that [Book: Unbored:The Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun] would live up to its name, and it turns out she was telling the truth. I've already started on projects with the kids in my life. Who knew you shouldn't make solar iced tea with loose leaf tea because it might have bacteria in it and that won't get killed off by the heat of the sun? Not me. There are things to do online and things to do unplugged. It's a smart book and I expect I'll be buying tons of these this fall as gifts. Don't try to navigate a school break or a summer without this book. Don't tell my cousin Noelle, but I'm going to give her my now dog-eared edition of Unbored

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book that one would just sit down and read from cover to cover. It is a reference book, full of fun activities. I have truly enjoyed reading through the different lists and taking their advice and trying out some of their creative ideas. This book has everything from lists of the greatest sci-fi fiction, to lists of the best clean hip-hop, activities to keep you busy and creative for years on end like, create your own sketch book or build a cigar box guitar. It encourages making, crafting, learning and exploring in a fresh and exciting way. I would recommend to anyone and especially to those who have children or are hoping to someday.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for this book for some time (it had a HUGE hold list at my library!) and when I finally picked it up I was in awe of how big and bold it was! This is not a small book, it really is a comprehensive manual of anything and everything you can do indoors, outdoors, online, and offline!

I didn't read the whole thing, and I don't think that's what it's point is, but while I flipped through it I was amazed at the amount of activities it included. This is a book that is now on my "To-Buy" list because I know that once my daughter gets a bit older this will be a definite go to in our house!

[Rebecca Politzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really torn with this book on one hand it has a lot of really interesting things to do across a wide variety of platforms and instead of just whining about how kids spend too much time with technology they actually suggest interesting ways to use said technology it's really nice to see one of these types of books adapted to the modern world , that being said oh boy does it get preachy at times the worst of it is definitely when they recommend books and definitely come off as having that annoying hipster e old books are so much better attitude and there's a kind of eye-rolling section about unschooling, so it does acknowledge that homeschooling isn't for everyone.

[Lavabearian (Jessica) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the Survival Guide, this has tons of information, some interesting, some juvenile. I think what sets this apart from the afore mentioned one is that this repeatedly mentions asking your parents before trying or doing any of the activities suggested. The lists of movies, books, songs, etc. by years on random topics is really interesting. I loved that it mentioned Geocaching and Banned Books. I am not quite sure who this book is for, or who will read it in my building, but I think that it works for the list. A YES vote for me.

[AquaMoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time picking bookshelves for this one because there's just so much to it! From how-to's, to story excerpts, to games, to secret codes, to strange and unusual trivia on everything from ancient Egypt to the origin of mayonnaise.... This book has it all and more! One could while away the hours simply browsing it's pages, but the real entertainment comes in trying out the suggestions! And I'm excited to try some of them (pg 150 looks particularly cool).

Bored? If you've got a copy of Unbored in your hands, there's no way you can be!

This one is awesome!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has some good ideas, but most of the projects take some planning. Also some good game ideas, if you're looking for that sort of thing. The collaboration between various authors of all skill levels and ages was an interesting twist. Over all, it's a book of value to any kid who is looking for something to do, likes reading DIY/non fiction, or an adult who is looking for non-themed program or just fun things to do with the kids.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the early 80's, I got a book for Christmas called "Kids America" and it was full of cool projects-both large and small-and interesting facts. One of my neighbors put a worm in it and slammed the covers shut, which wasn't covered in the book...he was just being a jerk. Anyway, "Unbored" may be the "Kids America" for the Maker/Hacker/DIY kids of the 21st century.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

an activity book collection that's also a primer into DIY/Maker culture. the premise is this: what if we spent our time creating things instead of passively consuming? written for a kid audience, but prompting kids to collaborate with adults on projects, perfect for teachers, parents, homeschoolers, gifts.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can also serve as a guide for parents in raising a cool kid, or as a handbook to being a more interesting person. While it's geared toward kids, there's a lot of fun stuff in this, and there's no talking down to the audience, who is treated as intelligent, capable, and imaginative. Really loved this.

[Jonathan Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much fun is this book? It's like a cookbook, but for serious fun. Not sure what to do with your advisees in a high school advisory program? Use this as a guide. Some of the things in here take too long to do under those kinds of conditions, but not everything. Give this a read and you won't regret it regardless of the kind of educator you are.

[Laura Cordes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much new here - classic playground games and instructions for diy projects. The interviews with interesting professionals were novel.

I was mildly annoyed by the repeated implication that parents are boring, stupid people. (Many articles were titled "Train your Grownup".)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cool book! Tonnes of ideas for kids to do. I think this is a book aimed at 10-14 year olds but it looked so fun I had to pick it up. I'm thinking a of buying a copy for my daughter (to use when she is older) and also as a reference for my Guide Unit.

[Jason Morelyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two kids, 11 and 14, and this is a great book full of fun activities that all three of us can thoroughly enjoy. Lots of DIY and Maker influenced activities encourages kids to be curious, think critically and have fun! Geek parents rejoice!