Jewell Parker Roades, the Virginia G. Piper Chair in Creative writing, meets fans and discusses "Sugar," her new novel for middle readers. It tells the story of a 10-year-old girl who lives on a sugar plantation on the banks of the Mississippi and takes it upon herself to serve as the cultural bridge between the plantation residents and the Chinese workers who come to harvest the cane. Roades will sign copies of her book after the presentation.

The 94th annual Children’s Book Week, the national celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading, officially starts May 13, but youngsters can join activities sooner at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe:

MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz” is the rare film adaptation that has officially become even more cherished than the timeless book that inspired it. Over the years, “The Wizard of Oz” has influenced numerous sequels, prequels, and reimaginings in just about every entertainment medium. Although there have certainly been some good additions to the “Oz” franchise, it’s unfortunate all of them must live in the shadow of an unbeatable classic. While nothing will ever top the Judy Garland version, the most we can ask from a modern “Oz” interpretation is that it remains true to L. Frank Baum’s universe while also sprinkling in something fresh. On that basis, director Sam Raimi sufficiently delivers in his vibrant and fun “Oz the Great and Powerful.”

Meet Parker, a very cute but shy little boy with adorable ears and those big eyes that just beg for you to pick him up and hold him close. It seems that Parker has not been on many car rides and will need a family to take him on short trips to help him with his fear. He is very scared and will try to hide under the car seats. This little snuggle bug wants nothing more than a nice lap to lay in and his own person to cuddle with. He likes his walks but is still a little leery of things around him. Once he gets to know you and feels secure he will be your best friend. He is a pretty mellow guy so the perfect home would be one that is calm with not a lot of activity. Another canine in the house would be a plus. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like anyone has taken the time to show Parker how much fun playing with toys can be, but with some help it won’t take long.

Brian Brady has all the confidence in his son, Dalton, and the latter credited his father for developing him into one of the best wrestlers the state of Arizona has ever seen.

Jeff Holland has been around the game for a long time and he isn’t sure what to make of the start the Mesquite baseball club has had thus far.

Andy Lane is in the Sweet 16.

The Texas Rangers had been to two straight World Series and the Los Angeles Angels brought in Albert Pujols.

Love movies? You might want to check out the ASU School of Theatre and Film’s screening series, “Hollywood Invades Tempe.”

So you've driven downtown to shop, parked the car, plunked a quarter into the meter and -- nothing.

Simplistically cartoonish and even pulpier than “Pulp Fiction,” “Gangster Squad” won’t be remembered as one of the crime genre’s great cinematic outings. In all fairness though, the film isn’t trying to be the next “L.A. Confidential.”

In the eight years I’ve taken on the regular duty of reviewing movies, 2012 just might have been the best. It wasn’t easy compiling a top 30 list for a 12-month period of so many diverse, outstanding films. I found myself having to make some absolutely painful snubs, including “Flight,” “The Sessions,” “The Hobbit: An Expected Journey,” and a little cinematic masterpiece by the name of “21 Jump Street.” In the end though, I managed to narrow the list down to the 20 titles that best encompass 2012 in all its glory. If you’re still behind on the movies of yesteryear, consider this your ultimate movie guide to 2012.

The signature play of Matt Guida’s astounding junior season looked like a split-second decision, but was actually days in the making.

"Les Misérables” has had a long, arduous journey to the silver screen. It’s been in the works for so long that at one point the film was going to be directed by the now retired Alan Parker, who made the original “Fame” and 1996 adaptation of “Evita.” After decades of rotting in development limbo, the cherished musical finally sees the light of day via the artistic eye of director Tom Hooper of “The King’s Speech. Hooper’s interpretation of “Les Misérables” is a majestic experience composed of enormous sets, elegant costumes, and pitch perfect performances from the entire ensemble. This may very well be the most triumphant movie musical since the genre made a comeback a decade ago with “Moulin Rouge!” and “Chicago.”

PHOENIX - Coming to you live from Moon Valley.

While “Knocked Up” established Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl as major movie stars, it was Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd who stole the entire show. Rogan and Heigl’s characters are nowhere to be found in the sort-of sequel to “Knocked Up.”