| A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin |
| America by E.R. Frank |
| Arata: The Legend by Yuu Watase |
| Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause |
| Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan |
| Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci |
| Boyfriends with Girlfriends by Alex Sanchez |
| Duchessina: A Novel of Catherine de' Medici by Car... |
| Easy A - Movie |
| Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog |
| Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty |
| GamePro - Magazine |
| Ginger Bread by Rachel Cohn |
| Greenwood Daily Life Through History Online - Data... |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - Movi... |
| How to be Popular by Meg Cabot |
| I Love You Beth Cooper - Movie |
| Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia |
| L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad |
| Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster - CD |
| Letters From Wolfie by Patti Sherlock |
| Little Brother by Cory Doctorow |
| Mario Kart - Wii Video Game |
| Maus II by Art Speigelman |
| Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs |
| Opposing Viewpoints in Context - Database |
| Prince of Persia: Rival Swords - Wii Video Game |
| Running Loose by Chris Crutcher |
| Sabriel by Garth Nix |
| Shojo Beat - Magazine |
| Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison |
| Something About the Author Online - Database |
| Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher |
| Skunk Girl by Sheba Karim |
| Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith |
| Teen Vogue - Magazine |
| TeenInk - Magazine |
| The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart |
| The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson |
| The Goodness Gene by Sonia Levitin |
| The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman |
| The Line by Teri Hall |
| The Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons |
| Then I Met My Sister by Christine Hurley Deriso |
| Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner |
| Twilight - Movie |
| Underground by Jean Ferris |
| What Happened This Summer by Paul Yee |
| World Book Encyclopedia Advanced - Database |
| Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give - CD |
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Materials Included
Lady Gaga The Fame Monster - CD
Tracks Included: Bad Romance, Alejandro, Monster, Speechless, Dance in the Dark, Telephone, So Happy I Could Die, Teeth
Critical Evaluation: In Lady Gaga's second studio album, she cements her role as a here to stay pop icon. Her over the top personal and performance style have made her an irrepresible force on the music scene but it is in her powerful vocals that she separates herself from other acts. With her writing quality and truly impressive voice, she doesn't need to rely on the visual tricks she includes in her life, but they are no firmly a part of her act. The stand out hits from this album include the catchy dance tune Bad Romance, the power song Alejandro and the sure to be dance club staple Telephone, a duet with another pop icon, Beyonce. Not every song is an instant hit but there are enough solid songs here to make it a good album to add to your collection. Lady Gaga has the goods, and with it you get all the trappings of fame.
Listener's Annotation: Featuring smash hit Bad Romance, it's another hit machine from Lady Gaga!
About the Artist: Lady Gaga has been named the 7th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine, and has been included in Time's magazine powerful people as well as Billboard music's list. She has broken practically every sales record imaginable and is the only artist in history to have four #1 hits from her debut album.
She has released three studio albums and has 9.5 million followers on twitter and 33 million likes on Facebook. She's got a personal style that's all her own and it looks like Lady Gaga is here to stay.
Information retreived from http://www.ladygaga.com/
Genre: Pop
Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: Sexually Explicit Language
Challenge Response: I would liken it to poetry and try to defend it as I would a poem, relating to the abstract language and focusing on the musicality of it.
Why is this Included: Love her or hate her, Lady Gaga is a force to be reckoned with in pop music.
Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give - CD
Tracks Included: Let it Go, Knee Deep, No Hurry, I Play the Road, Cold Hearted, Whiskey's Gone, Quiet Your Mind, Colder Weather, Settle Me Down, As She's Walking Away, Keep Me In Mind, Who Knows, Martin, Make This Day
Critical Evaluation: Country's darling and cross over stars Zac Brown Band have aimed for the fences with this, their second major studio album. After the insane success of their first album, the band shows that they aren't ones to play it safe and really stretch the musical envelope on their sophomore effort. While some of the tracks (like the haunting Colder Weather and the beautiful As She's Walking Away) are bullseye's, others (the incredibly long Who Knows) are misses, but the band proves that they're going to keep trying and that they are more committed to musical growth than sure fired commercial success. Luckily for them, their rabid fans will buy anything they put their name to and they don't have to pick one or the other.
Listener's Annotation: All the best new music from Zac Brown Band!
About the Artist: The Zac Brown Band may have achieved seemingly overnight success with their first major studio album in 2008, but the band has actually been together for over 13 years, paying their dues. That time has certainly paid off as they have earned critical and commercial success with their two studio albums, including several #1 hits and multiple grammy wins.
They have founded their own recording label, Southern Ground, that also releases a series of steak rubs and a cookbook. Recently, they released their second studio album and cross over between rock, country and bluegrass genres with ease. The Zac Brown Band will keep playing and touring, hoping to make fans out of everyone they meet.
Information retreived from http://www.zacbrownband.com/
Genre: Country, Southern Rock
Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: Mature Themes
Challenge Response: I would stress the value of the music without the lyrics and work with the challenger on other classic music, and go from there.
Why is this Included: A cross over artist that is getting everyone excited about country music!
TeenInk - Magazine
What's in Each Issue: Each issue contains teen works in poetry, fiction, non-fiction and art and photos. There are also book reviews, opinion and articles on hot topics of the moment. The online version of the magazine includes forums where teen writers can share their work and get feedback from their peers before submitting to the magazine in hopes of publication. Teen authors and artists from all around the world contribute to this title to keep it fresh for all teens.
Critical Evaluation: A truly wonderful magazine that gives the aspiring artists and novelists of tomorrow a chance to publish today. There are numerous types of work a teen can submit for publication and the editorials and news and culture articles are well written. The true revelation is the work sharing online forum that's a part of the website where a virtual community has been created by like minded teens across the world. A great title that keeps that artistic spark burning in teens!
Reader's Annotation: Share your writing, art & photos - get published!
Genre: Literature, Poetry
Reader's Age: 12+
Interest Level: 13+
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is this included: TeenInk provides a great platform for teens to be published and share their writing.
Gamepro - Magazine
What's in Each Issue: Each issue contains a release calendar of upcoming games, reviews, news and more. Combined with a really active website that offers a ton of interactive features and videos, GamePro covers all conceiveable gaming systems - including smart phones and tablets. The undisputed king of gaming information and reviews, if you're a gamer, you've got to have GamePro. The monthly publication is packed from cover to cover with updates and beautiful full color illustrations. The online forums complete the reader experience to give you a real online gaming community.
Critical Evaluation: If you can play it on a video game system of any kind, you can find more information about it in GamePro. The reviews are well written and the online community aspect of the magazine is robust, providing user to user feedback as well as professional opinions. Great for gamers of all ages, and a good resource for librarians in knowing what games to add to their collections. Very comprehensive with amazing illustrations, teens will clamour for each new edition.
Reader's Annotation: Want to know the ins and outs of the latest games for all platforms? It's all in Gamepro.
Genre: Gaming
Reader's Age: 12+
Interest Level: 13+
Challenge Issues: Games of all ratings are included, there could be individual challenge issues with them.
Challenge Response: Case by case basis.
Why is this included: This title will fly off the shelves, a great resource for teen gamers.
Shojo Beat - Magazine
What's in Each Issue: Sections on Fashion & Beauty, Culture & Trends, Features, Shojo Beat & You and Manga News create a lifestyle brand out of the popular Shojo Beat titles. You can read interviews with your favorite authors, read features on how to draw your very own manga, check out guides to Tokyo and other cities, and of course, stay abreast of all of the newest and coolest Shojo Manga series. The full color layout and tons of material are partnered with it's website that has archived issues as well as apps to read Shojo Beat on your smart phone or e-reader. If you like manga and the manga culture, you NEED to subscribe to Shojo Beat!
Critical Evaluation: From manga publishing gian VIZ Media, Shojo Beat and it's brother title Shonen Jump (that covers boys manga) really makes manga a way of life. The ambitious magazine is published weekly and has all you never knew you needed to know about shojo manga titles. Well written interviews and editorials combined with exclusive sneak peaks will make this a must have for shojo fans.
Reader's Annotation: See what's coming next in your favorite Shojo Manga titles!
Genre: Manga
Reader's Age: 12+
Interest Level: 13+
Challenge Issues: Some material in individual manga series
Challenge Response: I would have to examine the particular issue and go from there.
Why is this included: A great title to keep up with all of the Shojo Mango series and books
Teen Vogue - Magazine
What's in Each Issue: With sections on style, celebs, beauty and careers, Teen Vogue offers its readers a glimpse of what's in and happening at the moment - from up and coming fashion bloggers to the newest must have music. Everything on trend is included and with Teen Vogue in your beach bag, you're sure to stay right on top of everything cool. Celebrity bios and features, plus lots of great tie ins to the online component make this a must have for all the queen bees, or would be queen bees out there!
Critical Evaluation: From publishing giant Conde Nast, Teen Vogue is the little sister to its iconic adult counter part. While it doesn't deal in $20,000 couture dresses, it definitely doesn't hawk the bargain basement wears either. Even though it treads steadily in the land of the privileged, it should make for great inspiration for those rabid DIYers and is extremely popular with teens. Less advice and embarrassing moments than your average teen magazine, Teen Vogue aims for the stylish younger crowd and firmly lands it.
Reader's Annotation: For the stylish teen, it's a must read!
Genre: Chick Lit, Makeup, Fashion, Style
Reader's Age: 12+
Interest Level: 13+
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is this included: Teen Vogue is extremely popular with high school girls
Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty
Plot Summary: Elizabeth Clarry is just a regular girl. She's got a dad who lives in Canada who will be living in town for a few months. A mom who's really concerned about her dad who will be living in town for a few months and is very immersed in her VERY IMPORTANT job at an ad agency. She's also got a best friend that is always running off to do something or other, and who's mom thinks it's just an important part of self expression. Also, she's just taken up running and has a new penpal friend who she tells everything to. That last bit comes in especially handy when Celia literally joins the circus and no one will take it seriously, except her new pen pal. Just when it seems that Elizabeth is going to have to rescue Celia all by herself, she gets an unexpected ally. Things just might work out, if she can keep her head above water.
Critical Evaluation: Told completely through letters to and from Elizabeth, this is a fast paced novel that will have you cheering for Elizabeth and wanting to have serious words with a lot of the other characters. As a child of divorced parents Elizabeth has her work cut out for her keeping them both happy, and as a child of divorced parents myself, I appreciated that while there are complications arrising from the marital state of her parents, nothing about the divorce itself in this case makes anyone permanently broken. Moriarty proves in this debut novel that while the law no doubt lost an able mind, the YA world has gained a gem.
Reader's Annotation: So dear reader, Celia's gone again and no one seems that concerned. What do you think, should I give it some time or is it time to panic?
About the Author: Jacyln Moriarty grew up in Sydney, Australia and earned a $1.50 from her dad for each notebook she filled up with words. After thinking about being a flight attendent and an astronaut, she eventually decided she wanted to get into journalism and studied Literature and Law at the University of Sydney. She liked law so much she got her master's in law at Yale and her Ph.D. in law at Cambridge.
After returning to Australia to practice law, she shopped her novel Feeling Sorry for Celia around to many publishers facing rejection after rejection. Finally, she sent the manuscript to an agency where Garth Nix happened to be working and he read her manuscript and found her a publisher. She now lives in Sydney with her son Charlie, and is a full time writer.
Information retreived from http://www.jaclynmoriarty.com/
Genre: Chick Lit
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: Do you have a friend like Celia? Why do you think she keeps running away?
Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is This Included: An award winning title from Australian author.
America by E.R. Frank
Plot Summary: America's had some tough breaks, but after being placed in foster care to get him away from his drug addicted mother, he's got Mrs. Harper and she's going to take care of him always. But first, the courts say he has to go visit his birth mom for just one day, with no supervision. When his birth mom runs an errand and stays gone, America's left in the care of his two half brothers and all of the phone number's he's had to remember don't count for anything when there's no phone in the apartment. One day stretches and stretches and 11 years later he finally gets in front of a judge who can help him get back home. America's not the same kid he was when he left for that one day trip and it's going to take a lot to get him right and work through it.Thankfully, Dr. B is there to help, but will America ever trust anyone in the system again?
Critical Evaluation: Prepare for heartbreak. The realism of this book and the horrors of being lost in the great big system of ours that is designed to protect children like America will make you want to go hug as many kids as you can, and march on Washington to get the system changed. E.R. Frank has a master's degree in social work and it shows in her gritty portrayal of America and his experiences. The mastery of this novel has not gone unnoticed and the book is the winner of several awards, including being an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Often challenged because of its mature themes and language, this is a must read.
Reader's Annotation: America's got a safe place with Mrs. Harper and she says he can stay with her forever. All he has to do is go visit his real mom for one day and then he can come home, but when his mom's gone and there's no one to ask for help, how can he get home?
About the Author: E.R. Frank (a pen name) is the author of four published novels, one of which, America has also been made into a TV movie. She grew up in Richmond, VA, and after receiving her BA from Vassar and her master's from the Hunter Graduate School of Social Work also earned a post graduate certificate from New York's Institute for Contemporary Pyschotherapy.
She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children.
Information retrieved from efrank.com
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: How easy do you think it is to get lost in the system? Is America believable as a protaganist?
Reading Level: 10+
Interest Age: 14+
Challenge Issues: Alcohol Use, Sex, Incest, Mature Themes, Language
Challenge Response: To defend this title, I would work with child pyschologists and social workers to show the importance of titles like this.
Why is This Included: An ALA Best Book for Young Adults it covers a hard subject extremely well.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What Happened This Summer by Paul Yee
Plot Summary: This series of short stories follows several Chinese-Canadian teens through their intertwining lives in Ontario, Canada. The teen protaganists are all immigrants and the stories deal with the issues they are facing in their day to day lives - ranging from dealing with homosexuality, sex, religion, parental expectations and adjusting to the Canadian culture. Set to a backdrop of the history of Chinese immigration and workers in Canada, these teens offer a fresh perspective on issues facing teens everywhere.
Critical Evaluation: This short story collection is a wonderful read. Yee paints a realistic, and at times heartbreaking, picture of the life of Chinese teen immigrants in Canada and the issues they face. The use of intertwining characters and changing perspectives and time periods makes it hard to follow the flow at times, but the tales are wonderful and the reader is left wanting to know more about every character. A worthwhile addition to any library, offering the under represented viewpoint of asian immigrants to North America.
Reader's Annotation: Dealing with parental pressure is hard, especially if your parents are recent immigrants who have sacraficed everything to give you a life in Canada - and they remind you of it all the time. Follow a group of Chinese-Canadian teens as they figure out how to get by in the New World.
About the Author: Paul Yee was born in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1956. After receiving a BA and MA in History from the University of British Columbia, Yee became an archivist and analyst for the Canadian government. He wrote his first YA short story collection in 1983 and since then has written several other short story collections, novels and plays.
He writes primarily about Chinese immigrants in Canada as those are the people he knows and cares about. He currently lives in Toronto, Canada where he uses his history background to research new material for his fiction works.
Information retrieved from http://www.paulyee.com/
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Curriculum Ties: Civics
Booktalking Ideas: How has the immigrant experience changed from the 1950s to today? How would the protaganists in What Happened This Summer be different if they lived in America?
Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+
Challenge Issues: Homosexuality, Alcohol Use, Sex
Challenge Response: To defend this title, I would interview recent immigrant young adults and have their responses to the title on file, further I would point to a lack of books written about this group and the need for titles like this. Beyond that I would work with immigrant groups in the community to showcase the power of books like this and would cite interviews with the author where he defends his titles and showcase his awards and literary excellence.
Why is This Included: This title is included because it offers two rare viewpoints: relatable male teen narrators and the asian immigrant perspective.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
How to be Popular by Meg Cabot
Plot Summary: Steph Landry has been an outsider ever since she accidentally spilled that cherry big gulp on queen bee Lauren Moffat in 6th grade, and she's even the basis for the town saying "Don't pull a Steph Landry" - how embarrasing! As she enters her junior year of high school, Steph is determined to put all of that behind her, and with the help of a old book she found - How to be Popular - she's going to make it happen! Who cares if her best friend forever, Jason, doesn't like the new her? Steph's got bigger fish to fry this year, and with the book and her new outlook on life, nothings going to stop her! However, Steph soon finds that the book is right, getting popular is easy, it's staying popular that's hard!
Critical Evaluation: Meg Cabot is something of a legend in the YA chick lit field, she's surpassed the traditional popularity of YA authors and has blockbuster movies and millions and millions of copies sold to reflec this. How to be Popular, is just what we've come to expect from Cabot - a fun read that teen girls will devour. The plot is predictable and the characters are underdeveloped, but that won't matter to Cabot's avid fans. The addition of a lively set of adults and interesting family dynamic issues make it a step above the the basic choices in the genre. The fast pacing of the novel and the sheer ridiculous joy of Cabot's writing style make it a great choice for public and school libraries and should inspire reluctant readers to find additional similar titles. Cabot will never be an author who inspires the adulation of critics for the sheer power of her prose, but she never set out to be that kind of author and she is undoubtedly the queen bee in her genre.
Reader's Annotation: Steph Landry is tired of being the butt of the joke. This year's going to be different - this year she's going to be popular!
About the Author: Meg Cabot was born in 1967 in Bloomington, IN. After receiving a BA in fine arts from Indiana University in 1991 Cabot moved to New York City, where she worked as the assistant director of a residence hall at NYU for 10 years, before transitioning to writing full time. She is most well known for her Princess Diaries series of novels, which have been adapted into two full length feature films and have sold more than 16 million copies world wide.
Cabot continues to write profusely and has several novels in the works for publication in the next few years, for both young adults and adults. She primarily writes in the chick lit genre, but is crossing over into mystery and paranormal romance. She lives in Key West, FL, with her husband and cats.
Information retreived from http://www.megcabot.com/
Genre: Chick Lit
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: What does it take to be popular at your school - different or similar to Steph's world in this book?
Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is This Included: Meg Cabot is a powerhouse in the YA chick lit genre, and this is a lively fun break from her Princess Diaries series. This book would be a good pull for the reluctant female teen reader and should pique interest in other titles.
Prince of Persia: Rival Swords - Wii Video Game
Game Plot: Making his way home to Babylon from the Island of Time, the Prince of Persia finds that nothing is how he left it and his homeland has been ravaged. After the death of the Empress of Time, the sands of time are unleashed and the Prince must fight for everything he loves - his people, his homeland - before he's overtaken from within by the Dark Prince. As a fugitive alone in the streets, it's a race against time and everything is at stake!
Critical Evaluation: Long time gamers will have a soft spot for the new iterations of the classic game franchise - and new gamers will enjoy the new usability of the wii platform with this game. A fun action game combined with puzzles and the threat of a devil within this game is a good time that will keep players interested long after they've started their journey. The levels can be repetitive, and the repeating audio dialogue can grate after a while, but overall the beauty of the graphics and the haunting sound track create a good gaming experience for gamers of all levels.
Rating: Teen
Challenge Issues: Violence
Challenge Response: I would refer to the ratings system in place and the criteria in place to make those ratings.
Why is this Included: Prince of Persia is a classic computer game updated for new gaming consoles. Reinvigorated by the recent motion picture release, this title is a big draw for teen gamers.
World Book Encyclopedia Advanced - Database
About the Database: The World Book Encyclopedia Advanced database is aimed at users .from 8th grade and up and includes encylopedia, e-book and primary sources databases along with other research tools like dictionaries and language tools. Built in research helpers and guides help students improve their research skills. Users are able to customize their research experience and their searches are tracked between visits to the online database.
Critical Evaluation: World Book Encyclopedia has set the standard in the field and their online version continues to be a strong product for teen researchers. If a student only has time to navigate one resource for a research product, this would be a good first stop that can either fully answer your scholastic query or provide you with further resources to check. As it's the most commonly used encylopedia, it is easy for a student to find help from their teacher or librarian and as such it's a great choice for the beginning of research.
Why is this Included: Every teen needs access to an encyclopedia!
Opposing Viewpoints in Context - Database
About the Database: Opposing Viewpoints in Context is a new way to research the most popular issues of the day. Reference content includes the award winning Opposing Viewpoints series from Greenhaven Press along with many additional multi-media reference materials - including video, audio, images and interactive maps. The varied and comprehensive content provides student researchers a great jumping off point for all manner of topics - from the value of carbon offsets to 9/11. The database offers a wide variety of search types and tools that can enable discovery and help fine tune a research question. Content is constantly updated and both sides of each issue are presented in a fair, unbiased way.
Critical Evaluation: Opposing Viewpoints in Context is a wonderful database that covers all of the big ticket issues of the day without judgment or leading commentary. Defenders of all subjects will be happy to discover that there is no tilt in a liberal or conservative direction here and the addition of the multi-media resources really make this database come to life. Any student can easily find materials and opinions here that can help drive research papers and critical thinking outside of the classroom. Defintely a well managed database that adds value to life and culture for teens.
Why is this Included: High school students will find this resource invaluable when it comes to writing research papers or just learn more about the topics they care about. A great database that has great value for teens in and out of the classroom.
Greenwood Daily Life Through History Online - Database
About the Database: Greenwood Daily Life Through History provides information about all aspects of daily life (domestic, economic, intellectual, material, and recreational) together with multi-media like images, maps, and original documents throughout all of history. Divided into six time periods (Acient World, Medieval, Renaissance, Exploring New Lives - 17th & 18th Century, Revolutionary & Industrial Lives - 19th Century and Life in the Modern World - 1900-present) and further into different regions of the world during those time periods, this database provides a comprehensive view of what daily life was like for ordinary people. The content of this database is tied to national cirriculum.
Critical Evaluation: Wow! This wonderful database provides a rich addition to the black and white texts of history. Ever wondered what the life of a farmer was like during the Ming Dynasty in China? Now you can find out what they ate, what they wrote and what their dreams were for the future. The sheer scope of this database is mind bogling and the combination of that breadth and the quality of the materials included make this an essential addition to high school libraries. Students will find that they can't stop exploring this database and a search that might start out in one century and continent could easily lead a student researcher centuries and continents away at the close of the investigation. Making history come alive is a cliche catch phrase, but in the case of this database is completely accurate. Nice tie ins to high school curriculum complete the package.
Why is this Included: This database contains a unique viewpoint of life throughout all time and is a great addition to a teen's learning.
Something About the Author Online - Database
About the Database: Something About the Author Online provides online access to all published volumes of Something About the Author and Something About the Author: Autobiography Series - two award winning series published by Gale that covers more than 210 volumes, 19,000 entries and 17,000 images covering authors and illustrators in the young adult and children's literature fields. Beyond basic biographical facts, this database includes essays written about the included authors and illustrators and the databse includes famous and lesser known authors and illustrators.
Critical Evaluation: Gale has created an online masterpiece in Something About the Author Online. Students, teachers, librarians and researchers will be well served by access to this database that goes beyond basic biographical facts and bibliographies to provide in depth analysis of authors and illustrators in the field. From first time authors to the literary giants of YA and children's literature, not many authors are excluded, and if you can't find the author or illustrator you're looking for, chances are you just have to wait for the next version to be published - and you probably won't even have to wait long. A valuable resource that should be a part of every library's database subscription.
Why is this Included: High school students will find this resource invaluable when it comes to writing reports on authors and illustrators and beyond the educational application, die hard fans will find new perspectives and insight about their favorites. A great database that has great value for teens in and out of the classroom.
Mario Kart - Wii Video Game
Plot Summary: All your favorite characters from Nintendo's stable of stars (from Mario and Luigi to Donkey Kong and the Princess) are together again for a fun series of races and battles in this title that's a good fit for the whole family!
Critical Evaluation: Gaming giant Nintendo has struck gold once again! Taking advantage of the improved attributes of the Wii gaming system and the good will that exists towards all of their characters, Nintendo has created a game with fun graphics, a combination of new race tracks and older classics and fun for everyone. New and established gamers will enjoy this title and the classic rides again!
Rating: Everyone
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is this Included: This is a very popular game that appeals to teens, as well as their younger siblings, parents and grandparents. A good game that keeps everyone interested.
I Love You Beth Cooper - Movie
Plot Summary: Denis is the geeky valedictorian who's had a crush on the beautiful and popular Beth Cooper for all of high school, he's just never had the guts to tell her - until now. During his speech at their graduation ceremony, Denis finds the courage to tell Beth Cooper how he really feels in front of everyone - including her older, 'roid raging, military boyfriend. Beth thinks Denis is sweet to say those things and agrees to come to his grad party that night. When Beth arrives with her friends, Denis thinks everything is finally going to work out, but her boyfriend has other ideas. As they run from him, hijinx ensue and Denis finds out he doesn't know Beth as well as he thinks he does. Along with his best friend and other colorful characters, Beth and Denis discover more than they thought they would as they run from Beth's boyfriend, everyone else's expectations and what the future holds.
Critical Evaluation: Based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Larry Doyle, I Love You Beth Cooper is a fun film that follows Beth and Denis on a coming of age night they'll never forget. Although the plot is predictable, and the film uses classic teen cliches to get its point across, director Christopher Columbus (Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, Harry Potter films) shows his mastery in creating a fast paced, engaging film that is fun for teens and adults.
Viewer's Annotation: Denis finally told Beth Cooper how he feels - in front of the whole school, including her older military boyfriend with a chip on his shoulder. Can he survive the best night of his life?
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is this Included: This film is a fun adaptation of a popular YA title, that deals with the classic coming of age story in a creative way.
Twilight - Movie
Plot Summary: Bella is moving back to Forks, WA to live with her father Charlie while her mom follows her new husband on the road for his baseball career. While Bella is initially wary of the move and the small town of Forks, things look up when she makes new friends and meets the mysterious Edward Cullen. Edward tries to keep her at arms length, but neither of them can fight their attraction, even when Edward's family secret is revealed. He's a vampire (albeit it a "vegetarian" one) and her blood is like a drug to him. With risks like these, can Bella and Edward overcome the odds and be together? As they begin to try to figure it out, trouble comes to town in the form of a group of vampires who don't obstain from attacking humans, and things look even worse for our heroes when one of those vampires, James, decides he wants a taste of Bella too. The hunt is on and nobody's safe.
Critical Evaluation: Based on the international best seller of the same name by Stephenie Meyer, this film was a huge phenomenon. The film adaptation knows its audience (teenage girls), and takes its tone and vibe from what it thinks that group wants. The result is a broody, often campy movie that sometimes takes itself too seriously, but provides a hilarious escape from reality for a few hours. Some of the aspects of the novel (like the fact that Meyer's vampires literally sparkle in the sun) create ridiculous images when translated to the silver screen, but the teen angst is palpable and you are never in any doubt, from the first moment on, that Edward and Bella share a GREAT love and their romance is meant to be in this film. While it certainly won't win any awards for cinematic excellence, this movie will be a popular with fans of the novel.
Viewer's Annotation: Bella is new in town and finding there's a lot more to Forks, WA than she thought. There's more than meets the eye with Edward and his family, can their attraction conquer their differences?
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: Vampires/Paranormal Romance
Challenge Response: In response to challenges for this title, I would reference my library's policy on collections and point to the popularity of the film with teen patrons. Further, I would touch on how the book is so unbelievable that it is clearly fiction and won't influence teens to action.
Why is this Included: Twilight has sparked an international phenomenon in young adult literature and spawned countless imitators. Love it or hate it, Twilight is a force to be reckoned wih as can be seen by this film adaptation that made instant super stars out of the cast.
Easy A - Movie
Plot Summary: Olive is a high school student in the small town of Ojai, CA who has spent her life below the social radar. After a false rumor spreads that she lost her virginity to a college guy, Olive finds herself in demand - to other geeks and misfits that need help to be noticed. After helping a friend who's teased mercilessly for being gay by pretending to sleep with him, her one act of kindness takes on a mind of it's own and pretty soon half of the school (including the Christian club) think she's worthy of a scarlett A and half of the school are booking her pretend services to put themselves on the map. Olive decides to live up to her reputation and dress provacatively and actually wear an A, but still no one can get the joke. Eventually, it stops being funny to Olive when people she cares about get involved, and might get hurt. But, once the rumor mill has started, it's hard to derail.Will Olive be able to salvage her reputation and return to a life firmly planted under the radar?
Critical Evaluation: This is a hilarious, smart film that will appeal to teens and adults alike. With the film's tongue in cheek reference to The Scarlett Letter, Easy A rises above the other romantic comedies in the genre and never takes itself too seriously. The casting of the film is fantastic and veteran actors like Stanley Tucci and Lisa Kudrow combine perfectly with new comers Emma Stone and Gossip Girl's Penn Badgley. The script is a gem and there are several laugh out loud funny moments along with touching scenes that will reach all viewers. Truly a great film that is a revelation.
Viewer's Annotation: Olive has always been a social nobody, but all of that changes when she tells one (okay maybe a few) little white lies about her *ahem* extracurriculur activites. Why can't anyone take a joke these days?
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is this Included: This is a smart and funny movie that will engage teen viewers.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 - Movie
Plot Summary: In the aftermath of Dumbledore's death, Harry, Ron and Hermione are getting ready for their greatest adventure yet - finding and destroying Lord Voldemort's horcruxes so that he will one day be vulnerable to attack. But first, they have to get through Bill and Fleur's wedding and get around Mrs. Weasly - who's determined to keep them safe at home. As the Ministry of Magic is further infiltrated by Voldemort's Death Eaters it becomes harder and harder to know who to trust. During Bill and Fleur's wedding the battle comes to a head when the Minister of Magic is killed and Death Eaters are sent to the reception to try to capture Harry. Forced on to the run, Harry, Ron and Hermione continue to trace the remaining horcruxes and figure out the deathly hallows, all while evading capture and staying one step ahead of Voldemort. When push comes to shove, can our intrepid heroes do everything they need to do? Can they escape the wrath of Voldemort?
Critical Evaluation: In this penultimate installment of the widely popular Harry Potter series the entire movie acts as a trailer for the recently released final version. The final book in the novel series was divided into two films for theatric release and it shows as this film doesn't have an obvious conclusion. For the first time in the franchise, all of the action takes place outside the cozy halls of Hogwarts and we're shown our heroes tested in new and more terrifying ways. The emotional toll is apparent as the friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione is tested and viewers get a glimpse of what the three are really made of. The cinemetography is beautiful and the dark brooding story get viewers amped up for the final battle yet to come. This movie is a fitting step towards the final showdown and every viewer will hunger for more at the close of the film.
Viewer's Annotation: Harry, Ron and Hermione have seen a lot during their years at Hogwarts, but school's out now and their are some tests you can't study for. The search for horcruxes is on and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: Magic
Challenge Defense: I would point to library collection policy and the existing defenses of Harry Potter, as it's such a widely challenged and defended series.
Why is this Included: Harry Potter has swept the world and created avid readers out of children everywhere.
Arata: The Legend by Yuu Watase
Plot Summary: In a mythical land the rulers of the land must always be female from the Hime clan. Unfortunately, there haven't been any girls born to the Hime clan in many years, and the ruling princess has already served two terms - more than she should have to. Arata, a teenage boy member of the Hime clan hasn't thought about the situation, but his grandmother has - she registered Arata as a girl when he was born just in case something like this happened. Once grandmother reveals the truth to Arata, he's forced to keep up appearances while she searches for any Hime girls. After Arata arrives at the palace to begin the ceremony to become the ruler, he is witness to her murder, at the hands of the warriors sworn to protect her. After the warriors turn on Arata and discover his true gender, he and his close friend from childhood are forced to run from the warriors and the accusation of the murder of the princess. On the run in the forbidden forest, Arata runs into a cave and sets into motion events that send Arata to modern day Japan and send a struggling teen from modern Japan (also named Arata) back to his place. As the two try to forge their way ahead, both are tormented by others and have to learn what they're truly made of.
Critical Evaluation: Yuu Watase is a leading name in manga for a reason. This manga novel is accessible for even the most inexperienced manga reader (like me, I had a really hard time transitioning to the back to front, right to left layout of these novels) and the appealing illustrations and well written story will keep readers of all ages engrossed in the story from start to finish. The unique combination of an ancient mythical land where magic forces exist with modern day Japan and the more commonly seen teen issues is masterfully penned and the result is an engaging, fun read.
Reader's Annotation: Arata is the next in line to the throne, except he's supposed to be a girl, and well, he's not. Just as things can't get any more embarassing, he witnesses the murder of the existing ruler, sent to another time and things get really interesting.
About the Author: Born in Japan in 1971, Yuu Watase is a leading manga author who's first manga novel was published in 1989, when Watase was just 18 years old. Since then, she has written over 50 manga books and short stories, most notably her manga series Fushigi Yugi.
Many of her titles have been translated into English. Her works have been converted to two television series, an OVA series and many soundtracks and novels.
Information retrieved from authors.simonandschuster.com/Yuu-Watase/27622955
Genre: Manga, Fantasy
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: Fish out of water scenarios with the world exchange of Arata's. Tie in to the history of Japan and ninja warriors.
Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 14+
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is This Included: Written by a leader in the Manga genre, this title is a good representation of that genre.
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
Plot Summary: Paul is a high school sophomore in a town that doesn't have a gay scene or a straight scene - it's all gotten mixed together. In this town where the homecoming queen is the high school quarterback and is a drag queen named Infinite Darlene, Paul is used to being accepted and not having any issues with his sexual orientation, and has a group of friends that include Infinite Darlene, Tony (a gay kid who lives with strictly religious parents who aren't okay with his homosexuality) and Joni, his best girl friend since forever. On an average night out Paul meets Noah, a new kid in town who attends his high school and is also gay. After a bit of back and forth Paul and Noah connect and start to date. Of Course, life isn't that simple and eventually Paul's past and Noah's sensitivity because of past heartbreak get in the way, and things are changing with Paul's group of friends. Can Paul and Noah work out their differences? Will everything be all right in the end?
Critical Evaluation: This book is a fun read that profiles a magical town where every gay, lesbian and transgender teen is accepted and embraces. The character of Infinite Darlene (the football quarterback and the homecoming queen) is rejected by the rest of the drag queens at her high school because she also plays football, but there are enough drag queens at her high school to form a clique, which speaks volumes. I originally thought that this book was so naive as to be ridiculous and that it wouldn't connect with readers. However, as the novel progresses Levithan does a nice job of weaving the blessed life of Paul with the nightmare of acceptance his best friend is dealing with, giving some nice weight to the story. Further, not everything Paul touches turns to glbt gold and he does have a few issues to work out. It is a nice break from the doomsday titles that dominate the genre, showing readers that being gay doesn't have to be the issue in a story, sometimes it can just be part of who you are. Levithan's debut novel is touching and uplifting, which has proven to be a sign of things to come with this author.
Reader's Annotation: Paul has a pretty great life, he's gay, accepted by everyone he knows and he has a million great friends. What's missing is that special someone, someone like Noah.
About the Author: David Levithan was born in 1972 and graduated from Brown University in 1994. He published his first book, Boy Meets Boy in 2003 and since then has written several more novels and short stories. He's probably most famous for the success of his novel Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, co-written with Rachel Cohn which has been turned into the very successful movie of the same name.
When not writing, Levithan is editorial director at Scholastic and the founding editor of PUSH Imprint (http://www.thisispush.com/), a website dedicated to finding up and coming new talent in YA fiction.
Information retrieved from http://www.davidlevithan.com/
Genre: GLBT Fiction
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: Comparison of your town to the town that Boy Meets Boy takes place in. Acceptance of transgender youth in schools.
Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+
Challenge Issues: Homosexuality
Challenge Response: I would turn to the existing defense of GLBT fiction out there and use the extensive journal articles and interviews with authors in the genre.
Why is This Included: David Levithan is well known in the GLBT fiction genre and this is a happy read, unlike many others that deal with GLBT issues.
The Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Plot Summary: A group of costumed crime fighters, named the Crimebusters, came together in the 1940s and worked for the government to keep the peace. However, eventually the group is disbanded and it becomes illegal to be a masked crusader. Decades later one of the original Crimbusters is killed and another of the originals thinks there is a larger plot in place, to discredit or eliminate all of the Crimebustesr. As sinister and suspicious events continue to unfold it looks like the conspiracy theory has legs. In addition, shady information has come out about America's newest super power Dr. Manhattan that has him on edge. With the power of the world in balance, and nuclear war imminent, it's up to what's left of the new Crimebusters to piece together the puzzle and find out who or what is behind this plot. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
Critical Evaluation: Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons are giants in their field, mostly on the backs of this graphic novel, originally published serially in the 1980s. The dark themes, and adult content in this book are masterfully intertwined with engaging illustrations and character development. As you read the book you will be completely engulfed by the world they create and looking for Nite Owl or the Silk Spectre over your shoulder. While many graphic novels stay firmly in the splashy and superficial content area of the genre, but The Watchmen transcends graphic novels and is a wonderful novel full stop.
Reader's Annotation: Superheroes are real and they're not all on our side. Who knows what they really want, or who they really are.
About the Author/Illustrator: Alan Moore was born in 1953 and first began working as a cartoonist for a weekly magazine in 1979. Moore eventually began writing and left illustration behind. He began working for DC and reinvinted The Swamp Thing. After that success he began work on The Watchmen which cemented his status in the world of comics.
After becoming disillusioned with mainstream comics companies, Moore began working at small independent publishers and eventually formed his own company - America's Best Comics, at which he's still writing titles today. He lives in England.
Dave Gibbons, the illustrator, was born in 1949 and first contributed to the comic book field in 1973. His breakout success came with the first publication of The Watchmen in the 1980s, and since then he has drawn and written for every major comic book publisher.
He's still active in the comic book world and is a regular installation at conventions. He lives in England with his wife.
Information retrieved from Something About the Author Database
Genre: Graphic Novel
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: Imagine reality of Dr. Manhattan, what would that mean for national defense today in Afghanistan and Iraq. Are super heroes a good idea for law enforcement?
Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 16+
Challenge Issues: Sexually Explicit Imagery, Dark Themes, Violence
Challenge Response: I would refer to exemplary literary reviews of this title, widely considered best graphic novel of all time. I would pair reading of this book with discussions of war and bombing.
Why is This Included: This is considered to be the greatest graphic novel/comic of all time, included on lists of best novels of all time, represents the best of the genre.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Plot Summary: Nobody (Bod for short) has had a unique life. When he was just 18 months old his entire family was killed, and he found his way to the nearby graveyard, where the ghosts that live there took him in. As the only living member of the graveyard, all of the graveyard is open to him, and he is able to do things that only the dead can do. While Bod loves his ghostly family, and his guardian, Silas (who isn't quite dead, but isn't quite living), he finds that he doesn't quite fit into the world where no one ever ages but him. After meeting his first real live friend Bod is even more uncertain about where he belongs. However, when he makes his first foray into the real world, he finds that not everywhere is as safe as the graveyard, and the people who hurt his real life family might be searching for him too. Bod struggles to find balance and his real place in the world, without losing where he's come from, and all of the cool things he can do.
Critical Evaluation: Gaiman creates a delightful world in a ghostly version of The Jungle Book. The descriptions of Bod, the ghosts, mysterious Silas and the unnerving Jack of All Trades really paint the picture, and draw the reader into the story. The Graveyard Book is the winner of several high awards and the reason is clear from page 1 on. Gaiman shows once again why he's the master and by the 5th chapter or so I wanted to move into the graveyard, or at least adopt Bod.
Reader's Annotation: Bod's always been nobody and his only family are ghosts. But somebody out there is hunting Bod and they're getting closer.
About the Author: Neil Gaiman is a decorated author who writes young adult and adult fiction specializing in fantasy and science fiction. Born in England, he began his writing career as a journalist and went on to become a novelist, a poet, a cartoonist and a playwright. His works cross genre and age lines and are beloved by many many fans across the world.
Gaiman lives in Minneapolis and Coraline has been turned into a successful movie. He recently joined Twitter and has 1.5 million followers.
Information retrieved from http://www.neilgaiman.com/
Genre: Fantasy
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: Gaiman has described The Graveyard Book as a
Reading Level: 11+
Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issues: N/A
Why is This Included: Neil Gaiman is an immensly popular YA author and this novel provides an interesting story that boy readers will enjoy, and is highly decorated with literary awards.
Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia
Plot Summary: Leticia has it hard these days, she has to get to school early for zero period remedial math just because of a few bad grades. On her way out of math one morning she watches as Trina, a free spirited artist who loves herself, cuts of Dominique, a basketball player with bad grades in a bad mood, in the hallway. Trina doesn't think anything of it and is on her way being Trina without a second thought. For Dominique, however, it's the last straw on a day that has gone from bad to worse (her teacher won't raise her grade a few measly points and now she's benched from the basketball team - her only reason for coming to school), and she's going to make sure that Trina's taught a lesson. She's going to jump her after school. Leticia overhears Dominique making these plans and she knows that Trina has no idea what Dominique's planning. But, Leticia doesn't want to get involved, because girl fights can get ugly, and she's got enough problems of her own. As the day goes on Leticia keeps worrying about whether to get involved. What will Leticia decide to do, and what will happen to Trina and Dominique?
Critical Evaluation: Told from the perspective of the three main characters, Leticia, Trina and Dominique, Williams-Garcia writes a engrossing tale that keeps readers guessing. The realistic language of the novel, and the wonderful differences in personality of the three leads provide good balance and make readers think that this could be any high school anywhere. With the hot button issues of bullying and teen on teen violence taking center stage these days, this novel could easily be used to spark discussion surrounding those ideas and the story will have teens talking - about what happens, what Leticia decides to do, and what they would do in her place. Williams-Garcia gives each character enough humanity that the plot, and the reader's allegiance aren't black and white and the nuances of the literature are allowed to come to the forefront. Another well deserved award winner from Williams-Garcia.
Reader's Annotation: Leticia's just worried about early morning extra math and Trina's just worried about her art and her looks. Dominque's worried that Trina disrepected her, and she's not going to let her get away with it.
About the Author: Rita Williams-Garcia was born in 1957 in Queens, NY. She studied at Hofstra University and was a dancer, which inspired her first novel, Blue Tights, which was published in the late 1980s. Since then she has written several other novels for teens and continues to write now.
She is on faculty at Vermont College MFA for Children and Young People, she has two daughters and she lives in Jamaica, NY.
Information retreived from http://www.ritawg.com/
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Curriculum Ties: N/A
Booktalking Ideas: Bullying, teen violence and standing by when others are planning to fight.
Reading Level: 12+
Interest Age: 14+
Challenge Issues: Violence
Challenge Response: I would refer to studies on bullying and the importance of learning when to take a stand and when to stand by. I would reference community groups and existing collection development.
Why is This Included: Minority viewpoint that is under represented in this genre.
Maus II by Art Speigelman
Plot Summary: During the summer, Art and his wife Francoise are vacationing with friends when Art gets a call from his father to tell him he's had a heart attack. Art and Francoise race to his side in the Catskills, where he tells them his second wife, Mala, has left him and is trying to take all of his money. While Art and Francoise try too help Vladek adjust to these events, Art asks him to tell him more about his experiences in the Holocaust. Vladek picks up his tale from his separation from his first wife Anja and his introduction to the concentration camp Auschwitz. From that beginning, the story jumps between modern times of Art and Francoise helping Vladek and dealing with the guilt he gives them to his account of his time in Auschwitz and beyond. Vladek doesn't like to talk about his experiences during WWII, and even burned his first wife's diaries of that time period to help him forget. Art can't understand why his father won't talk about it, as it was one of the most influential time periods in history, and a huge part of their background. Together, can Art and Vladek help eachother heal?
Critical Evaluation:What praise can be given to Maus II here that it hasn't already received? As the only comic book to ever receive a Pullitzer, the literary quality of this title is undisputed. Art Spiegelman weaves a tale of heartbreak and hope, surviving the Holocaust and then surviving what comes after, that will have readers laughing out loud and bawling, alternately. Maus II, although the conclusion of a two part series, stands alone on it's own merit and you don't need to read the first volume to see its power. If you only have time to read one volume, Maus II should be your choice as it provides the raw picture of the bleak realities of Auschwitz and the ultimate picture of hope that Vladek and Anja's survival creates. With the appealing, and non-threatening, approach of a comic book to communicate these weighty issues, Spiegelman gives the Holocaust a new audience and ensures that we'll never forget, lest we repeat the horrors of WWII. Truly a remarkable book that should be required reading for all.
Reader's Annotation: Art thought surviving the Holocaust would be the hardest thing his father Vladek ever did - but now he's found the real challenge, getting him to talk about it.
About the Author: Art Spiegelman was born in 1948 in Stockholm, Sweden to two Polish survivors of the Holocaust. After immigrating to the United States when he was 3, he went on to attend Harpur College (now SUNY-Binghamton). He became a writer and illustrator in 1965, and after his mother committed suicide in 1968, he felt compelled to learn more about their experiences in the Holocaust and wrote his two most influential works telling their story, Maus I and Maus 11.
Spiegelman is married to a writer and editor, Francoise, and has two children. He lives in New York and continues to write and illustrate.
Information retreived from Something About the Author Database
Genre: Graphic Novel, Autobiography
Curriculum Ties: History, Civics/Government
Booktalking Ideas: Talk about role of animals in book, comparisons to other books.
Reading Level: 10+
Interest Age: 14+
Challenge Issues: Graphic Content, Holocaust, Suicide
Challenge Response: As this title and other Holocaust stories have been widely defended I would point to those responses and also work with local Jewish groups to defend title.
Why is This Included: Easy to understand first person account of Holocaust that is accessible for teens.
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