* Bibliographic information
Reinhardt, D. A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life. Listening Library, 2006. ISBN: 0-307- 28395-X. Read by Mandy Siegfried.
-2007 Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults by YALSA
* Plot Summary
Simone has a great set of friends and a wonderful family who love and supports her. Simone is just trying to get through high school, like every other teenager. She is a strong young woman who stands for her beliefs and the freedom of others; she also found a boy she likes. Life seems to be going well for Simone, until Rivka calls. Rivka is her biological mother who gave her up because she was just a teenager when she had Simone. Simone never wanted to know the woman who did not keep her, but her parents and friends make her see that she will be happier if she does. After meeting Rivka, Simone starts to bond with her birth mother; they have a lot in common. Simone struggles with this new reality and the connection she feels with Rivka as well as her new found Jewish roots. When Rivka tells her the real reason she finally wanted to meet her, Simone must deal with the startling news that breaks her heart. Simone is making the change to adulthood in the story; she is figuring out who she is. This transformation is reflected in her ability to cope with a new family member and a culture she never knew.
* Critical Evaluation
The author does great in describing what that character is going through with her life being changed so much and in such a short time. The audio book reader, Siegfried, does a great job of getting the words and the tone of the book across the audience; she sounds like a teen girl. This story deals with two issues and does it beautifully. The issue of meeting a mom that is a stranger to you and then finding out that you have roots in a culture you know nothing about can be jarring for a young woman. Reinhardt created a strong character that faces her emotions and deals with the conflict within; Simone is a great role model for young women. Any teen who is going through a problem like Simone, will feel empowered to face their situation with courage and determination. Reinhardt address two complex issues in this story and the end result would be a great read for any young adult.
* Reader’s Annotation
Simone is a normal teenager with great friends and family; it almost seems she has the perfect life. Then Rivka calls, Simone’s biological mother she has never met but now wants to know her.
* Information about the author
The author, Reinhardt, lives in Los Angeles; she has a husband and two children. This was her first book to be published. Before deciding to be a writer she had many jobs including working for PBS and with Peter Jennings on a documentary based on the Los Angeles Police Department. Reinhardt also went to law school. She says where she lives is not important, only that she lives with her husband and kids. She has published two other books; Harmless and How To Build A House. To find out more go to Reinhardt’s website, http://www.danareinhardt.net/About%20Dana%20Reinhardt.htm.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Issues, Faith-based
* Curriculum Ties, if any
Could possibly be used in studying other religions or for English.
There are no specific curriculum ties, but this would be a great book for showing students the difference between faiths and why one should be open-minded towards faiths or religions that are not their own.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Why did Rivka wait to meet Simone until she was running out of time?
2) Discuss Simone’s adoptive parents and the way they were portrayed compared to many parents in young adult literature.
3) Talk about why Simone changed her beliefs from atheist in the beginning of the book to believing in a higher power, what made her realize how she truly felt?
4) Why do you think in the end, Rivka’s father Mordechai, still thought he made the right decision in letting Rivka give Simone away?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
7th grade and up/ 14 and up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Unwed parents, Sex between minors, Athiesm, Portrayal of Hasidic Jews.
Defense ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Brief-Chapter-My-Impossible-Life/dp/030728395X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258529827&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included this book for the same reason I included many others. The story addresses an issue that occurs and it gives young adults a character they can relate to whether they were adopted or not. Many children are adopted and in many cases they do not look like the rest of their family; like Simone. These children struggle with the decision of wanting to know their biological parents. Some have to seek help from detective agencies while others, like Simone, have the option but choose to not know their other parents. I think this is an important story and it does not get too stuck in the depressing parts; the book keeps the reader interested without bringing them down too much.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Born to Rock (Audio Book)
* Bibliographic information
Korman, G. Born to Rock. Brilliance Audio, 2006. ISBN: 9781423311966. Read by Billy Hammond.
* Plot Summary
Leo has always known there was someone else inside of him, someone who came out when he got mad and made him react in ways he would never otherwise. At a young age Leo found his birth certificate and saw that his father he had always known was not his “Bio-Dad”; Marion X. McMurphy was. From then on, Leo referred to the person inside of him as McMurphy; this is who he blamed for anything he did that was out of character. In his senior year of high school, Leo is kicked out of the Young Republicans Club because of McMurphy and his inability to walk away from a cause. He loses his scholarship to Harvard then learns that his Bio-Dad is also known as King Maggot, the front man of a very well known punk band from the 1980s; Purge. Leo sees his chance to get the money for Harvard and tracks down McMurphy making a huge scene that distances him from his best friend, Melinda. McMurphy wants to get to know Leo and has him come on tour with him and Purge for their comeback. This begins Leo’s journey into the punk rock world where he learns the truth about his Bio-Dad, and his relationship with Melinda.
* Critical Evaluation
A very creative story of a teen finding a biological parent they never knew. The audio book version is a bit distracting at times because wordless rock music is played between sections and chapters, making it hard to hear the narrator. However, the narrator does a great job of providing different voices for the characters, when this is not done well it can make for a confusing listen. The story is entertaining and the writing is humorous. Seeing the character’s outlook change throughout the book will be fun for teens, especially those who love punk music. The main character is definitely an outsider in McMurphy’s world and the contrast is shown in a smart way that keeps readers wanting to know when Leo will get the cavity search he keeps mentioning, and why.
* Reader’s Annotation
Leo has just been thrown out of the Young Republicans Club and lost his scholarship to Harvard because the vice principal says he cheated on a test, then he finds out that his biological father is the front man of a popular punk band from the 1980s; Purge. Leo’s one chance to get his life back on track means going on tour with Purge for the summer and asking his Bio-Dad for the Harvard Tuition.
* Information about the author
Korman was born in Quebec, Canada but later moved to New York where he met his wife. Him and his wife live in Long Island, New York and have three children. Korman has written over 55 books, all for children’s or young adults. He says “50% of what Gordon writes is something that really happened, and 50% is imaginary”. Korman wrote his first book, This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall when he was 12 years old. To learn more about Korman, check out his website, http://www.gordonkorman.com/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Issues
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Talk about Leo’s decision to go on tour with Purge. Do you think you could do something that impulsive?
2) There were hints throughout the story that King Maggot wanted to be a father, why do you think he never tried?
3) Why do you think Melinda never told her oldest friend, Leo about her online postings under Kafka Dreams?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 15-18 years old
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Unwed parents, Sex, Drugs, Alcohol, Crime and Language.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Born-Rock-Gordon-Korman/dp/0786809213/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260048985&sr=8-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
This book was recommended to me by the youth librarian at the branch by my house. I thought the story was interesting so I wanted to include it in my collection. Not many stories are told about a young republican finding out his biological father is a punk rock legend. I think Leo’s take on events is fun to read, especially when he talks about the McMurphy inside of him as if those genes are making him do things he does not want to do. Like many teens, Leo wants someone or something to blame for his lack of impulse control. I thought the book was pretty mild but one of the library staff said she thought it was inappropriate and she would not want her sons reading it. It just goes to show that everyone is different and we all interpret things differently.
Korman, G. Born to Rock. Brilliance Audio, 2006. ISBN: 9781423311966. Read by Billy Hammond.
* Plot Summary
Leo has always known there was someone else inside of him, someone who came out when he got mad and made him react in ways he would never otherwise. At a young age Leo found his birth certificate and saw that his father he had always known was not his “Bio-Dad”; Marion X. McMurphy was. From then on, Leo referred to the person inside of him as McMurphy; this is who he blamed for anything he did that was out of character. In his senior year of high school, Leo is kicked out of the Young Republicans Club because of McMurphy and his inability to walk away from a cause. He loses his scholarship to Harvard then learns that his Bio-Dad is also known as King Maggot, the front man of a very well known punk band from the 1980s; Purge. Leo sees his chance to get the money for Harvard and tracks down McMurphy making a huge scene that distances him from his best friend, Melinda. McMurphy wants to get to know Leo and has him come on tour with him and Purge for their comeback. This begins Leo’s journey into the punk rock world where he learns the truth about his Bio-Dad, and his relationship with Melinda.
* Critical Evaluation
A very creative story of a teen finding a biological parent they never knew. The audio book version is a bit distracting at times because wordless rock music is played between sections and chapters, making it hard to hear the narrator. However, the narrator does a great job of providing different voices for the characters, when this is not done well it can make for a confusing listen. The story is entertaining and the writing is humorous. Seeing the character’s outlook change throughout the book will be fun for teens, especially those who love punk music. The main character is definitely an outsider in McMurphy’s world and the contrast is shown in a smart way that keeps readers wanting to know when Leo will get the cavity search he keeps mentioning, and why.
* Reader’s Annotation
Leo has just been thrown out of the Young Republicans Club and lost his scholarship to Harvard because the vice principal says he cheated on a test, then he finds out that his biological father is the front man of a popular punk band from the 1980s; Purge. Leo’s one chance to get his life back on track means going on tour with Purge for the summer and asking his Bio-Dad for the Harvard Tuition.
* Information about the author
Korman was born in Quebec, Canada but later moved to New York where he met his wife. Him and his wife live in Long Island, New York and have three children. Korman has written over 55 books, all for children’s or young adults. He says “50% of what Gordon writes is something that really happened, and 50% is imaginary”. Korman wrote his first book, This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall when he was 12 years old. To learn more about Korman, check out his website, http://www.gordonkorman.com/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Issues
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Talk about Leo’s decision to go on tour with Purge. Do you think you could do something that impulsive?
2) There were hints throughout the story that King Maggot wanted to be a father, why do you think he never tried?
3) Why do you think Melinda never told her oldest friend, Leo about her online postings under Kafka Dreams?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 15-18 years old
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Unwed parents, Sex, Drugs, Alcohol, Crime and Language.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Born-Rock-Gordon-Korman/dp/0786809213/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260048985&sr=8-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
This book was recommended to me by the youth librarian at the branch by my house. I thought the story was interesting so I wanted to include it in my collection. Not many stories are told about a young republican finding out his biological father is a punk rock legend. I think Leo’s take on events is fun to read, especially when he talks about the McMurphy inside of him as if those genes are making him do things he does not want to do. Like many teens, Leo wants someone or something to blame for his lack of impulse control. I thought the book was pretty mild but one of the library staff said she thought it was inappropriate and she would not want her sons reading it. It just goes to show that everyone is different and we all interpret things differently.
Midnighters: The Secret Hour
* Bibliographic information
Westerfeld, S. Midnighters: The Secret Hour. HarperCollins, 2004.
ISBN: 9780060519520.
- Volume 1 in the Midnighters series.
- Aurealis Award Winner in 2004, Young Adult Novel
- YALSA 2008 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults
- YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: 2005
* Plot Summary
Jessica Day has just moved to Bixby Oklahoma; being the new kid at school is always hard, especially when you think you might be going crazy. Jessica is a Midnighter; those born at the stroke of midnight. Midnighters have special powers and do not freeze like everyone else during the 25th hour of the day when strange ancient creatures appear and everything has a blue tint. Their abilities are used, combined with numbers and metal, to battle the increasingly aggressive creatures.
At certain axis points around the world this hour appears to Midnighters, one of those places is Bixby. In Jessica’s old home nothing happened out of the ordinary, but then she moved to Bixby and everything changed. She is accompanied by four other teenage Midnighters in the 25th hour and eventually joins their group, they teach her how to survive during the 25th hour and deal with her new reality. At the end of the book, Jessica discovers her power only to realize she does not know how to use it.
* Critical Evaluation
An easy read for most teens because of the reading level but the story captures readers because of the action and excitement. The characters are relatable and entertaining making this book fun for readers of any genre. Westerfeld does a good job of making the science explainable if not always feasible. Teens who read this book will want to read the whole trilogy because they want to know what happens to Jessica and the other Midnighters. Will Jessica get a special power? If so, what will it be? These are the questions every reader wants to know when they finish this book. With all of the action and personal moments this would make a great movie that many teens would flock to see. Westerfeld has created such a vivid world in this book it is easy to visual the characters alive on screen battling Darklings.
* Reader’s Annotation
Jessica has always been a normal girl, but then she moves to Bixby, Oklahoma and finds out she is a Midnighter. She now moves through the 25th hour of the day with her Midnighter friends as well as violent ancient creatures that want to stop her from realizing she has a special power.
* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. Midnighters: The Secret Hour was his first young adult novel to be published. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) At the end of the book, they discover Jessica's power. How do you think they can use it in defeating the darklings?
2) Discuss the tactics the Midnighters use to battle the Darklings, why do they work?
3) Talk about what you would do if you suddenly found yourself awake in an hour of the day where everyone else was frozen, including your family.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 6 and Up/ 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I chose to put this book on my blog because I loved reading these books and the Midnighters series has become one of my favorite series to date. The first book in the series is vital because it introduces the characters and the 25th hour. This is where readers get sucked into the trilogy. The story and the characters are so much fun to follow. I wish he would add more to the series just so I could revisit the 25th hour and all of its mystery. The reading level is a bit low for the age range of 15-18 but I think there need to be easy books for older teens, ones they can love and enjoy at times when they just want to explore another world and have fun doing it. The characters are in high school so teens will not feel like they are reading about little kids.
Westerfeld, S. Midnighters: The Secret Hour. HarperCollins, 2004.
ISBN: 9780060519520.
- Volume 1 in the Midnighters series.
- Aurealis Award Winner in 2004, Young Adult Novel
- YALSA 2008 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults
- YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: 2005
* Plot Summary
Jessica Day has just moved to Bixby Oklahoma; being the new kid at school is always hard, especially when you think you might be going crazy. Jessica is a Midnighter; those born at the stroke of midnight. Midnighters have special powers and do not freeze like everyone else during the 25th hour of the day when strange ancient creatures appear and everything has a blue tint. Their abilities are used, combined with numbers and metal, to battle the increasingly aggressive creatures.
At certain axis points around the world this hour appears to Midnighters, one of those places is Bixby. In Jessica’s old home nothing happened out of the ordinary, but then she moved to Bixby and everything changed. She is accompanied by four other teenage Midnighters in the 25th hour and eventually joins their group, they teach her how to survive during the 25th hour and deal with her new reality. At the end of the book, Jessica discovers her power only to realize she does not know how to use it.
* Critical Evaluation
An easy read for most teens because of the reading level but the story captures readers because of the action and excitement. The characters are relatable and entertaining making this book fun for readers of any genre. Westerfeld does a good job of making the science explainable if not always feasible. Teens who read this book will want to read the whole trilogy because they want to know what happens to Jessica and the other Midnighters. Will Jessica get a special power? If so, what will it be? These are the questions every reader wants to know when they finish this book. With all of the action and personal moments this would make a great movie that many teens would flock to see. Westerfeld has created such a vivid world in this book it is easy to visual the characters alive on screen battling Darklings.
* Reader’s Annotation
Jessica has always been a normal girl, but then she moves to Bixby, Oklahoma and finds out she is a Midnighter. She now moves through the 25th hour of the day with her Midnighter friends as well as violent ancient creatures that want to stop her from realizing she has a special power.
* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. Midnighters: The Secret Hour was his first young adult novel to be published. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) At the end of the book, they discover Jessica's power. How do you think they can use it in defeating the darklings?
2) Discuss the tactics the Midnighters use to battle the Darklings, why do they work?
3) Talk about what you would do if you suddenly found yourself awake in an hour of the day where everyone else was frozen, including your family.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 6 and Up/ 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I chose to put this book on my blog because I loved reading these books and the Midnighters series has become one of my favorite series to date. The first book in the series is vital because it introduces the characters and the 25th hour. This is where readers get sucked into the trilogy. The story and the characters are so much fun to follow. I wish he would add more to the series just so I could revisit the 25th hour and all of its mystery. The reading level is a bit low for the age range of 15-18 but I think there need to be easy books for older teens, ones they can love and enjoy at times when they just want to explore another world and have fun doing it. The characters are in high school so teens will not feel like they are reading about little kids.
Peeps
* Bibliographic information
Westerfeld, S. Peeps. Penguin Group, 2005. ISBN: 9781595140319.
- BCCB Blue Ribbon Fiction Book
- BBYA top ten book of the year
- School Library Journal Best Books, 2005
* Plot Summary
Peeps is a very entertaining book about vampires; they are considered “parasite positive” or “peeps.” The main character, Cal is a hunter of peeps; he is parasite positive himself but is not a vampire, he is just a carrier. One symptom of his situation is he craves sex but he has vowed to avoid sex because he could infect someone with the parasite; it is an STD. Of course he then meets the girl of his dreams, Lace and struggles with his condition. The book explores the world of parasites and rats to back up the science used in the text to explain the disease. The creepy world of parasites and rats make for a great combination of funny and scary when reading this book.
* Critical Evaluation
Cal is a humorous character and his description of the events that occur and the world around him make for an entertaining story. Westerfeld’s descriptions and reasons why the vampires or “peeps” exist seem almost plausible because the science he uses to back up his theory is scarily possible. Everyone is afraid of rats and the diseases they carry so it makes the book that much more interesting. The character is out of high school and a bit older which can sometimes make the story more interesting to teens. All and all the book is funny and entertaining because of Cal’s take on things. Being in Cal’s head allows the reader to really understand his situation and the anxiety he feels when he is around the girl of his dreams, Lace.
* Reader’s Annotation
Cal leads a strange life; he hunts people who share the same disease as him; they are all parasite positive or “peeps”. The parasite can be spread by something as innocent as kissing, it is hard for 19-year-old Cal to keep from spreading the parasite because all he thinks about is girls.
* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Even though Cal knew he might infect Lace, why did he continue to see her and torture himself?
2) Discuss the peep cat, why do you think Westerfeld chose a cat rather than some other animal? 3) Talk about why Westerfeld chose to not use the word vampire and instead peep or parasite positive?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Sex, Vampires
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Peeps-Scott-Westerfeld/dp/1595140832/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259800592&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
This book is a really fun read and one that I truly enjoyed reading a few years ago; I had to include it on the blog. I love vampire books, but what I love even more are funny vampire books so adding the book was a must. Cal is a hilarious character. Reading about him wanting to be with a girl so bad but not being able to because of his condition is comical. The peep cat that has people do his dirty work is also a genius addition to the story. Then Westerfeld adds in the fact that Cal knows lots of Elvis trivia because he is a huge fan and there is no way to avoid loving this book.
Westerfeld, S. Peeps. Penguin Group, 2005. ISBN: 9781595140319.
- BCCB Blue Ribbon Fiction Book
- BBYA top ten book of the year
- School Library Journal Best Books, 2005
* Plot Summary
Peeps is a very entertaining book about vampires; they are considered “parasite positive” or “peeps.” The main character, Cal is a hunter of peeps; he is parasite positive himself but is not a vampire, he is just a carrier. One symptom of his situation is he craves sex but he has vowed to avoid sex because he could infect someone with the parasite; it is an STD. Of course he then meets the girl of his dreams, Lace and struggles with his condition. The book explores the world of parasites and rats to back up the science used in the text to explain the disease. The creepy world of parasites and rats make for a great combination of funny and scary when reading this book.
* Critical Evaluation
Cal is a humorous character and his description of the events that occur and the world around him make for an entertaining story. Westerfeld’s descriptions and reasons why the vampires or “peeps” exist seem almost plausible because the science he uses to back up his theory is scarily possible. Everyone is afraid of rats and the diseases they carry so it makes the book that much more interesting. The character is out of high school and a bit older which can sometimes make the story more interesting to teens. All and all the book is funny and entertaining because of Cal’s take on things. Being in Cal’s head allows the reader to really understand his situation and the anxiety he feels when he is around the girl of his dreams, Lace.
* Reader’s Annotation
Cal leads a strange life; he hunts people who share the same disease as him; they are all parasite positive or “peeps”. The parasite can be spread by something as innocent as kissing, it is hard for 19-year-old Cal to keep from spreading the parasite because all he thinks about is girls.
* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Even though Cal knew he might infect Lace, why did he continue to see her and torture himself?
2) Discuss the peep cat, why do you think Westerfeld chose a cat rather than some other animal? 3) Talk about why Westerfeld chose to not use the word vampire and instead peep or parasite positive?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Sex, Vampires
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Peeps-Scott-Westerfeld/dp/1595140832/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259800592&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
This book is a really fun read and one that I truly enjoyed reading a few years ago; I had to include it on the blog. I love vampire books, but what I love even more are funny vampire books so adding the book was a must. Cal is a hilarious character. Reading about him wanting to be with a girl so bad but not being able to because of his condition is comical. The peep cat that has people do his dirty work is also a genius addition to the story. Then Westerfeld adds in the fact that Cal knows lots of Elvis trivia because he is a huge fan and there is no way to avoid loving this book.
Uglies
* Bibliographic information
Westerfeld, S. Uglies. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN: 9780689865381
- Book one in the Uglies series.
- SLJ Best Book of the Year, 2005
- ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2006
* Plot Summary
This book takes place in a world where everyone receives plastic surgery and enhancements when they turn 16 to become what is uniformly considered pretty. Before these changes, people are called “Uglies” and after, they are called Pretties. Tally Youngblood and her friend Shay are waiting to become “Pretties” so they can join their friends in New Pretty Town; the Uglies are kept completely separate from the pretties who have fun all day and have no responsibilities. After Shay runs away, Tally is told by the officials that she must help them find Shay or she can never become a Pretty. Tally goes to the place, The Smoke, where Shay is hiding out to give her up but after staying in the wilderness she starts to think they have the right idea on how to live. The people in the Smoke, Smokies, do not have surgeries to make them pretty; they simply live with what they were born with. Tally also starts to question the surgeries everyone gets and wonders if there is more going on than just making people look good.
* Critical Evaluation
This book gives young readers an entertaining story, set in an exciting futuristic world. The writing is easy to follow but the story includes suspenseful twists as Westerfeld often does. By the end of the book readers are surprised and wanting to go pick up the second book so they can learn Tally’s fate. Tally is a great character for teens to follow because in the beginning she falls into the hype of wanting to be a “Pretty” but after she does some thinking on her own, away from the propaganda she grows emotionally and mentally. This is a coming of age tale that is done with lively characters in a science fiction world. As young adults get older they start to realize the world is different from what they thought it was, just as Tally has her blinders removed and sees the dark side of becoming a Pretty. Teens will love taking a journey with Tally as she figures out who she is what world she wants to live in.
* Reader’s Annotation
Tally has waited her entire life to become a Pretty but when her time comes her roommate, Shay is missing and the government agency in charge says she will never be pretty unless she finds Shay. Will Tally give up her friend and a small community of people living in secrecy to become a Pretty?
* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction, Issues
* Curriculum Ties, if any
English or Health:
Young adults are going through so many changes inside and out; they enjoy reading about others with issues or conflicts while they struggle with the process of dealing with them.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the Rusties and their destructive ways. Are their similarities between today’s society and the Rusties?
2) After reading this book would you want to become a Pretty? Why or why not?
3) In what ways does Tally change over the course of the book
4) If Tally becomes a Pretty, what do you think will happen to the Smokies?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
7th Grade and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included books from this series because it is quite popular and the books provide a strong message to young adults about being happy with who you are and how you look. I enjoyed reading this book and following Tally’s journey of self examination as she figures out who she wants to be and what her government is really doing to people when they make them “Pretty”. The message portrayed of being comfortable with yourself and your appearance, is very important for young adult readers. Westerfeld includes a healthy message of individuality as with many of his books, and he does it with a science fiction twist.
Westerfeld, S. Uglies. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN: 9780689865381
- Book one in the Uglies series.
- SLJ Best Book of the Year, 2005
- ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2006
* Plot Summary
This book takes place in a world where everyone receives plastic surgery and enhancements when they turn 16 to become what is uniformly considered pretty. Before these changes, people are called “Uglies” and after, they are called Pretties. Tally Youngblood and her friend Shay are waiting to become “Pretties” so they can join their friends in New Pretty Town; the Uglies are kept completely separate from the pretties who have fun all day and have no responsibilities. After Shay runs away, Tally is told by the officials that she must help them find Shay or she can never become a Pretty. Tally goes to the place, The Smoke, where Shay is hiding out to give her up but after staying in the wilderness she starts to think they have the right idea on how to live. The people in the Smoke, Smokies, do not have surgeries to make them pretty; they simply live with what they were born with. Tally also starts to question the surgeries everyone gets and wonders if there is more going on than just making people look good.
* Critical Evaluation
This book gives young readers an entertaining story, set in an exciting futuristic world. The writing is easy to follow but the story includes suspenseful twists as Westerfeld often does. By the end of the book readers are surprised and wanting to go pick up the second book so they can learn Tally’s fate. Tally is a great character for teens to follow because in the beginning she falls into the hype of wanting to be a “Pretty” but after she does some thinking on her own, away from the propaganda she grows emotionally and mentally. This is a coming of age tale that is done with lively characters in a science fiction world. As young adults get older they start to realize the world is different from what they thought it was, just as Tally has her blinders removed and sees the dark side of becoming a Pretty. Teens will love taking a journey with Tally as she figures out who she is what world she wants to live in.
* Reader’s Annotation
Tally has waited her entire life to become a Pretty but when her time comes her roommate, Shay is missing and the government agency in charge says she will never be pretty unless she finds Shay. Will Tally give up her friend and a small community of people living in secrecy to become a Pretty?
* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction, Issues
* Curriculum Ties, if any
English or Health:
Young adults are going through so many changes inside and out; they enjoy reading about others with issues or conflicts while they struggle with the process of dealing with them.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the Rusties and their destructive ways. Are their similarities between today’s society and the Rusties?
2) After reading this book would you want to become a Pretty? Why or why not?
3) In what ways does Tally change over the course of the book
4) If Tally becomes a Pretty, what do you think will happen to the Smokies?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
7th Grade and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included books from this series because it is quite popular and the books provide a strong message to young adults about being happy with who you are and how you look. I enjoyed reading this book and following Tally’s journey of self examination as she figures out who she wants to be and what her government is really doing to people when they make them “Pretty”. The message portrayed of being comfortable with yourself and your appearance, is very important for young adult readers. Westerfeld includes a healthy message of individuality as with many of his books, and he does it with a science fiction twist.
Pretties
* Bibliographic information
Westerfeld, S. Pretties. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN: 9780689865398
- Book two in the Uglies series.
* Plot Summary
In this second book of the series, Tally has become a “Pretty” and she realizes that is not what she wanted for herself; partying and looking good is not enough to make someone happy. A coded message reminds her that she is supposed to take a cure, the people from The Smoke created, in order to stop the growth of brain lesions that occur as a result of the enhancement surgeries. She had helped create the plan before becoming a Pretty but lost her memory of it when she changed. Tally, and her new Pretty boyfriend, Zane take the pills to cure them of their lazy thoughts. Zane has a bad reaction and Tally must rush him the doctors in the Smoke who created the pill. The adventure begins when they plan a hot air balloon escape only to be separated right after they leave.
* Critical Evaluation
Once again Tally must go on a journey of self-reflection, this time as a Pretty. This book is full of action and there are so many twists and turns that often times I had to go back and make sure I had read a section correctly. Westerfeld has made another book that people cannot put down;
Tally is such a strong complex character; readers always want to know what she will do next. The story takes an unexpected detour when Tally gets separated from Zane and finds herself among a lost civilization of people who are untouched by the authorities because they consider them a social experiment. Each twist and turn keeps readers turning the page, Westerfeld knows how to write young adult books with complex characters and worlds that people want to know about.
* Reader’s Annotation
Now that she is a Pretty, Tally must remember to take the pill that could cure brain lesions created when people get surgeries to become pretty. It is up to her to keep the world she lives in from destroying itself.
* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction, Issues
* Curriculum Ties, if any
English or Health:
Young adults are going through so many changes inside and out; they enjoy reading about others with issues or conflicts while they struggle with the process of dealing with them.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) After becoming a Pretty, Tally still had a nagging feeling that there was something important she was supposed to do. Why do you think she was able to remember a bit of it through the haze. 2) If Pretties’ minds are supposed to be dulled by the surgeries, how is it that people like Tally and Zane still fall for each other?
3) Discuss the hidden civilization that Tally finds in the woods and how they differ from the Smokies.
4) At the end of the book Shay talks about her new group of Specials, the Cutters and how they are more special than the other Specials and are able to do more of what they want. What do you think they will be up to in the next book? What is their purpose?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
7th Grade and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included this book in my selection because its message is important for young adults. Without people who rebel against being the same, everyone would end up looking like mirror images. The story’s theme of attainting beauty and assessing one’s self worth based on it, are themes present in today’s society. Plastic surgery has become completely normal to our population; some parents even get augmentation for their teens. Changing one’s self to look the same as everyone else or to be conventionally beautiful robs you and the world of your individuality. People should own their beauty not have a doctor cut them up to be happy with their appearance. Westerfeld understands this and has created a book with likeable exciting characters to convey this message to teens.
Westerfeld, S. Pretties. Simon Pulse, 2005. ISBN: 9780689865398
- Book two in the Uglies series.
* Plot Summary
In this second book of the series, Tally has become a “Pretty” and she realizes that is not what she wanted for herself; partying and looking good is not enough to make someone happy. A coded message reminds her that she is supposed to take a cure, the people from The Smoke created, in order to stop the growth of brain lesions that occur as a result of the enhancement surgeries. She had helped create the plan before becoming a Pretty but lost her memory of it when she changed. Tally, and her new Pretty boyfriend, Zane take the pills to cure them of their lazy thoughts. Zane has a bad reaction and Tally must rush him the doctors in the Smoke who created the pill. The adventure begins when they plan a hot air balloon escape only to be separated right after they leave.
* Critical Evaluation
Once again Tally must go on a journey of self-reflection, this time as a Pretty. This book is full of action and there are so many twists and turns that often times I had to go back and make sure I had read a section correctly. Westerfeld has made another book that people cannot put down;
Tally is such a strong complex character; readers always want to know what she will do next. The story takes an unexpected detour when Tally gets separated from Zane and finds herself among a lost civilization of people who are untouched by the authorities because they consider them a social experiment. Each twist and turn keeps readers turning the page, Westerfeld knows how to write young adult books with complex characters and worlds that people want to know about.
* Reader’s Annotation
Now that she is a Pretty, Tally must remember to take the pill that could cure brain lesions created when people get surgeries to become pretty. It is up to her to keep the world she lives in from destroying itself.
* Information about the author
Westerfeld grew up in Texas, California and Connecticut because his family moved around. Him and his wife move back and forth between their two homes in New York City and Sydney, Australia. Westerfeld says he grew up in a large family that valued storytelling and he has always written, even as a child. He has written five science fiction novels for adults but his young adult science fiction novels are what he is best known for. He continues to write young adult novels because he loves the people involved. For more information about Scott Westerfeld and his other novels check out his website at http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Science Fiction, Issues
* Curriculum Ties, if any
English or Health:
Young adults are going through so many changes inside and out; they enjoy reading about others with issues or conflicts while they struggle with the process of dealing with them.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) After becoming a Pretty, Tally still had a nagging feeling that there was something important she was supposed to do. Why do you think she was able to remember a bit of it through the haze. 2) If Pretties’ minds are supposed to be dulled by the surgeries, how is it that people like Tally and Zane still fall for each other?
3) Discuss the hidden civilization that Tally finds in the woods and how they differ from the Smokies.
4) At the end of the book Shay talks about her new group of Specials, the Cutters and how they are more special than the other Specials and are able to do more of what they want. What do you think they will be up to in the next book? What is their purpose?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
7th Grade and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included this book in my selection because its message is important for young adults. Without people who rebel against being the same, everyone would end up looking like mirror images. The story’s theme of attainting beauty and assessing one’s self worth based on it, are themes present in today’s society. Plastic surgery has become completely normal to our population; some parents even get augmentation for their teens. Changing one’s self to look the same as everyone else or to be conventionally beautiful robs you and the world of your individuality. People should own their beauty not have a doctor cut them up to be happy with their appearance. Westerfeld understands this and has created a book with likeable exciting characters to convey this message to teens.
New Moon
* Bibliographic information
Meyer, S. New Moon. Little, Brown, and Company, 2006. ISBN:
- Second book in the Twilight Saga
* Plot Summary
Bella is feeling like her whole world is complete as she kisses her amazing vampire boyfriend, Edward before her birthday party. Then everything falls apart as Edward pushes his brother, Jasper to keep him from attacking Bella when she cuts her finger. Jasper is new to not feeding on humans. Later Edward decides to leave Bella so she will be safe and away from vampires. Bella feels as if her heart has been pulled from her body and cannot move. After she is found in the woods on the ground crying her life continues on, without her. She goes through every day in a haze, feeling numb until Jacobs pulls her from her fog. She begins spending time with her new best friend Jacob and even feels bits of normalcy from time to time. Then she discovers she can hear Edward in her head anytime she does something reckless. She starts taking risks and being careless just so she can hear his voice again. Meanwhile Jacob is falling in love with her. The longer Edward is gone, the more Bella starts to think she might be able to love Jacob back in the way he loves her.
* Critical Evaluation
Even without Edward, this book is just as intense as the first book in the series. The depression and despair that Bella feels is felt by the reader because Meyer is that good at describing it and putting us right there with Bella. The relationship with Jacob is new and gets some fans wishing Bella would just pick Jacob and forget about Edward. This is a trait of someone who writes great books. People really feel for Meyer’s characters and feel loyal to certain ones. This is why people argue over being “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob”. She creates a situation where people think and want to know what decision Bella will make. Her books invoke a lot of emotion from readers because the characters become so real to them. Her writing is not as good as many writers in the field but her stories and characters have created a cult phenomenon with fans of all ages.
* Reader’s Annotation
Edward has left Bella and she can feel the hole in her heart growing every day. Is Jacob enough to fill that hole or is she destined to fade away.
* Information about the author
Meyer lives in Arizona with her husband and three sons. She has a degree in English literature from Brigham Young University. She was a stay at home mother until she had a dream about the character of Edward and got to work writing Twilight, three months later it was done and she submitted it to literary agents. Eventually it was picked up and published in 2005 followed quickly by the other three books in 2006, 2007, and 2008. To find out more about Stephanie Meyer or the Twilight Saga, check out her website, http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Fantasy, Romance
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Why do you think the author decided to develop Bella and Jacob’s relationship only after Edward left instead of before she started dating him?
2) The Volturi could have killed Bella when they had the chance and the book says it is out of curiosity that they let her live, do you think there were other reasons?
3) Talk about Bella and Jacob’s relationship and the one Edward and Bella have. Who do you think she should be with?
4) Edward is missing for most of the book and he briefly explains what he was doing. Discuss what other things he may have been doing. What do you think he was doing and feeling while he was gone?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8 and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
With the popularity of the Twilight series and the insane amount of people who have gone to see the New Moon movie it would seem ridiculous not to include this book with my other selections. Once again, Meyer has created a book that readers cannot put down; me included. I think Bella is a strong female character who has very real emotions and her story needs to be told because there are so many girls out there who feel the same. Many people think it is bad to portray such an intense obsessive love where one person feels like nothing without the other, but it happens. Teens are dramatic and they do live by their emotions. By not showing these types of feelings, it does not take them away from teens it just takes away their chance to feel like someone else has gone through it, and it is possible to start feeling better. I also think the books should not be taken too literally because after all, Bella is in love with a vampire and best friends with a werewolf.
Meyer, S. New Moon. Little, Brown, and Company, 2006. ISBN:
- Second book in the Twilight Saga
* Plot Summary
Bella is feeling like her whole world is complete as she kisses her amazing vampire boyfriend, Edward before her birthday party. Then everything falls apart as Edward pushes his brother, Jasper to keep him from attacking Bella when she cuts her finger. Jasper is new to not feeding on humans. Later Edward decides to leave Bella so she will be safe and away from vampires. Bella feels as if her heart has been pulled from her body and cannot move. After she is found in the woods on the ground crying her life continues on, without her. She goes through every day in a haze, feeling numb until Jacobs pulls her from her fog. She begins spending time with her new best friend Jacob and even feels bits of normalcy from time to time. Then she discovers she can hear Edward in her head anytime she does something reckless. She starts taking risks and being careless just so she can hear his voice again. Meanwhile Jacob is falling in love with her. The longer Edward is gone, the more Bella starts to think she might be able to love Jacob back in the way he loves her.
* Critical Evaluation
Even without Edward, this book is just as intense as the first book in the series. The depression and despair that Bella feels is felt by the reader because Meyer is that good at describing it and putting us right there with Bella. The relationship with Jacob is new and gets some fans wishing Bella would just pick Jacob and forget about Edward. This is a trait of someone who writes great books. People really feel for Meyer’s characters and feel loyal to certain ones. This is why people argue over being “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob”. She creates a situation where people think and want to know what decision Bella will make. Her books invoke a lot of emotion from readers because the characters become so real to them. Her writing is not as good as many writers in the field but her stories and characters have created a cult phenomenon with fans of all ages.
* Reader’s Annotation
Edward has left Bella and she can feel the hole in her heart growing every day. Is Jacob enough to fill that hole or is she destined to fade away.
* Information about the author
Meyer lives in Arizona with her husband and three sons. She has a degree in English literature from Brigham Young University. She was a stay at home mother until she had a dream about the character of Edward and got to work writing Twilight, three months later it was done and she submitted it to literary agents. Eventually it was picked up and published in 2005 followed quickly by the other three books in 2006, 2007, and 2008. To find out more about Stephanie Meyer or the Twilight Saga, check out her website, http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Fantasy, Romance
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Why do you think the author decided to develop Bella and Jacob’s relationship only after Edward left instead of before she started dating him?
2) The Volturi could have killed Bella when they had the chance and the book says it is out of curiosity that they let her live, do you think there were other reasons?
3) Talk about Bella and Jacob’s relationship and the one Edward and Bella have. Who do you think she should be with?
4) Edward is missing for most of the book and he briefly explains what he was doing. Discuss what other things he may have been doing. What do you think he was doing and feeling while he was gone?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 8 and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
With the popularity of the Twilight series and the insane amount of people who have gone to see the New Moon movie it would seem ridiculous not to include this book with my other selections. Once again, Meyer has created a book that readers cannot put down; me included. I think Bella is a strong female character who has very real emotions and her story needs to be told because there are so many girls out there who feel the same. Many people think it is bad to portray such an intense obsessive love where one person feels like nothing without the other, but it happens. Teens are dramatic and they do live by their emotions. By not showing these types of feelings, it does not take them away from teens it just takes away their chance to feel like someone else has gone through it, and it is possible to start feeling better. I also think the books should not be taken too literally because after all, Bella is in love with a vampire and best friends with a werewolf.
Twilight
* Bibliographic information
Meyer, S. Twilight. Little, Brown and Company, 2005. ISBN: 9780316015844
- First book in the Twilight saga.
- School Library Journal Best Books: 2005
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2006
- YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: 2006
* Plot Summary
Bella has just moved to Forks, Washington to live wither Dad who she has barely seen in the past few years. She left her mom, her friends and, sunny Phoenix to move to a cold damp place where the sun hardly ever shows. Bella likes living wither Dad but hates everything cold. That is until she falls in love with Edward; a cold undead vampire. When Edward saves her from being crushed by a van by using his strength she knows he is different and will stop at nothing to find out why. Once she has learned the truth she must then deal with the stares at school as everyone see her walk in with the best looking guy at school, the stares from his vampire siblings who do not approve and if that was not enough she has to keep from getting killed by a group of new deadly vampires in town.
* Critical Evaluation
A great Romeo and Juliet type love story; a vampire and a girl fall in love. What is so great about this book is the passion between Bella and Edward. The pages in the book where they kiss are so suspenseful because of the sexual tension between Bella and Edward. They want to be with each other so bad and Meyer has written it in a way where the reader feels the intensity too. Readers either love the book or hate it. Whether or not someone likes the book, they will discuss it. Meyer’s intense page turner has become so popular that people talk about this book everywhere. The story creates strong feelings in people, some good and some bad but it does make people think and talk about it; this makes it a great book because it gets people talking. Books should make people feel something when they read them and this one does it with a strong intensity I have never experienced with books before.
* Reader’s Annotation
Falling in love in high school is never easy, try falling in love with a vampire. You will not able to stop reading this intense love story; it will suck you in.
* Information about the author
Meyer lives in Arizona with her husband and three sons. She has a degree in English literature from Brigham Young University. She was a stay at home mother until she had a dream about the character of Edward and got to work writing Twilight, three months later it was done and she submitted it to literary agents. Eventually it was picked up and published in 2005 followed quickly by the other three books in 2006, 2007, and 2008. To find out more about Stephenie Meyer or the Twilight Saga, check out her website, http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Fantasy, Romance
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss Bella’s relationship with her parents and Edward, why does she worry about them before herself?
2) Discuss Bella’s human friends and her relationships with each of them.
3) Many people think that Edward is to protective over Bella, what is your opinion on the matter?
4) Bella is never afraid of Edward and always feels comfortable around him; even after she knows what he is, why is that?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included this book on my blog because I cannot remember ever being so committed to a book until I read this one. The books in this series, starting with Twilight, have a way of sucking you in so that you cannot stop reading until it is done; then you want the next book immediately. I started reading it because I became obsessed with the story after seeing the movie in the theatre. Once I started reading them I started looking at all things Twilight; anything I could find online I watched or read. I knew this book had to be included because I am not the only person that reacted this way after reading this book; I’m not even the only adult. The obsession has spread across the country and into others as well. This book is very relevant right now.
Meyer, S. Twilight. Little, Brown and Company, 2005. ISBN: 9780316015844
- First book in the Twilight saga.
- School Library Journal Best Books: 2005
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2006
- YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: 2006
* Plot Summary
Bella has just moved to Forks, Washington to live wither Dad who she has barely seen in the past few years. She left her mom, her friends and, sunny Phoenix to move to a cold damp place where the sun hardly ever shows. Bella likes living wither Dad but hates everything cold. That is until she falls in love with Edward; a cold undead vampire. When Edward saves her from being crushed by a van by using his strength she knows he is different and will stop at nothing to find out why. Once she has learned the truth she must then deal with the stares at school as everyone see her walk in with the best looking guy at school, the stares from his vampire siblings who do not approve and if that was not enough she has to keep from getting killed by a group of new deadly vampires in town.
* Critical Evaluation
A great Romeo and Juliet type love story; a vampire and a girl fall in love. What is so great about this book is the passion between Bella and Edward. The pages in the book where they kiss are so suspenseful because of the sexual tension between Bella and Edward. They want to be with each other so bad and Meyer has written it in a way where the reader feels the intensity too. Readers either love the book or hate it. Whether or not someone likes the book, they will discuss it. Meyer’s intense page turner has become so popular that people talk about this book everywhere. The story creates strong feelings in people, some good and some bad but it does make people think and talk about it; this makes it a great book because it gets people talking. Books should make people feel something when they read them and this one does it with a strong intensity I have never experienced with books before.
* Reader’s Annotation
Falling in love in high school is never easy, try falling in love with a vampire. You will not able to stop reading this intense love story; it will suck you in.
* Information about the author
Meyer lives in Arizona with her husband and three sons. She has a degree in English literature from Brigham Young University. She was a stay at home mother until she had a dream about the character of Edward and got to work writing Twilight, three months later it was done and she submitted it to literary agents. Eventually it was picked up and published in 2005 followed quickly by the other three books in 2006, 2007, and 2008. To find out more about Stephenie Meyer or the Twilight Saga, check out her website, http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Fantasy, Romance
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss Bella’s relationship with her parents and Edward, why does she worry about them before herself?
2) Discuss Bella’s human friends and her relationships with each of them.
3) Many people think that Edward is to protective over Bella, what is your opinion on the matter?
4) Bella is never afraid of Edward and always feels comfortable around him; even after she knows what he is, why is that?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included this book on my blog because I cannot remember ever being so committed to a book until I read this one. The books in this series, starting with Twilight, have a way of sucking you in so that you cannot stop reading until it is done; then you want the next book immediately. I started reading it because I became obsessed with the story after seeing the movie in the theatre. Once I started reading them I started looking at all things Twilight; anything I could find online I watched or read. I knew this book had to be included because I am not the only person that reacted this way after reading this book; I’m not even the only adult. The obsession has spread across the country and into others as well. This book is very relevant right now.
Twilight (The Movie)
* Bibliographic information
Hardwicke, C. (Director). (2009). Twilight [Motion Picture]. United States: Summit
Entertainment. ISBN: 025192022272 Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
* Plot Summary
Bella has just moved to Forks, Washington to live wither Dad who she has barely seen in the past few years. She left her mom, her friends and, sunny Phoenix to move to a cold damp place where the sun hardly ever shows. Bella likes living wither Dad but hates everything cold. That is until she falls in love with Edward; a cold undead vampire. When Edward saves her from being crushed by a van by using his strength she knows he is different and will stop at nothing to find out why. Once she has learned the truth she must then deal with the stares at school as everyone see her walk in with the best looking guy at school, the stares from his vampire siblings who do not approve and if that was not enough she has to keep from getting killed by a group of new deadly vampires in town.
* Critical Evaluation
Twilight is a very beautiful movie about true passionate love. I got hooked on the movie and then had to read the book. The movie, except for a few small details, is very close to the book. Hardwicke does a great job of creating this dreary world that Bella is experiencing before she falls for Edward. She has friends at school but is not really there when she is with them. The tension between Edward and Bella has to be there for the story to work the way it does in the book and the stars of the movie definitely convey this. The relationship between Edward and Bella is so passionate and electric in the book and this movie does a great job of creating that on the screen; that is why so many people have watched it again and again. This movie created a huge phenomenon that will carry into the other movies in the saga as well.
* Reader’s Annotation
They say love is blind, but what do you do when the person you love is a vampire who struggles everyday with the urge not to kill you?
* Information about the director
Hardwicke makes low budget type films; this was her first movie to become so huge and popular. Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown were directed by her and both were highly acclaimed. She currently has three projects in the works including a film adaptation of Hamlet. She grew up in Texas and went to the UCLA film school in the 1980s.
* Genre
Fantasy
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Movie Discussion Ideas
1) Have you read the book, do you think they story was portrayed accurately in the movie?
2) Why do you think Jacob ends up telling Bella the myth about “the cold ones”? Do you think he had secret motives?
3) Most people either fear the Cullens or think they are weird, why do you think Bella’s Dad thinks they are good people?
4) At the end of the movie, Victoria is shown spying on Edward and Bella at the dance, talk about what she might do next.
* Interest Age
13 and Up / PG-13
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this movie in your titles you selected?
I love this movie; I had to include it. After seeing it I got obsessed just like every teenager who saw it. I read the books and I eagerly wait to see the other movies made with this saga. This movie has become such a phenomenon that to exclude it from this collection would not make any sense. Right now this is one of the most popular movies for teens, only second to New Moon, its sequel.
Hardwicke, C. (Director). (2009). Twilight [Motion Picture]. United States: Summit
Entertainment. ISBN: 025192022272 Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson
* Plot Summary
Bella has just moved to Forks, Washington to live wither Dad who she has barely seen in the past few years. She left her mom, her friends and, sunny Phoenix to move to a cold damp place where the sun hardly ever shows. Bella likes living wither Dad but hates everything cold. That is until she falls in love with Edward; a cold undead vampire. When Edward saves her from being crushed by a van by using his strength she knows he is different and will stop at nothing to find out why. Once she has learned the truth she must then deal with the stares at school as everyone see her walk in with the best looking guy at school, the stares from his vampire siblings who do not approve and if that was not enough she has to keep from getting killed by a group of new deadly vampires in town.
* Critical Evaluation
Twilight is a very beautiful movie about true passionate love. I got hooked on the movie and then had to read the book. The movie, except for a few small details, is very close to the book. Hardwicke does a great job of creating this dreary world that Bella is experiencing before she falls for Edward. She has friends at school but is not really there when she is with them. The tension between Edward and Bella has to be there for the story to work the way it does in the book and the stars of the movie definitely convey this. The relationship between Edward and Bella is so passionate and electric in the book and this movie does a great job of creating that on the screen; that is why so many people have watched it again and again. This movie created a huge phenomenon that will carry into the other movies in the saga as well.
* Reader’s Annotation
They say love is blind, but what do you do when the person you love is a vampire who struggles everyday with the urge not to kill you?
* Information about the director
Hardwicke makes low budget type films; this was her first movie to become so huge and popular. Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown were directed by her and both were highly acclaimed. She currently has three projects in the works including a film adaptation of Hamlet. She grew up in Texas and went to the UCLA film school in the 1980s.
* Genre
Fantasy
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Movie Discussion Ideas
1) Have you read the book, do you think they story was portrayed accurately in the movie?
2) Why do you think Jacob ends up telling Bella the myth about “the cold ones”? Do you think he had secret motives?
3) Most people either fear the Cullens or think they are weird, why do you think Bella’s Dad thinks they are good people?
4) At the end of the movie, Victoria is shown spying on Edward and Bella at the dance, talk about what she might do next.
* Interest Age
13 and Up / PG-13
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this movie in your titles you selected?
I love this movie; I had to include it. After seeing it I got obsessed just like every teenager who saw it. I read the books and I eagerly wait to see the other movies made with this saga. This movie has become such a phenomenon that to exclude it from this collection would not make any sense. Right now this is one of the most popular movies for teens, only second to New Moon, its sequel.
Dope Sick (Audio Book)
* Bibliographic information
Myers, W. D. Dope Sick. Recorded Books, 2009. ISBN: 9781436161404. Narrated by JD
Jackson
* Plot Summary
Lil J is running from the cops because they think he shot one of their own. His friend Rico, who shot the man, said J did it. Lil J is running scared and the only place he finds to hide is an old crack house with a mysterious man named Kelly living in it. At first J thinks the guy is a crazy homeless man, he soon realizes Kelly is much more than what he sees. Kelly uses a special TV to show Lil J important moments in his past that led him to the place he is now. J acts tough at first but eventually shares his fears and drug addiction with Kelly and asks him to help get him out of his current situation. J sees himself in the TV and does not want to be the man he has become. He wants to be someone better for himself, and his new child, but first he has to figure out what to do about the police outside who want to arrest him.
* Critical Evaluation
Myers does a great job of capturing the moments when a boy becomes a man; he does it with a complex character that has had to face numerous conflicts in his life. Lil J has an alcoholic mom, lives in a bad neighborhood, is addicted to dope and just became a father. This is a young man who is about to throw his life away because he wants to make money so bad; he chooses a quicker way by dealing drugs. I have never lived in Lil J’s world but the audio book made it possible for me to try and understand it. There were many words I had never heard before; street words. Hearing these words and the way the narrator used them allowed me to follow the events successfully. This is a great story of self-reflection, the author lets readers into the mind of a young man who is troubled and scared, looking for a way to change his life and who he has become.
* Reader’s Annotation
Lil J has made some bad decisions to avoid his problems and is heading down a dark path that will get him nowhere, except prison or dead. Through his discussions with a mysterious guy and his TV, Lil J sees himself as who he I,s and who he wants to be.
* Information about the author
Myers is a very joyful man. On his website, he writes about liking everyone he has ever met and how everyone is capable of being creative. Every bit of his bio section has a positive touch to it; it is inspiring to read about someone so happy. He writes because he loves it and wishes everyone could do something they love, the way he does. He grew up in Harlem and when he decided to give writing a try, professionally, he thought he should write about the hardest time of his life; his teen years. His first published book, in 1969, was actually a children’s book called, Where Does the Day Go? Myers has contributed numerous books to YA literature over the years; Dope Sick is his most recent novel.
http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Multiple and Unique Issues, Crime and Criminals
* Curriculum Ties, if any
English, if it was allowed in a school setting.
According to the English–Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools, found at http://curriculum.suhsd.k12.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=66, this book would tie into the Literary Response and Analysis part of the curriculum, the student must “Analyze interactions between main and subordinate characters in a literary text (e.g., internal and external conflicts, motivations, relationships, influences) and explain the way those interactions affect the plot” (p.57). This entire book is centered on the interactions between Lil’ J and Kelly. The interactions are more of a self-reflection but they definitely affect the plot. The interactions with other characters in the story are what get him to the place where he has to figure out what he will do with the rest of his life and he figures that out by talking with Kelly.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the character of Kelly and his “magical” TV.
2) Do you think Lil’ J will stay clean, why or why not?
3) Lil’ J would not discuss his drug addiction in the beginning, why did he lie about doing it?
4) Faced with the same problems as Lil J; having a child, an alcoholic mother, failing in school and not having any money, what would you do to avoid being sucked into a world of drugs?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-12 / 14 and up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Violence, Crime, Drug Abuse, Murder, Guns, and Unwed parents.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0061214779/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I selected this book to read because I always see Walter Dean Myers’ books on the shelf at the library and the covers always look so interesting. I decided to finally read one of his books and selected this book based on its availability. I included this book in my blog because of its content. The series of events and situations that lead Lil J to the old house where he runs into Kelly are sad and horrible but the journey of self-reflection that Kelly takes him on is very interesting and educational.
Myers, W. D. Dope Sick. Recorded Books, 2009. ISBN: 9781436161404. Narrated by JD
Jackson
* Plot Summary
Lil J is running from the cops because they think he shot one of their own. His friend Rico, who shot the man, said J did it. Lil J is running scared and the only place he finds to hide is an old crack house with a mysterious man named Kelly living in it. At first J thinks the guy is a crazy homeless man, he soon realizes Kelly is much more than what he sees. Kelly uses a special TV to show Lil J important moments in his past that led him to the place he is now. J acts tough at first but eventually shares his fears and drug addiction with Kelly and asks him to help get him out of his current situation. J sees himself in the TV and does not want to be the man he has become. He wants to be someone better for himself, and his new child, but first he has to figure out what to do about the police outside who want to arrest him.
* Critical Evaluation
Myers does a great job of capturing the moments when a boy becomes a man; he does it with a complex character that has had to face numerous conflicts in his life. Lil J has an alcoholic mom, lives in a bad neighborhood, is addicted to dope and just became a father. This is a young man who is about to throw his life away because he wants to make money so bad; he chooses a quicker way by dealing drugs. I have never lived in Lil J’s world but the audio book made it possible for me to try and understand it. There were many words I had never heard before; street words. Hearing these words and the way the narrator used them allowed me to follow the events successfully. This is a great story of self-reflection, the author lets readers into the mind of a young man who is troubled and scared, looking for a way to change his life and who he has become.
* Reader’s Annotation
Lil J has made some bad decisions to avoid his problems and is heading down a dark path that will get him nowhere, except prison or dead. Through his discussions with a mysterious guy and his TV, Lil J sees himself as who he I,s and who he wants to be.
* Information about the author
Myers is a very joyful man. On his website, he writes about liking everyone he has ever met and how everyone is capable of being creative. Every bit of his bio section has a positive touch to it; it is inspiring to read about someone so happy. He writes because he loves it and wishes everyone could do something they love, the way he does. He grew up in Harlem and when he decided to give writing a try, professionally, he thought he should write about the hardest time of his life; his teen years. His first published book, in 1969, was actually a children’s book called, Where Does the Day Go? Myers has contributed numerous books to YA literature over the years; Dope Sick is his most recent novel.
http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Multiple and Unique Issues, Crime and Criminals
* Curriculum Ties, if any
English, if it was allowed in a school setting.
According to the English–Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools, found at http://curriculum.suhsd.k12.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=66, this book would tie into the Literary Response and Analysis part of the curriculum, the student must “Analyze interactions between main and subordinate characters in a literary text (e.g., internal and external conflicts, motivations, relationships, influences) and explain the way those interactions affect the plot” (p.57). This entire book is centered on the interactions between Lil’ J and Kelly. The interactions are more of a self-reflection but they definitely affect the plot. The interactions with other characters in the story are what get him to the place where he has to figure out what he will do with the rest of his life and he figures that out by talking with Kelly.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the character of Kelly and his “magical” TV.
2) Do you think Lil’ J will stay clean, why or why not?
3) Lil’ J would not discuss his drug addiction in the beginning, why did he lie about doing it?
4) Faced with the same problems as Lil J; having a child, an alcoholic mother, failing in school and not having any money, what would you do to avoid being sucked into a world of drugs?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 9-12 / 14 and up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Violence, Crime, Drug Abuse, Murder, Guns, and Unwed parents.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0061214779/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I selected this book to read because I always see Walter Dean Myers’ books on the shelf at the library and the covers always look so interesting. I decided to finally read one of his books and selected this book based on its availability. I included this book in my blog because of its content. The series of events and situations that lead Lil J to the old house where he runs into Kelly are sad and horrible but the journey of self-reflection that Kelly takes him on is very interesting and educational.
Little Brother
* Bibliographic information
Doctorow, C. Little Brother. Tom Doherty Associates, 2008. ISBN: 9780765319852.
- Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2008
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2009
- Ontario Library White Pine Award, 2008
- 2008 Prometheus Award
- Indienet Award for bestselling young adult novel in America's top 1000 independent
bookstores in 2008
* Plot Summary
Marcus does not do things typical high school students do. He does Alternate Reality Games or ARGs, he hacks security systems for his school and helps others teens cheat the system the way he does. The Department of Homeland Security also finds his activities interesting. After a large scale terrorist attack in San Francisco, Marcus and his friends are found in the wrong place at the wrong time with interesting hardware and technology on them. The DHS takes them in and imprisons them for being suspicious. They are treated badly and scared into never talking about their incarceration. After being let out, Marcus feels betrayed by his government and fears for his friend who was not let out. Marcus sets a series of events in motion when he vows to take down the DHS and find his friend Darryl.
* Critical Evaluation
This book is a very interesting read. There are so many technologies out there that people are unaware of and many of them are used to watch us. The book takes place in a world that is more surveyed than ours but it is easy to see us going down the same path. The writing keeps the reader interested; we want to know what will happen next making it hard to put the book down. The book also covers a lot of jargon unfamiliar to those not working in a computer which can be hard to follow at times. The author does try to explain most if it; even if the explanations sometimes confuse the reader more. This is a great book for anyone who wonders about today’s technology and the devices that are being use to breach our privacy.
* Reader’s Annotation
In a world where the government is watching everything we do, who watches them? Marcus and other Xnetters have taken the job and vow to take America back.
* Information about the author
Doctorow was born in Canada but now lives in London and has one daughter. In addition to writing books he is also a blogger and technology activist. He is co-editor of a popular weblog called Boing Boing. He works with many organizations including; the Electronic Frontier Foundation, UK Open Rights Group, Participatory Culture Foundation, the MetaBrainz Foundation, Technorati, Inc, the Organization for Transformative Works, Areae, the Annenberg Center for the Study of Online Communities, and Onion Networks, Inc. He also “co-founded the open source peer-to-peer software company OpenCola, sold to OpenText, Inc in 2003”. For all this information and a lot more, check out the author’s website at http://craphound.com/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Adventure, Science Fiction
* Curriculum Ties, if any
English:
According to the English–Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools, found at http://curriculum.suhsd.k12.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=66, this book would tie into the Literary Response and Analysis part of the curriculum, the student must “Analyze interactions between main and subordinate characters in a literary text (e.g., internal and external conflicts, motivations, relationships, influences) and explain the way those interactions affect the plot” (p.57). The interactions in the beginning of the book between Marcus and Darryl, then Marcus and “Severe Haircut” lady are the basis for the rest of the book. The interactions between Marcus and Darryl show how strong their friendship is, and why Marcus needed to find Darryl. The treatment Marcus received from the “Severe Haircut” lady of the Department of Homeland Security, led Marcus to start Xnet and drove him to take strong action against the DHS in an attempt stop them from doing to so many people what they did to him.
Social Studies:
This book would be of use in studying realtionships between youth and adults, as well as civilians and the government.
Government:
This book would also aid in teaching about government and its role in society. The book also talks about the Constitution and Patriot Act.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Faced with a similar situation would you have done what Van did and walked away from Marcus and his plans?
2) Marcus did a lot of things to mess with the government’s surveillance, do you agree with what he did?
3) Discuss Marcus’ decision to come back after being given a way to run away. Why do you think he came back?
4) Talk about the day Darryl was found by Marcus, why do you think he kept saying “sorry” and “I’m sorry”?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 8 and Up / 15 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Crime, Terrorism, Challenging Authority.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Little-Brother-Cory-Doctorow/dp/0765319853/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259630892&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
This book approaches the issues of authority and freedom in a way that many teen books do not. Discussing the technology of today and tomorrow in a way where young people will relate, is genius. I had to include this book in my title selection because it is very important for everyone, teens included, to be informed about what the government is doing and to speak out if you feel they are not doing things in your favor. Just as Marcus says, our government is there to help us and if it is not doing that we need it to do, we need to change it. This is a great book for young adults; if I were a teacher or parent I would want my young adults reading it.
Doctorow, C. Little Brother. Tom Doherty Associates, 2008. ISBN: 9780765319852.
- Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2008
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2009
- Ontario Library White Pine Award, 2008
- 2008 Prometheus Award
- Indienet Award for bestselling young adult novel in America's top 1000 independent
bookstores in 2008
* Plot Summary
Marcus does not do things typical high school students do. He does Alternate Reality Games or ARGs, he hacks security systems for his school and helps others teens cheat the system the way he does. The Department of Homeland Security also finds his activities interesting. After a large scale terrorist attack in San Francisco, Marcus and his friends are found in the wrong place at the wrong time with interesting hardware and technology on them. The DHS takes them in and imprisons them for being suspicious. They are treated badly and scared into never talking about their incarceration. After being let out, Marcus feels betrayed by his government and fears for his friend who was not let out. Marcus sets a series of events in motion when he vows to take down the DHS and find his friend Darryl.
* Critical Evaluation
This book is a very interesting read. There are so many technologies out there that people are unaware of and many of them are used to watch us. The book takes place in a world that is more surveyed than ours but it is easy to see us going down the same path. The writing keeps the reader interested; we want to know what will happen next making it hard to put the book down. The book also covers a lot of jargon unfamiliar to those not working in a computer which can be hard to follow at times. The author does try to explain most if it; even if the explanations sometimes confuse the reader more. This is a great book for anyone who wonders about today’s technology and the devices that are being use to breach our privacy.
* Reader’s Annotation
In a world where the government is watching everything we do, who watches them? Marcus and other Xnetters have taken the job and vow to take America back.
* Information about the author
Doctorow was born in Canada but now lives in London and has one daughter. In addition to writing books he is also a blogger and technology activist. He is co-editor of a popular weblog called Boing Boing. He works with many organizations including; the Electronic Frontier Foundation, UK Open Rights Group, Participatory Culture Foundation, the MetaBrainz Foundation, Technorati, Inc, the Organization for Transformative Works, Areae, the Annenberg Center for the Study of Online Communities, and Onion Networks, Inc. He also “co-founded the open source peer-to-peer software company OpenCola, sold to OpenText, Inc in 2003”. For all this information and a lot more, check out the author’s website at http://craphound.com/.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Adventure, Science Fiction
* Curriculum Ties, if any
English:
According to the English–Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools, found at http://curriculum.suhsd.k12.ca.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=66, this book would tie into the Literary Response and Analysis part of the curriculum, the student must “Analyze interactions between main and subordinate characters in a literary text (e.g., internal and external conflicts, motivations, relationships, influences) and explain the way those interactions affect the plot” (p.57). The interactions in the beginning of the book between Marcus and Darryl, then Marcus and “Severe Haircut” lady are the basis for the rest of the book. The interactions between Marcus and Darryl show how strong their friendship is, and why Marcus needed to find Darryl. The treatment Marcus received from the “Severe Haircut” lady of the Department of Homeland Security, led Marcus to start Xnet and drove him to take strong action against the DHS in an attempt stop them from doing to so many people what they did to him.
Social Studies:
This book would be of use in studying realtionships between youth and adults, as well as civilians and the government.
Government:
This book would also aid in teaching about government and its role in society. The book also talks about the Constitution and Patriot Act.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Faced with a similar situation would you have done what Van did and walked away from Marcus and his plans?
2) Marcus did a lot of things to mess with the government’s surveillance, do you agree with what he did?
3) Discuss Marcus’ decision to come back after being given a way to run away. Why do you think he came back?
4) Talk about the day Darryl was found by Marcus, why do you think he kept saying “sorry” and “I’m sorry”?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 8 and Up / 15 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Crime, Terrorism, Challenging Authority.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/Little-Brother-Cory-Doctorow/dp/0765319853/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259630892&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
This book approaches the issues of authority and freedom in a way that many teen books do not. Discussing the technology of today and tomorrow in a way where young people will relate, is genius. I had to include this book in my title selection because it is very important for everyone, teens included, to be informed about what the government is doing and to speak out if you feel they are not doing things in your favor. Just as Marcus says, our government is there to help us and if it is not doing that we need it to do, we need to change it. This is a great book for young adults; if I were a teacher or parent I would want my young adults reading it.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Dragon Ball: 1 of 42
* Bibliographic information
Toriyama, A. Dragon Ball: 1 of 42. Bird Studio, 1984. ISBN: 9781569314951
* Plot Summary
Bulma is looking for Dragon Balls so she can summon Shenlong, a magical wish granting dragon The balls lead her to Goku because one of the balls belonged to Goku’s grandfather. Goku agrees to go with Bulmu to collect more Dragon Balls. They have a journey of adventure; collecting Dragon Balls and friends along the way.
* Critical Evaluation
A funny tale of silly hijinx that is sure to make teens laugh out loud as they read. The black and white artwork is common for the Manga style and is not extremely exciting. The artist does change the shape of the speech/thought bubbles to convey emotion or tone. An interesting story for those who follow the series. For someone picking up this issue to read by itself, they will be unhappy with the missing ending. The story continues in the next volume so readers will find no closure here.
* Reader’s Annotation
Bulma and Goku are going on a journey; picking up Dragon Balls along the way to summon a wish granting dragon.
* Information about the author
Toriyama is a widely known and highly acclaimed Japanese artist who is famous for his creation of Dragon Ball. Recently he has been working on creating Dragon Ball Online which will be a sequel to the Manga.
* Genre
Manga; Shonen
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) What does Goku’s naïve outlook say about modern society?
2) Discuss the relationship between Bulma and Goku.
3) Talk about Goku’s methods of conflict resolution.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 13 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Nudity.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews from people who have read the book , http://www.amazon.com/Dragonball-1-Akira-Toriyama/dp/1569314950/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260328870&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I wanted to have Manga in my selection because I learned about it from my group genre project and wanted to use what I learned. I selected a Dragon Ball volume because it is such a popular series. Teens love Manga and they also like Dragon Ball.
Toriyama, A. Dragon Ball: 1 of 42. Bird Studio, 1984. ISBN: 9781569314951
* Plot Summary
Bulma is looking for Dragon Balls so she can summon Shenlong, a magical wish granting dragon The balls lead her to Goku because one of the balls belonged to Goku’s grandfather. Goku agrees to go with Bulmu to collect more Dragon Balls. They have a journey of adventure; collecting Dragon Balls and friends along the way.
* Critical Evaluation
A funny tale of silly hijinx that is sure to make teens laugh out loud as they read. The black and white artwork is common for the Manga style and is not extremely exciting. The artist does change the shape of the speech/thought bubbles to convey emotion or tone. An interesting story for those who follow the series. For someone picking up this issue to read by itself, they will be unhappy with the missing ending. The story continues in the next volume so readers will find no closure here.
* Reader’s Annotation
Bulma and Goku are going on a journey; picking up Dragon Balls along the way to summon a wish granting dragon.
* Information about the author
Toriyama is a widely known and highly acclaimed Japanese artist who is famous for his creation of Dragon Ball. Recently he has been working on creating Dragon Ball Online which will be a sequel to the Manga.
* Genre
Manga; Shonen
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) What does Goku’s naïve outlook say about modern society?
2) Discuss the relationship between Bulma and Goku.
3) Talk about Goku’s methods of conflict resolution.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 13 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Nudity.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews from people who have read the book , http://www.amazon.com/Dragonball-1-Akira-Toriyama/dp/1569314950/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260328870&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I wanted to have Manga in my selection because I learned about it from my group genre project and wanted to use what I learned. I selected a Dragon Ball volume because it is such a popular series. Teens love Manga and they also like Dragon Ball.
Yu Gi Oh: Millennium World Volume 3
* Bibliographic information
Takahashi, K. Yu–Gi–Oh! Millennium World Volume 3. Viz Media, 2006. ISBN: 9781421504094
* Plot Summary
After solving the Millennium Puzzle and having his soul split, half remaining in the real world and half going to the world of memory as Yu-Gi-Oh, Yugi and his friends sneak into the world of memory in ancient Egypt. They arrive in time for the return of the thief Bakura who has defeated another priest and stolen a second Millennium Item. In the earlier volumes Bakura killed one of the 6 priests of Egypt and claimed the Millennium Ring as his prize, giving him incredible power. The Pharaoh, Yu-Gi-Oh, pursues and does battle with the new, more powerful, Bakura and with the help of the remaining priests, Yugi, and his friends defeat Bakura. All is not well though as the Lord of Shadows, Zorc Necrophades, makes his presence known and revives Bakura.
* Critical Evaluation
While the subject matter is simplistic the story is exciting and the artwork does well at building the excitement of the underlying story. The artist is undeniably talented and does as much to tell the story as any of the character dialogue.
* Reader’s Annotation
Yu-Gi-Oh has just solved the Millennium Puzzle and now he must battle the very powerful Bakura.
* Information about the author
Takahashi
* Genre
Manga; Shonen Adventure, Fantasy
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the themes of light and dark in the book.
2) Discuss the themes of teamwork in overcoming obstacles.
3) Talk about the two sides of Yugi/Yu-Gi-Oh.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 13 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I picked this one because I wanted to include Manga in my selections and Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular series. I picked the lowest volume number I could find so I would be less confused by the story.
Takahashi, K. Yu–Gi–Oh! Millennium World Volume 3. Viz Media, 2006. ISBN: 9781421504094
* Plot Summary
After solving the Millennium Puzzle and having his soul split, half remaining in the real world and half going to the world of memory as Yu-Gi-Oh, Yugi and his friends sneak into the world of memory in ancient Egypt. They arrive in time for the return of the thief Bakura who has defeated another priest and stolen a second Millennium Item. In the earlier volumes Bakura killed one of the 6 priests of Egypt and claimed the Millennium Ring as his prize, giving him incredible power. The Pharaoh, Yu-Gi-Oh, pursues and does battle with the new, more powerful, Bakura and with the help of the remaining priests, Yugi, and his friends defeat Bakura. All is not well though as the Lord of Shadows, Zorc Necrophades, makes his presence known and revives Bakura.
* Critical Evaluation
While the subject matter is simplistic the story is exciting and the artwork does well at building the excitement of the underlying story. The artist is undeniably talented and does as much to tell the story as any of the character dialogue.
* Reader’s Annotation
Yu-Gi-Oh has just solved the Millennium Puzzle and now he must battle the very powerful Bakura.
* Information about the author
Takahashi
* Genre
Manga; Shonen Adventure, Fantasy
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the themes of light and dark in the book.
2) Discuss the themes of teamwork in overcoming obstacles.
3) Talk about the two sides of Yugi/Yu-Gi-Oh.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 13 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I picked this one because I wanted to include Manga in my selections and Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular series. I picked the lowest volume number I could find so I would be less confused by the story.
How I Live Now
* Bibliographic information
Rosoff, M. How I live Now. Wendy Lamb Books, 2004. ISBN: 9780385746779
- Michael L. Printz Award
- Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2004
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2005
* Plot Summary
Teenage Daisy has an eating disorder and her father and stepmother feel she is out of control. They send her to live with her aunt and cousins on a farm in England. She immediately loves it there and starts to form an unhealthy bond with her cousin Edmund. When terrorists strike, their aunt is out of England; the country is thrown into disarray. Her and her young cousin, Piper are separated from the boy cousins, including Edmund. Piper and Daisy fended for themselves; survived on what they had at the farmhouse and grew food. The occupation of England lasted nine months but they were rescued before that; brought back to the United States. Daisy never stopped thinking of Edmund and wondering if he was okay. It too six years for her to finally see him again.
* Critical Evaluation
An amazing story that looks at what could happen if another terrorist attack occurred like September 11th, 2001, but in this instance, the terrorists invaded afterwards too. Daisy started out a troubled teen but she ended up being a responsible cousin for Piper; she took great care of her in the absence of an adult. Rosoff supplies a great story in the midst of a possible World War III. The characters are forced to grow up and become adults, or starve. It is an interesting story because England is such a modern country but when the terrorists attack it turns into a third world country where people have to live off the land to survive.
* Reader’s Annotation
Daisy has just been sent off to England because her parents think she is a troublemaker. Daisy falls in love with her cousins and their home only to be jolted from her new life by a terrorist attack that turns their whole world upside down.
* Information about the author
Rosoff was born in Massachusetts. She has moved back and forth between England and the United Sates over the years. She married a British man; they have a daughter together. How I Live Now was her first novel to be published. Since then she has published more young adult novels, adult fiction and children’s books.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Issues, War
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
Too many parents would challenge it a school setting. It would be an excellent story for English though; the story and characters are riveting.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss Daisy’s transformation from the beginning to the end of the book.
2) Talk about the role that food plays in Daisy’s life.
3) How do you feel about the relationship between Daisy and Edmund? Do you think it was unnecessary, or unhealthy?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Violence, Sex, War, Incest, and Death.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Now-Meg-Rosoff/dp/0553376055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260340143&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I selected this book because I saw that it had won a variety of awards and thought it would be worth reading so I grabbed a copy. The storyline of England being invaded and communications being down seems farfetched but at the same time, what if? It is a scary scenario but an important one to discuss nonetheless. Rosoff wrote the book because she was thinking of September 11th and the aftermath. This is a great story that it is brilliantly written.
Rosoff, M. How I live Now. Wendy Lamb Books, 2004. ISBN: 9780385746779
- Michael L. Printz Award
- Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category: 2004
- YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2005
* Plot Summary
Teenage Daisy has an eating disorder and her father and stepmother feel she is out of control. They send her to live with her aunt and cousins on a farm in England. She immediately loves it there and starts to form an unhealthy bond with her cousin Edmund. When terrorists strike, their aunt is out of England; the country is thrown into disarray. Her and her young cousin, Piper are separated from the boy cousins, including Edmund. Piper and Daisy fended for themselves; survived on what they had at the farmhouse and grew food. The occupation of England lasted nine months but they were rescued before that; brought back to the United States. Daisy never stopped thinking of Edmund and wondering if he was okay. It too six years for her to finally see him again.
* Critical Evaluation
An amazing story that looks at what could happen if another terrorist attack occurred like September 11th, 2001, but in this instance, the terrorists invaded afterwards too. Daisy started out a troubled teen but she ended up being a responsible cousin for Piper; she took great care of her in the absence of an adult. Rosoff supplies a great story in the midst of a possible World War III. The characters are forced to grow up and become adults, or starve. It is an interesting story because England is such a modern country but when the terrorists attack it turns into a third world country where people have to live off the land to survive.
* Reader’s Annotation
Daisy has just been sent off to England because her parents think she is a troublemaker. Daisy falls in love with her cousins and their home only to be jolted from her new life by a terrorist attack that turns their whole world upside down.
* Information about the author
Rosoff was born in Massachusetts. She has moved back and forth between England and the United Sates over the years. She married a British man; they have a daughter together. How I Live Now was her first novel to be published. Since then she has published more young adult novels, adult fiction and children’s books.
* Genre
Teen Fiction; Issues, War
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
Too many parents would challenge it a school setting. It would be an excellent story for English though; the story and characters are riveting.
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss Daisy’s transformation from the beginning to the end of the book.
2) Talk about the role that food plays in Daisy’s life.
3) How do you feel about the relationship between Daisy and Edmund? Do you think it was unnecessary, or unhealthy?
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 9 and Up / 14 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Violence, Sex, War, Incest, and Death.
Defense Ideas:
1) Ask the patron about the book and issue in question and find out how much they know about the book.
2) Help the patron become more familiar with the book and its content.
3) Show the patron positive reviews for this book, such as ones found on amazon.com; School Library Journal and Booklist, http://www.amazon.com/How-Live-Now-Meg-Rosoff/dp/0553376055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260340143&sr=1-1.
4) If available, introduce the patron to people who have read it in the library or tell the patron what you thought of the book if you have read it.
5) Show the patron the collection development policy for that particular library. For example, the one for the San Diego County library, http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
6) If they still want to file a grievance about the book begin the necessary paperwork by giving them the forms they need to fill out. In the San Diego County system, the grievance will then go to The Challenged Materials Team. If the committee cannot resolve the issue, it then goes to the County Library Director for a final decision. http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I selected this book because I saw that it had won a variety of awards and thought it would be worth reading so I grabbed a copy. The storyline of England being invaded and communications being down seems farfetched but at the same time, what if? It is a scary scenario but an important one to discuss nonetheless. Rosoff wrote the book because she was thinking of September 11th and the aftermath. This is a great story that it is brilliantly written.
Ranma ½: Volume 3
* Bibliographic information
Takahashi, R. Ranma ½: Volume 3. Viz Media, 1988. ISBN: 9781591160625
* Plot Summary
The relationship between Ranma and Akane seems to be in constant jeopardy because of Ryoga, the some times pig, constantly trying to undermine their relationship. Their other problem is Shampoo, the homicidal Chinese stocker, who wants to kill Ranma or Akane and is not discrete about it. No matter what or who the opposition is, Ranma will go to any lengths to ensure his relationship with Akane is secure.
* Critical Evaluation
This is a good story about the lengths people are willing to go for the people they love, and the trials that can be overcome when two people really care about each other. The style or artwork is easy to follow; much easier than some Manga that jump around a lot.
* Reader’s Annotation
Ranma and Akane have a strong relationship but others are always trying to ruin it. This time it is Ryoga and Shampoo who are the culprits.
* Information about the author
Takahashi is considered a mangaka; she is one of the most affluent mangaka in Japan. He manga are very popular in Europe and the united States. She is also the bestselling female comic artist in history; over 170 million copies of her work have been sold around the world.
* Genre
Manga; Shonen, Adventure
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Talk about the relationship between Akane and Ranma
2) Discuss the relationship between Ranma and Shampoo.
3) Discuss symbolism of ice rink for Akane and Ranma's relationship.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 13 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included this title because I wanted to have Manga in my collection after I learned about it in my genre group project. I know from the presentation that Ramna ½ is one of the longest running Manga series; it is very popular. I wanted to include Manga that I know teens like.
Takahashi, R. Ranma ½: Volume 3. Viz Media, 1988. ISBN: 9781591160625
* Plot Summary
The relationship between Ranma and Akane seems to be in constant jeopardy because of Ryoga, the some times pig, constantly trying to undermine their relationship. Their other problem is Shampoo, the homicidal Chinese stocker, who wants to kill Ranma or Akane and is not discrete about it. No matter what or who the opposition is, Ranma will go to any lengths to ensure his relationship with Akane is secure.
* Critical Evaluation
This is a good story about the lengths people are willing to go for the people they love, and the trials that can be overcome when two people really care about each other. The style or artwork is easy to follow; much easier than some Manga that jump around a lot.
* Reader’s Annotation
Ranma and Akane have a strong relationship but others are always trying to ruin it. This time it is Ryoga and Shampoo who are the culprits.
* Information about the author
Takahashi is considered a mangaka; she is one of the most affluent mangaka in Japan. He manga are very popular in Europe and the united States. She is also the bestselling female comic artist in history; over 170 million copies of her work have been sold around the world.
* Genre
Manga; Shonen, Adventure
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
1) Talk about the relationship between Akane and Ranma
2) Discuss the relationship between Ranma and Shampoo.
3) Discuss symbolism of ice rink for Akane and Ranma's relationship.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 13 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I included this title because I wanted to have Manga in my collection after I learned about it in my genre group project. I know from the presentation that Ramna ½ is one of the longest running Manga series; it is very popular. I wanted to include Manga that I know teens like.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Chocolat: Volume 2
* Bibliographic information
Shin, J. & Geo. Chocolat: Volume 2. Danbi, 2005. ISBN: 9788952744722 Translated from Korean by Sunny Kim
* Plot Summary
Kum-Ji is obsessed with a boy band and she gets the idea to work for the rival boy band’s fan club so she can help her boy band. She soon realizes she hates working for them when they do not treat her right and boss her around but she does it for the other boy band.
* Critical Evaluation
I had an extremely hard time trying to figure out what this story was about. The dialogue jumps around from person to person so much I had no way of knowing what was occurring. I also had trouble telling the characters apart for this very reason.
* Reader’s Annotation
Kum-Ji wants to get closer to her favorite boy band so she joins the fan club of another band When she tells E-Soh her secret, he tells her he likes her. Kum-Ji is not sure how to handle what E-Soh has told her.
* Information about the author
- I was not able to find information on either author
* Genre
Manga; shojo, comedy, romance
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
I could not understand the story enough to think of any.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 13 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I selected this title for my blog because I wanted another manga title but when I tried to read it I realized it was way too confusing for me. I included it with selections because up until this point I have liked everything I have read and I will probably enjoy the other materials as well. I thought it was a good idea to keep this one in to show that sometimes materials are just not suited for that person. I did not like this manga because I could not understand it. I think if I am going to have a collection of 50 titles, might as well have one bad review with 49 good ones.
Shin, J. & Geo. Chocolat: Volume 2. Danbi, 2005. ISBN: 9788952744722 Translated from Korean by Sunny Kim
* Plot Summary
Kum-Ji is obsessed with a boy band and she gets the idea to work for the rival boy band’s fan club so she can help her boy band. She soon realizes she hates working for them when they do not treat her right and boss her around but she does it for the other boy band.
* Critical Evaluation
I had an extremely hard time trying to figure out what this story was about. The dialogue jumps around from person to person so much I had no way of knowing what was occurring. I also had trouble telling the characters apart for this very reason.
* Reader’s Annotation
Kum-Ji wants to get closer to her favorite boy band so she joins the fan club of another band When she tells E-Soh her secret, he tells her he likes her. Kum-Ji is not sure how to handle what E-Soh has told her.
* Information about the author
- I was not able to find information on either author
* Genre
Manga; shojo, comedy, romance
* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A
* Booktalking Ideas
I could not understand the story enough to think of any.
* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 7 and Up / 13 and Up
* Challenge Issues and Defense
N/A
* Why did you include this book in your titles you selected?
I selected this title for my blog because I wanted another manga title but when I tried to read it I realized it was way too confusing for me. I included it with selections because up until this point I have liked everything I have read and I will probably enjoy the other materials as well. I thought it was a good idea to keep this one in to show that sometimes materials are just not suited for that person. I did not like this manga because I could not understand it. I think if I am going to have a collection of 50 titles, might as well have one bad review with 49 good ones.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
