Prom

* Bibliographic information
Anderson, L. H. Prom. Puffin, 2006. ISBN: 9780142405703


* Plot Summary
Ashley is a self-professed “normal kid,” she goes to school because she is supposed to but does not intend to go to college. She is constantly getting detentions; she works at a kid themed pizza place and dates a high school dropout who she plans to move out with. She hates being at home with her parents and her numerous family members so her, and her boyfriend, agree to get an apartment together after she graduates. Ashley is not excited about prom either, but she worries when she sees how miserable her friends are at the announcement prom may be cancelled because a teacher stole all the prom money. Before she knows it she has agreed to help save the prom. Ashley, because of her bond with her friends, saves the dance for everyone with little time to spare. Ashley tells this high school tale with sarcasm and honest witty humor.


* Critical Evaluation
The character of Ashley gives a great telling of life in a high school that is not exactly upscale, but “much better than it used to be”. She does not seem to be excited about anything in her life except her friend Nat, so when Nat needs her Ashley steps up and saves prom. A funny take on high school life that is sure to make teens laugh. Ashley is a no-nonsense character who says things like they are. By the end of the story, the reader gets to see Ashley develop some pride in what she had done with the prom and she starts to care more about the rest of her life. The supporting characters are exaggerated which makes for some interesting humor, especially from her pregnant mom, loser boyfriend, and best friend Nat. Teens will definitely enjoy this comedic story of the reluctant teen saving prom between going to detention and making out with her boyfriend.


* Reader’s Annotation
Ashley is a “normal kid” who goes to school, loves her friends, and thinks her future starts upon high school graduation. When a teacher steals the prom funding she finds herself concerned with the present; her friend Nat and the upcoming prom.


* Information about the author
Anderson grew up in Northern New York but now lives in Central New York with her second husband. She has two daughters from her first marriage and a German Shepherd. She likes to run marathons and hike in her spare time. In her young adult years she worked on a pig farm, then a dairy farm which made her become a vegetarian. She graduated from Georgetown University in 1984 with a B.S.L.L in Language and Linguistics. Anderson has written many books, and was in the midst of writing Fever 1793 when she took a break and wrote the award winning Speak in 1999. Speak has been used in high school curriculums throughout the country. For more information about the author, check out her website: http://www.writerlady.com/.


* Genre
Teen Fiction; Comedy, High School Issues


* Curriculum Ties, if any
N/A


* Booktalking Ideas
1) Ashley seems like such a smart girl, why do you think she has blinders on when it comes to her boyfriend and the life she is planning with him right after high school?
2) Talk about the relationship between Nat and Ashley and the strength of their bond.
3) Discuss the change that takes place between Ashley and her family; how does her view of them change?


* Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 8 and Up / 14-18 year olds


* Challenge Issues and Defense
Challenge Issues: Profanity and General References to Sex.

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/Prom-Laurie-Halse-Anderson/dp/0142405701/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260293986&sr=1-1#noop.
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 in my selection because it is about high school and prom; the usual teen interests. I like Ashley’s point of view, she uses smart humor to explain her friends, the high school, her family, and her boyfriend. I hope teen girls read this book and see that even smart girls like Ashley can end up with guys who are not good enough for them and realize they should not settle for guys like TJ. I also appreciate the strong friendship bond that drives the “save the prom” plot. Too many books display unhealthy friendships between teen girls where they are stabbing each other in the back or ignoring each other altogether because one got more popular than the other. It is refreshing to see a genuine friendship between two young women; teens need to know this is possible and should be the norm.