ISBN: 978-0-385-74702-8
Wendy Lamb Books, NY
2006
228 pages
Plot Summary
Josie, Nicolette and Aviva all go out with the same boy, a jock and one of the "popular" crowd. He leads all three girls on by telling them how much he likes them when really he's just after one thing.
Josie was so hurt that she went to the school library and wrote in the back of the school's copy of Forever by Judy Blume. She warned other girls to stay away from him. Other girls add to her notes and pretty soon the whole book is covered with warnings about this one boy!
Critical Evaluation
I loved how this book, written in verse from the points-of-view of the three jilted girls, never even names this cad of a boy. And it was great that the girls all regained a measure of their pride by channeling their hurt feelings into warning others.
Reader's Annotation
Josie, Nicolette and Aviva have all dated and been jilted by the same cute, popular jock. They get back at him by warning others that he only has one thing on his mind.
Author's Info
Tanya Lee Stone edited other people's writings as an editor of children's books for thirteen years. She graduated with a degree in English from Oberlin College and received her Master's in Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She has traveled world-wide and now lives in Vermont. She has written children's books but A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl is her first YA novel. Her next novel will be in prose.
Genre
YA novel written in verse
Curriculum Ties
A good book to use in Life Skills discussions on how girls and boys may be looking for different things when dating.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why does Josie choose Forever as the book to write in?
2. What does the guilty boy do when he walks by where the three girls are talking?
Reading / Interest Level
High School
Challenge Issues and Defense
sexual situations
The point of the book is to help girls deal with dating and the pressure to have sex. Good book for parents (maybe moms) and daughters to read together.
Library's collection development policy
Starred Reviews in SLJ and Kliatt; SLJ Book of the Month and an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers are some of the awards.
Why I Included This Book
Raises important dating issues, wanting to be popular, etc.
Starred reviews in professional library journals.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Girls for Breakfast by David Yoo
ISBN: 978-0-385-73192-8
Delacorte Press, NY
2005
294 pages
Plot Summary
Nick Park has two problems; one he started liking girls way before any of his friends - he became fascinated with Miss January in Playboy magazine when he was only nine, and he's Korean - or at least an American of Korean descent - who hates Koreans and Korean food. He has always had problems keeping friends and by the time he gets to high school he realizes it's because he's the only Asian at his Connecticut school.
Critical Evaluation
This look at a Korean-American boy coming-of-age is told with humor but also with a tinge of sadness because the prejudice is often coming from within - Nick doesn't accept himself - in fact, he's a banana - white on the inside and yellow outside. The story may be partly autobiographical - the author doesn't say but ...Girls for Breakfast is well-written but a little confusing because it's ultimately unclear why Nick remains unpopular. We're left to ponder if race does play a major part in his school and community.
Reader's Annotation
Nick Park loves girls but why don't they want to go out with him? One major problem is that he never gets around to actually asking anyone for a date.
Author Info
This is David Yoo's first novel. He graduated from Skidmore College and earned his MA from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He lives in Massachusetts and loves the music of the Clash, the movie Repo Man and steak burritos. He plays adult soccer and teaches fiction at the Gotham Writers' Workshop. He obviously has a great sense of humor!
Genre
YA coming-of-age
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Nick finally comes to the realization that he can't keep friends because he's the only Asian kid in his school. Is that the real reason? Are the kids that racist?
2. Nick's best friend from the time they were eight has been his neighbor Will? Why does Nick decide not to be friends with Will any more?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
sexual situations, partying, underage drinking, inappropriate language
realistic high school situations
Library's collection development policy
Book jacket says that best for age after 14
Rave reviews from bestselling authors Tom Perrotta and Rachel Cohn and the book was a Booksense Pick and a NYPL Book for the Teenage.
Why I Included This Book
Loved the "banana" analogy, looked interesting, and the book jacket is fabulous!
Delacorte Press, NY
2005
294 pages
Plot Summary
Nick Park has two problems; one he started liking girls way before any of his friends - he became fascinated with Miss January in Playboy magazine when he was only nine, and he's Korean - or at least an American of Korean descent - who hates Koreans and Korean food. He has always had problems keeping friends and by the time he gets to high school he realizes it's because he's the only Asian at his Connecticut school.
Critical Evaluation
This look at a Korean-American boy coming-of-age is told with humor but also with a tinge of sadness because the prejudice is often coming from within - Nick doesn't accept himself - in fact, he's a banana - white on the inside and yellow outside. The story may be partly autobiographical - the author doesn't say but ...Girls for Breakfast is well-written but a little confusing because it's ultimately unclear why Nick remains unpopular. We're left to ponder if race does play a major part in his school and community.
Reader's Annotation
Nick Park loves girls but why don't they want to go out with him? One major problem is that he never gets around to actually asking anyone for a date.
Author Info
This is David Yoo's first novel. He graduated from Skidmore College and earned his MA from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He lives in Massachusetts and loves the music of the Clash, the movie Repo Man and steak burritos. He plays adult soccer and teaches fiction at the Gotham Writers' Workshop. He obviously has a great sense of humor!
Genre
YA coming-of-age
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Nick finally comes to the realization that he can't keep friends because he's the only Asian kid in his school. Is that the real reason? Are the kids that racist?
2. Nick's best friend from the time they were eight has been his neighbor Will? Why does Nick decide not to be friends with Will any more?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
sexual situations, partying, underage drinking, inappropriate language
realistic high school situations
Library's collection development policy
Book jacket says that best for age after 14
Rave reviews from bestselling authors Tom Perrotta and Rachel Cohn and the book was a Booksense Pick and a NYPL Book for the Teenage.
Why I Included This Book
Loved the "banana" analogy, looked interesting, and the book jacket is fabulous!
Outside Beauty by Cynthia Kadohata
Audiobook
Read by Sue Jean Kim
ISBN: 978-0-743-572101
Audioworks, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, NY 2008
Running Time: Approx. 6 hours
Plot Summary
Thirteen-year-old Shelby and her three sisters (Marilyn, 15, Lakey, 8, and Maddie 6) are being raised by their beautiful but unconventional mother. They each have different fathers and their mother Helen lives on her beauty and wits to attract new lovers. Yet she is not a bad mother; the girls all adore her and get along with one another (Shelby is "in charge of" Maddie and Lakey has Marilyn to watch over). However, their mother Helen is injured in an accident and the girls must each go and live with their respective fathers while their mother recuperates.
Critical Evaluation
I liked the originality of this story and how the girls knew how to fend for themselves. However, the mother never seems to learn that there are more important things in life than being beautiful and attracting men. The main character, Shelby, is more perceptive at age thirteen than her mom.
Reader's Annotation
Helen is beautiful and draws men to her like honey, but is she a responsible mom to her four daughters by four different men?
Author's Info
Cynthia Kadohata is the Newbery-award-winning author of Kira -Kira and other YA novels such as Weedflower (which won the 2007 PEN Literary Award for Children's Literature). She has also written novels for adults including The Floating World. She has published short stories in literary journals including the New Yorker and Grand Street. She lives in Covina, CA.
Genre
realistic YA novel
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Shelby's feelings for her father change during the course of the book. How does he change in response?
2. Why do the girls run away and do they really think they can get away from their fathers?
Reading / Interest Level
Middle school through high school for both (the main character is a little young for high school age but I still think they could relate to Shelby and her sisters).
Challenge Issues and Defense
The girls' mother uses her beauty to attract men
The book makes it obvious that this isn't a good plan for a stable life
Library's collection development plan
Award-winning YA author
Why I Included This Book
A well-written book by an award-winning author although this book is not her best.
Read by Sue Jean Kim
ISBN: 978-0-743-572101
Audioworks, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, NY 2008
Running Time: Approx. 6 hours
Plot Summary
Thirteen-year-old Shelby and her three sisters (Marilyn, 15, Lakey, 8, and Maddie 6) are being raised by their beautiful but unconventional mother. They each have different fathers and their mother Helen lives on her beauty and wits to attract new lovers. Yet she is not a bad mother; the girls all adore her and get along with one another (Shelby is "in charge of" Maddie and Lakey has Marilyn to watch over). However, their mother Helen is injured in an accident and the girls must each go and live with their respective fathers while their mother recuperates.
Critical Evaluation
I liked the originality of this story and how the girls knew how to fend for themselves. However, the mother never seems to learn that there are more important things in life than being beautiful and attracting men. The main character, Shelby, is more perceptive at age thirteen than her mom.
Reader's Annotation
Helen is beautiful and draws men to her like honey, but is she a responsible mom to her four daughters by four different men?
Author's Info
Cynthia Kadohata is the Newbery-award-winning author of Kira -Kira and other YA novels such as Weedflower (which won the 2007 PEN Literary Award for Children's Literature). She has also written novels for adults including The Floating World. She has published short stories in literary journals including the New Yorker and Grand Street. She lives in Covina, CA.
Genre
realistic YA novel
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Shelby's feelings for her father change during the course of the book. How does he change in response?
2. Why do the girls run away and do they really think they can get away from their fathers?
Reading / Interest Level
Middle school through high school for both (the main character is a little young for high school age but I still think they could relate to Shelby and her sisters).
Challenge Issues and Defense
The girls' mother uses her beauty to attract men
The book makes it obvious that this isn't a good plan for a stable life
Library's collection development plan
Award-winning YA author
Why I Included This Book
A well-written book by an award-winning author although this book is not her best.
Shattering Glass by Gail Giles
ISBN: 978-0-689-85800-0
Simon Pulse, NY 2003
215 pages
Plot Summary
High school senior Simon Glass is the school nerd right down to his plastic pencil case. He is used to being picked on until Rob, the most popular kid at school, decides to use his charisma and powers of persuasion to make Simon popular too. Rob doesn't care who he hurts along the way, and he gets away with it because his friends all need help in one way or another - help they can get from Simon's ability to hack into the school's computers. But what happens when Simon decides to take matters into his own hands - is chilling and disturbing.
Critical Evaluation
I had not heard of this book or author, so I was surprised by the book's intensity. The outcome is told at the beginning but the suspenseful way everything comes together is skillfully told. The mob rule at the end is particularly scary because things can get out of hand quickly and this group of high school boys is no worse (other than their leader) than many kids with no moral compass to guide them.
Reader's Annotation
What happens to a group of high school senior boys when their leader decides to play God and turn the nerdiest kid in school into the most popular?
Author's Info
The award-winning Shattering Glass was Gail Giles first YA novel. She has since written Dead Girls Don't Write Letters. Although Gail is a native Texan (the setting for Shattering Glass), she has lived in Chicago and now lives in Alaska with her husband, two dogs and three cats. She is a former substitute teacher who got the inspiration for the book from listening to high school students talking in the hallways about a nerdy kid needing a make-over.
Genre
realistic YA novel
Curriculum Ties
Could be used to start a discussion in Life Skills about bullying.
Booktalking Ideas
1. The group of popular boys go over to Simon's house and are surprised to learn that his home is big and beautiful. Why do they say then that they feel sorry for him?
2. Coop is basically a good kid. How does he get caught up in the "popularity" contest and what does he do to redeem himself?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school; not appropriate for younger
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence, bullying, sexual situations, sex abuse, foul language
Lots of challenge issues but this would be a good book for parents to read and discuss with their teens.
Library's collection development policy.
Starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and the winner of many awards including An ALA Best Book for YA, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers and a Booklist Top 10 Mystery for
Youth.
Why I Included This Book
This was an excellent book for discussing how important popularity is to high school students -
I selected it based on its many awards.
Simon Pulse, NY 2003
215 pages
Plot Summary
High school senior Simon Glass is the school nerd right down to his plastic pencil case. He is used to being picked on until Rob, the most popular kid at school, decides to use his charisma and powers of persuasion to make Simon popular too. Rob doesn't care who he hurts along the way, and he gets away with it because his friends all need help in one way or another - help they can get from Simon's ability to hack into the school's computers. But what happens when Simon decides to take matters into his own hands - is chilling and disturbing.
Critical Evaluation
I had not heard of this book or author, so I was surprised by the book's intensity. The outcome is told at the beginning but the suspenseful way everything comes together is skillfully told. The mob rule at the end is particularly scary because things can get out of hand quickly and this group of high school boys is no worse (other than their leader) than many kids with no moral compass to guide them.
Reader's Annotation
What happens to a group of high school senior boys when their leader decides to play God and turn the nerdiest kid in school into the most popular?
Author's Info
The award-winning Shattering Glass was Gail Giles first YA novel. She has since written Dead Girls Don't Write Letters. Although Gail is a native Texan (the setting for Shattering Glass), she has lived in Chicago and now lives in Alaska with her husband, two dogs and three cats. She is a former substitute teacher who got the inspiration for the book from listening to high school students talking in the hallways about a nerdy kid needing a make-over.
Genre
realistic YA novel
Curriculum Ties
Could be used to start a discussion in Life Skills about bullying.
Booktalking Ideas
1. The group of popular boys go over to Simon's house and are surprised to learn that his home is big and beautiful. Why do they say then that they feel sorry for him?
2. Coop is basically a good kid. How does he get caught up in the "popularity" contest and what does he do to redeem himself?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school; not appropriate for younger
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence, bullying, sexual situations, sex abuse, foul language
Lots of challenge issues but this would be a good book for parents to read and discuss with their teens.
Library's collection development policy.
Starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and the winner of many awards including An ALA Best Book for YA, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers and a Booklist Top 10 Mystery for
Youth.
Why I Included This Book
This was an excellent book for discussing how important popularity is to high school students -
I selected it based on its many awards.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Movie (DVD) ISBN: 25192-02226
Summit Entertainment 2008
Total run time: 122 minutes
Plot Summary
High school junior Bella moves from Phoenix to Forks, WA to live with her police chief dad. The kids at her new high school are nice to her - all except her lab partner, Edward Cullen, who acts like he hates her. However, he saves her from being crushed by a car and they find each other drawn to one another. Edward harbors a deep secret; one that Bella eventually figures out - he and his family are vampires. They have turned "vegetarian" and only drink the blood of animals - the same isn't true of a competing band of vampires who have shown up in the area.
Critical Evaluation
I can certainly see why teenage girls have flocked to this movie (and its sequel New Moon). The boys in the movie are all beautiful, from the vampires to the tribe of Indians who live on the nearby reservation. The story is romantic - Edward has to "keep himself" from losing control around Bella or he might be tempted to drink her blood! The story is actually a pretty straight-forward girl meets vampire but it's beautifully filmed and very entertaining.
Reader's/ Viewer's Annotation
Bella moves to Forks, Washington to be with her police chief dad. Things are hard enough being the new kid at school; why does her lab partner, the handsome but mysterious Edward Cullen, seem to hate her so much?
Author Info
Author Stephenie Meyer hit on the right formula for her blockbuster series of romantic vampire books. Twilight, her first book and the first one to be made into a movie, may not be as critically acclaimed as the Harry Potter series, but they are proving to be very popular, especially with women from 12- 90.
Genre
romance
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why does saving Bella from being crushed by the car put Edward and his family in jeopardy?
2. Discuss why Edward's room is so unusual.
Viewing/ Interest Level
Mostly middle school to high school girls
Challenge Issues and Defense
I really didn't see any for high school age - maybe some people wouldn't approve of vampires or the violence.
Rated PG13 - kids under 13 should not watch it without a parent
library's collection development policy for the book
Why I Included This Movie
Because it's such a phenomenal best-seller. The book is always checked out at our school library.
That doesn't mean it's great literature but everyone needs a little escapism!
Summit Entertainment 2008
Total run time: 122 minutes
Plot Summary
High school junior Bella moves from Phoenix to Forks, WA to live with her police chief dad. The kids at her new high school are nice to her - all except her lab partner, Edward Cullen, who acts like he hates her. However, he saves her from being crushed by a car and they find each other drawn to one another. Edward harbors a deep secret; one that Bella eventually figures out - he and his family are vampires. They have turned "vegetarian" and only drink the blood of animals - the same isn't true of a competing band of vampires who have shown up in the area.
Critical Evaluation
I can certainly see why teenage girls have flocked to this movie (and its sequel New Moon). The boys in the movie are all beautiful, from the vampires to the tribe of Indians who live on the nearby reservation. The story is romantic - Edward has to "keep himself" from losing control around Bella or he might be tempted to drink her blood! The story is actually a pretty straight-forward girl meets vampire but it's beautifully filmed and very entertaining.
Reader's/ Viewer's Annotation
Bella moves to Forks, Washington to be with her police chief dad. Things are hard enough being the new kid at school; why does her lab partner, the handsome but mysterious Edward Cullen, seem to hate her so much?
Author Info
Author Stephenie Meyer hit on the right formula for her blockbuster series of romantic vampire books. Twilight, her first book and the first one to be made into a movie, may not be as critically acclaimed as the Harry Potter series, but they are proving to be very popular, especially with women from 12- 90.
Genre
romance
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why does saving Bella from being crushed by the car put Edward and his family in jeopardy?
2. Discuss why Edward's room is so unusual.
Viewing/ Interest Level
Mostly middle school to high school girls
Challenge Issues and Defense
I really didn't see any for high school age - maybe some people wouldn't approve of vampires or the violence.
Rated PG13 - kids under 13 should not watch it without a parent
library's collection development policy for the book
Why I Included This Movie
Because it's such a phenomenal best-seller. The book is always checked out at our school library.
That doesn't mean it's great literature but everyone needs a little escapism!
Girl Goddess #9 by Francesca Lia Block
ISBN: 0-06-447187-X
HarperTrophy, NY 1996
181 pages
Plot Summary
This book is composed of 9 separate short stories: Tweetie Sweet Pea, Blue, Dragons in Manhattan, Girl Goddess # 9, Rave, The Canyon, Pixie and Pony, Winnie and Cubby and Orpheus. Even though each is a stand-along story, they have common themes of sexual identity confusion, longing for acceptance and looking for beauty in a sometimes-ugly world. Most of the main characters are young girls or women who live in the city (usually LA) and are drawn toward the unusual - in partners, clothes, cars, music and houses.
Critical Evaluation
Francesa Lia Block's voice is like no other - you immediately know that you are reading one of her stories by her descriptive passages. Everything and everyone are composed of colors and textures and smells - softness and light, laces and punk rock. These stories were written 15-20 years ago so there are many references to AIDS (people dying from loving one another as she call it).
Reader's Annotation
Everyone searches for love and acceptance. These nine stories show some of the different paths we can take in finding acceptance in ourselves and others.
Author Info
Francesca Lia Block lives in LA and has written lots of critically-acclaimed YA literature. She also wrote Weetzie Bat, one of the other books in this blog.
Genre
LGBT short stories
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
both from "Dragons in Manhattan"
1. Tuck travels from NY to SF to LA looking for her father. How and where does she finally find him?
2. How is Tuck, who is obviously underage, able to stay by herself in a hotel like the Pink Gingerbread?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school and up for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
LGBT themes, alcohol and drug use, offensive language
the sex isn't graphic and these are fairy tales of life in La-La land
Make sure that you are familiar with the whole book - passages taken out of context can be misconstrued.
Library's collection development policy
Acclaimed YA author
Why I Included This Book
This is the only short-story collection in the blog; Francesca Lia Block is an important YA author with a unique voice. Highly recommended by the head librarian where I work.
HarperTrophy, NY 1996
181 pages
Plot Summary
This book is composed of 9 separate short stories: Tweetie Sweet Pea, Blue, Dragons in Manhattan, Girl Goddess # 9, Rave, The Canyon, Pixie and Pony, Winnie and Cubby and Orpheus. Even though each is a stand-along story, they have common themes of sexual identity confusion, longing for acceptance and looking for beauty in a sometimes-ugly world. Most of the main characters are young girls or women who live in the city (usually LA) and are drawn toward the unusual - in partners, clothes, cars, music and houses.
Critical Evaluation
Francesa Lia Block's voice is like no other - you immediately know that you are reading one of her stories by her descriptive passages. Everything and everyone are composed of colors and textures and smells - softness and light, laces and punk rock. These stories were written 15-20 years ago so there are many references to AIDS (people dying from loving one another as she call it).
Reader's Annotation
Everyone searches for love and acceptance. These nine stories show some of the different paths we can take in finding acceptance in ourselves and others.
Author Info
Francesca Lia Block lives in LA and has written lots of critically-acclaimed YA literature. She also wrote Weetzie Bat, one of the other books in this blog.
Genre
LGBT short stories
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
both from "Dragons in Manhattan"
1. Tuck travels from NY to SF to LA looking for her father. How and where does she finally find him?
2. How is Tuck, who is obviously underage, able to stay by herself in a hotel like the Pink Gingerbread?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school and up for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
LGBT themes, alcohol and drug use, offensive language
the sex isn't graphic and these are fairy tales of life in La-La land
Make sure that you are familiar with the whole book - passages taken out of context can be misconstrued.
Library's collection development policy
Acclaimed YA author
Why I Included This Book
This is the only short-story collection in the blog; Francesca Lia Block is an important YA author with a unique voice. Highly recommended by the head librarian where I work.
The Long Night of Leo and Bree by Ellen Wittlinger
ISBN: 978-0-689-83564-3
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, NY
2002
111 pages
Plot Summary
Everything spiralled downhill for Leo's family after the brutal murder of his 17-year-old sister, Michelle. She had been such a good kid, working in a hospital gift shop. She was the calm one in the family, the one everyone depended on to keep their emotions in check. On the 4th anniversary of Michelle's death (at the hands of her abusive boyfriend), Leo's mother is worse than ever. She can't work, doesn't even change out of her pajamas, she just gets drunk and yells at him, blaming him for his sister's murder. Leo can't take it anymore and goes out driving; he thinks that Michelle wants him to kill another girl to make up for her murder - he's so confused that he kidnaps a girl right off the street. She's dressed sexily but it turns out that Bree is just a kid -seventeen, the same age as Leo. The decisions the two of them make during the night change their lives.
Critical Evaluation
This is an interesting premise for a story - two 17-year-olds from completely different walks of life find they have common bonds - but it's a little far-fetched that Leo just happens to kidnap a girl who also has a dead sister. However, the way the author depicts their changing emotions during the night feels real. Bree is scared at first but realized that Leo doesn't really want to hurt her - and Leo starts out all macho but starts letting down his guard. Both changes are realistic.
Reader's Annotation
Leo's life has spiralled out of control since his sister's murder. On the 4th anniversary of her death he decides to kidnap and kill a girl who deserves it - unlike his sister who was a good kid. But what happens when Leo kidnaps Bree, a girl who is just another 17-year-old - a kid not so different from himself?
Author's Info
Ellen Wittlinger is the author of many acclaimed YA novels, including Hard Love, another book in this blog. She's also written Razzle and What's in a Name, Noticing Paradise and Lombardo's Law. A former children's librarian, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children.
Genre
Realistic YA novel
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Leo is driving around looking for a "bad" girl to kidnap. Why does he choose Bree?
2. Leo tells Bree that her boyfriend shouldn't tell her what to wear or boss her around. What gives him the right to tell her those things?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
murder, kidnapping, alcoholism
none are graphic and the story definitely doesn't glamorize the violence or alcoholism
Library's collection development policy
Award-winning author
Why I Included This Book
Hard Love was an excellent book so I wanted to read another by the same author. This book was well-written but not on a par with Hard Love.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, NY
2002
111 pages
Plot Summary
Everything spiralled downhill for Leo's family after the brutal murder of his 17-year-old sister, Michelle. She had been such a good kid, working in a hospital gift shop. She was the calm one in the family, the one everyone depended on to keep their emotions in check. On the 4th anniversary of Michelle's death (at the hands of her abusive boyfriend), Leo's mother is worse than ever. She can't work, doesn't even change out of her pajamas, she just gets drunk and yells at him, blaming him for his sister's murder. Leo can't take it anymore and goes out driving; he thinks that Michelle wants him to kill another girl to make up for her murder - he's so confused that he kidnaps a girl right off the street. She's dressed sexily but it turns out that Bree is just a kid -seventeen, the same age as Leo. The decisions the two of them make during the night change their lives.
Critical Evaluation
This is an interesting premise for a story - two 17-year-olds from completely different walks of life find they have common bonds - but it's a little far-fetched that Leo just happens to kidnap a girl who also has a dead sister. However, the way the author depicts their changing emotions during the night feels real. Bree is scared at first but realized that Leo doesn't really want to hurt her - and Leo starts out all macho but starts letting down his guard. Both changes are realistic.
Reader's Annotation
Leo's life has spiralled out of control since his sister's murder. On the 4th anniversary of her death he decides to kidnap and kill a girl who deserves it - unlike his sister who was a good kid. But what happens when Leo kidnaps Bree, a girl who is just another 17-year-old - a kid not so different from himself?
Author's Info
Ellen Wittlinger is the author of many acclaimed YA novels, including Hard Love, another book in this blog. She's also written Razzle and What's in a Name, Noticing Paradise and Lombardo's Law. A former children's librarian, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two children.
Genre
Realistic YA novel
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Leo is driving around looking for a "bad" girl to kidnap. Why does he choose Bree?
2. Leo tells Bree that her boyfriend shouldn't tell her what to wear or boss her around. What gives him the right to tell her those things?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
murder, kidnapping, alcoholism
none are graphic and the story definitely doesn't glamorize the violence or alcoholism
Library's collection development policy
Award-winning author
Why I Included This Book
Hard Love was an excellent book so I wanted to read another by the same author. This book was well-written but not on a par with Hard Love.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
ISBN: 978-1-573-22245-7
Riverhead Books, NY 2003
324 pages
Plot Summary
Amir and Hassan are best friends as boys in Kabul; they are both motherless and being raised in the same household, but Amir is a Pashtun (a ruling class) and his father is a wealthy and influential man while Hassan and his father are their Hazzara servants. However, Hassan is the stronger of the two boys both physically and morally. In fact, Hassan remains loyal to Amir even when Amir stood by while Hassan was brutally hurt. When Amir and his father flee Afghanistan for the US, Hassan remains behind. Years later, Amir is given the chance to right some of his wrongs by helping Hassan's son escape from the Taliban.
Critical Evaluation
A powerful but also deeply disturbing book - it explores issues of friendship, love, war, cruelty, but probably most importantly, loyalty and betrayal. Not for the faint of heart.
Reader's Annotation
Can Amir ever really right the wrongs of his childhood by returning to Afghanistan and rescuing Hassan's son?
Author Info
Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul to a diplomat father and a school teacher mother. The family relocated to Paris for his father's job but then were unable to return to Afghanistan because of the communist coup. They were granted asylum in the US and Khaled graduated from UCSD's College of Medicine and practiced as an internist. Kite Runner was his first book and it was an international bestseller published in 48 countries. In 2006 Khaled was named a goodwill envoy to the United Nations Refugee Agency. His follow-up book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, was also a bestseller. He lives in Northern California.
Genre
Adult cross-over novel
Curriculum Ties
This book is on high school and college reading lists
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why did Amir's father seem to prefer Hassan, the servant's son?
2. What happened to Amir's proud father when they moved to America?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school - Adult but not appropriate for under 15 (in fact, I had a hard time dealing with parts of this book but it is a required reading book at the high school where I work).
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence, child rape, war
Adult novel; graphic but not gratuitous depictions of brutality
Library's collection development policy
Award-winning novel; rave reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal
Why I Included This Book
I was actually surprised to see this book on our high school library's shelves -however, it is an excellent book to use to discuss the horrors of war and unbinding loyalty.
Riverhead Books, NY 2003
324 pages
Plot Summary
Amir and Hassan are best friends as boys in Kabul; they are both motherless and being raised in the same household, but Amir is a Pashtun (a ruling class) and his father is a wealthy and influential man while Hassan and his father are their Hazzara servants. However, Hassan is the stronger of the two boys both physically and morally. In fact, Hassan remains loyal to Amir even when Amir stood by while Hassan was brutally hurt. When Amir and his father flee Afghanistan for the US, Hassan remains behind. Years later, Amir is given the chance to right some of his wrongs by helping Hassan's son escape from the Taliban.
Critical Evaluation
A powerful but also deeply disturbing book - it explores issues of friendship, love, war, cruelty, but probably most importantly, loyalty and betrayal. Not for the faint of heart.
Reader's Annotation
Can Amir ever really right the wrongs of his childhood by returning to Afghanistan and rescuing Hassan's son?
Author Info
Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul to a diplomat father and a school teacher mother. The family relocated to Paris for his father's job but then were unable to return to Afghanistan because of the communist coup. They were granted asylum in the US and Khaled graduated from UCSD's College of Medicine and practiced as an internist. Kite Runner was his first book and it was an international bestseller published in 48 countries. In 2006 Khaled was named a goodwill envoy to the United Nations Refugee Agency. His follow-up book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, was also a bestseller. He lives in Northern California.
Genre
Adult cross-over novel
Curriculum Ties
This book is on high school and college reading lists
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why did Amir's father seem to prefer Hassan, the servant's son?
2. What happened to Amir's proud father when they moved to America?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school - Adult but not appropriate for under 15 (in fact, I had a hard time dealing with parts of this book but it is a required reading book at the high school where I work).
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence, child rape, war
Adult novel; graphic but not gratuitous depictions of brutality
Library's collection development policy
Award-winning novel; rave reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal
Why I Included This Book
I was actually surprised to see this book on our high school library's shelves -however, it is an excellent book to use to discuss the horrors of war and unbinding loyalty.
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson
ISBN: 0-7887-4217-5
Recorded Books, NY 1998 (recorded by arrangement with HarperCollins Children's Books)
Performed by Christina Moore
Audiobook
Plot Summary
Sara Louise Bradshaw has spent her entire young life in the shadow of her talented and beautiful twin sister, Caroline. They live on a small island in the Chesapeake Bay during WWII and Caroline even wins a scholarship to attend high school on the mainland while "Wheeze" is stuck being home-schooled. Wheeze does love to go crabbing with her father but a time comes when it's not seemly for a girl child to be out on the boat overnight with him. Wheeze and her best friend do befriend an older gentleman, who may or may not be the mysterious man who left years before in disgrace.
Critical Evaluation
This coming-of-age tale is written so skillfully that you can imagine the twins' home island and how tough it must have been to earn a living crabbing during WWII. This book won numerous awards but seems a little anachronistic. I'm not sure that younger teens would understand why Sara Louise could not just get on a boat and go to the mainland. Christina Moore does a fine job reading the part of Wheeze.
Reader's Annotation
Sara Louise (Wheeze) Bradshaw has lived in the shadow of her beautiful and talented twin sister, Caroline, for as long as she can remember. When Caroline is able to go to school on the mainland and even steals away Wheeze's best friend, her resentment grows intolerable.
Author Info
Author Katherine Paterson is a Newbery award-winning author for this book and for A Bridge to Terabithia. She is the daughter of Chinese missionaries. She has taught school, been a missionary in Japan, and has been for many years the wife of a Presbyterian pastor.
Genre
YA coming-of-age
Curriculum Ties
Required reading lists
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why does Wheeze suddenly feel funny around Captain Wallace?
2. How does Sara Louise (Wheeze) react to the news of Caroline's engagement?
Reading/ Interest Level
I had a little trouble with this because I felt that the reading level was middle school but that the interest level would be high school to adult. The audiotape that I listened to recommended it for listeners 10 and up.
Challenge Issues
I can't imagine any
Why I Included This Book
I felt that although the reading level might be lower, this would be an appropriate book for high school age students. It is a Newbery award winner and the NY Times Book Review called it a
"novel of special brilliance."
Recorded Books, NY 1998 (recorded by arrangement with HarperCollins Children's Books)
Performed by Christina Moore
Audiobook
Plot Summary
Sara Louise Bradshaw has spent her entire young life in the shadow of her talented and beautiful twin sister, Caroline. They live on a small island in the Chesapeake Bay during WWII and Caroline even wins a scholarship to attend high school on the mainland while "Wheeze" is stuck being home-schooled. Wheeze does love to go crabbing with her father but a time comes when it's not seemly for a girl child to be out on the boat overnight with him. Wheeze and her best friend do befriend an older gentleman, who may or may not be the mysterious man who left years before in disgrace.
Critical Evaluation
This coming-of-age tale is written so skillfully that you can imagine the twins' home island and how tough it must have been to earn a living crabbing during WWII. This book won numerous awards but seems a little anachronistic. I'm not sure that younger teens would understand why Sara Louise could not just get on a boat and go to the mainland. Christina Moore does a fine job reading the part of Wheeze.
Reader's Annotation
Sara Louise (Wheeze) Bradshaw has lived in the shadow of her beautiful and talented twin sister, Caroline, for as long as she can remember. When Caroline is able to go to school on the mainland and even steals away Wheeze's best friend, her resentment grows intolerable.
Author Info
Author Katherine Paterson is a Newbery award-winning author for this book and for A Bridge to Terabithia. She is the daughter of Chinese missionaries. She has taught school, been a missionary in Japan, and has been for many years the wife of a Presbyterian pastor.
Genre
YA coming-of-age
Curriculum Ties
Required reading lists
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why does Wheeze suddenly feel funny around Captain Wallace?
2. How does Sara Louise (Wheeze) react to the news of Caroline's engagement?
Reading/ Interest Level
I had a little trouble with this because I felt that the reading level was middle school but that the interest level would be high school to adult. The audiotape that I listened to recommended it for listeners 10 and up.
Challenge Issues
I can't imagine any
Why I Included This Book
I felt that although the reading level might be lower, this would be an appropriate book for high school age students. It is a Newbery award winner and the NY Times Book Review called it a
"novel of special brilliance."
So Punk Rock by Micol Ostow
ISBN: 978-0-7387-1471-4
Flux, Woodbury, MN 2009
246 pages
Plot Summary
Ari Abramson has lived in the shadow of his best friend, Jonas Fein, for as long as he can remember. Both teens attend Leo R. Gittleman Jewish Day School in New Jersey even though neither boy is very religious. Jonas is self-confident and popular but Ari is the one with the idea of starting a band. He plans to play guitar to Jonas' bass. They recruit the much more religious Yossi Gluck to be their drummer and his sister Reena will be their lead singer. When they first start practicing the only one with any talent is Reena, who actually can sing.
Critical Evaluation
This book is very funny - done very much tongue-in-cheek - makes fun of just about everything including the school and how different people "use" their Jewish religion. Most of it is written in prose, but there are several pages of graphic novel thrown in, and it all works because it is told from Ari's point-of-view and he sketches everything. There is a helpful glossary at the back of the book to explain Jewish terms for all of us who aren't of that faith.
Reader's Annotation
Ari and Jonas, best friends for years and classmates at their Jewish Day School, start a band. They become more successful than they would have dreamed but the band and their success is straining their friendship.
Author's Info
Micol Ostow has written many books for children and teens. Her first hardcover book, Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa, was named a NYPL Book for the Teenage. She lives in Manhattan with her filmmaker fiance. Both Micol and her brother David (the illustrator) spent 13 years attending a Jewish Day School. David works at a design firm in NYC and this is his first book.
Genre
YA - combination graphic novel and prose
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss how everyone's feelings seem to come to a head at Sari's party. Why does Yossi get in the middle of the fight between Ari and Jonas?
2. Why does it take so long for Ari to figure out that Reena likes him (and that he likes her)?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
bad language (although never spelled out, "s**t," for example), underage drinking
realistic language and party behavior for teens
Library's collection development policy
Starred review in SLJ, Booklist Top 10 Arts Book for Youth, Top 10 Religion Book for Youth
Why I Included This Book
This book just came into our library, got good reviews, and one of my classmates raved about it!
Flux, Woodbury, MN 2009
246 pages
Plot Summary
Ari Abramson has lived in the shadow of his best friend, Jonas Fein, for as long as he can remember. Both teens attend Leo R. Gittleman Jewish Day School in New Jersey even though neither boy is very religious. Jonas is self-confident and popular but Ari is the one with the idea of starting a band. He plans to play guitar to Jonas' bass. They recruit the much more religious Yossi Gluck to be their drummer and his sister Reena will be their lead singer. When they first start practicing the only one with any talent is Reena, who actually can sing.
Critical Evaluation
This book is very funny - done very much tongue-in-cheek - makes fun of just about everything including the school and how different people "use" their Jewish religion. Most of it is written in prose, but there are several pages of graphic novel thrown in, and it all works because it is told from Ari's point-of-view and he sketches everything. There is a helpful glossary at the back of the book to explain Jewish terms for all of us who aren't of that faith.
Reader's Annotation
Ari and Jonas, best friends for years and classmates at their Jewish Day School, start a band. They become more successful than they would have dreamed but the band and their success is straining their friendship.
Author's Info
Micol Ostow has written many books for children and teens. Her first hardcover book, Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa, was named a NYPL Book for the Teenage. She lives in Manhattan with her filmmaker fiance. Both Micol and her brother David (the illustrator) spent 13 years attending a Jewish Day School. David works at a design firm in NYC and this is his first book.
Genre
YA - combination graphic novel and prose
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss how everyone's feelings seem to come to a head at Sari's party. Why does Yossi get in the middle of the fight between Ari and Jonas?
2. Why does it take so long for Ari to figure out that Reena likes him (and that he likes her)?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
bad language (although never spelled out, "s**t," for example), underage drinking
realistic language and party behavior for teens
Library's collection development policy
Starred review in SLJ, Booklist Top 10 Arts Book for Youth, Top 10 Religion Book for Youth
Why I Included This Book
This book just came into our library, got good reviews, and one of my classmates raved about it!
Pay It Forward by Catherine R. Hyde
ISBN: 978-0-743-41202-5
Simon & Schuster, NY 2000 (first edition) 1999
320 pages
I watched the 2000Warner Bros. movie starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment.
Plot Summary
Trevor is a 12-year-old boy with a cocktail waitress mom (who has a drinking problem) and an almost non-existent dad. He seems an unlikely person to effect change in the world but when his social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet gives the class an assignment, Trevor takes it to heart. The assignment is to "Think of an idea for world change and put it into action," and Trevor decides to "Pay it Forward." He'll do something good for 3 people and those people then each need to pay it forward and do three more good deeds. Unfortunately for Trevor his good deeds don't seem to be working (including trying to set up his mom with his social studies teacher) - but then the homeless man he helped saves a woman from suicide - and his mom and social studies teacher do seem to like each other.
Critical Evaluation
The author states that the movie "is not the world's most faithful adaptation" of her book but that she's still glad it was made. The movie is well-acted and well-meaning with an interesting premise but ends up being too much of a tear-jerker.
Reader/Viewer's Annotation
Twelve-year-old Trevor takes his social studies assignment to heart and tries to change the world 3 people at a time. He does good deeds for 3 people and then they're supposed to "pay it forward" and help 3 others.
Author Info
Author Catherine R. Hyde has written lots of books, both YA and adult. Her latest YA book, which should be released in 2010, is called Jumpstart the World. It's about a teenaged girl who falls in love with her older next door neighbor before realizing that he is transgender. The author was invited to the White House for the movie screening of Pay it Forward. She loves to hike, travel, kayak, fish and take photos of all those activities.
Genre
The movie is based on a realistic YA novel.
Curriculum Ties
Life Skills/ Social Studies - "Pay It Forward!"
Booktalking Ideas
1. The homeless man Trevor has helped sees a woman who is intent on jumping off a bridge. Explain how his actions were changed by Trevor.
2. Trevor's mom and his social studies teacher go on a date. She's a recovering alcoholic waitress and he's an uptight teacher with burn scars. What do they have in common?
Reading/ Interest Level
high school to adult
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence, bullying, alcoholism
Realistic portrayals not meant for younger teens. Good deeds emphasized.
Library's collection development policy.
The book was chosen an ALA Best Books for YA 2001
Why I Included This Movie Made From the Book
I liked the premise - excellent actors - and the book won YA awards. Recommended in Teen Genreflecting.
Simon & Schuster, NY 2000 (first edition) 1999
320 pages
I watched the 2000Warner Bros. movie starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment.
Plot Summary
Trevor is a 12-year-old boy with a cocktail waitress mom (who has a drinking problem) and an almost non-existent dad. He seems an unlikely person to effect change in the world but when his social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet gives the class an assignment, Trevor takes it to heart. The assignment is to "Think of an idea for world change and put it into action," and Trevor decides to "Pay it Forward." He'll do something good for 3 people and those people then each need to pay it forward and do three more good deeds. Unfortunately for Trevor his good deeds don't seem to be working (including trying to set up his mom with his social studies teacher) - but then the homeless man he helped saves a woman from suicide - and his mom and social studies teacher do seem to like each other.
Critical Evaluation
The author states that the movie "is not the world's most faithful adaptation" of her book but that she's still glad it was made. The movie is well-acted and well-meaning with an interesting premise but ends up being too much of a tear-jerker.
Reader/Viewer's Annotation
Twelve-year-old Trevor takes his social studies assignment to heart and tries to change the world 3 people at a time. He does good deeds for 3 people and then they're supposed to "pay it forward" and help 3 others.
Author Info
Author Catherine R. Hyde has written lots of books, both YA and adult. Her latest YA book, which should be released in 2010, is called Jumpstart the World. It's about a teenaged girl who falls in love with her older next door neighbor before realizing that he is transgender. The author was invited to the White House for the movie screening of Pay it Forward. She loves to hike, travel, kayak, fish and take photos of all those activities.
Genre
The movie is based on a realistic YA novel.
Curriculum Ties
Life Skills/ Social Studies - "Pay It Forward!"
Booktalking Ideas
1. The homeless man Trevor has helped sees a woman who is intent on jumping off a bridge. Explain how his actions were changed by Trevor.
2. Trevor's mom and his social studies teacher go on a date. She's a recovering alcoholic waitress and he's an uptight teacher with burn scars. What do they have in common?
Reading/ Interest Level
high school to adult
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence, bullying, alcoholism
Realistic portrayals not meant for younger teens. Good deeds emphasized.
Library's collection development policy.
The book was chosen an ALA Best Books for YA 2001
Why I Included This Movie Made From the Book
I liked the premise - excellent actors - and the book won YA awards. Recommended in Teen Genreflecting.
Fish by L. S. Matthews
ISBN: 978-0-440-42021-7
Delacorte Press, NY 2004
183 pages
Plot Summary
War has broken out and Tiger and Tiger's parents must flee the place where they have been relief workers. They use a guide with a donkey to get them over the mountains so they can cross the border but Tiger has found a live fish in this drought-stricken land and won't leave it behind. The fish must be taken along with them in a pot as part of their meager supplies. It seems impossible that there is enough water left in the pot for the fish to survive but, miraculously, it seems to be doing fine.
This modern-day fable is a story of hope in the face of insurmountable odds.
Critical Evaluation
This is a tale for everyone. Who is Tiger? We don't know his nationality or race or even his gender and that's just the way the author intended it. I thought Tiger was a boy and one of my co-workers thinks she's a girl - and it doesn't matter. This is a lovely, global message of hope amid wars, droughts and famines - the fish can survive all of these catastrophes.
Reader's Annotation
Tiger's family, relief workers, need to flee the land where they've been helping the people as war has broken out. Somehow they must traverse the mountains in this parched land and reach the border. Will Tiger's new pet fish be able to survive the journey?
Author Info
L.S. Matthews won the English Fidler award for the best first novel for children for Fish, a wonderful allegorical tale. She said that the book was written during a particularly silly time for her to be writing a book as she should have been concentrating on selling her home and taking care of her two children. However, she had 3 koi fish and she was worried about where they would go when she sold her home. She had a dream about it - and wrote Fish based upon her dream. She also said that she "wouldn't write a book which didn't challenge the reader with questions which maybe aren't easily answered. I have to write books which at least have the potential to effect changes." L.S. Matthews has just released a new book called After the Flood.
Genre
modern day fable
Curriculum Ties
World History classes could have an excellent discussion with this book.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why do you think Tiger's parents allow him/her to bring along a fish on such a perilous journey?
2. Discuss how Tiger's father doesn't trust the donkey's sure footing and sinks into the muddy river.
Reading/ Interest Level
Some of the reviews say this book is for age 10+; others 12 and up. I don't think that younger kids would understand the story but it is definitely a wonderful fable for high school, college and adults.
Challenge Issues
Not really any; just that the book tackles serious subjects like war, famines and drought.
Why I Included This Book
I thought this was a wonderful, uplifting story that would appeal to all ages. Fish has garnered rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic (SLJ, Publishers Weekly) and been translated into many languages. It also received many awards including ALA Notable Books 2005 and was nominated for a Carnegie Medal and Lamplighter Award.
Delacorte Press, NY 2004
183 pages
Plot Summary
War has broken out and Tiger and Tiger's parents must flee the place where they have been relief workers. They use a guide with a donkey to get them over the mountains so they can cross the border but Tiger has found a live fish in this drought-stricken land and won't leave it behind. The fish must be taken along with them in a pot as part of their meager supplies. It seems impossible that there is enough water left in the pot for the fish to survive but, miraculously, it seems to be doing fine.
This modern-day fable is a story of hope in the face of insurmountable odds.
Critical Evaluation
This is a tale for everyone. Who is Tiger? We don't know his nationality or race or even his gender and that's just the way the author intended it. I thought Tiger was a boy and one of my co-workers thinks she's a girl - and it doesn't matter. This is a lovely, global message of hope amid wars, droughts and famines - the fish can survive all of these catastrophes.
Reader's Annotation
Tiger's family, relief workers, need to flee the land where they've been helping the people as war has broken out. Somehow they must traverse the mountains in this parched land and reach the border. Will Tiger's new pet fish be able to survive the journey?
Author Info
L.S. Matthews won the English Fidler award for the best first novel for children for Fish, a wonderful allegorical tale. She said that the book was written during a particularly silly time for her to be writing a book as she should have been concentrating on selling her home and taking care of her two children. However, she had 3 koi fish and she was worried about where they would go when she sold her home. She had a dream about it - and wrote Fish based upon her dream. She also said that she "wouldn't write a book which didn't challenge the reader with questions which maybe aren't easily answered. I have to write books which at least have the potential to effect changes." L.S. Matthews has just released a new book called After the Flood.
Genre
modern day fable
Curriculum Ties
World History classes could have an excellent discussion with this book.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why do you think Tiger's parents allow him/her to bring along a fish on such a perilous journey?
2. Discuss how Tiger's father doesn't trust the donkey's sure footing and sinks into the muddy river.
Reading/ Interest Level
Some of the reviews say this book is for age 10+; others 12 and up. I don't think that younger kids would understand the story but it is definitely a wonderful fable for high school, college and adults.
Challenge Issues
Not really any; just that the book tackles serious subjects like war, famines and drought.
Why I Included This Book
I thought this was a wonderful, uplifting story that would appeal to all ages. Fish has garnered rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic (SLJ, Publishers Weekly) and been translated into many languages. It also received many awards including ALA Notable Books 2005 and was nominated for a Carnegie Medal and Lamplighter Award.
Cut by Patricia McCormick
ISBN: 978-1-886-91061-4
Front Street, Asheville, NC 2000
168 pages
Plot Summary
15-year-old Callie is in a residential treatment facility after her school nurse discovered that she "cuts" herself. She is in a group of girls with eating or substance abuse disorders. At first the other girls don't even know why Callie is there as she doesn't talk. She doesn't talk in group therapy, or to her psychiatrist or to the other girls in the program at Sea Pines (or as they call it "Sick Minds").
As she watches everything going on around her though, she discovers that she likes the other girls. At first she opens up to the late night attendant, Ruby, then she gradually starts talking to her therapist and to the other girls. She had blamed herself for her brother's illness but Callie comes to the realization that it was her father who was supposed to be taking care of him.
Critical Evaluation
This is a book that should be read by teens and by those who work with teens. It has similarities to Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak; both are troubled teen girls who won't speak, but Callie in Cut is at least in a treatment facility where she can be helped and her parents and doctors know that she is cutting herself. The character of 15-year-old Callie is finely drawn - we can hear her observations even when she can't verbalize them - and she finally allows the adults around her to help.
Reader's Annotation
15-year-old Callie finds herself in a residential treatment facility because she cuts herself. How can she get better if she won't talk to the other girls there or even her therapist?
Author Info
Patricia McCormick graduated with her MFA from The New School in 1999 and published her first book Cut the next year. She has since written other award-winning books including My Brother's Keeper and Sold (also included in this blog). Her new book, released this year is Purple Heart. She is also a free-lance journalist and says that she grew up in ordinary suburbia, similar to the type of place where Callie's home is located.
Genre
realistic YA about troubled teens
Curriculum Ties
Life Skills classes could use this book to open up a dialogue about "cutting." An estimated 2 million teenage girls cut themselves according to info included with the book.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Callie finally talks in her group session. Debbie blames herself for Becca's continuing eating disorder but Callie says that it's not Debbie's fault. Whose fault does she think it is?
2. Callie runs away from Sea Pines - she realizes that she needs to see her father. What did she need to talk to her father about and why did it help in her healing?
Reading/ Interest Level
Middle school to high school for both - ages 12 +
Challenge Issues and Defense
I don't really see any challenge issues other than the subject matter is a serious one.
Why I Included This Book
Sold was a very well-written book, so I decided to read another of the authors books. Cut was written in a more straight-forward style but it was also well-written. VOYA called it "extraordinary," and it was an ALA Top 10 Quick Pick and a NYPL Best Book for the Teenage.
Front Street, Asheville, NC 2000
168 pages
Plot Summary
15-year-old Callie is in a residential treatment facility after her school nurse discovered that she "cuts" herself. She is in a group of girls with eating or substance abuse disorders. At first the other girls don't even know why Callie is there as she doesn't talk. She doesn't talk in group therapy, or to her psychiatrist or to the other girls in the program at Sea Pines (or as they call it "Sick Minds").
As she watches everything going on around her though, she discovers that she likes the other girls. At first she opens up to the late night attendant, Ruby, then she gradually starts talking to her therapist and to the other girls. She had blamed herself for her brother's illness but Callie comes to the realization that it was her father who was supposed to be taking care of him.
Critical Evaluation
This is a book that should be read by teens and by those who work with teens. It has similarities to Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak; both are troubled teen girls who won't speak, but Callie in Cut is at least in a treatment facility where she can be helped and her parents and doctors know that she is cutting herself. The character of 15-year-old Callie is finely drawn - we can hear her observations even when she can't verbalize them - and she finally allows the adults around her to help.
Reader's Annotation
15-year-old Callie finds herself in a residential treatment facility because she cuts herself. How can she get better if she won't talk to the other girls there or even her therapist?
Author Info
Patricia McCormick graduated with her MFA from The New School in 1999 and published her first book Cut the next year. She has since written other award-winning books including My Brother's Keeper and Sold (also included in this blog). Her new book, released this year is Purple Heart. She is also a free-lance journalist and says that she grew up in ordinary suburbia, similar to the type of place where Callie's home is located.
Genre
realistic YA about troubled teens
Curriculum Ties
Life Skills classes could use this book to open up a dialogue about "cutting." An estimated 2 million teenage girls cut themselves according to info included with the book.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Callie finally talks in her group session. Debbie blames herself for Becca's continuing eating disorder but Callie says that it's not Debbie's fault. Whose fault does she think it is?
2. Callie runs away from Sea Pines - she realizes that she needs to see her father. What did she need to talk to her father about and why did it help in her healing?
Reading/ Interest Level
Middle school to high school for both - ages 12 +
Challenge Issues and Defense
I don't really see any challenge issues other than the subject matter is a serious one.
Why I Included This Book
Sold was a very well-written book, so I decided to read another of the authors books. Cut was written in a more straight-forward style but it was also well-written. VOYA called it "extraordinary," and it was an ALA Top 10 Quick Pick and a NYPL Best Book for the Teenage.
Sweet 16 by Kate Brian
ISBN: 978-1-4169-0032-0
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, NY 2006
258 pages
Plot Summary
Obnoxiously rich Teagan Phillips plans to throw the biggest, most expensive "Sweet 16" party her prep school friends have ever seen. Her life and friends are incredibly shallow but she is so self-absorbed that she doesn't get it. She is unhappy with her dad as she feels he has ignored her since her mom's death - he just buys her whatever she wants. The book has a funny side to it though as when Teagan is interviewed about her party by the editor of the school paper; the write-ups are written completely tongue-in-cheek. Teagan's party turns out much differently than she had anticipated. She falls down the steps of a wine cellar and find herself face-to-face with her past, present and future. The female ghost is reminiscent of A Christmas Carol but there's just a single ghost who turns out to be someone very close to Teagan.
Critical Evaluation
This book was a little too "chick lit" or "bubble gum" for my tastes but it was funny when the obnoxious Teagan gets her come-uppance. The humor was also apparent in the school paper's write-up of her upcoming "Sweet 16" party. The main problem is that Teagan, the main character, is not likable - you don't really care about her or her redemption.
Reader's Annotation
Obnoxiously rich Teagan Phillips just has to throw the biggest, most expensive "Sweet 16" party but it turns out to be memorable in ways that she could never imagine.
Author Info
Kate Brian is the pen name for Kieran Scott who was born in 1974. She is the author of many popular YA chick lit books including The Princess and the Pauper and The V Club. She says that she will always be sweet 16 at heart.
Genre
YA chick lit
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Teagan is interviewed for the school paper by Melissa Bradshaw. Do you think she understands Melissa's sarcasm?
2. Discuss what happened to the close friendship between Teagan and Emily.
Reading/ Interest Level
Grade 8 through high school
Challenge Issues and Defense
not much, just some offensive language
Know the content of the book; it's a teenage fairy tale
Library's collection development policy
Good review from Children's Literature
Why I Included This Book
This was just a fun book - received fairly good reviews; good escapism.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, NY 2006
258 pages
Plot Summary
Obnoxiously rich Teagan Phillips plans to throw the biggest, most expensive "Sweet 16" party her prep school friends have ever seen. Her life and friends are incredibly shallow but she is so self-absorbed that she doesn't get it. She is unhappy with her dad as she feels he has ignored her since her mom's death - he just buys her whatever she wants. The book has a funny side to it though as when Teagan is interviewed about her party by the editor of the school paper; the write-ups are written completely tongue-in-cheek. Teagan's party turns out much differently than she had anticipated. She falls down the steps of a wine cellar and find herself face-to-face with her past, present and future. The female ghost is reminiscent of A Christmas Carol but there's just a single ghost who turns out to be someone very close to Teagan.
Critical Evaluation
This book was a little too "chick lit" or "bubble gum" for my tastes but it was funny when the obnoxious Teagan gets her come-uppance. The humor was also apparent in the school paper's write-up of her upcoming "Sweet 16" party. The main problem is that Teagan, the main character, is not likable - you don't really care about her or her redemption.
Reader's Annotation
Obnoxiously rich Teagan Phillips just has to throw the biggest, most expensive "Sweet 16" party but it turns out to be memorable in ways that she could never imagine.
Author Info
Kate Brian is the pen name for Kieran Scott who was born in 1974. She is the author of many popular YA chick lit books including The Princess and the Pauper and The V Club. She says that she will always be sweet 16 at heart.
Genre
YA chick lit
No Curriculum Ties
Booktalking Ideas
1. Teagan is interviewed for the school paper by Melissa Bradshaw. Do you think she understands Melissa's sarcasm?
2. Discuss what happened to the close friendship between Teagan and Emily.
Reading/ Interest Level
Grade 8 through high school
Challenge Issues and Defense
not much, just some offensive language
Know the content of the book; it's a teenage fairy tale
Library's collection development policy
Good review from Children's Literature
Why I Included This Book
This was just a fun book - received fairly good reviews; good escapism.
Kissing Kate by Lauren Myracle
ISBN: 978-0-525-46917-9
Dutton Books, NY 2003
198 pages
Plot Summary
16-year-olds Lissa and Kate have been best friends since 7th grade PE class. However, during a summer party Kate leans over and kisses Lissa and suddenly their friendship is over. Lissa doesn't understand why Kate is calling her a lesbian when Kate herself had been the initiator of the kiss. Lissa doesn't even know what her sexual identity is, although she does find Kate beautiful and misses their friendship intensely. With the help of a new friend, Ariel, and some of Ariel's far-out ideas on dreams, Lissa finds acceptance.
Critical Evaluation
Lauren Myracle's first book is a light-hearted look at a teen who's unsure of her sexual identity and upset that her best friend has dumped her. Lissa doesn't really know if she's hurt because she's in love with Kate or if she just misses the friendship. The book depicts Lissa as a sweet, confused 16-year-old but we don't really get a sense of Kate, other than that she is prettier and more popular. The ending of the book doesn't really give us a sense of resolution as Lissa seems still confused of her sexual identity.
Reader's Annotation
High school students Kate and Lissa have been best friends "forever" even though Lissa is surprised at their friendship as Kate is more popular and prettier than she. During a summer party, Kate kisses Lissa and their friendship is forever changed.
Author Info
Lauren Myracle says that her first novel did not come quickly or easily. A graduate of Vermont College's MFA program in writing for children and YA, she formerly worked as a middle school teacher both in the US and in Japan. She grew up in Atlanta but now lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, Jack Martin and their two sons. She has gone on to write many acclaimed YA novels including ttyl and ttfn.
Genre
LGBT
Curriculum Ties
Life Skills - acceptance of gay teens
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss why Kate kissed Lissa, and since she was the one who initiated the kiss, why does she call Lissa a lesbian?
2. Do you think that Lissa's sexual confusion is because she has been raised by an uncle and not by her parents? Why or why not?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school for both, possibly as young as 7th or 8th grade
Challenge Issues and Defense
lesbian theme but only kissing, no sex
light-hearted and tender portrayal of teen's sexual confusion
Library's collection development policy
Many awards including one of ALA's Best Books for YA and Top 10 Books by New Writers, rave review in VOYA.
Why I Included This Book
Lauren Myracle is a popular writer with young adults so I wanted to include at least one of her novels. Her books earn rave reviews and she's won many awards.
Dutton Books, NY 2003
198 pages
Plot Summary
16-year-olds Lissa and Kate have been best friends since 7th grade PE class. However, during a summer party Kate leans over and kisses Lissa and suddenly their friendship is over. Lissa doesn't understand why Kate is calling her a lesbian when Kate herself had been the initiator of the kiss. Lissa doesn't even know what her sexual identity is, although she does find Kate beautiful and misses their friendship intensely. With the help of a new friend, Ariel, and some of Ariel's far-out ideas on dreams, Lissa finds acceptance.
Critical Evaluation
Lauren Myracle's first book is a light-hearted look at a teen who's unsure of her sexual identity and upset that her best friend has dumped her. Lissa doesn't really know if she's hurt because she's in love with Kate or if she just misses the friendship. The book depicts Lissa as a sweet, confused 16-year-old but we don't really get a sense of Kate, other than that she is prettier and more popular. The ending of the book doesn't really give us a sense of resolution as Lissa seems still confused of her sexual identity.
Reader's Annotation
High school students Kate and Lissa have been best friends "forever" even though Lissa is surprised at their friendship as Kate is more popular and prettier than she. During a summer party, Kate kisses Lissa and their friendship is forever changed.
Author Info
Lauren Myracle says that her first novel did not come quickly or easily. A graduate of Vermont College's MFA program in writing for children and YA, she formerly worked as a middle school teacher both in the US and in Japan. She grew up in Atlanta but now lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, Jack Martin and their two sons. She has gone on to write many acclaimed YA novels including ttyl and ttfn.
Genre
LGBT
Curriculum Ties
Life Skills - acceptance of gay teens
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss why Kate kissed Lissa, and since she was the one who initiated the kiss, why does she call Lissa a lesbian?
2. Do you think that Lissa's sexual confusion is because she has been raised by an uncle and not by her parents? Why or why not?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school for both, possibly as young as 7th or 8th grade
Challenge Issues and Defense
lesbian theme but only kissing, no sex
light-hearted and tender portrayal of teen's sexual confusion
Library's collection development policy
Many awards including one of ALA's Best Books for YA and Top 10 Books by New Writers, rave review in VOYA.
Why I Included This Book
Lauren Myracle is a popular writer with young adults so I wanted to include at least one of her novels. Her books earn rave reviews and she's won many awards.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
French title L'elegance du herisson
Audiobook
ISBN: 978-1-59887-925-4
Highbridge (2008 English)
Original material 2006 by Editions Gallimard, Paris
Read by Barbara Rosenblat and Cassandra Morris
Print version translated by Alison Anderson
978-1-933372-60-0
Europa editions, NY 2008
325 pages
Plot Summary
12-year-old Paloma and middle-aged widow Renee both live in an elegant Parisian apt. building but there the similarity appears to end. Paloma is the daughter of one of the wealthy owners while Renee is the almost invisible concierge. Both, however, are keeping the secrets of their superior intellects, Paloma because she is a child and Renee because it wouldn't suit her station in life. Neither are happy with their lives (and Paloma, in fact, is planning to commit suicide on her 13th birthday) until a new resident of the building comes into their lives. Kakuro Ozu is a wealthy, retired Japanese man who doesn't make the same type of class distinctions as the other building's inhabitants.
Critical Evaluation
This was not an easy book to listen to on audio as there were lots of French (and Russian) references that were difficult to catch (when reading the book you would be able to stop and look up an unfamiliar term). The story was a little "wordy" with not a lot of action. It definitely picked up with the addition of the third main character, Kakuro Ozu, who helped meld everything together as he befriended both Paloma and Renee, and saw them for the intelligent lonely people they were.
Reader's Annotation
Renee and Paloma have more in common than just being residents of the same elegant Parisian apt. building but it takes a newcomer, Japanese businessman Kakuro Ozu, to show them what they both have been missing.
Author Info
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is Muriel Barbery's 2nd book. Her first, Une gourmandise, has just been published in English in 2009. She has previously taught philosophy. She was born in Casablanca, was raised in France and now lives in Japan with her husband Stephane.
Genre
The young girl Paloma has been compared to Holden Caulfield, so this is a combination of a coming-of-age book and an adult crossover novel.
Curriculum Ties
Great book to use in French class because of all the cultural references.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Renee has dinner with Monsieur Ozu. She is so nervous that she has problems with his high-tech toilet. How is the tension broken? How does she overcome her nervousness?
2. Renee invites Paloma to tea. Discuss why and how the two become friends.
Reading/ Interest Level
Sophisticated high school age/ college and adult
Challenge Issues and Defense
talk of suicide
Must read the whole book; ultimately uplifting and life-affirming.
Library's collection development policy.
Adult book on international bestseller lists; numerous international awards including the 2007 French Librarians' Prize for Culture
Why I Included This Book
I included it partly for the coming-of-age aspect and partly as an adult cross-over novel. This book would appeal to smart, sophisticated teens, but if they are anything like me, they would need to look up some of the references. I thought of the book because it is such an international bestseller.
Audiobook
ISBN: 978-1-59887-925-4
Highbridge (2008 English)
Original material 2006 by Editions Gallimard, Paris
Read by Barbara Rosenblat and Cassandra Morris
Print version translated by Alison Anderson
978-1-933372-60-0
Europa editions, NY 2008
325 pages
Plot Summary
12-year-old Paloma and middle-aged widow Renee both live in an elegant Parisian apt. building but there the similarity appears to end. Paloma is the daughter of one of the wealthy owners while Renee is the almost invisible concierge. Both, however, are keeping the secrets of their superior intellects, Paloma because she is a child and Renee because it wouldn't suit her station in life. Neither are happy with their lives (and Paloma, in fact, is planning to commit suicide on her 13th birthday) until a new resident of the building comes into their lives. Kakuro Ozu is a wealthy, retired Japanese man who doesn't make the same type of class distinctions as the other building's inhabitants.
Critical Evaluation
This was not an easy book to listen to on audio as there were lots of French (and Russian) references that were difficult to catch (when reading the book you would be able to stop and look up an unfamiliar term). The story was a little "wordy" with not a lot of action. It definitely picked up with the addition of the third main character, Kakuro Ozu, who helped meld everything together as he befriended both Paloma and Renee, and saw them for the intelligent lonely people they were.
Reader's Annotation
Renee and Paloma have more in common than just being residents of the same elegant Parisian apt. building but it takes a newcomer, Japanese businessman Kakuro Ozu, to show them what they both have been missing.
Author Info
The Elegance of the Hedgehog is Muriel Barbery's 2nd book. Her first, Une gourmandise, has just been published in English in 2009. She has previously taught philosophy. She was born in Casablanca, was raised in France and now lives in Japan with her husband Stephane.
Genre
The young girl Paloma has been compared to Holden Caulfield, so this is a combination of a coming-of-age book and an adult crossover novel.
Curriculum Ties
Great book to use in French class because of all the cultural references.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Renee has dinner with Monsieur Ozu. She is so nervous that she has problems with his high-tech toilet. How is the tension broken? How does she overcome her nervousness?
2. Renee invites Paloma to tea. Discuss why and how the two become friends.
Reading/ Interest Level
Sophisticated high school age/ college and adult
Challenge Issues and Defense
talk of suicide
Must read the whole book; ultimately uplifting and life-affirming.
Library's collection development policy.
Adult book on international bestseller lists; numerous international awards including the 2007 French Librarians' Prize for Culture
Why I Included This Book
I included it partly for the coming-of-age aspect and partly as an adult cross-over novel. This book would appeal to smart, sophisticated teens, but if they are anything like me, they would need to look up some of the references. I thought of the book because it is such an international bestseller.
Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr
ISBN: 978-0-316-01453-3
Little Brown, NY 2008
192 pages
Plot Summary
16-year-old Deanna Lambert was caught by her father having sex in the backseat of a car when she was only 13. Three years later she is still blaming herself for becoming the school "slut" and for losing her father's love. Deanna is hard on herself - she doesn't take into account the fact that the boy, Tommy Webber, was older (in fact, her older brother's best friend) and took advantage of a girl who was too young and naive to know enough to say no. She dreams about moving out with her older brother and his girlfriend, but they have their own troubles, including the fact that her brother's girlfriend recently had a baby. The family is completely dysfunctional and no one communicates with each other.
Critical Evaluation
This book started out so sad that I was fearful that it would have a tragic outcome, but it ends up being a sensitive portrayal of a girl who ultimately decides not to let her past define her. The message is uplifting and the book would be an excellent choice for troubled teens to see that things can get better - but that the decision is theirs.
Reader's Annotation
Deanna Lambert blames herself for having sex with Tommy Webber - but she was only 13, and he was 17 and her brother's best friend. Can she regain her father's trust and, more importantly, can she learn to forgive herself?
Author Info
This was Sara Zarr's first published novel but actually the fourth one she wrote. Sara says that Deanna was that rare character - she just showed up and walked onto the page - while she was working on a different book. She finished the other book and then spent a couple of years writing Story of a Girl. It took her longer to get it published - three years after many rejections. Sara grew up in San Francisco and went to high school in Pacifica (just like Deanna). She now lives with her husband in Salt Lake City.
Genre
realistic YA fiction
Curriculum Ties
This book could definitely be used in Life Skills - the class could discuss teen pregnancy and the value of learning how to "just say no" to sex.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss how Deanna feels when she starts her pizza parlor job and finds out that Tommy Webber also works there.
2. Discuss the changes in Deanna's relationship with her friend Jason when she realizes that she likes him.
Reading/Interest Level
High school for both - not appropriate for younger than about 13.
Challenge Issues and Defense
sex, language, smoking, marijuana use
be familiar with the book and its content
refer to the collection development policy of the library
refer to the rave reviews (SLJ, VOYA) and the many awards including:
2007 National Book Award Finalist
ALA Best Book for YA
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
NYPL Book for the Teen Age
Why I Included This Book
We selected it to use in our presentation on controversial YA lit. The book was chosen because of the "buzz" surrounding it and its many awards.
Little Brown, NY 2008
192 pages
Plot Summary
16-year-old Deanna Lambert was caught by her father having sex in the backseat of a car when she was only 13. Three years later she is still blaming herself for becoming the school "slut" and for losing her father's love. Deanna is hard on herself - she doesn't take into account the fact that the boy, Tommy Webber, was older (in fact, her older brother's best friend) and took advantage of a girl who was too young and naive to know enough to say no. She dreams about moving out with her older brother and his girlfriend, but they have their own troubles, including the fact that her brother's girlfriend recently had a baby. The family is completely dysfunctional and no one communicates with each other.
Critical Evaluation
This book started out so sad that I was fearful that it would have a tragic outcome, but it ends up being a sensitive portrayal of a girl who ultimately decides not to let her past define her. The message is uplifting and the book would be an excellent choice for troubled teens to see that things can get better - but that the decision is theirs.
Reader's Annotation
Deanna Lambert blames herself for having sex with Tommy Webber - but she was only 13, and he was 17 and her brother's best friend. Can she regain her father's trust and, more importantly, can she learn to forgive herself?
Author Info
This was Sara Zarr's first published novel but actually the fourth one she wrote. Sara says that Deanna was that rare character - she just showed up and walked onto the page - while she was working on a different book. She finished the other book and then spent a couple of years writing Story of a Girl. It took her longer to get it published - three years after many rejections. Sara grew up in San Francisco and went to high school in Pacifica (just like Deanna). She now lives with her husband in Salt Lake City.
Genre
realistic YA fiction
Curriculum Ties
This book could definitely be used in Life Skills - the class could discuss teen pregnancy and the value of learning how to "just say no" to sex.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss how Deanna feels when she starts her pizza parlor job and finds out that Tommy Webber also works there.
2. Discuss the changes in Deanna's relationship with her friend Jason when she realizes that she likes him.
Reading/Interest Level
High school for both - not appropriate for younger than about 13.
Challenge Issues and Defense
sex, language, smoking, marijuana use
be familiar with the book and its content
refer to the collection development policy of the library
refer to the rave reviews (SLJ, VOYA) and the many awards including:
2007 National Book Award Finalist
ALA Best Book for YA
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
NYPL Book for the Teen Age
Why I Included This Book
We selected it to use in our presentation on controversial YA lit. The book was chosen because of the "buzz" surrounding it and its many awards.
Friday, December 4, 2009
A Step from Heaven by An Na
ISBN: 0-14-250027-5
Speak, NY, 2002 (first edition, Front Street, 2001)
154 pages
Plot Summary
Four-year-old Young Ju is excited to come to America (Mi Gook) from Korea because she is told that she will be "a step from heaven;" that everyone in America is rich and lives in a big house. However, her parents struggle to make ends meet and her father cracks under the strain. He becomes an alcoholic and is abusive to his family members (his wife, Young Ju, and her brother Joon) when he is drunk. He eventually returns to Korea and Young Ju's mother becomes the strong one and the breadwinner in the family.
Critical Evaluation
This sweet story serves to explain how difficult it must be to start over in a new country, with language and cultural barriers. The writing is deceptively simple and flows with grace and fluidity.
Reader's Annotation
Young Ju arrives in America from Korea with her younger brother and parents. They expect to find riches here but her father has difficulty keeping a job and the family struggles financially. Eventually Young Ju and her mother and brother Joon are able to find their way in the United States but her father returns to Korea a broken man.
Author Info
An Na's debut YA novel won the Michael L. Printz award and was a National Book Award finalist. Her recent YA books are The Fold and Wait for Me (also in this blog).
An Na moved to the US from Korea as a child like Young Ju in the book but her family did become successful here. She grew up in San Diego and now lives in Vermont with her husband and daughter.
Genre
YA novel
Curriculum Ties
multicultural tie-in, immigration
Booktalking Ideas
1. Young Ju starts school in the US. She is upset because she had her hair curled because she was told that Americans had curly hair. However, the only other child in her class with curly hair is a boy and she doesn't want to be mistaken for a boy. Discuss.
2. Young Ju doesn't want her friend Amanda to know that her family is poor so she has Amanda's parents drop her off in front of a strange house.
Reading/ Interest Level
Middle/High School for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
alcoholism and spousal abuse, but not graphic
Realistic portrayal.
Awards including Printz and National Book Award finalist
Why I Included This Book
I read all of An Na's books when I did the author report. I particularly wanted to read this one as it won so many awards.
Speak, NY, 2002 (first edition, Front Street, 2001)
154 pages
Plot Summary
Four-year-old Young Ju is excited to come to America (Mi Gook) from Korea because she is told that she will be "a step from heaven;" that everyone in America is rich and lives in a big house. However, her parents struggle to make ends meet and her father cracks under the strain. He becomes an alcoholic and is abusive to his family members (his wife, Young Ju, and her brother Joon) when he is drunk. He eventually returns to Korea and Young Ju's mother becomes the strong one and the breadwinner in the family.
Critical Evaluation
This sweet story serves to explain how difficult it must be to start over in a new country, with language and cultural barriers. The writing is deceptively simple and flows with grace and fluidity.
Reader's Annotation
Young Ju arrives in America from Korea with her younger brother and parents. They expect to find riches here but her father has difficulty keeping a job and the family struggles financially. Eventually Young Ju and her mother and brother Joon are able to find their way in the United States but her father returns to Korea a broken man.
Author Info
An Na's debut YA novel won the Michael L. Printz award and was a National Book Award finalist. Her recent YA books are The Fold and Wait for Me (also in this blog).
An Na moved to the US from Korea as a child like Young Ju in the book but her family did become successful here. She grew up in San Diego and now lives in Vermont with her husband and daughter.
Genre
YA novel
Curriculum Ties
multicultural tie-in, immigration
Booktalking Ideas
1. Young Ju starts school in the US. She is upset because she had her hair curled because she was told that Americans had curly hair. However, the only other child in her class with curly hair is a boy and she doesn't want to be mistaken for a boy. Discuss.
2. Young Ju doesn't want her friend Amanda to know that her family is poor so she has Amanda's parents drop her off in front of a strange house.
Reading/ Interest Level
Middle/High School for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
alcoholism and spousal abuse, but not graphic
Realistic portrayal.
Awards including Printz and National Book Award finalist
Why I Included This Book
I read all of An Na's books when I did the author report. I particularly wanted to read this one as it won so many awards.
Slumdog Millionaire - a film by Danny Boyle
based on the book Q & A by Vikas Swarup
978-0-7432-6748-9
Scribner, NY 2005
318 pages
Plot Summary
Jamal Malik & his brother grew up living in a garbage heap in the slums of India yet he ends up on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," and through luck and cunning he wins the hearts of millions of Indians (and he hopes the heart of the woman he loves, his childhood friend), and ends up winning the grand prize as well.
Critical Evaluation
Slumdog Millionaire won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year. Somewhat loosely based on Vikas Swarup's book, Q & A, the movie follows orphaned brothers trying to survive in the slums of India. This book vividly portrays the violence surrounding the grinding poverty in India's cities, and is sometimes visually disturbing to watch, but always compelling, and ultimately uplifting.
Reader's/Viewer's Annotation
Slumdog Millionaire traces Jamal Malik's life from his childhood in the slums of India to his rise as a contestant on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." During the time he is on the show, he wins the hearts of his fellow countrymen.
Author's Info
Vikas Swarup is an Indian diplomat currently serving in South Africa. Q & A, his first novel has been translated into 34 languages and is the basis for the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
Genre
Crossover adult novel/ movie
Curriculum Ties
current world history - could lead to discussions on childhood poverty
Booktalking Ideas
1. Jamal and his brother are taken away to the "orphanage," lured by Cokes. Is this a good thing?
2. Jamal realizes that his brother now works for the man who was the feared "landlord" of their childhood slum.
Viewing/ Interest Level
High school through adult - violence is too graphic for younger children
Challenge Issues and Defense
graphic violence, sex, language, smoking , drinking
Oscar winner for Best Picture
Rave reviews, including "dazzling" according to the NY Daily News
Why I Included This Book/Movie
Lots of teens (including my own) were going to see this movie and said that it was great.
978-0-7432-6748-9
Scribner, NY 2005
318 pages
Plot Summary
Jamal Malik & his brother grew up living in a garbage heap in the slums of India yet he ends up on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," and through luck and cunning he wins the hearts of millions of Indians (and he hopes the heart of the woman he loves, his childhood friend), and ends up winning the grand prize as well.
Critical Evaluation
Slumdog Millionaire won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year. Somewhat loosely based on Vikas Swarup's book, Q & A, the movie follows orphaned brothers trying to survive in the slums of India. This book vividly portrays the violence surrounding the grinding poverty in India's cities, and is sometimes visually disturbing to watch, but always compelling, and ultimately uplifting.
Reader's/Viewer's Annotation
Slumdog Millionaire traces Jamal Malik's life from his childhood in the slums of India to his rise as a contestant on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." During the time he is on the show, he wins the hearts of his fellow countrymen.
Author's Info
Vikas Swarup is an Indian diplomat currently serving in South Africa. Q & A, his first novel has been translated into 34 languages and is the basis for the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
Genre
Crossover adult novel/ movie
Curriculum Ties
current world history - could lead to discussions on childhood poverty
Booktalking Ideas
1. Jamal and his brother are taken away to the "orphanage," lured by Cokes. Is this a good thing?
2. Jamal realizes that his brother now works for the man who was the feared "landlord" of their childhood slum.
Viewing/ Interest Level
High school through adult - violence is too graphic for younger children
Challenge Issues and Defense
graphic violence, sex, language, smoking , drinking
Oscar winner for Best Picture
Rave reviews, including "dazzling" according to the NY Daily News
Why I Included This Book/Movie
Lots of teens (including my own) were going to see this movie and said that it was great.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
ISBN: 978-0-06-17806-4
HarperCollins, NY
2008
562 pages
Plot Summary
Edgar Sawtelle is a hearing but mute boy who communicates with his parents through sign language. They raise a special breed of large dogs on their farm in a rural area of northern Wisconsin and lead a quiet but satisfying life. When Edgar's dad dies suddenly, his world is turned upside down. No one thinks that Edgar and his mother Trudy can run the farm by themselves so Claude (Edgar's uncle - his father's ne'er-do-well brother) decides to move in and help with everything, including romancing Edgar's mother. Edgar runs away with three of the family's puppies and must fend for himself in the harsh landscape.
Critical Evaluation
This book is written from many points of view; Edgar, his mom, his friend Henry, the sheriff, but most importantly, the dog Almondine, everyone's wise and trusted confidante. Dog-lovers will fall in love with the calm voice of Almondine. This is an original story of a breed of fabulous dogs. The harshness of the weather and landscape of northern Wisconsin is vividly depicted but the sad and tragic ending was ultimately too depressing.
Reader's Annotation
Edgar Sawtelle, a hearing but mute boy, lives on his family's farm where they breed and raise very special dogs, especially Edgar's constant companion (and trusted confidante) Almondine. But when Edgar's father suddenly dies and his disliked uncle moves in, Edgar and three puppies run away and must learn to fend for themselves in the harsh northern Wisconsin landscape.
Author Info
David Wroblewski grew up in rural Wisconsin (the setting for Edgar Sawtelle). He earned his Master's from the Warren Wilson MFA program for Writers and now lives in Colorado with his partner, the writer Kimberly McClintock and their dog, Lola. It took him 10 years to write The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, his first book.
Genre
Crossover adult novel, would appeal to teens because of the dogs and Edgar's young age
Curriculum Ties
Discussion in English classes in high school or college due to its Hamlet comparisons
Booktalking Ideas
1. Talk about how Edgar closes himself off from his feelings after the death of his father. Why? Does he blame himself? Who else does he blame?
2. After Edgar runs away, meets and is befriended by Henry. Why does Henry so readily accept Edgar and the dogs?
Reading/Interest Level
High school to adult - high school age kids have probably heard of this book because of its bestselling status and would be interested because of the dogs and Edgar's young age.
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence
violence is similar to that portrayed in Shakespeare's Hamlet; this is an adult book that is on the NY Times Bestseller list and was an Oprah's Book Club 2008 selection.
Again, the library's collection development policy
Why I Included This Book
My son's (teenage) girlfriend wanted to read it; highly original; great for dog-lovers; bestseller lists
HarperCollins, NY
2008
562 pages
Plot Summary
Edgar Sawtelle is a hearing but mute boy who communicates with his parents through sign language. They raise a special breed of large dogs on their farm in a rural area of northern Wisconsin and lead a quiet but satisfying life. When Edgar's dad dies suddenly, his world is turned upside down. No one thinks that Edgar and his mother Trudy can run the farm by themselves so Claude (Edgar's uncle - his father's ne'er-do-well brother) decides to move in and help with everything, including romancing Edgar's mother. Edgar runs away with three of the family's puppies and must fend for himself in the harsh landscape.
Critical Evaluation
This book is written from many points of view; Edgar, his mom, his friend Henry, the sheriff, but most importantly, the dog Almondine, everyone's wise and trusted confidante. Dog-lovers will fall in love with the calm voice of Almondine. This is an original story of a breed of fabulous dogs. The harshness of the weather and landscape of northern Wisconsin is vividly depicted but the sad and tragic ending was ultimately too depressing.
Reader's Annotation
Edgar Sawtelle, a hearing but mute boy, lives on his family's farm where they breed and raise very special dogs, especially Edgar's constant companion (and trusted confidante) Almondine. But when Edgar's father suddenly dies and his disliked uncle moves in, Edgar and three puppies run away and must learn to fend for themselves in the harsh northern Wisconsin landscape.
Author Info
David Wroblewski grew up in rural Wisconsin (the setting for Edgar Sawtelle). He earned his Master's from the Warren Wilson MFA program for Writers and now lives in Colorado with his partner, the writer Kimberly McClintock and their dog, Lola. It took him 10 years to write The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, his first book.
Genre
Crossover adult novel, would appeal to teens because of the dogs and Edgar's young age
Curriculum Ties
Discussion in English classes in high school or college due to its Hamlet comparisons
Booktalking Ideas
1. Talk about how Edgar closes himself off from his feelings after the death of his father. Why? Does he blame himself? Who else does he blame?
2. After Edgar runs away, meets and is befriended by Henry. Why does Henry so readily accept Edgar and the dogs?
Reading/Interest Level
High school to adult - high school age kids have probably heard of this book because of its bestselling status and would be interested because of the dogs and Edgar's young age.
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence
violence is similar to that portrayed in Shakespeare's Hamlet; this is an adult book that is on the NY Times Bestseller list and was an Oprah's Book Club 2008 selection.
Again, the library's collection development policy
Why I Included This Book
My son's (teenage) girlfriend wanted to read it; highly original; great for dog-lovers; bestseller lists
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
ISBN: 978-0-385-75106-3
David Fickling Books, NY
2006
216 pages
Plot Summary
Nine-year-old Bruno moves to Auschwitz during World War II because his father is a German officer. He is upset that he had to move away from his grandparents and friends and doesn't understand they are living in a time of war. He befriends a boy his age, Shmuel, he is interned at Auschwitz. Shmuel is more realistic about the times they are living in but really neither boy understands the great dangers ... until it is too late.
Critical Evaluation
This is a powerful book - told from the point of view of a German boy living during the war - so a very different take on the Holocaust, and maybe even more frightening because of it. This book should be required reading alongside Anne Frank's diary. I did not forsee the tragic ending until a few pages before.
Reader's Annotation
Bruno, a nine-year-old German boy who is the Nazi officer in charge of Auschwitz, befriends Shmuel, a Polish boy his age who is interned there. The boys friendship crosses over cultural boundaries but cannot shelter them from the realities of war.
Author Info
John Boyne was born in Ireland in 1971 and studied at both Trinity College in Dublin and the University of East Anglia in Norwich. He is the author of novels The Thief of Time, Crippen and The Congress of Rough Riders. He lives in Dublin.
Genre
YA realistic Holocaust novel
Curriculum Ties
Definitely can be used for world history or required reading lists.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Bruno meets Hitler and Eva Braun.
2. Bruno meets Shmuel for the first time.
Reading/ Interest Level
middle school through adult for both - the book even has a caveat on the jacket that this is a book about 9-year-olds but not for nine-year-olds.
Challenge Issues
The author was surprised that some people thought the book was too sad! That was his point - to jar people into reality.
Excellent depiction of the horrible realities of war and the fact that it should not be read by children younger than about 12 or 13. Good book for parents and teens to read together and discuss.
Why I Included This Book
There was a lot of buzz about this book - unusual protagonist - excellent for high school and learning about the holocaust.
David Fickling Books, NY
2006
216 pages
Plot Summary
Nine-year-old Bruno moves to Auschwitz during World War II because his father is a German officer. He is upset that he had to move away from his grandparents and friends and doesn't understand they are living in a time of war. He befriends a boy his age, Shmuel, he is interned at Auschwitz. Shmuel is more realistic about the times they are living in but really neither boy understands the great dangers ... until it is too late.
Critical Evaluation
This is a powerful book - told from the point of view of a German boy living during the war - so a very different take on the Holocaust, and maybe even more frightening because of it. This book should be required reading alongside Anne Frank's diary. I did not forsee the tragic ending until a few pages before.
Reader's Annotation
Bruno, a nine-year-old German boy who is the Nazi officer in charge of Auschwitz, befriends Shmuel, a Polish boy his age who is interned there. The boys friendship crosses over cultural boundaries but cannot shelter them from the realities of war.
Author Info
John Boyne was born in Ireland in 1971 and studied at both Trinity College in Dublin and the University of East Anglia in Norwich. He is the author of novels The Thief of Time, Crippen and The Congress of Rough Riders. He lives in Dublin.
Genre
YA realistic Holocaust novel
Curriculum Ties
Definitely can be used for world history or required reading lists.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Bruno meets Hitler and Eva Braun.
2. Bruno meets Shmuel for the first time.
Reading/ Interest Level
middle school through adult for both - the book even has a caveat on the jacket that this is a book about 9-year-olds but not for nine-year-olds.
Challenge Issues
The author was surprised that some people thought the book was too sad! That was his point - to jar people into reality.
Excellent depiction of the horrible realities of war and the fact that it should not be read by children younger than about 12 or 13. Good book for parents and teens to read together and discuss.
Why I Included This Book
There was a lot of buzz about this book - unusual protagonist - excellent for high school and learning about the holocaust.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
ISBN: 978-0-525-47688-7
Dutton Books, NY
2006
215 pages
Plot Summary
Anagram-loving, child prodigy Colin Singleton has just graduated from high school and been dumped by his 19th girlfriend, Katherine. All of his girlfriends have been named Katherine and all spelled exactly the same way. He and his best (and only) friend Hassan Harbish decide to take a road trip so that Colin can forget about Katherine and find his "Eureka moment." Colin is worried that he is smart but not a genius because he has not experienced a Eureka moment, which he feels all true geniuses must. They leave their home town of Chicago and end up in Gutshot, TN, the supposed site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's grave. Their many adventures in Gutshot include working for the town's largest employer, Gutshot Textiles, and going boar-hunting!
Critical Evaluation
I know we're not supposed to say this, but I loved this book! It was laugh-out-loud hilarious! The plot was often preposterous but the plot was not the main point of this story. This book is a light-hearted look at romance, friendships, word-play and math - and it somehow all works! If you've read John Green's first book, Looking for Alaska, this book has a similar geeky protagonist, but has none of the darkness of his debut novel. I actually read An Abundance of Katherines first, so I was surprised by the profound sadness of Looking for Alaska. This book is intelligently written, from Colin's anagrams, to random bits of trivia, and then finally Colin's formula for predicting "dumpers" and "dumpees." Original, witty and outrageous, this book should appeal to sophisticated high school and college students with a love for words, math, or who just want to read a smart but funny book.
Reader's Annotation
Colin Singleton and his best friend, Hassan Harbish, decide to go on a road trip the summer after high school graduation. Colin wants to escape from the pain of being dumped for the 19th time by his 19th girlfriend named Katherine, and he is seeking his "Eureka moment."
Author Info
This is John Green's second YA novel and it is a comic departure from his debut YA novel, the Printz award-winning Looking for Alaska. He was raised in Alabama but now lives in NYC with his wife (after having been dumped 53 times - but never by a Katherine). He has written for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and for the New York Times.
Genre
comic YA novel
Curriculum Ties
The anagrams would be great in an English grammar class and a math teacher could teach the formulas used in this book for predicting "dumper" or "dumpee" status.
Booktalking Ideas
1. It would be fun to discuss how Colin and Hassan view Gutshot, TN when they first arrive and how they (Colin and Hassan, a Muslim from Chicago) are perceived by the people in Gutshot.
2. The boar hunt would be another fun discussion - from people's differing attitudes on guns to the problems that city-kids Colin and Hassan encounter in the great outdoors.
Reading/Interest Level
Age 15 +, not for controversial topics but for the wordplay and math formulas
Challenge Issues and Defense
Not many challenge issues - possibly sexual situations and a little bad language
Be familiar with the book and its content, most of which is completely innocuous.
Refer to the library's collection development policy.
Have available the excellent reviews from Kirkus and Kliatt.
Why I Included This Book
This book came highly recommended by our head librarian; it is intelligently written and very funny. The reviews were somewhat mixed (after his smash debut with Looking for Alaska) but Kirkus and Kliatt both thought it would be an excellent choice for sophisticated teens.
Dutton Books, NY
2006
215 pages
Plot Summary
Anagram-loving, child prodigy Colin Singleton has just graduated from high school and been dumped by his 19th girlfriend, Katherine. All of his girlfriends have been named Katherine and all spelled exactly the same way. He and his best (and only) friend Hassan Harbish decide to take a road trip so that Colin can forget about Katherine and find his "Eureka moment." Colin is worried that he is smart but not a genius because he has not experienced a Eureka moment, which he feels all true geniuses must. They leave their home town of Chicago and end up in Gutshot, TN, the supposed site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's grave. Their many adventures in Gutshot include working for the town's largest employer, Gutshot Textiles, and going boar-hunting!
Critical Evaluation
I know we're not supposed to say this, but I loved this book! It was laugh-out-loud hilarious! The plot was often preposterous but the plot was not the main point of this story. This book is a light-hearted look at romance, friendships, word-play and math - and it somehow all works! If you've read John Green's first book, Looking for Alaska, this book has a similar geeky protagonist, but has none of the darkness of his debut novel. I actually read An Abundance of Katherines first, so I was surprised by the profound sadness of Looking for Alaska. This book is intelligently written, from Colin's anagrams, to random bits of trivia, and then finally Colin's formula for predicting "dumpers" and "dumpees." Original, witty and outrageous, this book should appeal to sophisticated high school and college students with a love for words, math, or who just want to read a smart but funny book.
Reader's Annotation
Colin Singleton and his best friend, Hassan Harbish, decide to go on a road trip the summer after high school graduation. Colin wants to escape from the pain of being dumped for the 19th time by his 19th girlfriend named Katherine, and he is seeking his "Eureka moment."
Author Info
This is John Green's second YA novel and it is a comic departure from his debut YA novel, the Printz award-winning Looking for Alaska. He was raised in Alabama but now lives in NYC with his wife (after having been dumped 53 times - but never by a Katherine). He has written for National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and for the New York Times.
Genre
comic YA novel
Curriculum Ties
The anagrams would be great in an English grammar class and a math teacher could teach the formulas used in this book for predicting "dumper" or "dumpee" status.
Booktalking Ideas
1. It would be fun to discuss how Colin and Hassan view Gutshot, TN when they first arrive and how they (Colin and Hassan, a Muslim from Chicago) are perceived by the people in Gutshot.
2. The boar hunt would be another fun discussion - from people's differing attitudes on guns to the problems that city-kids Colin and Hassan encounter in the great outdoors.
Reading/Interest Level
Age 15 +, not for controversial topics but for the wordplay and math formulas
Challenge Issues and Defense
Not many challenge issues - possibly sexual situations and a little bad language
Be familiar with the book and its content, most of which is completely innocuous.
Refer to the library's collection development policy.
Have available the excellent reviews from Kirkus and Kliatt.
Why I Included This Book
This book came highly recommended by our head librarian; it is intelligently written and very funny. The reviews were somewhat mixed (after his smash debut with Looking for Alaska) but Kirkus and Kliatt both thought it would be an excellent choice for sophisticated teens.
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
ISBN: 978-0-7432-5397-0
Scribner, NY
First Scribner Trade paperback 2003 (first edition 1959)
204 pages
Plot Summary
Gene and Phineas are roommates and best friends at a New England boys' prep school during the early days of WWII. Gene is the brain and Phineas is the dare-devil and the best athlete at the school. He moves with such grace that sports seem to come easy to him. One summer day though, Finney and Gene decide to jump together from a tall tree into the river below. Gene moves the branches just enough that Finney falls and breaks his leg badly. Finney returns to school with his leg in a cast and just must be careful not to injure himself again.
Critical Evaluation
This book and Catcher in the Rye, are the two "classic" coming-of-age stories that are referenced by many contemporary YA coming-of-age novels. A Separate Peace is actually a little less dated than Catcher in the Rye because not as many slang terms are used, but I'm not sure how many teens today can picture themselves in a prep school like Devon. This is a finely-draw, multi-layered portrait of WWII-era youth but it may take adults to appreciate it.
Reader's Annotation
Gene, the intellectual, and Phineas, the athlete, are roommates and best friends at a New England prep school in the early days of WWII. How does Gene react when an accident cripples Phineas?
Author Info
John Knowles graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and Yale University. He died in 2001 at the age of 75. A Separate Peace was his masterpiece and he was awarded the William Faulkner Award and the Rosenthal Award of the National Institue of Arts and Letters.
Genre
Classic coming-of-age story
Curriculum Ties
Has been on required reading lists for years.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why does Phineas turn Gene into an athlete for the 1944 Olympics?
2. Why does Phineas insist there is not war?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school/ college/ Adult
Challenge Issues
I can't imagine any.
Why I Included This Book
Since I read many contemporary coming-of-age YA novels that referenced both A Separate Peace and Catcher in the Rye, I felt that I should re-read this book.
Scribner, NY
First Scribner Trade paperback 2003 (first edition 1959)
204 pages
Plot Summary
Gene and Phineas are roommates and best friends at a New England boys' prep school during the early days of WWII. Gene is the brain and Phineas is the dare-devil and the best athlete at the school. He moves with such grace that sports seem to come easy to him. One summer day though, Finney and Gene decide to jump together from a tall tree into the river below. Gene moves the branches just enough that Finney falls and breaks his leg badly. Finney returns to school with his leg in a cast and just must be careful not to injure himself again.
Critical Evaluation
This book and Catcher in the Rye, are the two "classic" coming-of-age stories that are referenced by many contemporary YA coming-of-age novels. A Separate Peace is actually a little less dated than Catcher in the Rye because not as many slang terms are used, but I'm not sure how many teens today can picture themselves in a prep school like Devon. This is a finely-draw, multi-layered portrait of WWII-era youth but it may take adults to appreciate it.
Reader's Annotation
Gene, the intellectual, and Phineas, the athlete, are roommates and best friends at a New England prep school in the early days of WWII. How does Gene react when an accident cripples Phineas?
Author Info
John Knowles graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and Yale University. He died in 2001 at the age of 75. A Separate Peace was his masterpiece and he was awarded the William Faulkner Award and the Rosenthal Award of the National Institue of Arts and Letters.
Genre
Classic coming-of-age story
Curriculum Ties
Has been on required reading lists for years.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Why does Phineas turn Gene into an athlete for the 1944 Olympics?
2. Why does Phineas insist there is not war?
Reading/ Interest Level
High school/ college/ Adult
Challenge Issues
I can't imagine any.
Why I Included This Book
Since I read many contemporary coming-of-age YA novels that referenced both A Separate Peace and Catcher in the Rye, I felt that I should re-read this book.
So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld
ISBN: 978-1-595-14032-6
Razorbill, NY
2004
225 pages
Plot Summary
17-year-old Hunter gets paid to spot new trends, so when he notices the original way that Jen has tied her shoelaces, he knows that he's met an innovator, one of the people who start trends with their new ideas. The plot is actually pretty thin but that's OK because this is a story about trends and marketing and product placement and how advertising changes how we view the world. Malcolm Gladwell touches on some of these same issues in his books. Interesting reading about the pyramid of cool, with innovators at the peak and laggards at the bottom - but some laggards are so behind the times that they're actually retro-cool.
Critical Evaluation
This is a fun book that pokes fun at trends and labels but makes us think about inventors or people who try a different way of doing something. Scott Westerfeld adds some interesting trivia facts. I love the part in the book where Hunter calls the NYPL and asks the librarian how to tie a bowtie. First she asks, "Post or Vanderbilt," and then she proceeds to explain it to him over the phone!
Reader's Annotation
Teen trendspotter Hunter and his innovator girlfriend Jen think that his boss has been kidnapped. They scour NYC looking for her while undercover and discover a world of high-tech marketing gone wrong.
Author Info
Scott Westerfeld is one of the authors who encouraged Cory Doctorow to write YA books. His books include The Last Days, an ALA Best Book for YA and his award-winning Uglies series. He was born in Texas and alternates summers between Sydney, Australia and NYC.
Genre
YA suspense novel
Curriculum Ties
Could lead to interesting discussions about consumerism and product placement in Life Skills
Booktalking Ideas
1. Hunter meets Jen for the first time and takes a picture of her shoelaces.
2. Hunter and Jen go to his friend Tina's apt., an homage to Japanese innovation.
Reading/Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues
Not really except maybe underage drinking
Why I Included This Book
Scott Westerfeld is a popular YA author - I had no idea what this book was going to be about - a good recommendation for teens interested in trends and fashion (just about all of them)!
Razorbill, NY
2004
225 pages
Plot Summary
17-year-old Hunter gets paid to spot new trends, so when he notices the original way that Jen has tied her shoelaces, he knows that he's met an innovator, one of the people who start trends with their new ideas. The plot is actually pretty thin but that's OK because this is a story about trends and marketing and product placement and how advertising changes how we view the world. Malcolm Gladwell touches on some of these same issues in his books. Interesting reading about the pyramid of cool, with innovators at the peak and laggards at the bottom - but some laggards are so behind the times that they're actually retro-cool.
Critical Evaluation
This is a fun book that pokes fun at trends and labels but makes us think about inventors or people who try a different way of doing something. Scott Westerfeld adds some interesting trivia facts. I love the part in the book where Hunter calls the NYPL and asks the librarian how to tie a bowtie. First she asks, "Post or Vanderbilt," and then she proceeds to explain it to him over the phone!
Reader's Annotation
Teen trendspotter Hunter and his innovator girlfriend Jen think that his boss has been kidnapped. They scour NYC looking for her while undercover and discover a world of high-tech marketing gone wrong.
Author Info
Scott Westerfeld is one of the authors who encouraged Cory Doctorow to write YA books. His books include The Last Days, an ALA Best Book for YA and his award-winning Uglies series. He was born in Texas and alternates summers between Sydney, Australia and NYC.
Genre
YA suspense novel
Curriculum Ties
Could lead to interesting discussions about consumerism and product placement in Life Skills
Booktalking Ideas
1. Hunter meets Jen for the first time and takes a picture of her shoelaces.
2. Hunter and Jen go to his friend Tina's apt., an homage to Japanese innovation.
Reading/Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues
Not really except maybe underage drinking
Why I Included This Book
Scott Westerfeld is a popular YA author - I had no idea what this book was going to be about - a good recommendation for teens interested in trends and fashion (just about all of them)!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Romiette & Julio by Sharon M. Draper
ISBN: 0-689-84209-0
Simon Pulse, NY
1st paperback edition 2001 (first edition 1999)
320 pages
Plot Summary
Julio and Romiette discover, while chatting online, that they attend the same high school in Cincinnati. Romi grew up in Cincinnati (where her dad is a local news anchor) while Julio just moved there to escape gang activity in Corpus Christi, Texas. The teens fall for each other but Julio realizes that the Devildogs gang at his new school doesn't want them dating. The gang members are black and they don't want Romi (who is also black) to date Julio, who is Hispanic.
Critical Evaluation
I liked Ms. Draper's premise of a modern day Romeo & Juliet (especially since Shakespeare's version is on high school required reading lists) but she carries the foreshadowing of Romi's fire and water nightmare too far and some of the plot twists are too predictable. However, she did a good job in portraying the pointlessness of most gang activities and how they will target victims with little or no provocation.
Reader's Annotation
This modern day version of Romeo and Juliet focuses on the star-crossed teenage lovers, Romiette and Julio who, according to their fathers and the Devildogs gang, shouldn't be together because she is black and his is Hispanic.
Author Info
Sharon M. Draper is the award-winning author of many YA books, including Tears of a Tiger(Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent) and Forged by Fire (an ALA Best Book for YA).
Genre
YA novel - gang violence
Curriculum Ties
high school reading lists and maybe a Life Skills class to learn how to handle gangs
Booktalking Ideas
1. Julio meets Ben by punching him in the nose on Julio's first day at his new school.
2. Romi and Juli are so happy to have found one another that they dance on the school's lunch tables.
Reading/Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence, gangs, bullying, racism
realistic portrayal of life in city high schools
Excellent reviews in SLJ, Booklist and VOYA
Why I Included This Book
This was another book that we used in our controversial YA literature presentation. We used it to discuss bullying and gang activity.
Simon Pulse, NY
1st paperback edition 2001 (first edition 1999)
320 pages
Plot Summary
Julio and Romiette discover, while chatting online, that they attend the same high school in Cincinnati. Romi grew up in Cincinnati (where her dad is a local news anchor) while Julio just moved there to escape gang activity in Corpus Christi, Texas. The teens fall for each other but Julio realizes that the Devildogs gang at his new school doesn't want them dating. The gang members are black and they don't want Romi (who is also black) to date Julio, who is Hispanic.
Critical Evaluation
I liked Ms. Draper's premise of a modern day Romeo & Juliet (especially since Shakespeare's version is on high school required reading lists) but she carries the foreshadowing of Romi's fire and water nightmare too far and some of the plot twists are too predictable. However, she did a good job in portraying the pointlessness of most gang activities and how they will target victims with little or no provocation.
Reader's Annotation
This modern day version of Romeo and Juliet focuses on the star-crossed teenage lovers, Romiette and Julio who, according to their fathers and the Devildogs gang, shouldn't be together because she is black and his is Hispanic.
Author Info
Sharon M. Draper is the award-winning author of many YA books, including Tears of a Tiger(Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent) and Forged by Fire (an ALA Best Book for YA).
Genre
YA novel - gang violence
Curriculum Ties
high school reading lists and maybe a Life Skills class to learn how to handle gangs
Booktalking Ideas
1. Julio meets Ben by punching him in the nose on Julio's first day at his new school.
2. Romi and Juli are so happy to have found one another that they dance on the school's lunch tables.
Reading/Interest Level
High school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
violence, gangs, bullying, racism
realistic portrayal of life in city high schools
Excellent reviews in SLJ, Booklist and VOYA
Why I Included This Book
This was another book that we used in our controversial YA literature presentation. We used it to discuss bullying and gang activity.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Looking for Alaska by John Green
ISBN: 978-0-525-47506-4
Dutton Books, NY
2005
221 pages
Plot Summary
Miles Halter leaves his family and public high school in Florida behind to board at his new prep school in Alabama. Culver Creek was his dad's alma mater but Miles wants to attend because he's hoping to start fresh and make some friends, maybe even meet a girl. His roommate, Chip, introduces Miles to Alaska, the prettiest girl he's ever seen. Miles falls for her but they're just friends and fellow pranksters because Alaska has a boyfriend. The school year takes a tragic turn when one of them is killed in a car crash and the group spend the rest of the school year trying to figure out how it happened. Was it an accident or suicide?
Critical Evaluation
I'm probably not the most impartial person to evaluate this novel because the setting is near my husband's home town and the name of the school is his last name! The author is also from Alabama and his description of the heat and humidity, especially at night, is right on. This book is both funny and profoundly sad - I have to say that I did not see the accident coming - it took me by surprise just like the characters in the book. This is a good book for teens to read to realize the impact they have on each other.
Reader's Annotation
As high school junior Miles Halter starts his new life at a boarding school in Alabama, his claim to fame is that he knows the last words of many famous people. He starts living life (instead of just quoting from biographies) at Culver Creek with friends Chip, Alaska and Takumi.
Author Info
Author John Green is from Alabama and attended a boarding school similar to the fictional Culver Creek. After college graduation he moved to Chicago and is a commentator for National Public Radio's All Things Considered. Looking for Alaska was his first book but he's since written others, including An Abundance of Katherines.
Genre
YA coming-of-age
Curriculum Ties
it would be good for a Life Skills or high school reading but may be too controversial
Booktalking Ideas
1. Miles meets Alaska for the first time.
2. Miles, Chip, Lara and Takumi pull off the greatest prank in the history of Culver Creek.
Reading/Interest Level
high school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
many challenge issues in including smoking, drinking and driving, drugs, sex, suicide
realistic portrayal of high school students - definite anti-suicide slant
good reviews, including from other acclaimed YA authors
Why I Included This Book
We used this book in our presentation on controversial YA literature - there was a buzz about this book and the author's books are some of the best I've read.
Dutton Books, NY
2005
221 pages
Plot Summary
Miles Halter leaves his family and public high school in Florida behind to board at his new prep school in Alabama. Culver Creek was his dad's alma mater but Miles wants to attend because he's hoping to start fresh and make some friends, maybe even meet a girl. His roommate, Chip, introduces Miles to Alaska, the prettiest girl he's ever seen. Miles falls for her but they're just friends and fellow pranksters because Alaska has a boyfriend. The school year takes a tragic turn when one of them is killed in a car crash and the group spend the rest of the school year trying to figure out how it happened. Was it an accident or suicide?
Critical Evaluation
I'm probably not the most impartial person to evaluate this novel because the setting is near my husband's home town and the name of the school is his last name! The author is also from Alabama and his description of the heat and humidity, especially at night, is right on. This book is both funny and profoundly sad - I have to say that I did not see the accident coming - it took me by surprise just like the characters in the book. This is a good book for teens to read to realize the impact they have on each other.
Reader's Annotation
As high school junior Miles Halter starts his new life at a boarding school in Alabama, his claim to fame is that he knows the last words of many famous people. He starts living life (instead of just quoting from biographies) at Culver Creek with friends Chip, Alaska and Takumi.
Author Info
Author John Green is from Alabama and attended a boarding school similar to the fictional Culver Creek. After college graduation he moved to Chicago and is a commentator for National Public Radio's All Things Considered. Looking for Alaska was his first book but he's since written others, including An Abundance of Katherines.
Genre
YA coming-of-age
Curriculum Ties
it would be good for a Life Skills or high school reading but may be too controversial
Booktalking Ideas
1. Miles meets Alaska for the first time.
2. Miles, Chip, Lara and Takumi pull off the greatest prank in the history of Culver Creek.
Reading/Interest Level
high school for both
Challenge Issues and Defense
many challenge issues in including smoking, drinking and driving, drugs, sex, suicide
realistic portrayal of high school students - definite anti-suicide slant
good reviews, including from other acclaimed YA authors
Why I Included This Book
We used this book in our presentation on controversial YA literature - there was a buzz about this book and the author's books are some of the best I've read.
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