ISBN: 978-0-15-206248-4
Harcourt, Inc., Orlando, FL
2006
257 pages
Plot Summary
Iggy, an inner city teen from the projects, has just been suspended from high school. He has no one to turn to as both parents are drug addicts, and his slightly older "mentor," Mo, is also a druggie and more messed up than he is. Iggy wants to do something good in his life but his good intentions have disastrous consequences.
Critical Evaluation
The main character is both believable and yet not so believable. What I mean is that Iggy is a white inner city kid with no options - and I guess I'm saying that he would have been more believable if he'd had brown or black skin. And, even though he really is no saint, he still seems almost naive for a kid who has grown up in the projects. Other than that, he is a great heroic anti-hero and this would be an excellent book for reluctant readers.
Reader's Annotation
It's almost Christmas and Iggy has been suspended from school even though he's not a bad kid. What can he do to show everyone that he wants to do something great for the world?
Author Information
K.L. Going is also the author of the Printz Honor book, Fat Kid Rules the World.
Genre
Realistic YA fiction
Curriculum Ties
Could be on high school reading lists
Booktalking Ideas
1. Iggy sees Moe's home for the first time.
2. Moe's mother befriends Iggy.
Reading /Interest Level
The reading level could be younger but age 14 and up
Challenge Issues and Defense
Lots of drug use and a sexual situation
Realistic portrayal of inner city life
Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year, a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age,
ALA Best Book for Young Adults and other rave reviews
Why I Included This Book
It was recommended by the middle school librarian at our school and has received numerous awards.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
ISBN: 978-0-06028077-2
Harper Collins, NY
1999
281 pages
Plot Summary
16-year-old Steve Harmon is in jail while awaiting his trial as an accomplice to a murder during a robbery gone bad. He is not a bad kid - has not been in trouble with the law before but it is unclear if he is completely innocent in this case. One thing is clear - the prosecutor is trying to portray him as unsympathetically as possible - she calls him a "monster."
Critical Evaluation
Exciting, fast read - excellent for reluctant readers. Steve is scared and the reader definitely feels his fear. The book is written as the screenplay of Steve's life with a mixture of fonts and illustrations and photographs - it could appear jumbled but it works.
Reader's Annotation
Is 16-year-old Steve Harmon the "monster" the prosecutor says he is or is he just a poor inner city kid who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Author Information
Walter Dean Myers is an award-winning writer of fiction, non-fiction and poetry for young people. He is a 5-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and has had 2 Newbery Honor books (Scorpion and Somewhere in the Darkness).
He grew up in Harlem and now lives in Jersey City with his family.
Monster was illustrated by his son, Christopher Myers.
Genre
YA novel told in a first-person narrative as a screenplay/diary
Curriculum Ties
Monster is on high school reading lists
Booktalking Ideas
1. Steve and the influence his favorite teacher has on his life.
2. Steve's mother visits him in jail.
Reading Level/Interest Level
Middle School/ Middle-Senior High School
Challenge Issues and Defense
Subject matter (teen accused of murder), language
Printz Award, Coretta Scott King King Honor, National Book Award finalist
Why I Included This Book
Very well-known book and author and it was included in our controversial YA presentation.
Harper Collins, NY
1999
281 pages
Plot Summary
16-year-old Steve Harmon is in jail while awaiting his trial as an accomplice to a murder during a robbery gone bad. He is not a bad kid - has not been in trouble with the law before but it is unclear if he is completely innocent in this case. One thing is clear - the prosecutor is trying to portray him as unsympathetically as possible - she calls him a "monster."
Critical Evaluation
Exciting, fast read - excellent for reluctant readers. Steve is scared and the reader definitely feels his fear. The book is written as the screenplay of Steve's life with a mixture of fonts and illustrations and photographs - it could appear jumbled but it works.
Reader's Annotation
Is 16-year-old Steve Harmon the "monster" the prosecutor says he is or is he just a poor inner city kid who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Author Information
Walter Dean Myers is an award-winning writer of fiction, non-fiction and poetry for young people. He is a 5-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and has had 2 Newbery Honor books (Scorpion and Somewhere in the Darkness).
He grew up in Harlem and now lives in Jersey City with his family.
Monster was illustrated by his son, Christopher Myers.
Genre
YA novel told in a first-person narrative as a screenplay/diary
Curriculum Ties
Monster is on high school reading lists
Booktalking Ideas
1. Steve and the influence his favorite teacher has on his life.
2. Steve's mother visits him in jail.
Reading Level/Interest Level
Middle School/ Middle-Senior High School
Challenge Issues and Defense
Subject matter (teen accused of murder), language
Printz Award, Coretta Scott King King Honor, National Book Award finalist
Why I Included This Book
Very well-known book and author and it was included in our controversial YA presentation.
Spanking Shakespeare by Jake Wizner
ISBN: 978-0-375-84085-2
Random House, NY
2007
Plot Summary
High school senior Shakespeare Shapiro is a bundle of neuroses. He worries about everything including his unusual first name, getting into college, finding a girlfriend and being injured or killed in a plane or car crash. He finally comes to terms with his first name and realizes that maybe it has helped him develop his writing skills. Along the way he learns about himself and even finds a girlfriend.
Critical Evaluation
Jake Wizner's first novel is funny, irreverent and will resonate with anyone who struggled through the social pitfalls of high school. At times the book is laugh-out-loud funny but main character Shakespeare Shapiro also learns about life and himself. He becomes less self-centered and realizes that others have REAL problems to overcome.
Reader's Annotation
17-year-old Shakespeare Shapiro learns to use his unusual name to advantage as, with wit and self-deprecation, he learns to write through his pain of being a socially awkward high school senior.
Author Information
Jake Wizner's first novel appears to be somewhat autobiographical. He teaches 8th-grade English and history and lives in NYC with his wife and two daughters. Spanking Shakespeare is to be made into a movie and will be released under Paramount's Nickelodeon movie label. Jake's new book has just been released and it is called Castration Celebration.
Genre
coming-of-age
Curriculum Ties
High school or college writing class
Booktalking Ideas
1. Shakespeare goes to a baseball game with his father. He's afraid that he'll be hit by a baseball and his fears come true.
2. Shakespeare goes to the prom, first by himself, and then stops by his date's home in the projects.
Reading Level/Interest
Ages 15-18 for both, but especially high school seniors and college freshmen
Challenge Issues and Defense
Lots of sexual situations, some bad language
Book written to help socially immature/awkward students get through high school
Publisher's Weekly starred review - "Exceptionally funny and smart."
Why I Included This Book
This book was highly recommended by my boss, the head librarian at our school.
Random House, NY
2007
Plot Summary
High school senior Shakespeare Shapiro is a bundle of neuroses. He worries about everything including his unusual first name, getting into college, finding a girlfriend and being injured or killed in a plane or car crash. He finally comes to terms with his first name and realizes that maybe it has helped him develop his writing skills. Along the way he learns about himself and even finds a girlfriend.
Critical Evaluation
Jake Wizner's first novel is funny, irreverent and will resonate with anyone who struggled through the social pitfalls of high school. At times the book is laugh-out-loud funny but main character Shakespeare Shapiro also learns about life and himself. He becomes less self-centered and realizes that others have REAL problems to overcome.
Reader's Annotation
17-year-old Shakespeare Shapiro learns to use his unusual name to advantage as, with wit and self-deprecation, he learns to write through his pain of being a socially awkward high school senior.
Author Information
Jake Wizner's first novel appears to be somewhat autobiographical. He teaches 8th-grade English and history and lives in NYC with his wife and two daughters. Spanking Shakespeare is to be made into a movie and will be released under Paramount's Nickelodeon movie label. Jake's new book has just been released and it is called Castration Celebration.
Genre
coming-of-age
Curriculum Ties
High school or college writing class
Booktalking Ideas
1. Shakespeare goes to a baseball game with his father. He's afraid that he'll be hit by a baseball and his fears come true.
2. Shakespeare goes to the prom, first by himself, and then stops by his date's home in the projects.
Reading Level/Interest
Ages 15-18 for both, but especially high school seniors and college freshmen
Challenge Issues and Defense
Lots of sexual situations, some bad language
Book written to help socially immature/awkward students get through high school
Publisher's Weekly starred review - "Exceptionally funny and smart."
Why I Included This Book
This book was highly recommended by my boss, the head librarian at our school.
Luna by Julie Anne Peters
ISBN: 978-0-316-01127-3
Little, Brown & Co., NY
2004 (first paperback edition 2006)
248 pages
Plot Summary
Regan and Liam are brother and sister and students at the same high school. Liam is brilliant and a computer genius but harbors a deep secret. Regan is the only one who knows that "he" is actually a girl trapped in a boy's body. Her brother borrows her clothes and is secretly "Luna" until he finally decides to "shed his wings" and reveal himself as a girl.
Critical Evaluation
This is a sensitive portrayal of a transgendered teen told from his sister's point-of-view. This approach lets the reader empathize both with Liam/Luna and with Regan, his sister who loves him but worries about her own social status at school if Liam reveals himself as a girl.
Reader's Annotation
Life as a high school senior is hard enough but Liam is finding it harder and harder to maintain the lie that is his life as a boy.
Author Information
Julie Anne Peters has written several critically acclaimed YA novels including Define "Normal," and Keeping You a Secret. She lives in Colorado with her partner, Sherri Leggett.
Genre
LGBT YA novel
Curriculum Ties
This book could be used in a Life Skills class to help explain transgender issues.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Liam decides to tell his good friend Aly the truth.
2. Liam and Regan go shopping with Liam dressed as Luna.
3. Chris and Regan as lab partners.
Reading/Interest Level
15-18 year-olds for both
Challenge Issues
transgendered main character, underage drinking and drug use, talk about sex
National Book Award finalist
Why I Included This Book
This book was required reading for the class. I hadn't heard of the book before but I'm glad I read it because this was the first book I've read about a transgendered teen.
Little, Brown & Co., NY
2004 (first paperback edition 2006)
248 pages
Plot Summary
Regan and Liam are brother and sister and students at the same high school. Liam is brilliant and a computer genius but harbors a deep secret. Regan is the only one who knows that "he" is actually a girl trapped in a boy's body. Her brother borrows her clothes and is secretly "Luna" until he finally decides to "shed his wings" and reveal himself as a girl.
Critical Evaluation
This is a sensitive portrayal of a transgendered teen told from his sister's point-of-view. This approach lets the reader empathize both with Liam/Luna and with Regan, his sister who loves him but worries about her own social status at school if Liam reveals himself as a girl.
Reader's Annotation
Life as a high school senior is hard enough but Liam is finding it harder and harder to maintain the lie that is his life as a boy.
Author Information
Julie Anne Peters has written several critically acclaimed YA novels including Define "Normal," and Keeping You a Secret. She lives in Colorado with her partner, Sherri Leggett.
Genre
LGBT YA novel
Curriculum Ties
This book could be used in a Life Skills class to help explain transgender issues.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Liam decides to tell his good friend Aly the truth.
2. Liam and Regan go shopping with Liam dressed as Luna.
3. Chris and Regan as lab partners.
Reading/Interest Level
15-18 year-olds for both
Challenge Issues
transgendered main character, underage drinking and drug use, talk about sex
National Book Award finalist
Why I Included This Book
This book was required reading for the class. I hadn't heard of the book before but I'm glad I read it because this was the first book I've read about a transgendered teen.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Originally published by J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, 1960.
ISBN for the DVD version of the 1962 movie: 0-7832-2585-7
Plot Summary
Scout is a 6-year-old tomboy in the hot summer of 1932 in Depression-era Alabama. She lives with her lawyer father, Atticus Finch and her 10-year-old brother Jem (their mother died when Scout was 2). When Atticus agrees to defend a black man who is accused of raping a white woman, their world turns upside down. Atticus defends Tom Robinson to the best of his ability but, in this time and place, the outcome of the trial is a foregone conclusion. Atticus wins the respect and admiration of his kids, the black community and those who can see beyond the racism of the time.
Critical Evaluation
I'm going to evaluate the movie and not the book as I haven't read the book lately. Both are classics. Often I'm disappointed by the movie after reading the book but the filmmakers did everything right this time. The movie won 3 Academy Awards and should have won Best Movie. Gregory Peck did win the Oscar for Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of Atticus Finch. His passionate defense of Tom Robinson is considered one of the best courtroom scenes ever filmed. The book and the movie should be required for high school students.
Moviegoer's Annotation
We see the town and its people through the young eyes of Scout. At first, she and her brother think they are off to a carefree summer (despite the poverty of the Depression) but they become caught up in the biggest trial their Southern town has ever seen when their father agrees to defend a black man - and not just any black man - but a strong, young black man accused of raping a white woman.
The Author
Harper Lee wrote this Pulitzer-prize winning novel when she was a young woman and her life was never the same. Scout is her young self and Atticus is loosely based on her lawyer father. Her childhood neighbor and lifelong friend was Truman Capote. This was her first and only novel. She lives a reclusive life today in Alabama.
Genre
A somewhat coming-of-age novel (although the children are younger than teens) - some consider To Kill a Mockingbird to be one of the first YA novels.
Curriculum Ties
Required reading on many high school English reading lists. Can also be used in American history classes.
Booktalking Ideas
The courthouse scene is a classic - without giving too much of the plot away I would describe the scene where Atticus has Mr. Ewell write his name - with his left hand!
Reading/ Interest Level
The reading level would be high school age. The interest level would be high school through adults. Everyone should read this book and watch this movie!
Challenge Issues
Racism - both the book and movie use the "n" word
Pulitzer prize-winning book and Oscar-winning movie - both well-deserved classics
Why I Included This Movie
It should be obvious that I feel that everyone should read the books and watch the movie. I jumped at the chance to watch the movie again!
ISBN for the DVD version of the 1962 movie: 0-7832-2585-7
Plot Summary
Scout is a 6-year-old tomboy in the hot summer of 1932 in Depression-era Alabama. She lives with her lawyer father, Atticus Finch and her 10-year-old brother Jem (their mother died when Scout was 2). When Atticus agrees to defend a black man who is accused of raping a white woman, their world turns upside down. Atticus defends Tom Robinson to the best of his ability but, in this time and place, the outcome of the trial is a foregone conclusion. Atticus wins the respect and admiration of his kids, the black community and those who can see beyond the racism of the time.
Critical Evaluation
I'm going to evaluate the movie and not the book as I haven't read the book lately. Both are classics. Often I'm disappointed by the movie after reading the book but the filmmakers did everything right this time. The movie won 3 Academy Awards and should have won Best Movie. Gregory Peck did win the Oscar for Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of Atticus Finch. His passionate defense of Tom Robinson is considered one of the best courtroom scenes ever filmed. The book and the movie should be required for high school students.
Moviegoer's Annotation
We see the town and its people through the young eyes of Scout. At first, she and her brother think they are off to a carefree summer (despite the poverty of the Depression) but they become caught up in the biggest trial their Southern town has ever seen when their father agrees to defend a black man - and not just any black man - but a strong, young black man accused of raping a white woman.
The Author
Harper Lee wrote this Pulitzer-prize winning novel when she was a young woman and her life was never the same. Scout is her young self and Atticus is loosely based on her lawyer father. Her childhood neighbor and lifelong friend was Truman Capote. This was her first and only novel. She lives a reclusive life today in Alabama.
Genre
A somewhat coming-of-age novel (although the children are younger than teens) - some consider To Kill a Mockingbird to be one of the first YA novels.
Curriculum Ties
Required reading on many high school English reading lists. Can also be used in American history classes.
Booktalking Ideas
The courthouse scene is a classic - without giving too much of the plot away I would describe the scene where Atticus has Mr. Ewell write his name - with his left hand!
Reading/ Interest Level
The reading level would be high school age. The interest level would be high school through adults. Everyone should read this book and watch this movie!
Challenge Issues
Racism - both the book and movie use the "n" word
Pulitzer prize-winning book and Oscar-winning movie - both well-deserved classics
Why I Included This Movie
It should be obvious that I feel that everyone should read the books and watch the movie. I jumped at the chance to watch the movie again!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
ISBN: 978-0-316-769532
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co., Boston
1951
277 pages
Plot Summary
Holden Caulfield has been kicked out of his prep school (not the first time) and decides that he wants to have some fun in NYC (his home town) before his parents find out. His adventure turns into a few days with Holden in a drunken, depressed state, during which time he manages to upset his remaining few friends (as he doesn't like many people) before ending up in the mental ward of a hospital.
Critical Evaluation
The classic, coming-of-age story for teenage boys has a young curmudgeon for its protagonist. Holden Caulfiend has been the inspiration and hero for a couple of generations of troubled youth but he's really just a depressed teen who is still mourning his dead brother. I had a hard time getting past the dated 1950's jargon and understanding Holden's angst because he just is not a nice guy.
Reader's Annotation
Holden Caulfield has just gotten kicked out of his tony prep school. He's depressed, thinks everyone around is a "phony" and doesn't realize what he's missing (in school and in life) until it's almost too late.
Author's Information
J.D. Salinger's masterpiece is probably somewhat autobiographical in that the reclusive author didn't like most people either. A native New Yorker, he attended public schools except for a military academy in Pennsylvania (the scene of Holden's prep school). He wrote Catcher in the Rye over a period of ten years.
Genre
The classic coming-of-age novel
Curriculum Ties
Required reading in many high school and college English classes
Booktalking Ideas
Holden Caulfield takes his date, Sally, to a play with the Lunts to impress her. However, at intermission they run into a friend of hers, a boy who attends an Ivy League school. Holden, of course, thinks he's a phony (because he's jealous). This would be an interesting scene to booktalk.
Reading/Interest Level
For both I would say not younger than sophomore year in high school.
Challenge Issues and Defense
Lots of underage smoking, drinking and swearing.
A classic!
Why I Included This Book
This book is mentioned so often - I'm surprised that I'd never read it before. So many YA books reference Holden Caulfield that I would have been remiss had I NOT included this book.
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co., Boston
1951
277 pages
Plot Summary
Holden Caulfield has been kicked out of his prep school (not the first time) and decides that he wants to have some fun in NYC (his home town) before his parents find out. His adventure turns into a few days with Holden in a drunken, depressed state, during which time he manages to upset his remaining few friends (as he doesn't like many people) before ending up in the mental ward of a hospital.
Critical Evaluation
The classic, coming-of-age story for teenage boys has a young curmudgeon for its protagonist. Holden Caulfiend has been the inspiration and hero for a couple of generations of troubled youth but he's really just a depressed teen who is still mourning his dead brother. I had a hard time getting past the dated 1950's jargon and understanding Holden's angst because he just is not a nice guy.
Reader's Annotation
Holden Caulfield has just gotten kicked out of his tony prep school. He's depressed, thinks everyone around is a "phony" and doesn't realize what he's missing (in school and in life) until it's almost too late.
Author's Information
J.D. Salinger's masterpiece is probably somewhat autobiographical in that the reclusive author didn't like most people either. A native New Yorker, he attended public schools except for a military academy in Pennsylvania (the scene of Holden's prep school). He wrote Catcher in the Rye over a period of ten years.
Genre
The classic coming-of-age novel
Curriculum Ties
Required reading in many high school and college English classes
Booktalking Ideas
Holden Caulfield takes his date, Sally, to a play with the Lunts to impress her. However, at intermission they run into a friend of hers, a boy who attends an Ivy League school. Holden, of course, thinks he's a phony (because he's jealous). This would be an interesting scene to booktalk.
Reading/Interest Level
For both I would say not younger than sophomore year in high school.
Challenge Issues and Defense
Lots of underage smoking, drinking and swearing.
A classic!
Why I Included This Book
This book is mentioned so often - I'm surprised that I'd never read it before. So many YA books reference Holden Caulfield that I would have been remiss had I NOT included this book.
Chinese Handcuffs by Chris Crutcher
ISBN: 0-440-20837-8
Dell Publishing, NY
1989
220 pages
Plot Summary
High school junior Dillon Hemingway is haunted by the suicide of his drug-addicted older brother Preston. He is also half in love with his brother's girlfriend Stacey and with star basketball player, Jennifer Lawless. All three of them must confront their darkest secrets. Along the way Dillon learns how to get through life and high school without his older brother.
Critical Evaluation
This is a powerful book that shows how suicide affects those left behind. It also confronts the horrors of childhood sex abuse and how such abuse can scar children for life. The author knows his subject matter well as he's a child and family therapist.
Reader's Annotation
Dillon Hemingway, the best athlete in the junior class, competes in triathlons rather than in sports at his high school.
Author Information
Chris Crutcher has been awarded the National Council of Teachers of English/ALAN Award for Outstanding Contributions to YA literature and has written many outstanding YA books. He is also a child and family therapist in Spokane, Washington.
Genre
YA novel, coming-of-age, mental health, child sex abuse, suicide
Curriculum Ties
Life Skills class
Booktalking Ideas
Dillon's running battle with his high school principal, Mr. Caldwell, who feels that he is selfish for not using his athletic talents for the good of the school. His very good relationship with Coach Sherman, the girls' basketball coach, could also be discussed.
Reading Level/ Interest Age
Middle School/ Grades 9 - 12
Challenge Issues and How They Could Be Defended
Hot-button topics like suicide, drug use and childhood sexual abuse
The author depicts troubled teens realistically but helps point out signs of child abuse and suicide.
Why I Included This Book
This is an older, controversial title by a well-respected author. I kept hearing about this book so I thought that I should read it.
Dell Publishing, NY
1989
220 pages
Plot Summary
High school junior Dillon Hemingway is haunted by the suicide of his drug-addicted older brother Preston. He is also half in love with his brother's girlfriend Stacey and with star basketball player, Jennifer Lawless. All three of them must confront their darkest secrets. Along the way Dillon learns how to get through life and high school without his older brother.
Critical Evaluation
This is a powerful book that shows how suicide affects those left behind. It also confronts the horrors of childhood sex abuse and how such abuse can scar children for life. The author knows his subject matter well as he's a child and family therapist.
Reader's Annotation
Dillon Hemingway, the best athlete in the junior class, competes in triathlons rather than in sports at his high school.
Author Information
Chris Crutcher has been awarded the National Council of Teachers of English/ALAN Award for Outstanding Contributions to YA literature and has written many outstanding YA books. He is also a child and family therapist in Spokane, Washington.
Genre
YA novel, coming-of-age, mental health, child sex abuse, suicide
Curriculum Ties
Life Skills class
Booktalking Ideas
Dillon's running battle with his high school principal, Mr. Caldwell, who feels that he is selfish for not using his athletic talents for the good of the school. His very good relationship with Coach Sherman, the girls' basketball coach, could also be discussed.
Reading Level/ Interest Age
Middle School/ Grades 9 - 12
Challenge Issues and How They Could Be Defended
Hot-button topics like suicide, drug use and childhood sexual abuse
The author depicts troubled teens realistically but helps point out signs of child abuse and suicide.
Why I Included This Book
This is an older, controversial title by a well-respected author. I kept hearing about this book so I thought that I should read it.
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