Title Page

1. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
2. Animal Farm by George Orwell
3. Brand New Eyes by Paramore
4. The Breakfast Club by John Hughes
5. Castle in the Sky, Volume 1 by Hayao Miyazaki
6. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
7. Centerfield by Robert Lipsyte
8. Choose Your Own Adventure- Space and Beyond by R.A. Montgomery
9. Clueless by Amy Heckerling
10. Crank by Ellen Hopkins
11. Crazy For You by Best Coast
12. Cut by Patricia McCormick
13. The Duff by Kody Keplinger
14. EbscoHost via Buena Park Library District 
15. Ferris Bueller's Day Off by John Hughes
16. Forever by Judy Blume
17. Girl, Stolen by April Henry
18. Go Ask Alice
19. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
20. Halo by X-box
21. Heat by Mike Lupica
22. HelpNow! powered by Brainfuse
23. Hope in Patience by Beth Fehlbaum
24. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
25. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
26. Kick Me by Paul Fieg
27. LearningExpress Library Database
28. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 
29. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Lorene Scafaria
30. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow 
31. Looking for Alaska by John Green
32. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
33. Mario Power Tennis on Nintendo Wii
34.  Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Lorene Scafaria 
35. The Outsiders H.E. Hinton
36. Peach Girl by Miwa Ueda
37. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
38. Rebound by Yuriko Nishiyama
39. Seventeen Magazine
40. Slam Magazine
41. Smashed by Koren Zailckas
42. Speak by Laurie Andersoon
43. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Cutcher
44. Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
45. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
46. Trash by Andy Mulligan
47. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
48. Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
49. Wintergirls by Laurie Anderson
50. Yu-Gi-Oh! Volume 4 by Naoyuki Kageyama & Kazuki Takahashi

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
Young Adult Classic Novel
ISBN: 0-684-80152-3
216 pp.
Suitable 14+

Readers Annotation: Wealthy Jay Gatsby is in love with already married, but beautiful Daisy Buchanan in this 1920s classic.

Plot Summary: Nick Carraway is a young veteran and bachelor that has moved to New York City, the wealthy West Egg, to be exact, in order to learn the bond business. His next door neighbor who throws lavish parties with hundreds of people attending is the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby. Nick and Gatsby form an interesting friendship and through telling each other's pasts, they find out that they were in the army together and Gatsby has been in love with his cousin, Daisy for many years. Beautiful yet pampered and materialistic, Daisy lives with her wealthy husband Tom in East Egg. When Gatsby joins Nick at their mansion, drama ensues between Gatsby, Daisy and her husband. Egos clash, reputations are tarnished and Tom's mistress gets ran over in a confusion of events when Daisy leaves with Gatsby in Tom's roadster. Like Gatsby's parties, this event causes a chain reaction of memorable events and themes that makes this novel a classic.

Critical Evaluation: Though on the surface this book may seem like a simple love affair between Daisy and Gatsby. But it has become a symbol for the disintegrating American dream, which is replaced by materialistic excess such as Gatsby's lavish parties and jazz music. The West Egg represents the new money where excess replaces moral values. The East Egg represents old money and older American values. Greed and lust are shown in both Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom. They both want something they can't have and believe it or not, money can't solve this issue but having a heart and values, both of which they all lack, could. Nick observes all this just like we, the reader, and serves his purpose well, being lost in the middle of it all. The pacing is very steady covering a few months time and the language is surprisingly timeless. Through all the glitzy glamour, inflated egos, and wealthy excess, it is in the end morally hollow, filled with hypocrisy and lacking values and something worthwhile; therefore excess can only go so far.

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in Minnesota in 1896. He attended the prestigious Princeton University and published his first novel, This Side of Paradise, in 1920. He married Zelda Sayre and entered the new stratosphere of wealthy celebrities. His other novels include The Beautiful and Damned, The Great Gatsby, and Tender is the Night.

Fitzgerald died in 1940 at the modest age of only 44 years old while working on The Love of the Last Tycoon. Fitzgerald will always be known for his sharp insight and social awareness. He stands out as one of the most important American writers of the 20th century.

Booktalking Ideas:

1) Money
2) Greed
3) Social circles
4) Love affairs
5) New versus old money
6) Death and suicide
7) Excess

Challenge Issues: Due to some sexual reference and language throughout the book there are some challenge issues.

A librarian should state that the ALA mission is "to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all," which is embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. Librarians must act as an extension, making sure that they educate the general public, and themselves, about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Why Included: I read this in high school and its theme has always stayed with me. Money can not do everything.

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

Girl, Stolen by April Henry
Young Adult Action/Thriller Novel
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9005-5
213 pp.
Suitable 15+

Readers Annotation: A blind sixteen year old girl with pneumonia is kidnapped by accident-she's also the daughter of the president of Nike.

Plot Summary: Cheyenne is a blind sixteen year old girl. When her step-mom decides to leave her in the car with the keys in the ignition while she does some errands at the shopping mall, Griffin, an older teen decides to snag the car only to find Cheyenne sleeping in the backseat. Griffin decides to continue with the stolen car, taking her and the pricey Cadillac Escalade to the back woods where his father runs a dirty chop shop where they make money off stolen cars. His father and his two dim-witted colleagues don't know what to do with Cheyenne until they discover on television that she is the daughter of the President of Nike. That's when they decide to hold her for ransom...or else. The thing is that Griffin develops feelings for Cheyenne but the others just see dollar signs. As a deal gets reached, the stakes for all these characters are upped a notch in each of their own ways in this thriller.

Critical Evaluation: This book is a thriller from the first page. There is hardly any exposition at all feeling like your on the ride from the get-go. Only through later flashbacks and thoughts do we learn more about the two main character's back story. Interestingly enough, these two characters are both protagonists even one is good and the other technically bad; yet they are both likeable and the reader cheers for each of them to overcome their own obstacles. Even though these two have feelings for one another seems cliche, the fact that they each have their own unique battles, Cheyenne being blind for example, and the fact that there are some unpredictable twists and turns throughout definitely help compensate. The pacing is fast, just taking place over a couple of days with short chapters keeping scenes short and reluctant readers interested. The two main characters are developed and the reader gets a little taste from the very descriptive language throughout of what it feels to be blind and the thinking involved. The reader gets an appreciation from not only the plot but being able to use all five senses that show that you can overcome anything if you just stick it through.

Author: April Henry was born in 1959 in Oregon. Author Roald Dahl helped Henry make her first steps as an author when she submitted a short story about a frog who like peanut butter. Dahl met with an editor and published her story. She is the acclaimed author for her mysteries, thrillers, and young adult novels.

Her novel, Face of Betrayal, which she cowrote with Lis Wiehl, was a New York Times bestseller. Henry even found the blind girl whose brief kidnapping inspired her novel, Girl, Stolen. Henry continues to work with Wiehl for their collaboration the Triple Threat Mystery series. She currently lives in Oregon with her family.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Blindness
2) Kidnapping
3) Ransom
4) Wealth versus poverty
5) Chop shops
6) Family
7) Death

Challenge Issues: Due to some depictions of graphic violence, deaths, and even attempted rape, there are challenge issues throughout.

A librarian should state that the ALA mission is "to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all," which is embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. Librarians must act as an extension, making sure that they educate the general public, and themselves, about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Why Included: When I saw the description of this book on Amazon, I knew I had to read it. It's exactly as advertised.

Hope in Patience by Beth Fehlbaum

Hope in Patience by Beth Fehlbaum
Young Adult Coming-of-Age Novel
ISBN: 978-1-934813-41-6
312 pp.
Suitable 15+

Readers Annotation: Ashley Asher lives with the father she never knew after her stepfather repeatedly molested her.

Plot Summary: Ashley Asher is a fifteen year old girl who was repeatedly molested and even raped by her stepfather since she was nine years old. Her mother always took her stepfather's side but after he broke her arm, she moved to Patience, Texas, and lived with the father she never knew, David, and his wife, Bev. There she attends school, goes to therapy and tries to live a normal life. But sometimes the past is too much and she hides in her room, scratching so hard at her skin that she leaves marks. She can not let go of the fact that her mom doesn't want her and wants her stepfather instead. Trust is a big issue for Ashley; she has a best friend ZZ whom she trusts but when she tells a boy Joshua, whom she likes, another girl, Pam, listens in and spreads a rumor. Ashley learns to cope with school life, personal life, socializing, and her past struggles through hope and patience in this coming of age novel.

Critical Evaluation: This book takes us to a dark place we should all be aware of even if we don't want to: sexual abuse. Ashley's back story is so heart-breaking that we root for her the whole way. The reader gets to see the psychology involved in a case like this with very realistic therapy evaluations and high school life combined. This is the book's strength, the intimacy it shares of Ashley's psychological damage and how she recovers. Even a simple hug is a big step for this courageous girl. Unfortunately, the supporting characters seem cliched and lack depth. But that's ok, you don't want them to steal the show from Ashley. The chapters are well spread, which creates a nice pacing throughout, making it easy for the reader to zoom right through it, especially with the simple writing throughout the book. Be aware though, there are graphic images of molestation and hurting oneself. The title says it all: there is hope in patience, which is not only the town but symbolic that if you wait, one may turn the corner towards recovery.

Author: Beth Fehlbaum grew up in the Dallas area. She has written two novels, Hope in Patience and Courage in Patience. In addition to being a writer, she is a teacher is specializes in working with at-risk youth. Her experiences as a teacher inspired her to write Hope in Patience.

Her other hobbies include writing poetry and short stories, reading, and listening to music. She loves the weather in the Fall and Spring in Eastern Texas, where she currently lives with her husband, daughters, and assorted wildlife.

Booktalking Ideas:

1) Molestation
2) Psycholigical damage
3) Therapy
4) Support
5) High school life
6) Trust
7) Letting go
8) Family

Challenge Issues:
Due to the graphic images of rape, molestation, and hurting oneself, this book has challenge issues.

A librarian should state that the ALA mission is "to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all," which is embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. Librarians must act as an extension, making sure that they educate the general public, and themselves, about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Why Included: This was a required book for class and even though it was deep and troubling, I'm glad that I was exposed to it and learned more about it.

Castle in the Sky, Volume 1 by Hayao Miyazaki

Castle in the Sky, Volume 1 by Hayao Miyazaki
Young Adult Manga
ISBN 1-59116-170-3
164 pp.
Suitable All Ages

Readers Annotation: Set in the nineteen century, this Gulliver's Travels inspired manga is based on Laputa, which is the mythical castle in the sky with many treasures. Pazu's father once saw it, and Pazu is going to find it.

Plot Summary: Inspired by Gulliver's Travels, this story set in the nineteen century during the first days of flying machines. This book starts off with an airship being assaulted by air pirates. The pirates are after a little girl named Sheeta, but she escapes by falling out of the airship only to safely float down to the ground by her magical pendant. An orphan boy named Pazu catches the girl in midair while she floats down. Pazu is building an airship that will take him to Laputa, a mythical sky castle that his father saw many years ago. Sheeta recovers at Pazo's house, but then the pirates arrive. Pazu and Sheeta are chased through town and barely escape on the train, but the pirates are still hot on their trail. However, the pirates run into the military but will that be enough or will the pirates catch Pazu and Sheeta?

Critical Evaluation: This mini series is completely based on Hayao Miyazaki's movie, The Castle in the Sky. The manga series uses shots from the movie with English text but has Japanese sound effects, which makes it very imaginative and stylish. It is also read in classic manga format, from right to left. There is, however, a translation section in the back (front) of the book. This wonderful story is probably better told in film. The ending leaves room for a sequel so perhaps to get the full story the other three volumes have to be read. It is a quick read with a fast paced storyline that is both entertaining and fun with very likeable protagonists. This unique graphic novel shows that when someone yearns for something, anything is possible.

Author: Hayao Miyazaki is one of Japan's most beloved illustrator's and author's. In 2005 he was awarded the Venice International Film Festival's Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement, and his Studio Ghibli received the festival's Osella Award for overall achievement in 2004. Miyazaki's films include Spirited Away, winner of the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film, as well as Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, and Ponyo.

All of his films have have received great acclaim in the U.S. His other achievements include the highly regarded manga series Nausica? of the Valley of the Wind and Starting Point: 1979-1996, a collection of essays, interviews, and memoirs that chronicle his early career and the development of his theories of animation. Both are published in English by VIZ Media.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Mythology
2) Pirates
3) Military
4) Yearning
5) Sequel

Challenge Issues: There are none in this novel.

Why Included: This is yet another random graphic novel that I picked up from my library and read. I didn't know that it had such an interesting author and back story, which surprised me.

Halo by X-box

Halo by X-box
Rated for Teens

Readers Annotation: This is a science fiction first-person shooter game which centers on a war between humans and aliens.

Summary: This science fiction first person shooter game focuses on a war between humans and aliens known as the Covenant. The term 'Halo' refers to Halo megastructures: large, habitable ringed structures. You can have a tournament in one and two player mode but you can also have up to four players play in an exhibition game where you try and kill each other. There are the standard three difficulty settings: easy, intermediate, and large. There are many different aliens, weapons, and levels throughout. Like any shooter game, the goal is to kill the aliens and that can be accomplished through various machine guns and even grenades. To move on to the next level, there are various checkpoints throughout.

Critical Evaluation: What makes this game so appealing is not only its science fiction subject matter and the violence but the different levels and aliens that you come across throughout. These are not your typical aliens. The creators of this game have cleverly made aliens that sort of mimic our human species. Some crawl, some fly, and some walk. They are gruesome and the different weapons causes for some gruesome deaths. Depending on the weapon you carry, there are different strategies in trying to kill the aliens. This is the appeal; it is not your typical shooter game, there is strategy involved. Add to this that you are technically killing aliens for a good cause, which is to save the human race. Unfortunately, it is bloody and graphic much of the time. Unlike Wii games, this game requires skill and practice since there is so much strategy involved.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Aliens
2) Humanity
3) Killing
4) Defense
5) Strategy
6) Weapons

Challenge Issues: There might be a bit too much violence in this game.

A librarian should state that the ALA mission is "to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all," which is embodied in the Library Bill of Rights, the Association's basic policy on free access to libraries and library materials. Librarians must act as an extension, making sure that they educate the general public, and themselves, about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom in libraries.

Why Included: This is a game that I used to play with my friends back when I was a teen. It is still popular with teens today as this game on X-box has timeless graphics and game-play.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Young Adult Science Fiction Novel
ISBN 0439023483
374 pp.
Suitable 12+

Readers Annotation: Set in the future, the 12 districts of Panem have to give up one boy and one girl for the Hunger Games, which is a televised battle that battles to the death in an unknown area.

Plot Summary: This story is set in future North America, now called Panem. There are 13 districts; they are the Capitol and districts one through twelve. One through twelve all serve the victorious Capitol that won the civil war 74 years ago, and each year all the districts have to mark their punishment with The Hunger Games. Each year for The Hunger Games, districts one through twelve have to sacrifice one boy and one girl ages twelve through eighteen. This is done by drawing names. The story follows fatherless Katniss and a boy she knows, Peeta. When The Hunger Games begin many die in the first couple of minutes. Katniss barely escapes and is able to obtain some supplies due to Peeta letting her get away. As more players die, the rules change. Two winners can exist if they are the last two from the same district. So Katniss goes off and finds Peeta badly injured. Later, there is a "feast," where the players get a desperately needed item at a designated area. This is to lure the players into a confrontation. Will they be lured or will Katniss and Peeta team up?

Critical Evaluation: This book does a good job setting up a setting that the reader can identify with even if it is science fiction set in the future. The imagery sets the tone with an outdoor caged arena that is reminiscent of Mad Max. Instead of society furthering itself, it has taken a major step back. Themes of survival, government control, and personal independence are present throughout. The reader should fall in love with the protagonist, Katniss. Knowing her backstory, her circumstances, the reader can't help but root for her in hopes that she prevails or that the inhumane government crumbles. The reader understand through her actions, her dialogue, and descriptions what she is all about. The fights are also detailed and at times, graphic. In order to incorporate all these components, its no wonder that the book is quite long and it still doesn't wrap it up in the end; there is room for a sequel and this is a three part series.

Author: Suzanne Collins is an American television writer and author. She has written for many Nickelodeon TV shows such as Clarissa Explains It All. She has also written quite a few children's books, most notably, The Underland Chronicles. She has also written for her teen audience, most notably, The Hunger Games series. The first book in the series has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 60 weeks in a row.

In regards to her personal life, she is the daughter of an air-force officer. She got her M.F.A. from NYU in dramatic writing. She now lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children. It has also been announced that The Hunger Games will be produced into a movie.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Fighting
2) Survival
3) Romance
4) Betrayal
5) Future
6) Inhumane society

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues present in this novel.

Why Included: A librarian I know recommended this book to me when I told them of my project. I read it and am satisfied but with its long length I will have to allow for more time to read the sequels.