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.

Wii Sports by Nintendo Wii

Wii Sports by Nintendo Wii, 2006
Rated for everyone

Readers Annotation: This game comes included with the Wii console and consists of many different sports games.

Summary: This games comes included with your Wii console. It has a variety of sports games to choose from: tennis, bowling, gold, baseball, and boxing. All games follow standard regulation rules. Players can create their own characters and up to four players can play at a time. As players improve, their skill levels will increase, so that they can see exactly how much better they've become. Any skill level can play and there are different skill levels present. This uses the Wii controller where instead of pressing buttons like on most video game consoles, you hold the controller in your hand and is motion censored. That means that every swing, jab, or pitch translates to the game for a realistic feel.

Critical Evaluation: The Wii controller makes these regular sports games so much different and ultimately better than the rest. It's really fun to be active and entertained at the same time; a two birds with one stone concept that this console provides. It has a realistic enough feel that you can control to an extent where you want to hit or throw the ball. You can also miss the ball if your not coordinated enough. Its even better when your facing another person, not the computer. It doesn't take much practice to master a sport but there are five sports to choose from, which helps prevent the user from burnout. This is a perfect game for teens, any age group for that matter, which brings everyone together for an entertaining, and I want to emphasize active game. I keep hoping that other game consoles hop on the Wii bandwagon because these are video games that are productive and healthy.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Sports games
2) Video games
3) Active games
4) Competition

Challenge Issues: There are no issues present.

Why Included: This is also another game I played with my cousin that reminded me of this blog project.

Mario Power Tennis on Nintendo Wii

Mario Power Tennis by Nintendo Wii, 2008
Rated for Everyone

Readers Annotation: A new play control makes this Mario version of tennis that much more fun.

Summary: This version of Mario tennis incorporates many different characters with many different types of game formats. It consists of 18 playable characters which are all derived from the Mario franchise. As for modes, there is exhibition and tournament mode. You can actually play up to four people on exhibition mode. But you can play either doubles or singles on both modes. There are also standard courts and gimmick courts, which incorporate past Mario themes or "special" Mario games that have a tennis theme. The standard game has the same rules of tennis but its just a bit more extreme with ball on fire when acing a serve, for example. You play this game using a Wii controller, which is different than most video game consoles. Instead of using buttons to control the game, you hold the Wii controller as if its your tennis racket and swing, serve, and volley just as you would if it were a real tennis match.

Critical Evaluation: Since I have not tried the old Wii control, I can not determine an improvement in the new Wii control. However, I did notice that it's almost impossible to miss the ball when it is coming your way. You'll definitely hit it; now if its in or out, that's another question. You can apply different spins, curves, and awesome serves just like in real tennis except that you don't need the practice. I'm not a fan of the special games or the special effects; I much rather play standard play. It feels like a tennis match for the most part except for some ridiculous taunts and grunts from the Mario characters. The interface is very basic and this game is definitely aimed for younger teens, if not tweens. The different difficulty levels are perfect for different age groups too. I like this because it is a video game that does keep you active and entertained at the same time; perhaps this will be a new tool for some of today's teenagers in getting them off the couch.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Video games
2) Activity
3) Tennis

Challenge Issues: There are none present on this game.

Why Included: I played this at my cousin's house the other day and rather liked it and reminded me that I could include this for my blog project.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Animal Farm by George Orwell
Young Adult Classics Novel
ISBN 978-0-451-52634-2
112 pp.
Suitable 13+

Readers Annotation: The animals kick out the farmer and take over the farm. Now they are governing themselves and that is making things worse.

Plot Summary: In a world where animals talk to each other, this story takes place on a farm. The old boar, Old Major, gathers all his fellow animals to discuss revolution against the farmer. Old Major dies three days later; the revolution is now led by three younger pigs named Napoleon, Snowball, and Squealer, and they help run the farmer off the land, making it their own and renamed Animal Farm. At first, it prospers under the animals' control. Snowball teaches the young animals how to read, while Napoleon mentors a group of puppies. Mr. Jones comes back later to reclaim his farm, but the animals fight him off again. However, within time, a power struggle between Napoleon and Snowball emerge. Snowball is banished from the farm and Napoleon declares that all decisions will be made by the pigs for the good of all animals. Anyone that opposes Napoleon's rule will be killed by his attack dogs. Interestingly enough, Napoleon starts to act like a human. He sleeps in a bed and drinks whiskey. Will these animals also evolve into acting like humans or will a new figure come and govern them?

Critical Evaluation: Orwell uses a large amount of symbolism and satire in this novel based on the Communist take over of Russia. It is from the western point of view of Communism and at the time, it was a big deal; however Communism is no longer viewed as a major global threat. These animals all act, look, and do the same. Many also happen to be pigs, which represents greed. It's also quite ironic that their original motives were independence but they really end up getting a dictatorship in return, which symbolizes their being naive. Still, with all the subject matter and symbolism inside, this is a quick read with short chapters, simple wording that is both descriptive and to the point, this is perfect for any high school English class. However, it can be graphic at times, such as the attacking dogs. In the end though, it sends a message that a perfect utopia is very tough, almost impossible to attain due to greed in its leaders, indifference and ignorance in its people, and really the fact that its impossible for everyone to agree on the same things.

Author: George Orwell was born in 1903 and died in 1950. His common traits in his works are an awareness in social injustice and a belief in democracy. He is best known for his work, 1984, and his novella, Animal Farm. Those two books have actually sold more copies than any 20th century author.

Orwell was also a world traveler of sorts. He volunteered on the Republican side of the Spanish civil war, and stayed much of the time in London and Paris. Though he requested that no biographies be written about him after his death, there have been some collections of his works that cover his life.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Communism
2) Symbolism and satire
3) Leaders
4) Revolution
5) Failed utopia

Challenge Issues: There are some challenge issues present such as the communist symbolism, the greed imagery, and some graphic accounts of violence.

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 have read this book in high school and it dawned on me to read it again.

Choose your own Adventure 3- Space and Beyond by R.A. Montgomery

Choose your own Adventure 3- Space and Beyond by R.A. Montgomery
Young Adult Sci-fi Adventure
ISBN: 1-933390-0350599
131 pp.
Suitable 12+

Readers Annotation: You the reader have many choices to make in this world of galaxies, planets, and time travel, which in the end determine your fate.

Plot Summary: You are able to make your own choices in determining your fate. It all starts with your place of birth. You can either choose to be born on the planet Kenda or Croyd. Either choice has their pros and cons but they both have issues where you need to make a choice in how to survive. You can choose destinations such as earth, creatures to travel with such as space circus performers, or travel back in time such as the dinosaur age if that suits you as well. Some choices end in a dead end or even worse, death. Some will continue in other choices such as asking for assistance or switching to full energy aboard your ship. Some choices are ethical such as helping other and some are downright awful such as being a pirate and living off stealing. There are many different storylines, 42 to be exact, in this fun-packed sci-fi fiction novel.

Critical Evaluation: There is nothing more refreshing than choosing your own adventure. You choose your own fate. Though a storyline may be a brisk five pages, some may extend to 20 or so. Even so, chances are that you will hit a dead end and then you will have to backtrack and start a new adventure. The language in the book is short and sweet and it nicely tells you if you're dead; almost in a humorous light-hearted way. Since you the reader are the one making the choices, the word "you" is used quite a bit. Interesting drawings complement the dialogue on some pages, giving you an idea of what's going on. The best part perhaps is that each choice has their pros and cons, albeit different, so you really are balancing those in your decision making. Though this book lacks depth and seriousness, it carries an important theme that each choice creates a chain-reaction of different events to occur and sometimes you have to prepare and embrace the life that you didn't plan.

Author: R.A. Montgomery has hiked in the Himalayas and climbed mountains in Europe, scuba-dived in Central America, and worked in Africa; he is a very active man. He graduated from Williams College and attended graduate school at Yale University and NYU. He is one of the most prolific writers of the Choose Your Own Adventure Series, which started in the late 1970s.

Montgomery also has interests in macro-economics, geo-politics, mythology, history, mystery novels, and music; he is a well-rounded person. He lives in France in the winter, travels frequently to Asia, and calls Vermont home. He also has two grown sons, two granddaughters, and a wife who is a noted author. Perhaps the reason for writing the adventure series is that he believes that the new generation of people under 15 is the most important asset in our world.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Space exploration
2) Decision making
3) Time travel
4) Space creatures

Challenge Issues: There are challenge issues present in this book.

Why Included: I think that the idea of choosing your own adventure is pretty neat, not to mention that it was a light read.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Young Adult Coming of Age Fiction
ISBN: 0-525-47688-1
215 pp.
Suitable 14+

Readers Annotation: Colin is a washed up child prodigy who decides to go on a road trip with his best friend and solve a theorem on his past relationships.

Plot Summary: Colin is a washed up child prodigy. He reads, studies, and obsesses constantly on trying to further himself in becoming a genius. Hassam is his wise-cracking best friend who likes to be lazy. Colin is trying to fix his broken heart after his latest girlfriend dumped him. In fact every girl he's dated has dumped him and all their names are Katherine. Together, Colin and Hassam go on a road trip to find themselves and more importantly, for Colin to solve the theorem on his past relationships. On their journey, they visit the resting place of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in a small Tennessee town, and meet Lindsay, a paramedic in training. They find themselves employed by Lindsay's mother, Hollis, who owns a factory producing tampons. They end up living at the Hollis residence while taking in the culture, Lindsay's boyfriend, and her friends. As Colin struggles to solve the theorem, he is starting to fall for Lindsay and vice-versa but her boyfriend stands in his way, Hassan starts dating one of her friends, and Hollis, for some reason, is more stressed than ever.

Critical Evaluation: Though this story has a decent plot, it is the characters that drive it forward. Each character, whether its Collin, Lindsay, or Hassan, feed off each other with such naturalness that you might think that they are real. They are similar to, and have a formula reminiscent of those in Looking for Alaska. The chapters range from long to very short, depending on its genius content. There are numerous flashbacks strategically placed throughout the book about Colin's past Katherine relationships that cleverly show exposition while pushing the story forward. The third person narrative puts the reader as an observer, though it does dwell inside the mind of a washed up child prodigy. He's a self-centered loser but he's likeable in the sense that he's not a jerk and means well but seems so aloof that you don't mind him getting into trouble and finding out what works and what doesn't for himself. It's all about finding yourself, and in Colin's case, the theorem of his love-life, but one things clear, the future is unpredictable and your heart can change in an instant.

Author: John Green was born in 1977 and his stay in boarding school largely inspired his debut-novel Looking for Alaska. After he graduated, he worked in Chicago for Booklist Magazine. His debut novel was published in 2005 and won the Michael L. Printz award. His second and third novels, entitled An Abundance of Katherines and Paper Towns, were published in 2006 and 2008 to great critical praise and awards.

Green currently resides in Indiana with his wife, Sarah, his son Henry, and his dog. Sarah and him had their first child together just recently. Just recently, Green announced that he is working on a fourth novel, entitled The Sequel.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Frienship
2) Dating
3) Road Trip
4) Predictability
5) Prodigy/geniuses
6) Relationships
7) Self-centered

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

Why Included: I absolutely loved Looking for Alaska and therefore decided to read the entire John Green canon. And I'm glad I did.

Rebound 14 by Yuriko Nishiyama

Rebound 14 by Yuriko Nishiyama
Young Adult Manga Drama
185 pp.
Suitable 13+

Readers Annotation: In a twisted tournament of cage basketball, Scratch's friend Nate must beat an entire group on his own for Scratch to move on.

Plot Summary: Scratch is an underdog team on the basketball courts that plays rough. Players get bruised and battered. In this twisted tournament that plays inside a cage, Nate, on his own, must win in order for Scratch to advance. Through practice, Nate has become a very good street basketball player. He has special moves that grabs the attention of his peers. He makes friends that and love interests that complicate his life, causing love triangles that can only hurt his game. His biggest nemesis is Sawamura, who have muscled their way unto the court, moving up in the rankings. And because of some unfair rules, Nate must play the team on his own. The winner keeps ownership of the court, the loser goes home. The stakes are high in this abusive version of basketball.

Critical Evaluation: This book is authentic manga styled, which reads from right to left, therefore starting off from the opposite side that we're used to. Nate has an alpha male personality that could get on the reader's nerve, but then again, in order to win, you've got to think you're the best so it works in an annoying kind of way. There is much too violence when they do play basketball but this is much more than basketball. There's drama of all sorts that it seems like a soap opera; a common theme in manga series. The other characters come and go and this is fine; they are filler. Since there's minimal description and dialogue due to the style, each word and phrase pushes the story forward. This is probably aimed towards teens who are interested in basketball and the one thing that doesn't disappoint are the basketball quizzes that appear as a chapter spacer. It does send a mixed message that anything is possible if you put your mind to it...and play dirty!

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Basketball
2) Violence
3) Unfair rules
4) Teamwork

Challenge Issues: There are some intense moments of violence, which may be the lone challenge issue present in this book.

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 picked this book up randomly from the stacks at my library. It was kind of a chore to read. At least now I know.

Peach Girl by Miwa Ueda

Peach Girl by Miwa Ueda
Young Adult Manga Romance
179 pp.
Suitable 13+

Readers Annotation: Momo is having bad rumors spread about her at school by her best friend, Sae.

Plot Summary: Momo has an unfortunate stereotype about her at school. Because she is on the swim team, she is very tan and has bleached hair. Therefore, schoolmates think she is a tramp. And it doesn't help that her best friend, Sae, starts spreading rumors about her being a slut as well. It could be because Sae is jealous of Momo and they both like the same boy, Toji. But when playboy Kiley goes after Momo, things get even more complicated. Though she does not like him, he likes her for one thing only. It gets even worse after Kiley almost drowns and Momo saves him by giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This starts rumors by Sae that she kissed him, which complicates things between Momo and Toji. Even though Momo finds out that Toji likes her back, and doesn't mind tan girls, this complicated love triangle has just begun as this is the first book in a series of 18.

Critical Evaluation: This high school drama gets its two cents in short, to the point dialogue. Because it is a manga-styled book, there is not much dialogue so each line has a point, a purpose, moving this soap opera along. The dialogue seems realistic, with moments of slang and emotion, bringing out the development of the characters. Though at first these character may be one-dimensional, they each have hidden motives that add spice to the story. The pacing seems interesting: it mentions what happened within a span of just a few days as if the characters did not have time to even think about their actions; the decisions of these characters are based on fiery emotions instead of thinking things through clearly. And it also sends many messages. Even though the theme is to love and accept yourself as you are, that does not seem the case in the risque illustrations. Its unfortunate that these girls have low-self esteem, but it is social commentary of how girls see themselves. Unfortunately though, stereotypes do exist and the hidden motives from these characters are based on those.

Author: Miwa Ueda is a Japanese Manga artist born in Hyugo, Japan. She is best known for her works in Peach Girl and Angel Wars. In 1999, she received the Kodansha Manga Award for Peach Girl.

Ueda started publishing her works in 1985. She worked on parts of Sailor Moon before her famous works. She currently lives in Japan.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Self-esteem issues
2) High school life
3) Stereotypes

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues present in the book.

Why Included: This might be one of the most checked-out manga books at the library I work out so I decided to check one out myself.

Smashed by Koren Zailckas

Smashed by Koren Zailckas
Young Adult Realistic Fiction
ISBN: 0 14 30.3647 5
343 pp.
Suitable 15+

Readers Annotation: Smashed is a bio-fictional account of the author's teenage years as an alcoholic.

Plot Summary: The book starts off with Koren Zailckas at 14 years old. Her friend and her are home alone at a summer house when they decide to drink some of her parent's alcohol lying around. That drink starts a downward spiral of drinking fanatically through her high school and eventually college years. It gets so bad that she gets her stomach pumped at 16, she goes to constant parties and gets beyond drunk every time, which leads to numerous black outs. Her family did not know how out of control she was and when they found out they could not even stop her. All her relationships revolved around drinking as well. The book also shows how society encourages women and young people to drink to feel socially accepted, and how its prominent on college campuses, which are all backed by statistics.

Critical Evaluation: Like a booze-soaked party, characters come and go with no real character development. However, the reader gets to read Koren's thoughts, her actions, and her reasons for drinking. This should come to no surprise since this is based on the author's life and it is brutally honest. The pacing is steady covering junior high, high school, and her early college years. Each of those years contains a major event that shows how far Koren has spiraled down the slippery slope of drinking. Every other chapter keeps the reader interested and their minds fresh as statistics of drinking in America has a toll on women and college campuses. Overall, Smashed is a real eye-opener, with a wise message that grips the reader in realizing that drinking has many consequences. But the worst may be that it stunts a person's growth and development, which unfortunately makes it hard for the drinker to get out of their bubble that they have been accustomed to living in.

Author: Koren Zailckas was born in 1980 and spent 10 years of her teenage years as an alcoholic. Her first book, Smashed, which was released in 2005, chronicles these events. A Time magazine story ran about female binge-drinkers due to her published book. The book even became a New York Times bestseller.

Her follow-up novel, Fury: a Memoir was released on September 7, 2010. Zailckas is currently married to singer/songwriter Eamon Hamilton. She is also an advocate of talking about drinking in today's society as she has appeared on TV programs such as 20/20 and The View.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Alcohol addiction and abuse
2) Women alcoholics in United States
3) Women's alcohol use in United States
4) Koren Zailckas

Challenge Issues: This book is challenged due to the graphic depictions of alcohol use and abuse.

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 book I read many years ago and found it on my book shelf. It is definitely a welcome addition to these blogs I am writing about.

HelpNow! powered by Brainfuse

HelpNow! powered by Brainfuse via The Buena Park Library District
Curriculum: Learning, Education, and Test Preparation
Suitable for High School

Annotation: HelpNow! is an educational homework and test center that provides help via online tutors.

Summary: HelpNow! offers expert services via online tutors aimed towards high school students, among others. This database offers services within each main learning category: expert help, self-study, and collaborative tools. The different services they offer are: homework help, skills building, 24/7 help center, foreign language lab, and a writing lab that is split between live writing assistance and intensive writing lab. There are also study tools such as test preparation and mobile flash cards. The main subjects that the database covers are: math, science, social studies, english/language arts, writing assistance, reading comprehension/grammar/vocabulary skills building, english literature, and spanish language help. All tutors are trained and certified via Brainfuse. Their hours of availability are Monday through Sunday, 1:00 P.M to 10 P.M. PST.

Critical Evaluation: It's quite odd that the Buena Park Library District hosts/pays for two databases (HelpNow! and Learning Express) that are quite similar. The only difference is that HelpNow! is more interactive, dealing with live tutors. Other than that, its goal is to help students learn and prepare. Its interface is very simple, with every major learning category split up in different colors. There are sub-genres of different subjects inside each learning category. The online tutors were more than helpful, even citing where they found their information. They were quick to respond and courteous as well. For those who want instant gratification, work well with technology and interactions, than this database is much aimed for that demographic than the similar, but overall lower value of Learning Express. The fact that the Buena Park Library District has so many databases aimed towards its younger patrons makes a statement that the library cares for each of its demographics and hopes that its younger patrons continue coming back when they are adults.

Trash by Andy Mulligan

Trash by Andy Mulligan
Young Adult Action Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-385-75214-5
232 pp.
Suitable 12+

Readers Annotation: Three teen boys find a bag in a dump site that leads them on a wild goose chase, with police and officials on their back.

Plot Summary: Rat, Gardo, and Raphael are all young teens living on a dump site in an unnamed third-world country. They make their living by picking through the garbage that lies next to a large city. One day, Raphael finds a bag full of mysterious paper work. It's so mysterious that the city police are offering a nice reward for its safe return. The boys, who have no money, home, education, or parents, know that the bag must lead them to lots of money. Therefore, they decide to follow the clues and see where it leads instead of turning it in. The boys learn that the corrupt senator/vice president has been stealing funds that were supposed to go towards education projects and that money has been stolen from him. Unfortunately, someone has tipped off the boys and the police and corrupt officials are hot on their trail in what becomes a race to the finish line of finding the money.

Critical Evaluation: It seems that this story was translated into English. And its interesting to note that its at times written in broken English. These boys have no education, after all, so the book stays true to its roots. The story is also told from the point of view of all three boys plus a few of their colleagues in helping them track down the clues for the money. The first sentence, sometimes even the first word, lets the reader know who's telling a particular part of the story and some chapters are much shorter than others. Because of multiple stories, there are multiple expositions that slow the story down from the rest: a fast-paced thriller. Each has their own style and voice in telling it and they all have the common theme that the government is corrupt and their people are living in poverty. Because of the lack of resources, these boys join together in bringing out the themes of the book: hope, determination, and triumph for the greater good. Even if they intend to steal it, it is justified via the evil government. The three boys are all well-developed and have a bond so strong that it may even suggest homosexual innuendo. Their bond increases through the twists and turns, heart-pounding action, and awful poverty in what eventually becomes a feel-good novel.

Author: Andy Mulligan was brought up in South London. He worked as a theater director for ten years before traveling to Asia, which influenced him to retrain as a teacher. Ribblestrop was Mulligan's first book published, and a humorous one at that as it won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Trash was his second novel published.

Trash is a very different type of book, a thriller. The dump site is loosely based on a place he visited whilst living in Manila but the characters and plot, he insists, are invented. He's currently taking a break from teaching working on his next book, Return to Ribblestrop, which is the second part of a projected trilogy. Mulligan now divides his time between London and Manila.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Mystery and detective stories
2) Poverty
3) Political Corruption
4) Dump sites
5) Third world countries

Challenge Issues: Due to some detailed accounts of poverty, prisons, and some homosexual innuendo, this book has 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: The title caught my attention and I stuck with it.

Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend
Genre: Indie rock, Afro beat, Baroque pop
Released: January 29, 2008
Music Label: XL Recordings

Annotation: Vampire Weekend is the debut album released by the group of the same name.

Summary: Vampire Weekend is an indie rock group that formed in 2006 from New York City. The group consists of lyricist, singer, and guitarist Ezra Koenig, keyboardist, guitarist, co-writer and music writer Rostam Batmanglij, drummer Chris Tomson, and bassist Chris Baio. There are also supporting members that are not in the band but are on the album; they play instruments such as the violin, cello, and hand drums. They have a unique sound of different types of music mixed into one: punk, ska, new wave, indie rock, baroque pop, etc. The group released their self-titled LP on January 29, 2008 to rave reviews. It reached number 15 in the UK and number 17 on the top Billboard 200. The four singles released all reached the top 100 as well. However, controversy stirred shortly after their popularity that though they mixed many types of cultural music into their sound, they have a privileged, ivy-league aesthetic.

Critical Evaluation: It's not only the music that makes Vampire Weekend popular. It's their preppy look, their privileged upbringing, and pop-culture references in their lyrics. If the listener doesn't get it, too bad. There's an ode to the pop-singer Peter Gabriel and Cape Cod on "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa." This is aimed towards the young, educated, hipster crowd that knows pop-culture, that has a laptop, that is about to go or is already in college. Now add that educated upbringing to the interesting sound that has both a punk and pop feel to it. Every song has a bounce, a swing, and a number of instruments present. Yes, they may be stealing other styles of music but they make it their own, not to mention that everything is upbeat. It is tightly written with interesting big words present, and played concisely almost like an exam paper, something their audience could relate to.

Why Included: Similar to Best Coast, I love the different sounds on this album.  It is quite original.  And working the check out counter at the library, I've noticed that teens mainly check this album out...an often!  

Brand New Eyes by Paramore

Brand New Eyes by Paramore
Genre: Alternative rock, pop punk, emo
Released: September 29, 2009
Music Label: Fueled by Ramen

Annotation: Brand New Eyes is the third album released by the pop, emo group Paramore.

Summary: Paramore is a pop, emo group that formed in 2004. It consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, bassist Jeremy Davis, guitarist Taylor York, lead guitarist Josh Farro, and drummer Zac Farro. Their third album, Brand New Eyes, was released in September, 2009, and is the group's highest charting album to date. Many critics also gave it good, positive reviews stating that they are maturing. The album consists of 11 songs, which tops out at around 40 minutes. The group released a set of singles such as "Ignorance" and "Brick by Boring Brick," which were available via digital download. The album itself was formed under the public impression that the group was breaking up but the group said that they wanted to make an album about how they were growing up but not always growing together. Therefore, their songs are revolving around more realistic and current issues than their previous albums.

Critical Evaluation: Unfortunately, the majority of the songs all sounds the same, with each song leading into the other without any differentiation. That isn't to say that the music is bad: the drums thrash, the guitars clash, the bass rumbles, and Williams pours her heart out. Thus the relentless pace of the emo, pop punk sound. But "Careful" sounds very similar to "Ignorance," for example. However, the way Williams sings is what makes the album acceptable. She knows how to sing in the right pitch to make her point and ends each ryming phrase with a pitch that leaves an impression. And with Williams at the helm at the majority of the songwriting, the lyrics have a more mature feel. The songs aren't up-beat, their brutal and honest, which is what the group was experiencing at the moment. "I had it all, but not what I wanted cause hope for me was a place uncharted and overgrown" from "Careful" sets the tone for the album. As their audience, teens, are growing up, the attractive looking group is also growing up, trying to relate to their original audience while continuing their quick pop punk pace to attract younger teens. And it looks like its working.

Why Included: This might be the biggest teen band out there right now.  Check any teen website, or any music website, and you will see what I mean.  I decided to give it a listen and it just wasn't for me.  I'm just not a fan of music that sounds the same on every track.

Crazy For You by Best Coast

Crazy For You by Best Coast
Genre: Garage rock, Indie rock, Surf pop
Released: July 27, 2010
Music Label: Mexican Summer

Annotation: Crazy For You is a popular indie album combined with California pop hooks that was released in July 2010. It is popular with teens and hipsters alike.

Summary: Best Coast is an indie rock band that is based in Los Angeles, California. It consists of vocalist and guitarist, Bethany Cosentino, who writes all the songs herself and fronts the group, multi-instrumentalist, Bobb Bruno, who writes the melodies for all the songs, and drummer Ali Koehler. Their first album released was Crazy For You in July 2010. It was released on the indie label, Mexican Summer, and consists of 12 tracks topping out at just over 30 minutes. The album has a unique sound of fuzzy lo-fi indie rock combined with California pop hooks in the vein of girl groups from the '60s. The lyrics deal with romance and relationships with many references to California and Cosentino's cat, Snacks, who is on the front cover. Before the album was released, the band issued many singles and EPs from the album that resulted in a great underground following from many of their hipster and teen fans.

Critical Evaluation: This album is a statement of what Cosentino was going through: a relationship and romance. Song titles such as "Boyfriend," "Crazy for You," and "Honey" state the obvious. But what sets Cosentino apart from the rest of lyricists is her awareness. She knows that the person she's with may not be the best influence as stated in "Crazy for You: "You drive me crazy but I love you, you make me lazy but I love you." She also shows a soft spot for California and her cat, Snacks as evident in tracks such as "Summer Mood" and "Happy." Overall, the lyrics are really bright and upbeat; this isn't an album about the negatives of relationships but everything positive with the California sun shining upon it. Valentino sings this in a California pop style reminiscient to the girl groups of the '60s where lyrics are simple, words ryhme, and songs are short. This is combined with the sound of lo-fi guitars from Bruno, which creates a very unique and balanced poppy indie sound. Valentino was in a really bright and upbeat mood as if the California sun was shining on her when writing the album and the catchiness and good vibes are contagious throughout; it's music to hang out to and go the beach with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Teens appreciate the relateable lyrics about relationships, not to mention the sound, which brings noteriety to the table. And whatever mood Valentino may be in, that is how the the future albums will sound, which is a great way to keep things fresh.

Why Included: This album has a great sound and I actually got to see them live back in February.  I didn't think that they would appeal to teens but at the show, it was very obvious that over half the audience were teens.  Then you start listening to the lyrics and you can see why.  For me personally, I just love the sound.

LearningExpress Library Database

LearningExpress Library Database via The Buena Park Library District
Curriculum: Learning, Education, Improvement, and Preparation
Suitable for high school

Annotation: LearningExpress is a database that helps students learn, improve, and prepare for college.

Summary: LearningExpress is a database that has a category for every age group: elementary, middle, high school, college, and adults. For high school, it has a wide array of learning techniques. They include logic and reasoning skills improvement, math skills improvement, reading comprehension, science skills, statistic skills, trigonometry skills, vocabulary and spelling skills, and writing and grammar skills. Within each category are subdivisions that include courses and practice tests. The tests and lessons are electronic, therefore there are ebooks and etests. In order to access this database, you need to have a library card of the library that is supporting it.

Critical Evaluation: This database is really comprehensive not only in subject matter, but also different styles of learning. They range from courses to practice tests. Its very simple to use as well. The interface has the main subjects, which link you to sub-genres, and within those sub-genres are the different types of learning techniques involved. Once you've found what you are looking for, you click on the very right: "Add to My Center." Afterward, you can just download the free ebook or etest and begin your lesson. This database is once again a win-win for the library and its patrons; you need a library card to access it and once you do you can help further yourself. Even within the name, you know it will be easy to use, it helps an individual further themselves, and I'm glad that this is being done sooner than later.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Young Adult Realistic Fiction
ISBN:
192 pp.
Suitable 13+

Readers Annotation: Ponyboy Curtis tells the story of the rivalry between the greasers, which he is a part of, and the socs.

Plot Summary: Ponyboy Curtis, 14, is the youngest brother of three in which his older brother, Darrel, is responsible for since his parents died just recently. He belongs to the Greasers, an outlaw group full of misfits with dysfunctional families and live on the bad side of town who are known for their long-greasy hair. When his best friend, the loveable Johnny, kills one of the socs, their rival gang who are at an socioeconomic advantage, in a mini-turf fight, Ponyboy and Johnny become fugitives on the run, living in an abamdoned church for a few days thanks to Dally, the toughest of the greasers. When they leave, the church has caught on fire and Johnny, Dally, and Ponyboy save the children trapped inside. They become heroes but Johnny becomes badly injured. Meanwhile, a major fight is to occur between the greasers and socs. Will good overcome evil and do people really change?

Critical Evaluation: This story contains many pieces of symbolism. You can not judge a book by its cover and this applies to the Greasers, who look filthy, but actually have a comraderie, a dedication to one another where no one is selfish. Compare that to the socs, who look intelligent and well-doing, but are cold and started the whole fiasco. Ponyboy may be the first to admit that he may not speak well, but he writes well. The language in the book is simple, but his ideas are definitely thoughtful and creative; he doesn't think like a simple minded greaser. He wants to further himself but he's loyal to being a greaser. But it's also that loyalty that gives him a sense of belonging. It's these sacrifices that one must do that is the major theme of this novel. There is injustice in many characters: big brother Darrel must be the father at age 20, Johnny, who has a heart of gold, has a tough upbringing and a chain of events that make you cringe. In order to improve, one must be like Ponyboy, thinking of the clouds and the sky, and searching for the big "what-if." With all characters well developed, each with their tough upbringing, and a steady pacing, this novel accomplishes that task and then some.

Author: S.E. Hinton was only in her teens when she wrote The Outsiders. It was inspired by the rival gangs at her school, the greasers and the socs, and she wanted to show the point of view of the greasers. Her book was a best-seller and sold 14 million copies. She also decided to keep her initials when publishing and writing while keeping her full name for privacy purposes.

After The Outsiders, the publicity and pressure led to three years of writers block. She completed That Was Then, This Is Now in 1970, Rumble Fish in 1975, and another big hit, Tex, in 1979. Rumble Fish and Tex were made into film-adaptations. She is a very private person who resides in Oklahoma with her husband and son.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Greasers
2) Socs
3) Death
4) Fights
5) Suicide
6) Dysfunctional Families

Challenge Issues:
Due to the realistic depictions of death, dysfunctional families, and fights, this movie has 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:
This is considered the first young adult novel so I had to re-read it once again. A must read for all high schools.

Slam magazine

Slam
Young Adult Basketball Magazine
v. 16 no. 9; 2009 Nov
88 pp.
Suitable 12+

Readers Annotation: This magazine emphasizes basketball and its stars.

Summary: The magazine focuses on everything that is basketball. It focuses not only on NBA stars but college players who are going to be the new faces of basketball. Some are stories on intriguing teams, some are human stories of a particular player, and some are all-out interviews. There may even be an article about a particular coach if he is causing controversy or is popular at the time. In addition, there is also the standard letter to the editor in the first few pages and an interesting "trashtalk" section, which are critiques and comments, some good, some bad, of the magazine in past issues.

Critical Evaluation: Yes, there are quite a bit of photos that take a good portion of the page. Yes, advertisements on different baseketball accessories run amok throughout as well. But the stories are thoughtful and interesting, always focusing on "what's hot now." The stories mostly have a human element to the story, almost in the same vein as a Hunter S. Thompson story, but without the fogginess. Many start off descriptive, a goal of luring the reader into being involved, such as an observation of the current day of shooting and interviewing. This transforms into a story with a beginning, middle, and end, which is usually a memorable quote such as, "I'm back, baby," which summed up Carmelo Anthony cover story. Interviews are also direct focusing on background, the problem, and the future, or solution. The language is direct and the memorable quotes, many short and sweet, fill in the blanks. This particular issue focuses on underdog players or players that have had a controversial past, which works well because teens like controversy, under dogs, and success and the players in this issue bring it. This magazine is aimed toward young adult males.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Basketball/basketball players/coaches
2) Controversy
3) Problems
4) Future and solutions of basketball

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

Why Included: I picked out a fashion magazine for women so to even it out, I found a magazine aimed towards young adult males.

Center Field by Robert Lipsyte

Center Field by Robert Lipsyte
Young Adult Sports Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-06-055704-1
280 pp.
Suitable for 13+

Readers Annotation: Mike, the senior stud center fielder on his high school baseball team, faces new challenges and must make tough decisions he's never made that will affect his family, friends, teachers, and ultimately himself.

Plot Summary: Mike is the star-studded center fielder on his high school baseball team. He has many friends, an attractive girlfriend and the envy of his peers. But when Oscar, a center fielder that joins the team that is even better then him, Mike's loses his confidence, starts questioning himself, and faces new challenges. He pushes a geek, Zack, who has hidden motives of taking down the mysterious Coach Cody, whom he distrusts. Zack Zack threatens to sue and because of this Mike may be suspended by his mysterious coach with his own agenda which is, Oscar, the new center fielder, needing a residency to become legal. This gets Mike's parents involved. On top of everything his relationship with his girlfriend is worsening, he was just made captain of the baseball team by snitching on Zack, and Mike even has a fling on the side while meeting his hero, Yankee star Billy Budd. All these events are connected and Mike must make decisions that will shape the rest of his high school career.

Critical Evaluation: The book is almost written as a mystery, but with clever traits that teens can relate to such as high school life and baseball. It cleverly switches between first and third person point of views so the reader can get a feel for the main protagonist, Mike, while also taking in the chain reaction of events and trying to solve the mystery themselves. Mike is developed really well as a dumb jock who sees beyond the baseball field and thinking outside his sheltered baseball life. However, all the other characters come and go as some steal a chapter then disappear. Cody is a classic bad guy with a mysterious twist but Kat, Mike's new love interest unfortunately disappears near the end so the reader doesn't see her character develop. Instead, it turns into a surprise friendship with Zack, who steals the show near the end. Meanwhile, Mike is the glue that keeps everything together. What keeps the reader from getting up and leaving is that each character has a hidden motive and its up to the reader to solve the puzzle and the attention to detail on the baseball field will please any baseball fan who is not even a fan of mysteries.

Author: Robert Lipsyte was born in 1938 and is an award-winning sportswriter and novelist. He has written for the New York Times and USA Today. He is also the author of many acclaimed books, including The Contender and Raiders Night. His big achievement is being the recipient of the margaret A. Edwards Award honoring the whole of his contribution to literature for young readers.

Lipsyte is also known for transforming the sports novel to authentic literature. He has two children and currently lives in New York. He can be visited at www.robertlipsyte.com.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Baseball
2) High school politics
3) Illegal immigration
4) False identity
5) Mystery

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues in this book.

Why Included: I enjoy baseball and mysteries; this book contained both and one of the most recommended books for young adults.

Seventeen magazine

Seventeen magazine
Young Adult Fashion Magazine
v. 68 no. 2: Feb 2009
132 pp.
Suitable 13+

Readers Annotation: This is a fashion and trends magazine aimed towards teenage girls.

Summary: In a nutshell, the magazine's goal is to give advice. There are many sections and subjects in how this magazine accomplishes that. There's fashion advice that covers clothing, accessories, hair, and makeup, not to mention different styles. There's a health section in either how to lose weight, to get and stay fit. There's even stories by teens such as spring break horror stories, a hookup report, and interviews by favorite teen celebrities; this month is was the singer Pink. The magazine also covers technology like the best songs to download. The advertisements are all teen related, whether its clothing, a drivers-ed ad, and even tampons. This magazine is pretty much aimed towards girls only and its style depends on the month and season of the year.

Critical Evaluation: The magazine is exactly how it sounds, for teenage girls, specifically older teen girls. While the subject matter deals with relationships, clothing, and real life stories, its nothing shocking and a teenage girl and her mother can very well sit, read, and discuss without any awkwardness. It's all in good taste and the fashions are not meant to be provocative but cute. The stories may deal with hookups but this is nothing new for teens and it is not too graphic to be uncomfortable. Even the ads are teen girl related; nothing is out of place and nothing is meant to be uncomfortable. The writing is simple and too the point, usually a short paragraph or two. Teens are more interested in the vast amount of photos instead of the writing. But if its an interesting story or tagline, the writing will be in a bright, eye-catching color. All in all, this is about advice to make a teen girl feel comfortable, not jealous, though this is coming from a guy's perspective.

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Fashion
2) Trends
3) Advice
4) Teenage girls as focus

Challenge Issues:
There are no challenge issues found in this magazine.

Why Included:
I needed to change my blogs up a little and found this magazine at my library. It is what it is, let's just say that.