tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9304416111789718672024-03-18T22:06:35.317-07:00Reading YAKim Woolery • Young Adult Materials • LIBR 265-10 • SJSU SLIS • December 9, 2010 • Prof. Beth Wrenn-EstesKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-80816349678482406562010-12-10T13:05:00.001-08:002010-12-10T13:09:24.367-08:00IntroductionWelcome to my young adult materials database! I really enjoyed this project. I discovered many materials I might not otherwise have come across. I tried to include a variety of items and genres, so I could get a good idea of what was available.<br /><br />This post will include an alphabetical list of all the titles in this blog. This list is also available in the sidebar along with an alphabetical list of authors. Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><b></b><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/21st-century-breakdown-by-green-day.html">21st Century Breakdown by Green Day (Music CD)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/09/great-and-terrible-beauty-by-libba-bray.html">A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray </a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/blood-and-chocolate-by-annette-curtis.html">Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/blood-roses-by-francesca-lia-block.html">Blood Roses by Francesca Lia Block</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/bloom-by-elizabeth-scott.html">Bloom by Elizabeth Scott</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/bob-presents-adventures-of-bobby-ray-by.html">B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray by B.o.B. (Music CD)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/boom-blox-bash-party-game.html">Boom Blox Bash Party (Game)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/catcher-in-rye-by-jd-salinger.html">The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/chasing-liberty-movie.html">Chasing Liberty (Movie)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/cry-baby-movie.html">Cry-baby (Movie)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/corpses-coffins-and-crypts-history-of.html">Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts: A History of Burial by Penny Colman</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/devilish-by-maureen-johnson.html">Devilish by Maureen Johnson</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/dreamland-by-sarah-dessen.html">Dreamland by Sarah Dessen</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/earth-my-butt-and-other-big-round.html">The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/easy.html">Easy A (Movie)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/fiction-connection-database.html">Fiction Connection (Database)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/forever-by-judy-blume.html">Forever by Judy Blume</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/girl-15-charming-but-insane-by-sue-limb.html">Girl, 15, Charming but Insane by Sue Limb</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/guitar-hero-iii-legends-of-rock-video.html">Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Video Game)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/harry-potter-and-deathly-hallows-by-jk.html">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/hunger-games-hunger-games-1-by-suzanne.html">The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/secret-circle-vol-1-initiation-by-lj.html">The Initiation by L.J. Smith</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/literature-resource-center-database.html">Literature Resource Center (Database)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/little-brother-by-cory-doctrow.html">Little Brother by Cory Doctorow</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/living-dead-girl-by-elizabeth-scott.html">Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/buffy-vampire-slayer-season-8-volume-1.html">The Long Way Home by Joss Whedon</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/looking-glass-wars-looking-glass-wars.html">The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/luxe-luxe-trilogy-1-by-anna-godbersen.html">The Luxe by Anna Godbersen</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/maze-runner-by-james-dashner.html">The Maze Runner by James Dashner</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/mockingjay-by-suzane-collins.html">Mockingjay by Suzane Collins</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/monstrumologist-by-rick-yancey.html">The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/nightwood-by-patricia-windsor.html">Nightwood by Patricia Windsor</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/opposing-viewpoints-in-context-database.html">Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Database)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/parrotfish-by-ellen-wittlinger.html">Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/perfect-chemistry-by-simone-elkeles.html">Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/perks-of-being-wallflower-by-stephen.html">The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/pop-culture-universe-database.html">Pop Culture Universe (Database)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/pretty-in-pink-movie.html">Pretty in Pink (Movie)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/seventeen-magazine.html">Seventeen (Magazine)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/shadowland-mediator-1-by-meg-cabot.html">Shadowland by Meg Cabot</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/some-girls-are-by-courtney-summers.html">Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/sonic-mega-collection-plus-video-game.html">Sonic Mega Collection Plus (Video Game)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/09/speak.html">Speak (Movie)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/speak-now-by-taylor-swift-music-cd.html">Speak Now by Taylor Swift (Music CD)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/take-off-american-all-girl-bands-during.html">Take-off!: American All-girl Bands During WWII by Tonya Bolden</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/teen-ink-magazine.html">Teen Ink (Magazine)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/teen-voices-magazine.html">Teen Voices (Magazine)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/teen-vogue-magazine.html">Teen Vogue (Magazine)</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/11/uglies-uglies-trilogy-1-by-scott.html">Uglies by Scott Westerfeld</a><br /><a href="http://libr265woolery.blogspot.com/2010/10/wintergirls-by-laurie-halse-anderson.html">Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson</a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-48943880495787053382010-11-29T19:14:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:09:06.718-08:00Sonic Mega Collection Plus (Video Game)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLmJVvVU8eg9Q4bpiQn9vXehmQr5J4w4PLoS8llfD-WR5lPxEPz3718hCwGTsRgu-OkgMiR9Gi561DZECzwuI_IzbBcmckEa7LKWHTw-OMFglrfCunpcuQu-7gS5_FdsU6WX9WM-8U3I7/s1600/Sonic+mega+collection.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLmJVvVU8eg9Q4bpiQn9vXehmQr5J4w4PLoS8llfD-WR5lPxEPz3718hCwGTsRgu-OkgMiR9Gi561DZECzwuI_IzbBcmckEa7LKWHTw-OMFglrfCunpcuQu-7gS5_FdsU6WX9WM-8U3I7/s200/Sonic+mega+collection.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545177981349394562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic Mega Collection Plus</span>.<br />Release Date: 2004<br />Developer: Sega Of America, Inc.<br />Platform: Playstation 2<br />ESRB Rating: Everyone<br />ASIN: B0002EJ8FC<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summary:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic Mega Collection Plus</span> is a collection of Sonic the Hedgehog games. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic the Hedgehog</span>, Sonic must find and defeat Dr. Robotnik and rescue the animals he has captured. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic the Hedgehog 2</span>, Sonic must again fight Dr. Robotnik, but with the help of Sonic’s new sidekick, Tails. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic the Hedgehog 3</span> introduces Knuckles, who is tricked into helping Dr. Robotnik by protecting his Death Egg and defeating Sonic. In <span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic and Knuckles</span>, the Death Egg has been defeated and Sonic must attempt to gather all the emeralds before Knuckles or Dr. Robotnik can stop him. The player can also choose to be Knuckles while trying to stop Sonic and defeat Dr. Robotnik. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic 3D Blast</span> also allows the player to be either Sonic or Knuckles and attempt to rescue an island of birds from Dr. Robotnik. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic Spinball</span> is a pinball-like game featuring Sonic as the ball. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine</span> is a stacking game where the player must match similar colored dropping beans to cause them to disappear before they overflow.<br /><br />In addition to the seven games included in the original Mega Collection, this plus version contains seven classic Game Gear titles: <span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Labyrinth, Sonic Drift, Sonic Cards, Sonic Blsy, Sonic Chaos,</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine</span>. These games feature very primitive graphics and basic controls. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>Sega has put together a great collection of games in <span style="font-style: italic;">Sonic Mega Collection Plus</span>. It introduces younger players to games that were created before they were old enough to play them and older players can enjoy the games they played when they were younger. Putting the games all together in a series allows players to choose their favorite game or play them all in order to follow the storyline. Though the point of the game is to defeat the evil Dr. Robotnik, there isn’t any obvious violence. There is no option for adjusting skill level, but the game aren’t terribly complicated. The inclusion of the classic Game Gear games is a fun look at the early style of graphics and can appeal to anyone who loves the games of the early 90s. Playing these, a person is really struck by how far technology has come in the past 20 years. The games are no less fun for their primitiveness, either. This collection is a fun and nostalgic look at the Sonic line.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>This is a collection of 13 Sonic the Hedgehog games, including 6 classic Game Gear titles, available all on one disc.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Developer Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Sega was founded in 1940 in Hawaii with the purpose of creating coin-operated games for service members stationed there. It was originally called Standard Games and later changed its name to Service Games. In 1952 the company moved to Tokyo, where the name was changed to Sega, using the first two letters of each word of its previous name. In 1956 it merged with Rosen Enterprises to form Sega Enterprises. In 1986 Sega of America, a subsidiary, was established to market to North American audiences.<br /><br />In addition to developing games, Sega also develops consoles. Its first console, the SG-1000 was released in 1983. It was followed by 17 other systems released around the world, including the latest, Zone-40, a Wii-like console released in 2010. Sega’s development of consoles led to a rivalry with Nintendo. Though Sega experienced a lead over Nintendo in the early 1990s with the development of the popular Sega Geneses, it hasn’t been able to maintain the lead since then.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Video Game</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>All Ages</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>If a challenge were to occur:<ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This collection is great for anyone who loves the old Sonic games. Playing it reminded me of how much I enjoyed them when I was younger.<br /></blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-37564171445911163632010-11-29T19:04:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:09:19.003-08:00Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Video Game)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_aq13xZAKnlkIYkY5PPEvzfpyycgFLRPwJMRipZLSQvUZFSqpk2t51I7aUsvkwJ5VyrrLFSYjsq-EWWnzVe2Y4IfqSuZzrxKpXi_zUFByoJzEbIJH2MVp-j942P7waOezHHnM_hFWr8a/s1600/Guitar-hero-iii-cover-image.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_aq13xZAKnlkIYkY5PPEvzfpyycgFLRPwJMRipZLSQvUZFSqpk2t51I7aUsvkwJ5VyrrLFSYjsq-EWWnzVe2Y4IfqSuZzrxKpXi_zUFByoJzEbIJH2MVp-j942P7waOezHHnM_hFWr8a/s200/Guitar-hero-iii-cover-image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545175634271497634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock</span>.<br />Release Date: 2007<br />Developer: Activision Blizzard (Formerly Activision, Inc.)<br />Platform: Playstation 2<br />ESRB Rating: Teen<br />ASIN: B000TGB4V4<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summary:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock</span> is the fourth <span style="font-style: italic;">Guitar Hero</span> title released by Activision. It’s the first video game to exceed a billion dollars in sales and the best selling title of 2007. Players use a guitar-shaped controller with five colored buttons and a whammy bar. When the notes appear on the screen, the player presses the appropriately colored button to play the song. The player can choose easy through advanced levels of play. The game offers several different types of playing options. The single player career mode allows a player to complete all the songs in a level before being allowed to advance to the next level. The co-op career mode is similar, but players work together to complete the songs. The other multi-player options include a face-off and pro-face off where the players compete while playing the same song. The multi-player battle option is similar, but with the added bonus of power-ups and other tricks that can be used to attack your opponent in order to cause them to mess up. Songs in this version include "Anarchy in the U.K" by The Sex Pistols, "Barracuda" by Heart, "Hit Me With Your Best Sho"t by Pat Benatar, "My Name is Jonas" by Weezer, "School’s Out" by Alice Cooper and 68 other songs by bands the game makers classify as legends of rock.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock</span>, like all of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Guitar Hero</span> line, is a really fun game. The original line was such a unique idea for a video game. It also has a pretty wide appeal, since many of the traditional elements of video games are missing. There is no violence, little strategy needed, and it isn’t specifically targeted to either males or females. It’s a game that can be very simple or very complicated, depending on the player’s skill level; no player is left out because of lack of skill. The best part of the game is definitely the battle mode. Multi-player on its own is pretty fun, since the two players can work together or compete, but still play on their own skill level. When battle mode is introduced, they are given the option of “attacking” the other player with power-ups that can snap a guitar string, flip the notes around backwards, and many other tricks designed to cause them to mess up. This change in competition can give less skilled players an advantage, as well as just mixing up the typical game play. It’s also enjoyable to listen to the songs, rather than the typical annoying video game music. Players can hear old favorites or be introduced to new music. The use of both classic and contemporary rock ensures that there is something for all ages of rock music lovers. This is a game that players can enjoy either alone or with a group of friends or family.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>You can be your favorite rock star with <span style="font-style: italic;">Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.</span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Developer Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Activision is currently one of the largest third-party publishers of video games. It was founded on October 1, 1979 by Jim Levy, Richard Muchmore, and four programmers who left Atari. It was the world’s first independent developer of video games for consoles. Levy chose to promote the programmers and developers for their contribution, which wasn’t common at the time. They also led the way in developing platform games, with their development of <span style="font-style: italic;">Pitfall!</span> in 1982. In the late 1980s, Activision attempted to develop other types of software, but decided to go back to focusing solely on videogames in 1992.<br /><br />While developing other types of software, they change their name to Mediagenic. After a multimillion dollar patent settlement, they were taken over by an investor group, reorganized, and changed their name back to Activision. In 2008, they merged with French company Vivendi and changed their name to Activision Blizzard.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Video Game</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Music: Rock</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>13 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Alcohol references<br />Sexual references</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This is part of a popular video game line that appeals to all ages and sexes. It also appeals to people who don't typically play video games.<br /></blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-18165781805343243562010-11-29T18:33:00.000-08:002010-12-10T12:47:06.878-08:00Seventeen (Magazine)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlLS0BytN183SsIdex51cnjbMbedRpFmkJMhyxyHK7dumPrOsC3zkdR9cAhoe8LiWVwZCPXz1sMKar38Qr57BABJKeBHpVODrN1mNzuLKkIxaLjRE1Ce1LmFwwwz9oGUWZsegdjaH60XB/s1600/Taylor-Swift-Seventeen.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlLS0BytN183SsIdex51cnjbMbedRpFmkJMhyxyHK7dumPrOsC3zkdR9cAhoe8LiWVwZCPXz1sMKar38Qr57BABJKeBHpVODrN1mNzuLKkIxaLjRE1Ce1LmFwwwz9oGUWZsegdjaH60XB/s200/Taylor-Swift-Seventeen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545166417802884882" border="0" /></a><i>Seventeen.</i> Editor-in-Chief: Ann Shoket. Hearst Corportation. ISSN: 0037-301X.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Seventeen</span> is currently the most popular magazine for teenage girls, outselling the next highest almost two to one. It was first launched in 1944 for girls aged 12 through 19. In addition to the American publication, there are also 7 international versions and a Hispanic American version. There are 10 print magazines published each year, as well as numerous articles on their website. Though the primary focus of the magazine is fashion and beauty, it does have some more serious content. The articles are divided into subjects, such as fashion, love life, and health, which are then grouped together for easier reading. The December /January issue features country singer Taylor Swift with an article about her latest album.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Seventeen</span> is the most popular magazine with teen girls for a reason. Its combination of fashion, beauty, celebrity culture, pop culture, relationships, and serious topics cover almost everything of interest to its target audience. Unlike other fashion magazines for teens, only a little over half of the content is devoted to fashion and beauty. The rest focuses on culture, health, self-help, and other topics. This provides a good mix of articles. Also unique to the magazine is the affordability of many of the products featured, though the abundance of ads is kind of an issue. The staff seems to be very in tune with what are the latest trends among teen girls. The magazine is colorful, has a fun and useful layout, and features interesting and easy to read articles. The self-help sections and the articles over topics such as pregnancy, family issues, body image, school, and other serious topics are informative and never judgmental. They don’t sugar-coat the issue and they do offer resources for those experiencing the same thing. This is a good magazine for the “typical” teenage girl. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>Seventeen is the number one source for fashion, dating, friend, and school advice for teen girls.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Ann Shoket was born June 16, 1972 in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. She attended New York University where she graduated cum laude. She also has a certificate in Media Management from The New School, also in New York. After college she was a reporter for <span style="font-style: italic;">The American Lawyer</span>. She created a strictly online magazine called <span style="font-style: italic;">Tag</span>. She then spent several years working for <span style="font-style: italic;">Parade</span> magazine and launched their teen counterpart. After<span style="font-style: italic;"> Parade</span>, she was senior editor and then executive editor of <span style="font-style: italic;">CosmoGIRL!</span> before becoming editor-in-chief of <span style="font-style: italic;">Seventeen</span> in 2007.<br /><br />In her time with <span style="font-style: italic;">Seventeen</span> she has helped the magazine become the number one teen magazine in newsstands for the first time since Hearst bought it. She also relaunched the website, which is now in the top ten of teen sites. She was named one of the most powerful magazine editors two years in a row by <span style="font-style: italic;">Forbes</span>. She also serves on the board of several committees benefiting teen girls, including The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Young Women's Magazine</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>13 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Sexual content</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Seventeen</span> has been a popular magazine for teenage girls for over 60 years.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-55932644379763371262010-11-29T18:25:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:13:49.164-08:00Teen Ink (Magazine)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEpr0HJaEZTLa8hD6fJyeRUw_wq1koHAUZXaxE5v2QoIePiukVHYufoPtVJJnkHCbSxTG1KuwVGw6APxOmMpPTRga81pQsvgMAkNoV2pFSJXnyDGd1AHjHPyySfzZJaYpXF2_nnc1m0oU/s1600/Dec10Big.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEpr0HJaEZTLa8hD6fJyeRUw_wq1koHAUZXaxE5v2QoIePiukVHYufoPtVJJnkHCbSxTG1KuwVGw6APxOmMpPTRga81pQsvgMAkNoV2pFSJXnyDGd1AHjHPyySfzZJaYpXF2_nnc1m0oU/s200/Dec10Big.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547408971404127458" border="0" /></a><i>Teen Ink.</i> Editors: John and Stephanie H. Meyer. The Young Authors Foundation. ISSN: 1545-1283.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Ink</span> is a literary magazine for teenagers that was launched in 1989. Originally it was called<span style="font-style: italic;"> 21st Century</span> to reflect that it was a magazine for the generation of the future, but the name was changed in the early 2000s. Ten print issues a year are published; many other submissions are posted on their website. Any teenager aged 13 to 19 can contribute to the magazine by submitting their works through an online forum, email, or mail. They are also allowed so submit works anonymously, if they prefer. The magazine accepts poetry, fiction, non-fiction, works of art, photos, interviews, points of view articles, and essays. Nearly a fourth of the magazine is devoted to poetry. Everything featured in the magazine is the work of a teenager; there are no adult contributors. The magazines occasionally have a theme of some kind that many of the works will fall under. The December 2010 issue featured several non-fiction stories about community service.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Ink</span> is similar in content and format to traditional high school and college literary magazines, but with a few differences. The most obvious difference is that the magazine is much more open to submissions than typical literary magazines are. Any teenager can submit, rather than being limited to students in journalism or English classes or students who are the most gifted writers. The writing is also only lightly edited; generally it is included in it's original entirety. This allows those submitting to have a open outlet for their words that they might not otherwise have.<br /><br />The magazine has a nice layout, with clearly defined sections and an aesthetically pleasing arrangement of articles and artwork. The ad pages are a little overwhelming, more due to the way they are arranged than the number included. However, the ads are primarily for colleges and other educational and career opportunities, so they are in keeping with the magazine’s style. It is obvious that the content included is written by teenagers, but in a very good way. The stories, poetry and articles are honest, creative and well-written. Though each is very different from the others, they are also cohesive. This magazine would be an excellent addition to a library or classroom for both the works included and the opportunity for teens to submit their own.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Ink</span> is a literary magazine that gives the opportunity for every teen to be heard.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Editor Information:</span><br /><blockquote>John and Stephanie H. Meyer formed <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Ink </span>in 1989. They felt that traditional teen literary magazines were aimed towards the gifted students, so they wanted to create one that was for everyone. They run the Young Authors Foundation, Inc., a non-profit that supports the magazine.<br /><br />Stephanie H. Meyer has a Masters in Education and Social Work. She has worked as a publisher, compiler, editor, and author. She also is very dedicated to helping youth. John Meyer has an MBA. He has also worked in various aspects of the publishing field, including publishing two successful business magazines. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Teen Literary Magazine<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>English<br />Journalism<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>13 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Occasional profanity<br />Occasional drug references</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This magazine is a great alternative to the traditional literary magazine.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-28347565686225442972010-11-29T18:20:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:14:29.636-08:00Teen Voices (Magazine)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_r6umriNjqaB2x8pTLAdFwpS3a6FTbV7QxQUX6NSWIbBdIKFnGqbg1oCRbcWg2kkgl0NzeTVWussVg9kP9WVwQJ3xiJc4U2qTSmtmxhycXVZI4vPCD5TsHxrf0-zkAV0SFJrp4H8BnbWM/s1600/TV.Fall_.Cover_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_r6umriNjqaB2x8pTLAdFwpS3a6FTbV7QxQUX6NSWIbBdIKFnGqbg1oCRbcWg2kkgl0NzeTVWussVg9kP9WVwQJ3xiJc4U2qTSmtmxhycXVZI4vPCD5TsHxrf0-zkAV0SFJrp4H8BnbWM/s200/TV.Fall_.Cover_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545162880367020578" border="0" /></a><i>Teen Voices.</i> Editor: Jessica Moore. Women Express, Inc. ISSN: 1074-7494<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Voices</span> is a magazine created for and written by teenage girls. It was launched in 1989 in Boston. The magazine sponsors journalism workshops for its contributors, but it also accepts submissions from any girl aged 13 through 19. The print version is published twice a year in April and November; the online version is published monthly. The magazine primarily focuses on social issues rather than the usual topics in teen girl magazines such as fashion and pop culture. The Fall 2010 issue includes articles about women in politics, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and female genital mutilation. Regular features include “College Prep,” “GLBT Youth,” “Art Beat,” and “Food Buzz,” among others. The magazine also features original stories and poetry.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>The mission of <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Voices</span> is an admirable one. Rather than the traditional teenage girl magazine fare of fashion, makeup, and boys, this one focuses on social issues, responsible consumerism, and creativity. It’s refreshing to read a magazine that features articles on things like how American Apparel ads exploit young women rather than just how cute their clothes are, especially when those articles are written by young women who are considering these issues themselves rather than just listening to an adult tell them what to think. The teens who contribute to the magazine have written articles that are well researched and provide opinions that are intelligent. The message of social responsibility is excellent, especially coming from girls who are the same age as the readers.<br /><br />The magazine isn’t as flashy as other magazines marketed to teen girls, but it has a young look, as if the girls themselves were the ones who put it together. Because of the message of responsible consumerism, the magazine isn’t overrun with ads. Very little of its revenue is due to advertising. The way the magazine is put together is interesting, as well. The publishers primarily work with inner city girls in Boston through workshops, giving them the opportunity to learn valuable journalism skills as well as life skills. Not all the submissions are from them, however, as the magazine will accept work from any girl under the age of 19, giving teen girls a wonderful opportunity to consider the world around them and share their opinions. This is truly an entertaining magazine with a wonderful message for girls. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Voices</span> is a magazine by teen girls for teen girls that focuses on social issues affect them.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Editor Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Jessica Moore has a B.A. in English Literature and French from Penn State University. She has worked in journalism for 12 years. She spent five years as the senior Web producer for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, where she covered major news events and developed the website’s arts coverage. She has also worked as the senior web editor for Media Matters for America and spent two years heading up the online portion of U.S. News and World Report’s college rankings list.<br /><br />Before becoming editor of <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Voices</span>, she was managing editor of Digital Media at Sesame Workshop. After being laid off from that job, she was offered the position of editor. Despite the rather drastic pay cut, she took the job immediately.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Young Women's Magazine</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Journalism</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>13 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Regular GLBT feature</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>As a magazine that is both for teens and written by teens, this is a great resource.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-43679936644002113022010-11-29T17:46:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:17:30.496-08:00Teen Vogue (Magazine)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WvwWMpuInHStUz3h1t8Qi-ku_W9nW1cKqWAB8UTy58ZovWqaiJ1SPVxPo8NWUO5hWX9GxhsPDWPHWVqUVZrx9Tmptt3V9tjZLG4n4lWCqjzeV7XeJ99fpFw7nJ_KCeUUymlftxMb1Wab/s1600/Lea-Michele-and-Cory-Monteith-on-Teen-Vogue-December-2010.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WvwWMpuInHStUz3h1t8Qi-ku_W9nW1cKqWAB8UTy58ZovWqaiJ1SPVxPo8NWUO5hWX9GxhsPDWPHWVqUVZrx9Tmptt3V9tjZLG4n4lWCqjzeV7XeJ99fpFw7nJ_KCeUUymlftxMb1Wab/s200/Lea-Michele-and-Cory-Monteith-on-Teen-Vogue-December-2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547978969070836018" border="0" /></a><i>Teen Vogue</i><b><i>.</i></b> Editor-in-Chief Amy Astley. Condé Nast Publications. ISSN: 1540-2215<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Vogue</span> is the flashy younger sister to the original <span style="font-style: italic;">Vogue </span>magazine. It was launched in January of 2003 and prints 10 issues a year. Its format is smaller than traditional American magazines, measuring only 6¾ inches by 9 inches. Each magazine contains a series of regular features such as “Fashion Features,” “People Are Talking About,” “Horoscopes,” and “Style Blogger.” In addition to these features, the magazine includes articles over a number of topics relating to fashion, beauty, music, and Hollywood. The magazine also includes articles that focus on more serious topics that affect teen girls such as drug use, eating disorders, and education. The December/January issue featured article titled “Going Green: Friend Envy Is More Common Than You Think” which focuses on competitiveness and jealousy between close friends and how to deal with it.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Vogue</span> is, first and foremost, a fashion magazine. Though less sophisticated than its adult counterpart, it’s no less beautiful in its presentation. The fashion pictorials are colorful and eye-catching. Rather than being runway ready, most of the outfits featured are easily copied and could be worn by any fashion-conscious teenager to school or out with friends. Though the clothing featured is a little expensive for most teenagers, the magazine often offers advice for similar outfits at a more reasonable price. There are also the requisite beauty articles but, to its credit, the magazine focuses on healthy practices. The celebrity interviews, such as the adorable one with Cory Monteith and Lea Michele in the December/January issue, feature celebrities and musicians that are currently some of the most popular with teens. This offers something for those teens who like to keep up with pop culture. As a magazine whose tagline is “fashion starts here,” it has accomplished this goal and could be satisfied with that. It does offer more than that, however. It also tries to focus on more serious issues that are important to teens and is successful in doing that in a helpful and non-judgmental way. The article about friend envy offers simple advice about both dealing with being jealousy of a friend and dealing with your own insecurities. <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Vogue</span> does have a specific target audience, that of the fashion conscious teenage girl, and it will definitely satisfy that audience.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Vogue</span> is a fun and flashy look at fashion for teen girls.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Editor-in-Chief Information:</span><br /><blockquote>When the launch of <span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Vogue</span> was announced in 2002, <span style="font-style: italic;">Vogue</span> editor Anna Wintour named Amy Astley as the editor. Astley had been on the staff of <span style="font-style: italic;">Vogue</span> since 1993 and the Beauty Director since 1994. Before working at <span style="font-style: italic;">Vogue</span>, she spent four years at <span style="font-style: italic;">HG</span>, another Condé Nast magazine.<br /><br />Astley is from East Lansing, Michigan. After graduating from East Lansing High School she attended the Michigan State University Honors College, where she received a B.A. in English Literature. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Young Women's Magazine<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>13 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This is a flashy and entertaining look at fashion for teen girls. It's also an age appropriate sister magazine of a popular fashion magazine for adults.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-42595699378426199262010-11-29T17:38:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:27:46.882-08:0021st Century Breakdown by Green Day (Music CD)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz7mXchMrDbR1T0LaVYDq4bex3p63WyGlFvPsk3Ky6sodqwb7CQnE1IMu4WkDBxT4ITC2OBKP-mrTA6uSDXQYlpTdAZSDnfpzGv0fTmokI5OtynqxjZ9-q-NBAYn5kd9jQAeoHkiJYpWl/s1600/21st_Century_Breakdown_Album_Cover.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz7mXchMrDbR1T0LaVYDq4bex3p63WyGlFvPsk3Ky6sodqwb7CQnE1IMu4WkDBxT4ITC2OBKP-mrTA6uSDXQYlpTdAZSDnfpzGv0fTmokI5OtynqxjZ9-q-NBAYn5kd9jQAeoHkiJYpWl/s200/21st_Century_Breakdown_Album_Cover.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545152208748183378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">21st Century Breakdown</span>. Artist: Green Day. ASIN: B001SAQVDQ. Label: Reprise Records. Release Date: May 15, 2009.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">21st Century Breakdown</span> is Green Day’s latest album and the first they’ve released in five years. It’s written in the rock opera style much like their previous album, <span style="font-style: italic;">American Idiot</span>. It’s divided into three acts: “Heroes and Cons,” “Charlatans and Saints,” and “Horseshoes and Handgrenades.” When played from start to finish, the album tells the story of a young couple named Christian and Gloria who are dealing with life in America post-Bush’s presidency. They encounter a repressive government and manipulative social culture. The story isn’t a set narrative, but rather loosely connected. The songs touch on themes such as religion, disconnect, nihilism, idealism, and hope. Many of the songs also include references to Billie Joe Armstrong’s own life; the band has claimed that this is the most personal of the albums he’s written. The album includes four singles: "Know Your Enemy," "21 Guns," "East Jesus Nowhere," and "21st Century Breakdown."</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">21st Century Breakdown</span> is the perfect complement to <span style="font-style: italic;">American Idiot</span>. It continues the story that Green Day presented in the previous album, focusing on the problems with trying to survive in modern American society. As Green Day’s sound changes, their ability to touch on social and political issues also improves. More liberal-leaning, politically savvy teenagers will appreciate the substance in the lyrics, while those who are less interested in the message can enjoy the band’s experimentation with combining genres. Traditionally, Green Day had a more mainstream punk sound. In the last few years they’ve added more pop elements, but <span style="font-style: italic;">21st Century Breakdown</span> is also heavily influenced by classic rock. It has a very grandiose sound appropriate for the rock opera format. They’re bold in their style, choosing an almost bigger is better approach to sound, which really works with the counter-culture attitude in many of their songs. Armstrong has always been a clever lyricist, but his writing has matured. He’s no longer the angry kid of the band’s early days, but he still maintains his fearless ability to call out society for all its perceived wrongdoings. This attitude, coupled with their pop punk rock sound, makes this a great album for any teenager looking to loudly express their dissatisfaction.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>Green Day's latest album is a politically charge rock opera in the style of their previous album.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Artist Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Green day was formed in 1986 by lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist Mike Dirnt when both were 14. The band was originally known as Sweet Children, but the name was change to Green Day in 1989 with the addition of drummer John Kiffmeyer. Kiffmeyer left the band in 1990 to attend college and was replaced by current drummer Tré Cool.<br /><br />In 1989 they signed with independent label Lookout! who, in 1990, released their first full length album, <span style="font-style: italic;">39/Smooth</span>. They released one more album with Lookout! before signing with Reprise Records. They’ve released six studio albums with Reprise Records, as well as five live albums and two compilation albums.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Pop Punk Rock<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Political Science: Forms of Protest<br />Music<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>14 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Profanity<br />References to violence<br />Anti-religion<br />Anti-government<br />Drug references</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>Green Day's career has spanned more than 20 years, making it a band that can appeal to teenagers as well as their older relatives.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-66511682989690763612010-11-29T17:35:00.001-08:002010-12-10T10:27:59.202-08:00Speak Now by Taylor Swift (Music CD)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpJGaSKJNMPARuQAPr1SasAQsB-aI0CcHlsum3KWELPcIloobyglo8T22nsR5iMZ9EBTNtme9-9F4kYFYqQOGWOB6IRNNXBp117HSF5J-qdHvn6aJDUNbEjCxHboWygiCCUPk0Y3kwtKe/s1600/Taylor_Swift_-_Speak_Now_cover.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpJGaSKJNMPARuQAPr1SasAQsB-aI0CcHlsum3KWELPcIloobyglo8T22nsR5iMZ9EBTNtme9-9F4kYFYqQOGWOB6IRNNXBp117HSF5J-qdHvn6aJDUNbEjCxHboWygiCCUPk0Y3kwtKe/s200/Taylor_Swift_-_Speak_Now_cover.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545150840671685138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Speak Now</span>. Artist: Taylor Swift. ASIN: B003WTE886. Label: Big Machine Records. Release Date: October 25, 2010.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Speak Now</span> is Taylor Swift’s third album. It’s also her first album with songs written exclusively by her. This album features darker themes than her first two, particularly touching on loneliness and heartbreak. She uses her songs to call out those who have hurt her, including past boyfriends and critics of her singing. The album received quite a bit of press when it was revealed that the song “Dear John” was supposedly a reference to the relationship the young singer had with the much older John Mayer. Only one single has been released from the album so far. “Mine” is similar to singles from her earlier albums in that it focuses on the experiences of young love, but it is indicative of the more mature subject matter of this current album. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>Taylor Swift has always been able to perfectly capture the feelings of innocent young love, from the initial attraction, through the first kiss, and ending with the inevitable heartbreak. With <span style="font-style: italic;">Speak Now</span> she continues this theme, but she moves past the innocence into a darker place. She’s no longer the girl with teardrops falling on her guitar, but a young woman who has experienced genuine pain and who isn’t afraid to place the blame where it should fall, including squarely on her own shoulders at times. In keeping with her more mature presence, her lyrics also contain more mature subject matter, including references to sexual relationships that weren‘t present in her other albums. Her songs are full of regret and solitude. Though she still maintains that quality that has made her a favorite of younger audiences, with this album she is beginning her transformation into an adult artist. Musically, though, her style is similar to previous albums. Her singing voice isn’t the most impressive, but that’s never been where her talent truly lies, anyway. She’s a songwriter at heart and her singing is simply the vehicle to tell her story. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>This third album from Taylor Swift features songs written about her personal experiences. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Artist Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Taylor swift was born December 13, 1989 in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. At the age of 11, she went to Nashville hoping to obtain a record deal but was rejected and returned to Pennsylvania. She received her first guitar at age 12 and began to write her own songs. She continued to visit Nashville where she worked with songwriters. Her family moved to Nashville when she was 14 and she became the youngest songwriter ever hired by Sony/ATV Tree. At age 15 she signed with Big Machine Records.<br /><br />Her first single was released in 2006, followed by her self-titled debut album. Her album became one of only 3 this decade to spend more the 20 weeks at the number one position on the Top Country Albums chart. Her second album was release in 2008. It received the best online start for any country album and is the best digital selling country album ever. Her third album was release in 2010 and features songs completely written by her. She has also launched an acting career, appearing in the 2010 movie <span style="font-style: italic;">Valentine's Day.</span><br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Pop Country</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Music</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>12 and older<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>If a challenge were to occur:<br /><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>Taylor Swift is a successful young artist with award-winning albums that are popular with audiences from tweens through adults.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-83697083528836859112010-11-29T17:17:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:30:46.602-08:00B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray by B.o.B. (Music CD)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKhautkLMCjuTKQvNT3AMaMMB-VzbUQTfKfNc9OqT_wmXu5oZJnEp6zG8y_clBbx0uCSk4RHMh3FMh9XRAZcDL7s7oGYYsfSo9UJWYHaxM2bMqwa13c9XoF1jZGdZX8yM6z63UHAG-Rwg/s1600/TheAdventuresofBobbyRay.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKhautkLMCjuTKQvNT3AMaMMB-VzbUQTfKfNc9OqT_wmXu5oZJnEp6zG8y_clBbx0uCSk4RHMh3FMh9XRAZcDL7s7oGYYsfSo9UJWYHaxM2bMqwa13c9XoF1jZGdZX8yM6z63UHAG-Rwg/s200/TheAdventuresofBobbyRay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545150401315717106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray</span>. Artist: B.o.B. ASIN: B003BWQDZU. Label: Atlantic. Release Date: April 27, 2010.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray</span> is the first studio album from rap/hip-hop artist B.o.B. Many of the songs feature other popular artists spanning several genres, such as Hayley Williams of Paramore, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Bruno Mars, Janelle Monáe, and Eminem. Part of the concept for this album is based on the idea of balancing the rap star with the “real” Bobby Ray, but it isn’t a narrative in any way. The critical reception for the album was mixed, but it did well commercially. After debuting at number one, it managed to become the third best selling hip hop album of 2010.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>B.o.B is a hip hop artist reminiscent of musicians such as Andre 3000 and Big Boi from Outkast - a duo which seems to have had a great influence on his style. Rather than simply relying on his rapping skills, he also sings and plays many of the instruments featured on his album and he does so with great talent. His choice of artists to partner with is surprising, but it works. No one would have expected the coupling of a new hip hop up-and-comer with Weezer’s front man, but “Magic” is the catchy and fun track. Though primarily a hip hop album, he draws inspiration from multiple musical styles including pop rock, jazz, and even a more laid back acoustic guitar style. This creates a unique style that isn’t often heard in hip hop. This experimentation with style is to be expected from a rapper who previously sampled the Beatles’ "Eleanor Rigby," but it almost leaves the listener wishing for more experimentation. His lyrics are clever, including such lines as “If you asked me what’s on my mind you probably won’t believe it/Cause if life was one big pool I’d be in the deep end.” This is a promising debut from a talented artist. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>This is the debut studio album from B.o.B, featuring singles such as "Nothin' On You," "Airplanes," "Don't Let Me Fall," and "Bet I."<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Artist Information:</span><br /><blockquote>B.o.B was born Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. on November 15, 1988. He spent his childhood in Decatur, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. He was a musical child, playing several instruments in grade school, including the trumpet. In high school, he and a friend formed a production duo called Klinic. When his partner went to college, he launched his solo career.<br /><br />In 2006, he signed with manager T.J. Chapman, who secured a deal with Atlantic Records. He released his first single for Atlantic in 2007, followed by other very successful singles. His debut album, <span style="font-style: italic;">B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray</span> was released on April 27, 2010. He was nominated for 29 awards in 2010.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Hip Hop</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Music</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>14 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Profanity<br />Drug references<br />Sexual Ccontent</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This is the already popular artist's debut album.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-83735995583180806752010-11-28T20:48:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:50:05.402-08:00Literature Resource Center (Database)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU2b_iU2vf9scX04C8pYPqdqpf43Zv7_3t4x_mRH-_mzubmguqyBGSzgYCUUvl0oYxtyV90z-BtvCWy793y2agIJO8mdqyIg5ZPE4_bsPgjU_2HFlVO0eMHouU6_g1xS1m0IE8Hv5_YBY/s1600/LitResCtrwr.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 86px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU2b_iU2vf9scX04C8pYPqdqpf43Zv7_3t4x_mRH-_mzubmguqyBGSzgYCUUvl0oYxtyV90z-BtvCWy793y2agIJO8mdqyIg5ZPE4_bsPgjU_2HFlVO0eMHouU6_g1xS1m0IE8Hv5_YBY/s200/LitResCtrwr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547078156578119858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Literature Resource Center (Database)</span>, Gale. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote>The<span style="font-style: italic;"> Literature Resource Center</span> is a database that can be used to find articles over works of literature, authors, and other literary topics. These articles include book reviews, literary criticism, author biographies, diaries and correspondence, and full text selections of poems and short stories. Additionally, there are links to websites, pictures, and audio interviews.<br /><br />The database provides several options for searches. In the basic search the user can search by person - by or about, name of work, keyword, or all text. There options for limiting results include searching only peer-reviewed sources, selecting the publication date range or century, and selecting the content type or the specific publication. There is also the option to search the whole database or specific resources. The advance search adds the options of searching by language, document type and intended audience. The person search allows the user to search by name or a combination of gender, ethnicity, nationality, place of birth, place of death, date of birth, date of death, century, genre, occupation, literary movement, and subject. The works search allows the user to name or any combination of type, author, publication year, century, original language, author gender, author nationality, author ethnicity, and full text.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>The <span style="font-style: italic;">Literature Resource Center</span> is a great resource for English teachers and students, as well as anyone with an interest in literature. The vast number of search options almost guarantees that users will be able to find the information for which they are searching. The author and works searches are particularly helpful, because they result in all resources associated with either, which is a much more extensive selection than might be found with the basic or even advanced search options. Despite the sheer number of search options, this is a simple database to use. Extensive knowledge of information databases is not needed, as a natural language search can suffice for most topics. If the user does run into trouble, the user guide offers instructions, tips, and a guided tour that are incredibly helpful.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>This database provides articles about writers and literature.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publishing Company Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Gale was first established in 1954 Frederick Gale Ruffner. In 1985 it was acquired by the Thomson Corporation and became part of their Learning Division. When the Thomson Corporation decided to sell its Learning Division in 2007, a private consortium purchased it and the name was changed to Cengage Learning. Gale is the primary reference section of Cengage Learning<br /><br />Gale has more than 600 databases that are available online, as eBooks, in print, and in microform. Gale’s imprints include Macmillan Reference USA, the TAFT group, Greenhaven Press, and Thorndike Press, among others. In addition to providing services to libraries and schools, Gale allows its products to be licensed to other online information services such as Dow Jones, and Looksmart.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Can be used to find sources for English classes.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>All ages</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>If there were challenges:<ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>Having been an English major and having a particular interest in literary criticism, I found this database to be full of fascinating articles.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-56724196656734064332010-11-28T20:37:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:53:35.110-08:00Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Database)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2va1Q78VxzvXEI1CDbsWp2id4wJCfDcVxUMcLeV5cwq9xwAn4EkboTBdC6xxWIjKlDXcem6jYewrzCRNvktThUJ63olrgPNjCfmRejv0_tGS2-fOF9SuUQg_X0YWXvnZiENGS4PGyv40g/s1600/opposing+viewpoints+in+context.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 52px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2va1Q78VxzvXEI1CDbsWp2id4wJCfDcVxUMcLeV5cwq9xwAn4EkboTBdC6xxWIjKlDXcem6jYewrzCRNvktThUJ63olrgPNjCfmRejv0_tGS2-fOF9SuUQg_X0YWXvnZiENGS4PGyv40g/s200/opposing+viewpoints+in+context.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547083311136859778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Database)</span>, Gale. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Opposing Viewpoints in Context</span> contains articles, court cases, biographies, pro/con essays, and primary source documents all designed to show the many opinions associated with current political and social issues. It also includes podcasts, images, charts, graphs, and tables.<br /><br />The basic search options include a keyword search of viewpoints, images, reference, news, magazines, academic journals, primary sources, statistics, audio, video, websites, or all of these. The advance search allows the user to select one of the typical database fields such as keyword, title, subject, author, ISSN, or publisher, as well as several others. The search can then be limited to full text, peer reviewed, publication date, document type, content type, content level, and lexile range. In addition to using the search fields, the user can also view a list of topics, with each issue including links to all the resources available for the topic, as well as a list of expert picks, a statistical map, and a brief explanation of the issue. The statistical map is also available as a separate option, where a topic can be chosen and narrowed according to the statistic. Finally, the database includes a list of curriculum standards for the United States and seven other countries. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Opposing Viewpoints in Context</span> is an excellent resource for students and teachers. It includes the most up-to-date information about an extensive list of social and political issues, as well as historical information on each of the issues. The inclusion of so many viewpoints on a particular topic all in one place makes this database the place for users to learn almost everything need to know about the topic. Rather than having to search numerous databases with several keywords, the user can simply select a topic to find hundreds or often thousands of resources that can then be narrowed to fit the user's specific needs. This ease of use makes it the perfect resource for high school students who are just beginning to learn how to conduct research.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>This database provides articles with opposing viewpoints on a wide range of topics from politics to science to culture.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Company Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Gale was first established in 1954 Frederick Gale Ruffner. In 1985 it was aquired by the Thomson Corporation and became part of their Learning Division. When the Thomson Corporation decided to sell its Learning Division in 2007, a private consortium purchased it and the name was changed to Cengage Learning. Gale is the primary reference section of Cengage Learning<br /><br />Gale has more than 600 databases that are available online, as eBooks, in print, and in microform. Gale’s imprints include Macmillan Reference USA, the TAFT group, Greenhaven Press, and Thorndike Press, among others. In addition to providing servies to libraries and schools, Gale allows its products to be licensed to other online information services such as Dow Jones, and Looksmart.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Can be used to find sources for classes on:<br /><blockquote>History<br />Current Events<br />Debate<br />Science<br />Health<br />Psychology</blockquote></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>All ages</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>If there were challenges:<ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This is an great resource for projects that require the user to form an opinion on a topic or to present opposing opinions on the topic.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-47358531723492269482010-11-28T19:47:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:53:47.124-08:00Pop Culture Universe (Database)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAiUXzJGSGvvRoZkq0cSoGqG7VXaojcKP2Vm5Y4Pj3TKR-C8bFkM988-xXiw_5aqYd7skJ6eBAIwKRQkbcEH3CGOGYtEUrU10lFqhSwulge6Xr6nZa14JGQwqi3VDUAkLpws_xeDDP7Iy/s1600/header_middle.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 44px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAiUXzJGSGvvRoZkq0cSoGqG7VXaojcKP2Vm5Y4Pj3TKR-C8bFkM988-xXiw_5aqYd7skJ6eBAIwKRQkbcEH3CGOGYtEUrU10lFqhSwulge6Xr6nZa14JGQwqi3VDUAkLpws_xeDDP7Iy/s200/header_middle.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544822681148223154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">pop Culture Universe (Database)</span>, ABC-CLIO. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Pop Culture Universe</span> is a database for those interested in American pop culture from the 1900s through the present time. It includes news articles, primary sources, statistical tables, timelines, videos, images, and commentary. There are four options for searches. The decades option lists all the decades from 1900 through the present with an introduction and lists of suggestion topics under it. The analyze option lists four decades with topics that greatly impacted American culture, such as “1950s: Cold War and Conformity.” The advanced search option allows for a more typical search. The user can enter keywords and then limit the search by checking particular criteria. The search can be limited by category - which includes seven main categories and multiple subcategories - decades, and subjects. There is also the option for a basic keyword search without limitations.<br /><br />One of the more unique features of the database is that of the analyze option. When the user selects the topic, rather than simply receiving a list of sources, an entire lesson is presented. It begins with a key question pertaining to the topic followed by a brief example. The user can then select the “Need to Know” option which lists sources specific to that question. After that, the user can explore the “Dilemma” option that presents several perspectives on the question. After reading the perspectives, a list of questions to investigate is offered. Finally, a bibliography of more resources is given.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Pop Culture Universe</span> is a unique resource. Rather than just the typical search database, it’s a fully functional learning tool. The analyze option provides a lesson plan in itself, as well as a way to guide those users who aren’t very sophisticated in their research habits. By grouping the sources together according to specific topics, the user can learn to understand how to determine sources that are appropriate for topics. The addition of the research question gives the user a one stop learning area for the topics included. The decade option can also streamline searches according to a specific time period that is being studied. For users who are slightly more advanced with their searching or who would like to learn about a topic spanning multiple decades and source types, the keyword search option is a good choice that retrieves documents in the manner of a more traditional database. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pop Culture Universe</span> might not be the best choice for the more serious of researchers, as it does seem to be geared towards a younger audience doing classroom research, but it would be an excellent resource for a high school classroom setting. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Pop Culture Universe</span> is a database of articles and sources on pop culture from the 1900s through modern times.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Company Information:</span><br /><blockquote>ABC-CLIO publishes reference products for the Social Sciences and History. It was first founded in 1955 as the American Bibliographic Company. In 1961, CLIO press was created as a subsidiary. The two were incorporated into ABC-CLIO in 1969. In 1971, the company expanded to Europe.<br /><br />ABC-CLIO has eight History databases which have received more than 50 awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Award and the CODiE Award. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pop Culture Universe</span> was distinguished by the ALA as the most outstanding and significant reference work of 2008 and given the Dartmouth Medal. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Can be used to find sources for classes on:<br /><blockquote>History<br />Current Events<br />Film<br />Pop Culture<br />Advertising<br />Music</blockquote></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>All ages</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>If there were challenges:<ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This is a great premise for a database. It could be helpful for teachers looking for ways to make research more interesting to the students.<br /></blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-57851125274307168862010-11-28T18:56:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:53:05.029-08:00Fiction Connection (Database)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7Bx92nS3tQdsrbAh2sUTRv4W5Qx0mYyhH2mwXTzT2loVWT46mb5ygpw2wTkRSbkqPUOk1zek5EUbETuS6a2xY1ckYa_ytxWCujjRSt8xblsoXdn6VmnhPvSWyJSv_beaP2sHsFdv_kPl/s1600/logo_header.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 68px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7Bx92nS3tQdsrbAh2sUTRv4W5Qx0mYyhH2mwXTzT2loVWT46mb5ygpw2wTkRSbkqPUOk1zek5EUbETuS6a2xY1ckYa_ytxWCujjRSt8xblsoXdn6VmnhPvSWyJSv_beaP2sHsFdv_kPl/s200/logo_header.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544802294399483058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">FictionConnection (Database)</span>, Bowkers. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Description:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">FictionConnection</span> is a database that individuals can use to discover books that have similar qualities to those they already like. When using the search field, the user can enter a title, author, or ISBN or choose to search by all three fields. After the correct book or author has been found, the database provides a list of similar titles. There is also a list of characteristics, such genre, topic, location, and so on, that the user can check to narrow the results.<br /><br />If the user isn’t sure of an exact title or author by which to search, the database also offers lists of keywords under the headings of topic, genre, setting, character, location, and timeframe. After clicking on the keyword, the user is given a list of books as well as a graph that shows other keywords associated with the original keyword. Each new item that is clicked changes the results slightly. After identifying a title he or she would like to read, the user is able to click the "search my library's catalog" button to find a listing of the item at the local library.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">FictionConnection</span> is a great resource for readers. For those readers like me who often finish a book with a desire to read something along the same vein, this can provide a list of several books to satisfy that desire. Additionally, the keyword list and the related subjects graph offer a way for users to discover new titles they might not otherwise have encountered. The ability to find a wide range of titles or narrow it down to a list with very specific characteristics can satisfy the needs of any type of user. The inclusion of the “search my library’s catalog” button makes the transition between choosing a book and finding its availability in the local library an easy one.<br /><br />This database is very simple to use. Though it is fairly self-explanatory, there is a help menu with step by step instructions. The instructions include pictures, examples and clear explanations of how to use the database.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>This is a database for finding books similar to those you already like.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Company Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Bowkers is a company that provides products and resources to publishers, book sellers, and libraries. It began in 1872 with the creation of <span style="font-style: italic;">Publisher’s Weekly</span>. In the 140 years since then, Bowkers has acquired or launched numerous services to benefit those working in the publishing industry and related fields.<br /><br />Bowkers's products include not only <span style="font-style: italic;">FictionConnection</span>, but <span style="font-style: italic;">Non-FictionConnection, Ulrich’s Serials Analysis System, BooksInPrint.com, Pubnet,</span> and many more. Most of its products and services do require a login, but they can be accessed through a library or business that has purchased a subscription.<br /></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>For use in any course where a student would need to find a fiction book to read.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>N/A</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>All ages</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>If there were challenges:<ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>I have been searching for a resource like this for some time, but I was never aware it existed until I began this project.<br /></blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-47095625005668439142010-11-22T20:54:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:53:16.598-08:00Take-off!: American All-girl Bands During WWII by Tonya Bolden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BEOQjAi-SX7yCcb_4iitRYksrQiYS0MNhzyr4bwZNWQuvjvZy7Y4t4KvPYNQaa4EFVwL4YNLtRx04hVWGMlZDePcuBlSdUWH9F8z7DSRy2J9jYVAUBiSAmrmIRzP1sP2qpBr3MKLbFzh/s1600/TakeOff.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BEOQjAi-SX7yCcb_4iitRYksrQiYS0MNhzyr4bwZNWQuvjvZy7Y4t4KvPYNQaa4EFVwL4YNLtRx04hVWGMlZDePcuBlSdUWH9F8z7DSRy2J9jYVAUBiSAmrmIRzP1sP2qpBr3MKLbFzh/s200/TakeOff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538492234802945682" border="0" /></a>Bolden, Tonya. <span style="font-style: italic;">Take-off!: American All-girl Bands During WWII</span>. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2007. 80 pages. ISBN-10:0375827978. ISBN-13: 978-0375827976.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>Prior to WWII, it was considered inappropriate for women to play jazz music. When many male musicians joined or were drafted into the military, it left an opening that needed to be filled and female musicians were there to take over. Tonya Bolden highlights several of these musicians and the bands for which they played. She explains what jazz and swing music are and then the book is split into three sections, each highlighting a specific band. The first section focuses on Ada Leonard’s All-American Girl Orchestra, one of the first all-female jazz bands. It features interviews and quotes from some of the musicians, such as Janie Sager, Norma Carson, and Fagel Liebman. The women tell of their experiences traveling, playing, and breaking into what was previously strictly a man’s domain. They also talk about their experiences outside the band and how they got into playing music. Section two focuses on The Prairie View State College Co-Eds, a band made up of female students from the all black Prairie View State College. The women interviewed – Clora Bryant, Margaret Grisbey, Helen Cole, and others – talk about their love of music, the wonderful places they got to play, and their experiences with the band. The section also talks about the prejudices they had to face as an all black, all girl band trying to play in the South. The third section focuses on the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a band that was started at the Piney Woods School. One of the unique features of this band was that it featured players from many cultural and racial backgrounds. Their story tells of how they started at their high school, but the school took advantage of them. The girls traveled and played, raising money for the school, while their educations suffered and they were given little pay. After breaking with the school, their manager also took advantage of them, but they eventually were able to break free and play the music they loved. When the war ended, the men returned and expected their jobs back, including that of playing in jazz and swing bands. Many women tried to continue playing, some did not. Of those who continued, not all were able to be successful. All the women have fond memories of their time, however. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Take-off!: American All-girl Bands During WWII</span> is an easy to read look at a very interesting time in American history. The book doesn’t go into too much detail about the subject, but it does provide an overview and some fun facts, as well as an extensive bibliography should the reader choose to do more research. The inclusion of pictures, posters, and newspaper clippings really brings the subject to life. Direct quotes and stories from the musicians remind the readers that these are real women’s lives they’re reading about, including many women who are still alive today. Including a CD of music from many of the bands that are featured is a fun bonus that also serves to personalize the stories even more.<br /><br />Bolden uses slang that was popular during that time period and writes in a choppy, quick style. This makes the book jump along quickly, like the jazz music that is its subject, and adds a little more historical depth. It does, however, make the book hard to follow at times. Other than that, it’s an easy read that should appeal to even the most reluctant readers of non-fiction.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>When many male jazz musicians were called overseas for WWII, women were finally allowed a chance to show their talent.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Tonya Bolden was born on March 1, 1959 in New York City and grew up in Harlem. She graduated from the Chapin School in Manhattan and then went on to attend Princeton. At the same time, she joined the Westside Repertory Theatre Group, where she worked as an actor, stage manager, assistant director, and set builder. After graduating from Princeton, she worked for a dress manufacturing company while working towards her masters at Columbia. She has worked as an office coordinator for Raoulfilm, Inc, an editorial assistant to William E. Rice and as a college English instructor.<br /><br />She published her first book in 1990. She is the author or co-author of close to 30 books, most of which are non-fiction. Several of her non-fiction works focus on African-American women. She published works for both adults and young adults.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Non-Fiction</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>History: WWII<br />Music: Swing and Jazz Female Bands</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Explain some of the slang used in the book.</li><li>Talk about women taking over many men's jobs during WWII and the challenges they faced.</li><li>Read the "What is Swing" page.</li><li>Give a brief bio for one of the musicians featured.<br /></li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>12 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote>If there were challenges:<ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This was mentioned as a good non-fiction book in the class text. I really like music from that time period, so I decided to check it out.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-22843919913060129112010-11-22T20:04:00.000-08:002010-12-10T13:04:44.568-08:00Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts: A History of Burial by Penny Colman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmsN5q9oe4-ruK1eCODoCoQ6DMRtpnV2LhoMcgvT0DfpDjdWugSds0q8iJ1zO424PsIOTJaz1ADiCD00Sicq5zK1cQdlwTW6Sh4kAo4hsbbX4Tkt-OmZTXr9UpR8njwystte2XOBDjgat/s1600/89637.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmsN5q9oe4-ruK1eCODoCoQ6DMRtpnV2LhoMcgvT0DfpDjdWugSds0q8iJ1zO424PsIOTJaz1ADiCD00Sicq5zK1cQdlwTW6Sh4kAo4hsbbX4Tkt-OmZTXr9UpR8njwystte2XOBDjgat/s200/89637.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538494631770399154" border="0" /></a>Colman, Penny. <span style="font-style: italic;">Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts: A History of Burial</span>. Henry Holt and Co, . 224 pages. ISBN-10: 0805050663. ISBN-13: 978-0805050660.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts: A History of Burial</span> covers everything a person would want to know about the historical and cultural practices surrounding death and burial. Colman begins by explaining her reasoning for writing the book, including her own experiences with death. The first two chapters focus on defining and understanding death. She includes personal stories, historical information, and other facts surrounding exactly how humans define and understand the process of dying. The next step is, of course, what happens to a body after death in a chapter over decomposition, embalming, autopsies, and transplants. The next four chapters cover the various ways that people deal with corpses, including burial, cremation, locations, and customs. One of the chapters focuses solely on the way to dispose of corpses, one on items used to contain the remains, one over burial sites, and one over customs and ceremonies. The final chapter covers images of death in art, including statuary, literature, and music. Colman also includes additional information at the end of the book about epitaphs, burial sites of famous people, burial instructions, and gravestone carvings. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Corpses, Coffins, and Crypts: A History of Burial</span> is fascinating. Colman takes a very sensitive topic and addresses it with straight-forward style that is admirable. She manages to combine emotion and fact in a way that makes this book both personal and educational. Her writing is simple, but she doesn’t talk down to her audience. Though this is considered a young adult book, it could easily have been written for adults.<br /><br />The layout of the book is very functional. Colman chooses to split the subject of death and dying into eight main sections presented in a logical order. By writing about customs and history from around the world, she covers almost every aspect of death that could be of interest. She also includes personal stories from herself and others she has interviewed, as well as photographs. This keeps the book from becoming too clinical in its examination of the subject. <br /><br />Death is a subject that people fear for many reasons. By choosing to write about the subject in such an informative and sensitive way, Colman has made a great contribution to non-fiction. Reading this book could lead to a really good discussion.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>Penny Colman delves into the fascinating, complicated, and often sad history of death and burial.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Penny Colman was born September 2, 1944 in Denver, Colorado. She also lived in Washington, Oregon, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania all before the age of five. Her family finally settled in Warren, Pennsylvania where they lived on the grounds of the Warren State Hospital where her father worked as a psychiatrist. She attended Western College for Women, but dropped out after two years to hitchhike around Europe. When she returned, she attended the University of Michigan and then went on to receive a masters in Teaching from Johns Hopkins.<br /><br />She solely writes non-fiction and primarily writes books about women. Her childhood visits to museums and historical sites inspired her love of history, though she noticed that there was often a dearth of information on the historical contributions of women. She has set about to rectify that with her books.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Non-Fiction</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>History: Dealing with death through the ages<br />Cultural Anthropology: Death and Burial customs<br />Science: Embalming<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Discuss some burial customs for various cultures.</li><li>Explain Colman's reasons for writing the book as stated on page 9.</li><li>Give a brief overview of some of the topics included in the book.<br /></li></ul><br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>14 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Some gruesome descriptions<br />Discussion of death</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This was listed as a good non-fiction book for teens in our class text. I thought the subject sounded really interesting.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-40235742951403416912010-11-21T20:36:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:51:14.261-08:00The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAUPYH4OMdoaj7Bx_AOo3iKJb6fpRHUSzVdUU4E5CsFSvmiwRgA5YkkmbpK7Q1TjUFXq3Pg53rcsgQ_-qUMjff55k1RObKwnt1TCoCbzj2pdkff4uHMIx5BJfWvMwrgbLeilgidtFsWNn/s1600/perks.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAUPYH4OMdoaj7Bx_AOo3iKJb6fpRHUSzVdUU4E5CsFSvmiwRgA5YkkmbpK7Q1TjUFXq3Pg53rcsgQ_-qUMjff55k1RObKwnt1TCoCbzj2pdkff4uHMIx5BJfWvMwrgbLeilgidtFsWNn/s200/perks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536956857674384562" border="0" /></a>Chbosky, Stephen. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Perks of Being a Wallflower</span>. MTV Books/Pocket Books, 1999. 213 pages. ISBN-10: 0671027344. ISBN-13: 978-0671027346.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>15-year-old Charlie is afraid to start his freshman year of high school. His best friend has committed suicide, his brother is away at college, and he and his sister are no longer as close as they once were. On top of this, Charlie has emotional problems that make it difficult for him to relate to people. To cope with everything, he begins to write letters to an anonymous recipient that he heard was a good listener. Charlie’s letters detail his experience with his family, friends, and the new people he meets. He writes about his Advanced English teacher, who gives him extra reading and encourages him to share his ideas. He reveals information about his family’s past and how it affects who they are now. He writes about learning to “participate” in life and his difficulties with doing so. Perhaps the biggest focus of his letters is his new friendship with two seniors, Patrick and Sam. He loves them both and they are an important part of helping him deal with his life, as well as figure out where he fits in. Charlie changes a lot throughout the course of his letters, but he is faithful in relating every experience along the way.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>The most interesting aspect of this book is the format in which it was written. By choosing to write it as a series of letters to an anonymous recipient, Chbosky personalizes the story in a way that traditional narrative or even journal style could not. It allows readers to truly feel as if Charlie is speaking directly to them. Chbosky also chooses to eschew proper grammar and sentence structure in many instances, but it’s obvious that this is a stylistic choice meant to convey a more authentic teenage voice rather than simply a mistake or poor writing.<br /><br />There is a sinister undercurrent to this book, which really shows Charlie struggling with emotional issues due to the death of his aunt and (as we later find out) her sexual abuse of him. Charlie seems much younger than his actual age. He’s shy and unconventional, but also socially and emotionally delayed in many ways. Though the content is more appropriate for older teens, Charlie is a character to which younger teens could probably more easily relate. Despite being written almost more than a decade ago, most of the characters could easily have been created today. The parties, friendships, relationships, and other experiences Charlie has ring true.<br /><br />The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been considered a modern young adult classic since its publication in 1999. It’s the epitome of a coming-of-age novel. Just as my generation loved it when it was published, current and future generations will enjoy and relate to it, as well.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>15-year-old Charlie relates the ups and downs of his freshman year of high through letters written to an unknown recipient.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Stephen Chbosky was born January 25, 1970 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended public school in St. Clair, Pennsylvania at a high school that is a three times nominated Blue Ribbon school. He then attended the University of Southern California as part of their screen writing program. He has worked as a screen writer on a handful of films including <span style="font-style: italic;">Ren</span><span style="font-style: italic;">t</span>, the television series <span style="font-style: italic;">Jericho</span>, and his first film <span style="font-style: italic;">The Four Corners of Nowhere</span>, in which he also acted and directed.<br /><br />Though he has written several screenplays and edited a collection of short stories, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Perks of Being a Wallflower</span> is his only novel. It is semi-autobiographical and also deeply influenced by Salinger’s T<span style="font-style: italic;">he Catcher in the Rye</span>. His writing is also influenced by the works of Tennessee Williams, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Stewart Stern, the screen writer for <span style="font-style: italic;">Rebel Without A Cause</span>.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Realistic Fiction</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>English: Writing Style, Journaling</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Discuss who you think Charlie is writing to and if it really matters.</li><li>Discuss whether their situation determines the person or the person determines their situation.</li><li>Introduce Charlie and the book plot in letter form.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>15 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Depiction of homosexuality<br />Profanity<br />Sexual content<br />Drug, alcohol and tobacco Use<br />Suicide<br />Molestation<br />Rape<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This is one of the more well-known YA books of modern times. It is also being adapted for a film in 2011.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-85594187013110815112010-11-21T14:39:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:51:34.056-08:00Chasing Liberty (Movie)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA3YGHW47fUqkeBFbz1T3F_srFhubhbr1rg_aSP_bTU9RmLfn-4MfyrGiyme45hcKkBEOxf34buLlo2qkxRU4baYd0D772NKBdRctBIny6M3aCLzEYmURzDzJEisvrtc8LWi19CD02-PS/s1600/chasing_liberty.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGA3YGHW47fUqkeBFbz1T3F_srFhubhbr1rg_aSP_bTU9RmLfn-4MfyrGiyme45hcKkBEOxf34buLlo2qkxRU4baYd0D772NKBdRctBIny6M3aCLzEYmURzDzJEisvrtc8LWi19CD02-PS/s200/chasing_liberty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539541399494527586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Chasing Liberty</span>. Warner Home Video, 2004.<br />Cast: Mandy Moore, Matthew Goode, Jeremy Piven, Annabella Sciorra, Mark Harmon, Caroline Goodall.<br />Director: Andy Cadiff.<br />Writers: David Schneiderman, Derek Guiley<br />Rating: PG-13.<br />Length: 101 minutes.<br />ASIN: B000P0J08S<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>Anna is a normal teenage girl with a very abnormal family. She is the only daughter of the President of the United States, who also happens to be a very over-protective father. His insistence on having her followed by several Secret Service agents often ends up ruining Anna’s social life. When the family takes a diplomatic trip to Prague, Anna thinks she has convinced her father to let her attend a concert with only one agent as an escort. After discovering that he went back on his word, Anna decides to run away for the night. She seeks the help of an attractive stranger named Ben, who is actually a Secret Service agent in disguise. Her father decides to take advantage of the fact that Anna doesn’t know who Ben is to let her have some “controlled freedom,” but when she gets a little out of control he sends his agents to get her back. The agents chase her and Ben around Europe as she tries to get to the Love Parade in Berlin. All the while Ben tries to protect her without revealing his identity. In the process the two fall in love, but Ben can’t hide who he really is forever.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>Chasing Liberty is completely unrealistic, fairly predictable, and kind of ridiculous. Despite that, it’s also totally adorable. It might have received pretty poor reviews from critics, but it suits its target audience. After all, very few critics are actually teenage girls. This is most definitely a teen girl movie. The combination of gaining freedom, finding yourself through exciting new experiences, and falling in love with a cute stranger hold massive appeal for that age group. The movie does well with all of those. There are very little consequences to anyone’s actions; everything works out fine in the end. This isn’t something to criticize, however, since it helps the movie maintain it’s light tone.<br /><br />As the idealistic teen searching for freedom, Mandy Moore is cute as always. The viewer really feels for her when her optimism is crushed by the betrayal of her father and Ben. Matthew Goode is charming as her Secret Service agent love interest. The secondary characters are funny additions, in the style of the typical road trip movie. This isn’t a movie with a lot of substance or incredible talent, but it is a cute and fun watch.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>Sick of spending all her time followed by Secret Service agents, Anna decides to experience freedom for the first time by running around Europe with a sexy stranger.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Director Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Andy Cadiff is a native of Newton, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University intending to be pre-med, but his grades forced him to reconsider. He instead became interested in theater. After graduation, he moved to New York where he worked with legendary theater producer Hal Prince. He has co-written and directed several plays.<br /><br />He has worked in film since 1988. He has worked as a director on 49 television series, 4 tv movies, and 3 feature length films. He has also produced and worked in cinematography. Some of his more well-known series include <span style="font-style: italic;">Home Improvement, Spin City, My Wife and Kids</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">The War at Home</span>. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Movie: Romantic Comedy</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>None</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Movie Talking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Discuss whether or not it was right for Anna's father to put her under so much security.</li><li>Talk about the appeal of being free and on your own.</li><li>Talk about what it would be like to have the president as your father.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>13 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Sexual content<br />Alcohol use</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This is a cute movie that appeals to the teenage sense of romance and longing for freedom.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-79294408744984618392010-11-21T14:21:00.000-08:002010-12-10T12:50:48.465-08:00The Looking Glass Wars (The Looking Glass Wars Trilogy #1) by Frank Beddor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HWwA7jSZqOC-d4cr-rnefelxMism8bd0qNMtfXs1lzkLRNDZmneSC53g5MfSjsER1agiKibX60jaC_KZltP3cf7X4uUKrfieGziAoaJDeh68OBcKg0q6afBix_sYr04cwnGQPFHqYhKF/s1600/Just-Cover-Looking-Glass.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HWwA7jSZqOC-d4cr-rnefelxMism8bd0qNMtfXs1lzkLRNDZmneSC53g5MfSjsER1agiKibX60jaC_KZltP3cf7X4uUKrfieGziAoaJDeh68OBcKg0q6afBix_sYr04cwnGQPFHqYhKF/s200/Just-Cover-Looking-Glass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539534792325899314" border="0" /></a>Beddor, Frank. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Looking Glass Wars</span>. Speak, 2007. 400 pages. ISBN-10: 0142409413. ISBN-13: 978-0142409411.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>Alyss Heart is the beloved princess of Wonderland. Her mother, Queen Genevieve, is a benevolent ruler, but Genevieve’s sister, Redd, is evil and has sworn revenge on Genevieve for taking what she saw as her rightful place as ruler of Wonderland. On Alyss’s seventh birthday, Redd atacks Wonderland. She kills Alyss’s parents and the father of her best friend, Dodge, but Alyss escapes with Genevieve’s bodyguard, Hatter Madigan. The two of them jump through the Pool of Tears, a portal to earth. They are separated in the process and Alyss ends up as a street child in London, while Hatter spends the next 13 years getting into trouble as he searches the world for her. Soon, Alyss is taken in by the Liddell family, who change her name to Alice and raise her as their daughter. At first Alyss insists on telling everyone who she really is, even going so far as to tell her entire life story to the Charles Dodgeson who promises to write a book about her. He creates the story of <span style="font-style: italic;">Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland</span>, but Alyss is outraged that he fictionalized her life story in such a way. Eventually, though, even Alyss begins to forget who she is as she grows up and even agrees to marry Prince Leopold. Hatter discovers her shortly before her wedding.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in Wonderland, things are getting worse. The few rebels who are still loyal to Genevieve are planning to take back the queendom, but they can’t do it without Alyss. Dodge has grown up to be a good warrior, but he’s a bitter man set on revenge. When a wounded Hatter arrives back in Wonderland, Dodge decides to go after Alyss himself, kidnapping her from her wedding. Now that she is back in Wonderland, the rebels expect her to lead them, but Alyss isn’t sure that she can.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>This is such a great premise for a book. Taking the story of<span style="font-style: italic;"> Alice in Wonderland</span> - one that already has controversy concerning the truth surrounding it - and turning it into a “true” science fiction novel is a clever move. Beddor includes all the well-known characters but gives them a twist. His use of their names and certain qualities are enough to make them recognizable to anyone familiar with the original story, but they’re still quite different from the original. The story celebrates the power of imagination and Beddor was certainly using his when he created his Wonderland.<br /><br />This book contains features to satisfy all manner of readers. There are elements of fantasy, science fiction, romance, history, and plenty of action. Beddor created a fascinating world complete with its own politics, fashion, weapons, inventions, and various types of inhabitants. Though he’s created an impressive world, he didn’t fall back on his fantastical environment to support the story; the plot is also complicated and exciting. The supporting characters are entertaining and really round out the story. However, it’s the main characters, particularly Alyss, Hatter, and Dodge, who are impressively written. Beddor gives them each their own secrets, motivations, love and pain in a very convincing way. He writes both male and female characters well. Beddor is a imaginative writer who has created a captivating novel that leaves the reader hungry for more. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>This is the true story of Alyss Heart, the rightful heir to the Wonderland throne.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Frank Beddor was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from the Catholic private school, Benilde-St. Margaret's School, in 1977. He was a competitive skier and was the World Freestyle Skiing Champion in 1981 and 1982. After he left competitive skiing, he turned to film work. He had a few small acting parts in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He then worked as a producer of films and video games, including the successful film <span style="font-style: italic;">There’s Something About Mary</span>.<br /><br />While in London for the U.K premiere of <span style="font-style: italic;">There’s Something About Mary</span>, he visited The British Museum and was inspired to write his <span style="font-style: italic;">Looking Glass Wars</span> series. The book was rejected by every major publisher in America before being published in the U.K. After becoming popular there, Penguin agreed to publish it in America. Beddor has also written graphic novels, created a card game, a video game, an apparel line, a musical CD, and a possible musical theater production all based on his <span style="font-style: italic;">Looking Glass Wars</span> novels.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Science Fiction</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>English: Comparison to Lewis Carroll's <span style="font-style: italic;">Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</span></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Introduce this as the "real" story of Alice in Wonderland.</li><li>Discuss what it would be like to be thrust into a completely strange world.</li><li>Talk about the power of imagination.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>14 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Violence</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>Everything related to <span style="font-style: italic;">Alice in Wonderland</span> has experienced a resurgence in popularity recently. This is a great twist on the traditional story.<br /></blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-12991448586776208792010-11-21T10:26:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:01:59.965-08:00Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5PxTNrYCbGrXjZoLgbZDAwW4z32nluKlY5kXKlVfw8j6TFv6mFi38pc_6liiB6JK8Mo4vrVLRQ-INhgnZprY3my4TMfQK9KD4T1014JAHd9baocbL6-FW1dJLv8ymVtXvvkCqlPF-lJx/s1600/Perfect+Chemistry.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5PxTNrYCbGrXjZoLgbZDAwW4z32nluKlY5kXKlVfw8j6TFv6mFi38pc_6liiB6JK8Mo4vrVLRQ-INhgnZprY3my4TMfQK9KD4T1014JAHd9baocbL6-FW1dJLv8ymVtXvvkCqlPF-lJx/s200/Perfect+Chemistry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538732210158314114" border="0" /></a>Elkeles, Simone. <span style="font-style: italic;">Perfect Chemistry</span>. Walker Books for Young Readers, 2008. 368 pages. ISBN-10: 0802798233. ISBN-13: 978-0802798237.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>On the surface, Brittany and Alex couldn’t be more different. She is a popular cheerleader, from perfect family on the rich side of town, and part of the school’s golden couple. He is a member of the Latino Blood gang, poor, and dangerous. When the two are paired up as lab partners, they are both unhappy with the situation. To prove himself, Alex makes a bet with his friends that he can get Brittany to have sex with him by Thanksgiving. As the two get to know each other, they start to see that their perceptions were very wrong. Brittany’s family is actually pretty dysfunctional and her perfect exterior is her defense to hide that. Alex is actually a smart boy who longs to go to college, but is trapped in the gang in order to help his family. As they discover more about each other, they begin to fall in love. Their friends and family aren’t ready to accept them as a couple, however. As Brittany’s family situation spins out of control and Alex is forced to go deeper into the gang life, they’re not sure if their love will survive.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Perfect Chemistry</span> is a pretty predictable novel. The storyline isn’t especially original. The good girl and the bad boy who hate each other but slowly fall in love has been done many times over. The characters are stereotypical, both on the surface and underneath. She’s the “perfect” girl with the difficult home life. He’s the bad boy who wants to escape his circumstances and better himself. They’re also very frustrating at the start of the novel. The ending of the story isn’t especially shocking or original. Despite all this, <span style="font-style: italic;">Perfect Chemistry</span> is a sweet and engaging read. Presenting it in alternating viewpoints allows the reader insight into each of the characters, especially since they hide so much from each other and the world around them. After the initial frustration, the characters become endearing as they fall in love, almost as if their love is what redeems them both. It’s impossible to not cheer them on as they take on a world that isn’t ready to accept them for who they are and certainly isn’t ready to accept them being together. They encounter what should be extremely dangerous and almost impossible challenges, but the ending is tied up neatly. Rather than being annoying in its lack of realism, the ending is satisfying. This is a touching and romantic read; realism isn’t necessary.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>Brittany and Alex come from vastly different backgrounds, but fall in love after being paired as chemistry lab partners.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Simone Elkeles was born and raised near Chicago, where many of her books take place. She attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where she received a degree in Psychology in 1992. She then went on to attend Loyola University-Chicago to study Industrial Relations. Following graduation, she worked creating diversity programs for a manufacturing company.<br /><br />Her first book was published in 2006. She writes solely for young adults because she enjoys writing about the excitement of teenage love and romance. She tries her best to make sure her characters and situations are realistic, including actually spending time in a juvenile detention center to research her <span style="font-style: italic;">Leaving Paradise</span> series.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Romance</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>English: A modern comparison to Romeo and Juliet.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Discuss the idea of stereotypes and first impressions.</li><li>Talk about being trapped by your situations and deciding to break free.</li><li>Discuss the similarities between Brittany's life and Alex's life.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>15 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Profanity<br />Sexual content<br />Violence<br />Gang activity<br />Drug and alcohol use</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>I was first attracted to this book because of the alternating narrator style in which is is written. It's a sweet twist on the Romeo and Juliet plot-line, but written for modern audiences.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-65559382583471276802010-11-11T18:29:00.000-08:002010-12-10T10:08:12.913-08:00Devilish by Maureen Johnson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF22SlUxL0THuIZGJbLPKoHxA7I7PUJ4ALQc3ZOjKEntzTvQLjckpV-1fhEjO5LPaqJKpAmTN0j1rMqNas5mOh-o0zmn_b3BJAWNoduW6uzUyTuj6ZEK8l5tWL06O7OEnj9gwq2XRW1FnA/s1600/devilish.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF22SlUxL0THuIZGJbLPKoHxA7I7PUJ4ALQc3ZOjKEntzTvQLjckpV-1fhEjO5LPaqJKpAmTN0j1rMqNas5mOh-o0zmn_b3BJAWNoduW6uzUyTuj6ZEK8l5tWL06O7OEnj9gwq2XRW1FnA/s200/devilish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538487706452227218" border="0" /></a>Johnson, Mauree. <span style="font-style: italic;">Devilish</span>. Penguin/Razorbill, 2006. 288 pages. ISBN-10: 1595140603. ISBN-13: 978-1595140609.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>Ally is one of the few things that makes St. Teresa's Preparatory School for Girls bearable for Jane. They have been best friends for years, even though they couldn’t be more different. Jane is sarcastic, non-conformist, and outspoken. Ally is shy, spastic and obsessed with the school’s events and traditions, especially that of getting a good “little sister” at the school’s annual ceremony. At the ceremony, Ally vomits front of the school and humiliates herself, but still ends up with a little sister after a mysterious new student, Lanalee, offers to pair up with her. When Ally starts acting weird, Jane soon figures out that there is something going on with her and Lanalee. It turns out that Lanalee is a demon and Ally has sold her soul for popularity. Jane offers to take Ally’s place, hoping that she can make a deal with Lanalee that will save both of them. Her decision puts into motion a series of events that will rock their school and possibly end up with Jane losing her soul in the process. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Devilish</span>’s cover and premise are misleading. Upon seeing the book, a person might think that this would be another substanceless teen chick book. If they were to pass it over because of this, they would be missing out on a quick, thrilling, and intelligent read. Johnson presents an interesting twist on legend of Faust. The emissary of the devil is in the body of a teenage girl, the ambition is that of poise and popularity, and the setting is high school. What better set up could there be for that kind of bargain? Johnson’s writing is snappy and clever. Jane is a humorous and sarcastic narrator. Setting her up as narrator rather than Ally was a smart choice.<br /><br />One of the most refreshing aspects of the story is Jane’s skepticism. Many novels, young adult and otherwise, contain an unrealistic level of acceptance in their characters when presenting fantastical elements. The characters are rarely shocked or disbelieving when encountering creatures that supposedly don’t exist. When Jane is confronted with the idea that her best friend has sold her soul to the devil, she assumes that Lanalee is simply manipulating Ally. Even after several unusual things happen directly to Jane, she still refuses to believe. It’s only after she has reached the point that she can no longer deny what’s happening that she begins to reluctantly accept it. Throughout all of this, though, her devotion to Ally is admirable. Even as their relationship becomes more strained and Ally betrays her, Jane is still determined to save her. This book is a wonderful example of the powerful friendships that can develop between teenage girls and one that readers will enjoy.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>When Jane's best friend sells her soul to the devil in exchange for popularity, Jane must figure out how to save her before it's too late.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Maureen Johnson was born February 16, 1973 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Though not Catholic, she attended a Catholic Prep school for girls. She enjoyed high school and made several great friends while there. She used this experience as inspiration for her book <span style="font-style: italic;">Devilish</span>. She then attended the University of Delaware to study Writing and went on to study Theatrical Dramaturgy and Writing at Columbia University. While there she worked several jobs to pay for her schooling, including working in a Las Vegas show, as an employee of a haunted house themed restaurant, and as a fake employee of a company to increase its employee numbers. She currently lives in New York and frequently travels to the UK, including time spent in Scotland on a writing fellowship.<br /><br />Her first novel was published in 2004. She has since published 6 other novels, 2 compilations, and has 2 more novels set to be published in 2011. Though most of her books are not frequently challenged, her novel <span style="font-style: italic;">The Bermudez Triangle</span> was challenged in 2007. Johnson has been noted for her quick response to the challenge and for her criticism of the typical practices that schools use when banning books.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Chick Lit</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>English: Modern comparison to Faust</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Compare Jane and Ally.</li><li>Talk about what made Jane believe what Lanalee really is.</li><li>Introduce Lanalee as a character.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>13 and Older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Selling of souls to Satan<br />Violence</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>I discovered this book while working on our genre project. Though I had a fairly negative view of chick lit before, this book is one that helped change my mind.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-41491997012970919412010-11-09T10:16:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:43:39.019-08:00Uglies (Uglies Trilogy #1) by Scott Westerfeld<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjC4tlFAH_jZWa0HgXtv_Jxop35A0S2k-jK9l4qtR8dtZD15PHZ-0JvXdwqvm1VQEySK5euaPzRWPgtY7JgqA_PfoWEhMip2kHHoccnpQQe_7uwkTOe14F9C7qhWVxulnIVWYJ0xbUxL8/s1600/uglies.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjC4tlFAH_jZWa0HgXtv_Jxop35A0S2k-jK9l4qtR8dtZD15PHZ-0JvXdwqvm1VQEySK5euaPzRWPgtY7JgqA_PfoWEhMip2kHHoccnpQQe_7uwkTOe14F9C7qhWVxulnIVWYJ0xbUxL8/s200/uglies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537616067163977474" border="0" /></a>Westerfeld, Scott. <span style="font-style: italic;">Uglies</span>. Simon Pulse, 2005. 448 pages. ISBN-10: 0689865384. ISBN-13: 978-0689865381.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>Tally is an Ugly. She hasn’t yet reached her 16th birthday where she will undergo the surgery that will transform her to a Pretty and allow her to live in New Pretty Town where she can spend all her time partying with the rest of the new Pretties. Missing her best friend Peris, who has already become a Pretty, she sneaks over to New Pretty Town to see him. While there she is almost caught, but is helped by another Ugly named Shay. Tally and Shay become friends. Shay reveals that she doesn’t want to become a Pretty and is planning on running away instead. After Shay disappears, Tally still plans to become a Pretty, but on the day of her birthday she is taken to meet Dr. Gable, the head of Special Circumstances, the city’s security force. Dr. Gable informs Tally that she must find Shay and lead Special Circumstances to the colony of runaways where Shay is living or she’ll never be allowed to become a Pretty. Tally agrees and sets off to the colony, know as The Smoke. When she arrives, she begins to enjoy the freedom of The Smoke and decides to stay instead of revealing where they are. She also falls in love with a boy who was born there, named David. What Tally doesn’t know is that Dr. Gable expected her to betray her mission and has a way of tracking her anyway.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>On the surface, <span style="font-style: italic;">Uglies</span> is a dystopian post-scarcity science-fiction thriller. Looking deeper, however, the entire novel is a metaphor for the confusion inherent in adolescence when torn between desires for individuality and the need to conform, as well as the fear of growing up. Teenagers will appreciate Tally’s predicament. She desperately wants to join Peris and the other Pretties in New Pretty Town, but as she learns more about the Uglies living in the Smoke and discovers life outside of the city, she is drawn to that lifestyle. However, the Smoke simply represents another type of conformity. Tally has to learn to reconcile what she wants with the demands of those around her, which is something that every individual must go through as part of growing up.<br /><br />Westerfeld creates a dazzling world with his descriptions of New Pretty Town. The technology he creates is fascinating and fun. Who wouldn’t want a hoverboard? He manages to make being a Pretty sounds incredibly appealing, which makes it all the more horrifying when it’s revealed what happens during the transformation.<br /><br />The novel is an exercise in suspense. The reader is never sure what is around the next corner or who is an enemy. Just as one problem is resolved, something else is introduced. The characters’ motivations are often hard to read as it seems like even the most innocent often have some kind of agenda. We spend most of the novel watching Tally’s world fall apart around her as she learns that it’s a very different place than she thought it was. She remains a strong character throughout. When the novel ends, the reader will be anxious to find out what happens to her next.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>Tally has always look forward to her 16th birthday when she will become a Pretty. When Tally's new friend Shay declares that she plans to run away instead, Tally must decide if she should become a Pretty or follow Shay.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Scott Westerfeld was born May 5, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. His father was a computer programmer, so Westerfeld and his family traveled a lot when he was a kid. He lived in Texas, California, and Connecticut. He attended a magnet school for arts in Dallas. He earned a bachelors in Philosophy from Vassar and did graduate work in Performance Studies at New York University. He is married to the Australian author Justine Larbalestier. The two divide their time between Australia and New York, specifically to avoid winter in either hemisphere.<br /><br />Before becoming a novelist, he worked as a ghost writer and music writer. His first novels were adult science fiction, but he transitioned to writing for young adults with his book <span style="font-style: italic;">So Yesterday</span> in 2004. He has also published non-fiction, short stories, poetry, and several essays.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Science Fiction</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>Science: Care of the Environment<br />Health: Body Image<br />Sociology: Community</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Talk about the anticipation of becoming a Pretty.</li><li>Compare Tally and Shay.</li><li>Explain some of the technology they use in the book.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>13 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Allusions to alcohol use<br />Negative body image issues<br />Anti-family<br />Anti-government<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This book was recommended to me by a teenage friend of my sister. It's popular with her group of friends.</blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-31010495451401513122010-11-08T15:11:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:42:52.050-08:00The Luxe (The Luxe Trilogy #1) by Anna Godbersen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpyWs0ku0PRljCjAy0I99StgEjy_JYXUP3kl52jj11LNmSbVCjfIL9lP1uA86lwmiq597U9dgJ7ON-9OAYBCGfuahTcSjfg_-5vMTc48H9xJKPs0CXLKIkV4kqT8B7ZAhBgx_ohk5J7fy/s1600/51sRUR+7c0L._SL500_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpyWs0ku0PRljCjAy0I99StgEjy_JYXUP3kl52jj11LNmSbVCjfIL9lP1uA86lwmiq597U9dgJ7ON-9OAYBCGfuahTcSjfg_-5vMTc48H9xJKPs0CXLKIkV4kqT8B7ZAhBgx_ohk5J7fy/s200/51sRUR+7c0L._SL500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537321057995646162" border="0" /></a>Godbersen, Anna. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Luxe</span>. HarperCollins , 2007. 448 pages. ISBN-10: 0061345679. ISBN-13: 978-0061345678.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>The year is 1899 and 18-year-old Elizabeth Holland has returned from Europe to take her place as the darling of the Manhattan elite. Her younger sister Diana has grown in her absence and is becoming more daring and less interested in fitting in with society than Elizabeth is. Her supposed best friend Penelope Hayes, a nouveau riche social climber, isn’t entirely thrilled to see Elizabeth back, but she is involved with her own relationship with Henry Schoonmaker. However, Henry’s father insists that he and Elizabeth become engaged, much to Penelope’s outrage. As Henry is courting Elizabeth, he falls for Diana, complicating things even further. As for Elizabeth, she is secretly in love with her poor coachman, Will. Elizabeth’s maid, Lina, is also in love with him. As Elizabeth’s and Henry’s wedding nears, the group of teens must figure out how to sort out their scandalous relationships without the rest of the polite society finding out.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">The Luxe</span> is delightfully snarky and scandalous. This is a book that will appeal to readers raised on <span style="font-style: italic;">Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Clique</span> or any reader who enjoys stories full of secrets, backstabbing, and intrigue. It’s not just romantic fluff, though. Godberson’s research into the Gilded Age is evident in the historical aspects of the novel, even if her descriptions of the time period are primarily limited to the upper class. Unlike many historical fiction novels, the history is more a frame for the story than vice versa. Placing the events in that particular time period allows Godberson the ability to make actions that would be innocent today seem wildly scandalous. Though the characters behave in ways that might not be completely realistic and they suffer from very few consequences, that’s not really the point of the novel.<br /><br />Godberson’s choice of alternating viewpoints rounds out the story as the reader is able to see the motivations behind each character’s actions. Starting her novel with the death of Elizabeth thrusts the reader into the thick of the story and adds an air of mystery. Perhaps her best stylistic choice is the inclusion of newspaper snippets and letters. This helps further the framework of the Gilded Age, as well as giving an outside perspective on the characters’ lives. Godberson has created a glamorous and entertaining start to her trilogy.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>In Gilded Age Manhattan, four very different young women try to pursue happiness with often scandalous results.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Anna Godbersen was born in 1980 in Berkeley, California. She attended public school in Berkeley before going to Barnard College in Manhattan. She now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Before beginning her career as a novelist, she worked as an editorial assistant for <span style="font-style: italic;">Esquire</span> and worked as a ghost writer of young adult novels. Despite having read very little young adults novels or historical fiction prior to writing her series, she jumped into writing both with much zeal.<br /><br />Though she classifies her writing as historical fiction, it has often been compared to chick lit<span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> With their glamorous and scandalous characters, her novels would appeal to readers of chick lit, but her writing is well-researched and gives a glimpse into the past that makes her stories much more well-rounded. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Historical Fiction<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>History: Late 19th Century<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Compare the choices young women had for love then to what they do now</li><li>Discuss the personality differences between Diana, Elizabeth, and Penelope</li><li>Describe Manhattan at the end of the 19th century</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>14 or older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues</span>:<br /><blockquote>Minor sexual references<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>This is an historical novel that can appeal to teenage readers who love books like <span style="font-style: italic;">Gossip Girl</span>, but it has more literary merit<span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-8268024336373039502010-11-08T14:53:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:42:39.700-08:00Blood Roses by Francesca Lia Block<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsGpSTXxCW_xfObUytgo_bHzI0CeHLtbRfK_8KaLnS1op5xXWbTNpwwuv7ljALt4na32A_eduvlfyN81a_2uXZluccEidYyeUoWn_eClcsULsHcxbEsK01tZv3IqEy-Owei97d2-5V7Ll/s1600/n252261.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsGpSTXxCW_xfObUytgo_bHzI0CeHLtbRfK_8KaLnS1op5xXWbTNpwwuv7ljALt4na32A_eduvlfyN81a_2uXZluccEidYyeUoWn_eClcsULsHcxbEsK01tZv3IqEy-Owei97d2-5V7Ll/s200/n252261.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537320450357446834" border="0" /></a>Block, Francesca Lia . <span style="font-style: italic;">Blood Roses</span>. HarperTeen, 2008. 144 pages. ISBN-10: 006076385X. ISBN-13: 978-0060763855.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>This collection of nine short stories centers on transformation and supernatural occurrences surrounding the female characters. In “Blood Roses” two sisters are obsessed with finding a blood rose, even though it means death for anyone who sees one. Their search leads them to the house of a man who claims to have photos of the dead rock star they love, but who spends his time talking about serial killers. In “Giant” Rachel begins to grow quickly after kissing her crush. She doesn’t feel worthy of him and wonders if she will be too much for him. In “My Haunted House” a little girl tries to convince her mother that the dollhouse her dad gave her is haunted. We learn a terrible secret about her father. In “My Boyfriend is an Alien” a schizophrenic girl begins dating a boy who says he’s an alien. In “Horses Are a Girl’s Best friend” Berry falls for a boy who is half-human half-horse. In “Skin Art” tattoos begin appearing all over Elodie’s body when she falls in love with a tattoo artist. In “My Mother the Vampire” a mother and daughter’s relationship is complicated by the mother’s quest to remain young. In “Wound and Wing” Audrey meets a fairy whose wings have been torn off. In “Changelings” a race of fairies lives underground.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote>Reading Block’s short stories is like being immersed in a dream. Her lyrical style and beautiful imagery alone would be enough to recommend this book, but the plots live up to the style, as well. Block has a way of slowly revealing what’s really going on, while still keeping some details hidden, that leaves the reader still contemplating the stories long after putting the book down. She’s also a master of subtext and metaphor. On the surface, each of her stories is simply about an unusual or supernatural occurrence. Underneath, she covers topics ranging from sexual abuse to fear of aging. Despite the range in subjects, each story touches on the idea of female transformation and the feeling so common in women - that of feeling like you’re too much, while still not being enough. This is a beautiful and empowering read. If shared with a young woman, it’s one that could be a catalyst for a great discussion.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>Nine beautifully surreal stories about the transformation of young women.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>Francesca Lia Block was born December 3, 1962 in Los Angeles. Her parents were a poet and a painter and their artistic lifestyle was a creative influence for Block. She has live in L.A her entire life, except for a brief period where she attended U.C Berkeley. After school, she returned to the city and still lives there with her two children. Her love for L.A. is very evident in her writing.<br /><br />As a child she loved fairy tales and mythology and these have had a great influence on her writing. Her stories and novels all have a very fairy tale feeling to them, often containing magical or supernatural characters and situations. Though many do have a happy ending, they often contain gritty and dark elements. She writes about realistic and controversial subjects, which has led her books to be challenged often.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Fantasy</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>English: Prose styling</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Read the last paragraph of "Giant"</li><li>Discuss the types of transformations the young women go through<br /></li><li>Talk about the fine line between fantasy and reality</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>15 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Sexual content<br />Graphic imagery<br />Nude photo on the cover<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>Adolescence is a time of great transformation. These stories touch on that in a way that is beautiful and fantastical.<br /></blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930441611178971867.post-15585002400683342662010-11-07T15:27:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:35:09.248-08:00The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkdwcNyk36CHTDbUkni2zQQeMkEE4gkZhUjM7Y31HRRWDKP2Rs1KowoImqAzyE2yEfOxguUPFoWWYoiYx6nXuEMCET4n_snbNWci8v7gBvNEIUoBwYvsqwKcOzQ3neVYapWKCHap7Vk-P/s1600/the-catcher-in-the-rye-cover1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkdwcNyk36CHTDbUkni2zQQeMkEE4gkZhUjM7Y31HRRWDKP2Rs1KowoImqAzyE2yEfOxguUPFoWWYoiYx6nXuEMCET4n_snbNWci8v7gBvNEIUoBwYvsqwKcOzQ3neVYapWKCHap7Vk-P/s200/the-catcher-in-the-rye-cover1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536955351606156818" border="0" /></a>Salinger, J.D. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Catcher in the Rye</span>. Little, Brown and Company, 1951. 277 pages. ISBN-10: 0241001870. ISBN-13: 978-0241001875.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plot:</span><br /><blockquote>Holden Caulfield recounts his experiences during a December weekend the previous year. Due to his failing grades, he has been kicked out of yet another boarding school. Instead of waiting for the semester to end, he decides to spend the weekend in New York hiding from his parents. He takes a train in the middle of the night and ends up at a dodgy hotel. After arriving, he spends his time drinking and dancing with tourists in a bar. He is lonely and hires a prostitute, but after seeing her he decides he only wants to talk. She finds him weird and leaves, but Holden pays her anyway. Later she returns with her pimp, demanding more money. They beat up Holden and take the money, so Holden decides to leave the hotel. He spends the next few days wondering around the city, visiting with old friends and attempting to meet up with his younger sister, Pheobe. Eventually he decides to sneak into her room to talk to her, but leaves before his parents can discover him. He then visits an old teacher, but after deciding that the teacher is coming on to him, Holden runs yet again. He decides he will leave for good and head out west alone, but Pheobe has other plans.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Critical Evaluation:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">The Catcher in the Rye</span> is a classic for a reason. Despite being written more than fifty years ago, the dead-on teenage voice and attitude is something to which readers of any time period have been able to relate. Salinger captures teenage apathy and idealism perfectly. The stream of consciousness writing and stylistic choices he makes result in a narrative that feels as if the reader is sitting with Holden and listening to him tell his story. Though it might seem as if writing it in that way is a result of laziness, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Catcher in the Rye </span>is expertly crafted.<br /><br />Everything and nothing happens in this novel. Holden spends three days wandering New York where many of his experiences aren’t incredibly out of the ordinary. It’s his commentary and restlessness while engaging in the activities, along with the extreme importance he attaches to even the most mundane of occurrences, that make it feel as if there is more involved in the weekend than what really happens. This weightiness is unsurprising given that Holden is narrating the experience from a year later, after being hospitalized immediately after that weekend. It also falls in line with the adolescent feeling that every experience and every thought is of the utmost importance. Because of the voice of this character, it is appropriate that this is considered one of the first young adult novels ever.</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reader's Annotation:</span><br /><blockquote>After failing out of yet another prep school, Holden Caulfield decides to spend the weekend hiding in New York to avoid being around when his parents find out. He spends his time drinking, looking up old friends, and expounding on his theories on life.<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Author Information:</span><br /><blockquote>J.D Salinger was born January 1, 1919 and died at the age of 91 on January 27, 2010. He was raised in Manhattan and attended both public and private schools before transferring to Valley Forge Military Academy, where he first started writing short stories. He then attended New York University to study Special Education, but soon dropped out. After a stint working in meat-packing in Austria and attending two more colleges, Salinger began submitting his short stories for publication. In 1942, he was drafted into the Army and was present at Utah Beach on D-Day.<br /><br />After the war, Salinger returned to his writing. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Catcher in the Rye</span> was published in 1951. The novel was both lauded and vilified, but by the late 50s it was wildly popular, especially among teenagers. The success of the novel and the attention it earned him was overwhelming to Salinger. He withdrew from the public and his writing suffered as he began to publish fewer and fewer stories. Later in life he was involved in several lawsuits involving biographers and copyright violators, including an author who wrote a novel about Holden Caulfield as an adult. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genre:</span><br /><blockquote>Realistic Fiction</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curriculum Ties:</span><br /><blockquote>English: Writing Style</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Booktalking Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Discuss what Holden means when he calls so many people "phonies"</li><li>Read the first paragraph and then introduce Holden in character</li><li>Talk about how this has simultaneously been the most challenged and most taught book</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reading Level/Interest Age:</span><br /><blockquote>14 and older</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Issues:</span><br /><blockquote>Unsuitable role model<br />Profanity<br />Sexual content<br />Blasphemy<br />Undermining of family values<br />Encouragement of rebellion<br />Alcohol and tobacco use<br />Association with high profile murders</blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Challenge Defense Ideas:</span><br /><blockquote><ul><li>Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.</li><li>If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.</li><li>Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.</li><li>Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.</li></ul></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons for Selection:</span><br /><blockquote>It has been credited with helping create the category of young adult literature. It still remains one of the most popular YA novels.<br /></blockquote>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00454453760769827594noreply@blogger.com