1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

1. Bibliographic Information
Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York: Scholastic Press.

374 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-02348-1

2. Plot Summary
Katniss Everdeen is a poor, sixteen year old girl living in District 12 of Panem under the Capitol’s regime. Although Katniss is well aware of the abuses and unfairness of her situation, she accepts her fate given her need to protect her younger sister Prim. However, on this particular morning is the drawing for the Hunger Games. To ensure each district’s obeisance, the Capitol requires two volunteers from each district to participate in the annual Hunger Games. There, a boy and girl from each district will fight to the death in an arena filled with danger. With the rest of the world watching, the teens must use their ingenuity as well as their physical skill to survive. The victor will be considered a hero and that person, along with their district will lavish in the wealth of prizes sustained by the other districts. Unfortunately, District 12 has never been known for its fighting skills. Nevertheless, when Katniss hears her sister’s name called, she immediately steps forward in her stead. Peeta, the Baker’s son is also picked to go. Together the two teens are forced to compete against the rest of the districts, but only one can be named the winner.

3. Critical Evaluation
The Hunger Games is a great book for teens. Author Suzanne Collins creates a book with interesting characters, great atmosphere, social commentary, and action to keep readers enticed. As a character, Katniss is somewhat of an enigma. Like most teenagers, she does not necessarily know what she wants. What makes her different though is Collins’ ability to put her in a situation which forces her to act before thinking of the consequences. Furthermore, Collins’ dark futuristic society, which rules with an iron fist, seems very realistic. While some readers might scoff at the believability of reinstating a sort of gladiator game in real life, Collins’ forces readers to rethink how we view not only politics but media as a whole. By televising each aspect of the Hunger Games, Collins allows readers to see how much “Reality” Television permeates this society, thus drawing obvious connections to our own. Lastly, Collins’ book is filled with action that both require physical and mental toughness. Overall an exciting read.

4. Reader’s Annotation
In a futuristic gladiator’s arena, Katniss is forced to fight for her life. The Hunger Games will change her forever.

5. Information about the Author
Suzanne Collins worked in television before becoming an author. As an author she has written books for children as well as teens. Her novels include Gregor the Overlander the first in the Underland Chronicles, as well as the sequels to the Hunger Games entitled Catching Fire and Mockingjay, respectively. She currently lives in Connecticut.

6. Genre
Science Fiction

7. Curriculum Ties
While this book has a distinct message about politics and government, I see this book being used for an English class or an outside reading book.

8. Booktalking Ideas
- Explain how Katniss’ experiences throughout the book change her perception of the Capitol?
- What are some of the overall themes that Suzanne Collins explores in The Hunger Games?

9. Reading Level
I think that due to the themes, the characters ages and the writing style, this novel would be best for older teens aged 15-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This novel does explore themes of oppressive totalitarian governments, as well as somewhat gruesome examples of violence and murder. While, I feel that these themes are crucial in establishing a realistic novel, some people might not agree. Therefore, if anyone wished to challenge this book, I would refer them to the ALA’s website for more information including a challenge form, found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
Of all the books we read for our class, this one was my favorite.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Collins, S. (2010). Biography. Retrieved from http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

Collins, S. (2010). The hunger games. Retrieved from http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/the_hunger_games_69765.htm

Picture
Collins, S. (2010). Works. Retrieved from http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/works.htm

13. Awards
Include but are not limited to:
NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2008
AN AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
TOP TEN BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS SELECTION
AN ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
2009 ALA AMELIA BLOOMER PROJECT LIST
#1 ON WINTER '08/'09 CHILDREN'S INDIE NEXT LIST
INDIES CHOICE--BEST INDIE YOUNG ADULT BUZZ BOOK HONOR
2008 CYBIL AWARD--FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION
2009 CHILDREN'S CHOICE BOOK AWARD
TEEN CHOICE BOOK OF THE YEAR FINALIST
NYPL “STUFF FOR THE TEEN AGE” LIST, 2009
CCBC CHOICES 2009
A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE
KIRKUS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF 2008

6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

1. Bibliographic Information
Brontë, C. (2009). Jane Eyre. New York: Vintage Press.

596 pages
ISBN: 978-0-307-45519-2

2. Plot Summary
Jane Eyre is a young orphan who is living with her aunt, Mrs. Reed, and her three spoiled children. Jane is a passionate young girl, and is stifled in a household that neither wants nor cares for her. Things come to a climax when Mrs. Reed’s son hits Jane for reading “his” books. In retaliation Jane attacks him and knocks him down. Instead of reprimanding John, her aunt sends her to her dead uncle’s room where she swears she sees his ghost. Not long after this incident Jane is sent to a boarding school. The school is not much different from her life at home, but she does find solace in her playfellow, Helen Burns. Through Helen, Jane begins to develop faith in God, and despite Helen’s premature death at school, Jane begins to cope with her life. Nevertheless, at 18, Jane is tired of her simple life at Lowood School. She applies for a governess position for a young girl named Adele at Thornfield Hall, care of a Mrs. Fairfax. After being accepted, Jane goes to Thornfield. Several months into her stay she meets the owner, Mr. Edward Rochester. Despite her position and social standing, Jane becomes interested in the master of the house. However, all is not well, and things begin to go awry.

3. Critical Evaluation
Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is an interesting book. Jane represents a strong female character that has a strong sense of self and belief system. While Brontë’s work is not so much a social commentary as it is a character study, there are some revealing aspects to Jane’s character that could be perceived as faults with 19th century culture. Despite Jane’s social standing, upbringing, age, and gender, Brontë is quick to justify Jane’s right to love Mr. Rochester. She demands that her love is equal to that of Rochester, and that by declaring her love for them, they are equal. Thus Brontë’s views on both the equality of women and social standing can be inferred through Jane’s character. Additionally, the role of religion is a crucial element to Jane’s being. Jane Eyre is just as much about love as it is about knowing oneself. Jane’s understanding of her beliefs is the underlying factor to which she bases her decisions. It is this personal relationship with her beliefs that allows Jane to not only feel Rochester’s equal but also proud of her own self.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Jane Eyre is a plain girl, sent to live in Thornfield Hall in order to teach Mr. Rochester’s ward. However, something is hiding in the north tower that does not want Jane to stay.

5. Information about the author
Charlotte Brontë was born in 1816. Her life was much like the heroine in her novel, Jane Eyre. She went to an oppressive school and worked as a teacher and a governess before writing. She and her sisters Anne and Emily published works under the name Currer Bell. After the success of Jane Eyre, Charlotte went on to write three other novels before dying shortly after her marriage.

6. Genre
Classic

7. Curriculum Ties
This novel was an option for the Accelerated Reading Program at my high school. It could be used in an unit on British Classic Literature.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-How does Jane’s belief in God affect her decisions in the novel?
-Some people do not like the conclusion of the novel. What do you think about the supernatural elements in this story?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
(Cross-over novel) While some teens might question whether or not this book kept their interest, based upon the themes of this novel I would recommend it to 16-year-olds to adults.

10. Challenge Issues
Imdb.com reports that the novel was banned in the 1860s stating that it was “unsuitable for young ladies,” however I could not find any other material which confirms or denies that statement. Nevertheless, the book was written in 1847, and so by today’s standards the content seems relatively tame. Themes in this book which might cause some concern is the role of religion, the issue of sex before marriage (or being a mistress), bigamy and adultery. However, most of these issues are alluded to rather than done outright. If anyone wished to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s website which also includes a challenge form at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm/

11. Why was it selected?
I read this book when I was in high school, so I thought it would be a good example of a classic that teens can read.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Brontë, C. (2009). Jane Eyre. New York: Vintage Press.

Imdb.com. (2010). Biography for Charlotte Bronte. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0111576/bio

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Jane Eyre (Vintage Classics) (Paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Jane-Vintage-Classics-Charlotte-Bronte/dp/030745519X#reader_030745519X

13. Awards
No awards known, however, the book was well received when first published.

7. Stardust by Neil Gaiman

1. Bibliographic Infomation
Gaiman, N. (2007). Stardust. New York: Harper Collins.

(Movie Tie-in Edition)

336 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-380-80455-9

2. Plot Summary
Dunstan Thorn is a young boy living in the town of Wall. The Wall is an interesting city, which does indeed have a wall. The wall lines the east border of the city, and no one ventures beyond the wall. Instead, the city places guards along the small opening to ensure no one enters. About every nine years a fair comes to the town of Wall. All sorts of people attend from far and wide to sell their goods. When he was 18, Dunstan aided an unusual man who granted him his heart’s desire. Dunstan finds himself going to the fair where he sleeps with a young girl. Nine months later a basket arrives with a child named Tristan Thorn.

Years pass, and Dunstan’s son is now seventeen and in love with Victoria Forest. After seeing a shooting star, he impetuously asks Victoria for anything his heart desires if he obtained the fallen star for her. Calling his bluff, Victoria who scorns his feelings accepts. Thus, Tristan begins his journey beyond the wall in search of a star. Tristan, though, is not the only one searching. A powerful witch seeks the star to regain her youth, and three brothers look to find the pendant which knocked the star out of orbit to claim the throne of Stormhold. However, not all is what it appears to be in the land beyond Wall, and a star is not simply a ball of gas.

3. Critical Evaluation
Neil Gaiman’s Stardust is a lighthearted fantasy novel, great for readers who want to be introduced to the genre. The novel has a tongue-in-cheek feel to it, with distinctly British humor and wit. Gaiman’s writing style is very enticing to read. However, the characters seemed a tad uneventful in respect to their actions. Tristan and Yvaine’s journey, though adventurous, seems to be due to other’s actions and reactions. Except for Tristan’s initial vow to find the fallen star, the consequences that befall him are not necessarily of his own doing but rather from what others do or have said. For example, he uses the candle to escape the witch because the hairy man had told him to do so. Nevertheless, perhaps this reaction is due in part to my viewing the movie before reading the book, which does take a different approach to Gaiman’s novel. Ultimately, the novel is entertaining, and readers should appreciate Gaiman’s humor and writing style.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Would you catch a fallen star for your heart’s desire?

5. Information about the Author
Neil Gaiman was born and raised in England, but now currently resides with his wife and children in the United States. He has written numerous novels for adults, teens and children in addition to screenplays, short stories, graphic novels, and song lyrics. Some of his titles have also become motion pictures including Stardust and Coraline.

6. Genre
Fantasy

7. Curriculum Ties
I could only see this book being used as an outside reading book for an English class, rather than for instruction.

8. Booktalking Ideas
- How do Dunstan and Tristan’s perception of their heart’s desire and their actual heart’s desire differ? Do you feel that Gaiman is trying to make a point with this?
- Do you feel that Tristan’s character changes throughout the novel? How is his behavior different and/or the same?

9. Reading level/Interest Age
(Cross-over novel) I would recommend this novel for older teens to adults, acceptable for 15 year olds to read.

10. Challenge Issues
There are some minor instances of sex and sexual innuendo as well as some offensive language. Therefore, while I do not feel that this book should be a problem, if a person were to challenge it I would refer them to the ALA’s website for more information and challenge forms found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm/

11. Why was it selected?
I though the movie was interesting so I thought I would read the book to see how it compared.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Gaiman, N. (2010). Awards and honors. Retrieved from http://www.neilgaiman.com/p/About_Neil/Awards_and_Honors

Gaiman, N. (2010). About Neil: Biography. Retrieved from http://www.neilgaiman.com/p/About_Neil/Biography

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Stardust (Mass Market Paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Stardust-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0380804557/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_img_in

13. Awards
1999 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature
2000 Alex Award

8. Beastly by Alex Flinn

1. Bibliographic Information
Flinn, A. (2007). Beastly. New York: HarperTeen.

304 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-087417-9

2. Plot Summary
Kyle Kingsbury, seventeen, is considered to be the most popular boy at Tuttle School in New York. He dates Sloane Hagen, and his father is a television anchor. However, not everything in Kyle’s life is perfect. Kyle, like Sloane, is vain, manipulative, and mean. For prom, he decides to ask this ugly girl named Kendra as a joke and plans on standing her up. At the prom Kendra finds out that Kyle had no intention of being her date, and she cryptically plans her revenge. Kendra, instead of a sixteen year old, is a witch, and turns Kyle into his true form: a beast. Kyle is frantic, and his father fearful of his own reputation. They go to every doctor, but to no avail. Finally, Kyle is ostracized in a five story apartment building in Manhattan where he stays help of his maid, Magda and his blind tutor, Will. Kyle has two years to break his spell with true love’s first kiss, but how can he show his face in public let alone meet his true love?

3. Critical Evaluation
Alex Flinn’s novel Beastly is a modern retelling of the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast with elements of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Flinn does a good job implementing aspects of other fairy tales within the book with a chat group which focuses others who are also cursed. However, overall the novel succeeds because it stays within the confines of the fairy tale, while making the protagonist appear to be an average teen. Flinn seems to understand her audience, knowing how an egotistical teen might act compared to a humble teen. She does try to tackle some issues of abandonment and isolation in her novel, but this seems to be used more as characterization than an actual commentary. The use of New York City allows her novel to feel more contemporary than fairy tale, and she uses humor to explain some of the more corny aspects of the story. Ultimately, the novel is a light and entertaining read.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Kyle Kingsbury has two years to find his true love. A beast is loose within New York City.

5. Information about the Author
Alex Flinn was born in New York but moved to Miami when she was in Middle School. She is the author of six other young adult fiction novels. She currently lives with her husband and children in Miami, Florida.

She has sold the rights to her novel, and the movie Beastly, which appears to be only loosely based, is being released in July 2010.

6. Genre
Fantasy: Fairy Tale

7. Curriculum Ties
This novel might be good for an English class if they studied Fairy Tales and modern rewrites.

8. Booktalking Ideas
- How is this retelling of Beauty and the Beast different from the other versions you’ve seen or read?
- How does the author implement other classic tales/novels within the story?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I would recommend this novel for teens that like fairy tale fantasies aged 15-17.

10. Challenge Issues
There is some minor violence in this book, but overall I do not think that people would be offended by this book. Overall it has the same morals as the original story. However, if anyone did wish to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s website on guidelines and challenge forms found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm/

11. Why was it selected?
I wanted to give an example of a fairy tale rewrite that I thought was well done.

12. Citation
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Flinn, A. (2010). About Alex. Retrieved from http://www.alexflinn.com/html/bio.html

Flinn, A. (2010). Beastly. Retrieved from http://www.alexflinn.com/html/beastly.html

Picture
Flinn, A. (2010). Beastly. Retrieved from http://www.alexflinn.com/html/beastly.html

13. Awards
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
VOYA Editor’s Choice
IRA/CBC Young Adults’ Choice
New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age
Texas Lone Star Reading List
Detroit Public Library Author Day Award
Utah Beehive Award Master List
Missouri Gateway Award Master List
Volunteer State Book Award Master List
Nevada Young Readers Award Master List
South Dakota Young Adult Book Award Master List
New Hampshire Isinglass Award Master List
Woozles (Canada) Teen Battle of the Books list

10. Spinners by Donna Jo Napoli and Richard Tchen

1. Bibliographic Information
Napoli, D. J. and Tchen, R. (1999). Spinners. New York: Puffin Books

197 pages
ISBN: 0-14-131110-X

2. Plot Summary
A young tailor has fallen in love with a spinner’s daughter, she is also pregnant with his child. Intending to marry her, he goes to the spinner in order to ask for her hand in marriage. However, the spinner refuses due to the tailor’s poor prospects. Desperate, the tailor promises that he can weave the spinner’s daughter a dress of gold from straw. The tailor steals a spindle from an old woman in the forest; however, once he begins to use it he cannot stop. The tailor becomes consumed with making the dress. Once the spinner’s daughter sees the extent to which this tailor’s obsession has become, she refuses to marry him and instead marries the wealthy miller to ensure her security. Enraged, the tailor retreats to the forest where he uses the spindle to make yarn.

Years pass, and the daughter is now a young woman. Her mother had died in childbirth, while her assumed father is now wasting away his money and social standing on beer. In order to keep themselves afloat, the young daughter uses her mothers’ spindle to earn money. Her father brags to the king that his daughter can weave gold. The king takes on the miller’s bet, and promises to give his hand in marriage if the daughter succeeds. In a reversal of situations, the young daughter is forced to spin gold from a room full of straw. Desperate, the young daughter does not know what to do. Suddenly a crippled, ugly man enters the castle and helps her using his own spindle. His only condition is that he will have the maiden’s first born when she is queen. The daughter accepts without hesitation, seeing that she has no love for the king and no hope of success. However, when she does succeed with the help of this strange man, she soon finds herself married to the king. It is not long before she is with child and the man returns. She can save the one thing she loves if only she finds out the name of the weird man.

3. Critical Evaluation
Donna Jo Napoli and Richard Tchen’s Spinners, a rewrite of the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin, just did not work for me. Perhaps it is due to the fact that the character of Rumpelstiltskin never quite makes sense. While his adult bitterness can be easily attributed to his unhappy experiences with the spinner and his daughter, his resentment towards his daughter seem only due to his own selfishness. Although this may be the authors’ attempts to show that he was incapable of loving anyone, the reader never connects with the character. There was no redeeming value which made the reader want to understand his motives. Nevertheless, there are some interesting aspects to the novel. The authors do an excellent job with imagery and symbolism, especially in terms of Rumpelstiltskin. Initially the authors create a man whose obsession with the Spinner’s daughter overrides his ability to think rationally. Then his outward crippled appearance begins to reflect his twisted soul. Additionally, it is interesting to look at how the authors display love in this novel. It could be said that Rumpelstiltskin never truly loved the spinner’s daughter because he was more obsessed with proving his love through possessions. Furthermore, the daughter never loves anyone except her child. Thus, while the book is not bad, I felt that for a rewrite the authors really did not execute the characters’ motivations well.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Just how did Rumpelstiltskin weave straw into gold?

5. Information about the authors
Donna Jo Napoli writes for children through young adult readers. Most of her young adult books are rewrites of fairy tales including Beauty, Bound, North, and Breath.

Richard Tchen was born in 1973 in California. He is a mathematician, and has also published in the area of environmental studies.

6. Genre
Fantasy: Fairy Tale

7. Curriculum Ties
I don’t really see this being used in a high school English class, unless they were doing a lesson on fairy tales. I only remember learning about fairy tales in a college Children’s writing class, though.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-Does Rumpelstiltskin’s background justify his actions against his daughter?
-How do the authors use the relationships of the Rumpelstiltskin and the Spinner’s daughter, the Spinner’s daughter and the Miller and the daughter and the King to talk about love?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I would assume that most teens who would read this book would be girls aged 15 and 16.

10. Challenge Issues
There are references to Rumpelstiltskin and the Spinner’s Daughter sleeping together, but otherwise I would not think that there were any other issues with this book. If someone did find this book objectionable, I would refer them to the ALA’s website for guidelines and challenge forms found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I wanted to include an example of a fairy tale rewrite.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Napoli, D. J. (2010). Short biography: Donna Jo Napoli (biographies of coauthors follow). Retrieved from http://www.donnajonapoli.com/biography.html

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Spinners (Mass market paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Spinners-Donna-Jo-Napoli/dp/014131110X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273545813&sr=1-1

13. Awards
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
Junior Library Guild
New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age
Carolyn W. Field Honor Book, Pennsylvania Library Association
South Carolina Book Award Master List

12. Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar

1. Bibliographic Information
Von Ziegesar, C. (2002). Gossip girl: A novel. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

201 pages
ISBN: 0-316-91033-3

2. Plot Summary
Ever since Serena van der Woodsen was sent overseas to a European boarding school, Blair Waldorf has been the envy of all the girls at New York’s prestigious all-girls’ academy Constance Billard. She is currently dating Nate Archibald, and expects to lose her virginity with him during her senior year. However, all that comes to an end when rumors of Serena’s return are confirmed when she shows up at one of Blair’s mother’s house parties. Serena has always been the center of attention because of her looks, behavior and sense of style. However, although Serena and Blair used to be best friends, they seem to have grown apart during Serena’s absence. Blair is unable to give up her social standing to once again be second best to Serena, and Serena must come to terms with the fact that she slept with Nate before she left to Europe. What ensues is a battle for the upper-hand in a lifestyle of indulgence, promiscuity, risky behavior, and a look at what some of New York’s prestigious teenagers really do. Overseeing it all is a blogger known only under the handle Gossip Girl, whose omniscient power keeps track of all the workings of this inner circle.

3. Critical Evaluation
Gossip Girls takes the idea of consumerism and entitled teenagers to a new level. Cecily Von Ziegesar’s prose examines social elite teenagers and their behaviors, including promiscuity, drug use, and credit cards. The voice of reason comes only in the form of the blogger Gossip Girl, who rather than stating the characters faults simply exposes them to the ridicule of her public online. Thus, in her writing style, Von Ziegesar’s characterization comes from the teenagers’ actions and opinions, while the morality of these decisions is left to the reader. In this light Von Ziegesar is giving credit to her readers, that it is their responsibility to use their own moral compass to determine the insincerity, and illusion of goodness. In order to do this, however, Von Ziegesar does not hold back any of the issues that she feels are necessary to portray these teenagers in a realistic light. Many of the characters engage in behaviors which would be considered risky by many. While some readers might feel uncomfortable with the ease that Von Ziegesar writes about getting high, spending money, and having sex, she simply states these issues without going into specific or graphic detail. Perhaps this is only because this is the first novel in the series, though. Ultimately, Von Ziegesar’s novel is a social commentary on teens today, which provides readers with escapism, and access to a world which many teenagers can only dream of. However, reader be warned not all will feel that this book is appropriate for their teens.

4. Reader’s Annotation
In a society where wealth is standard, beauty, popularity, reputation, and revenge become the focal points in Blair and Serena’s life. Read about a world you could only wish to be a part of in Gossip Girl.

5. Information about the Author
Cecily Von Ziegesar spent her childhood in Manhattan, and grew up much like the characters in the story. She went to a small, private school on the Upper East Side in New York. Gossip Girl is her first novel and she currently lives with her husband and children in New York.

6. Genre
Realistic Fiction

7. Curriculum Ties
I really think that this book would be best suited for pleasure reading rather than for educational value.

8. Booktalking Ideas
- This book has been banned due to its offensive language, sexually explicit scenes, and unsuitability for its age group. Do you feel that these issues are truthful or exaggerated?
- How do the teenagers reflect your average teenager? What’s similar and what’s different?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the content of this book, I would recommend Gossip Girl to readers aged 16-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This book was listed as one of the ALA’s banned books. It has been challenged due to offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group (ALA, 2009). Additionally, the book also references minors under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes. While I feel that parents have the right to determine what type of media is acceptable for their teenagers, I do not feel that this book should be stripped from the shelves due to these reasons. Nevertheless, if a person did wish to try to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s website for challenge forms and guidelines found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I wanted to see how “bad” this book really was.

12. Citations
American Library Association. (2009). Attempts to ban books in U.S. continue. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/september2009/bbw2009_oif.cfm

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Gossipgirl.net. (2010). Cecily Von Ziegesar. Retrieved from http://www.gossipgirl.net/author/

Nussbaum, E. (2005). Psst, Serena is a slut. Pass it on. In New York Books. Retrieved from http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/books/12058/

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Gossip girl #1: A novel (Gossip girl series) (Paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Gossip-Girl-Novel/dp/0316910333/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272776316&sr=1-9#noop

13. Awards
None found, however, the seventh novel of this series did debut at #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List for Children and the books have been made into a television series on the CW.

15. Ludie's Life by Cynthia Rylant

1. Bibliographic Information
Rylant, C. (2006). Ludie’s life. Orlando, Florida: Harcourt.

116 pages
ISBN: 0-15-205389-1

2. Plot Summary
Written in free verse, Ludie’s Life chronicles the life of a West Virginia housewife. Born in Alabama, Ludie marries Rude at fifteen in order to escape her poor upbringing. After their marriage, Ludie and Rude move to West Viriginia. There the couple starts a family, totaling sixth children. She admits that “…six were too many and one would have been just fine” (p. 1). Nevertheless, Ludie is able to raise her children “right” while Rude works in the coal mine to make ends meet. While Ludie and Rude work hard, the family is never rich, eking out a living the best they know how. Time passes and Ludie’s personal life changes little. Her children grow, move out, and Ludie is left with her husband. However, with the death of her husband when she is seventy, Ludie begins to feel the pangs of loneliness. Can Ludie see the beauty of her life and the legacy she leaves behind?

3. Critical Evaluation
Cynthia Rylant’s free verse poetry does an excellent job portraying human emotions throughout one’s life. Ludie’s Life reinforces ideas that help young adults better understand aging and adults. Through the poems the reader is able to connect with Ludie. While her life was tough, her honest voice carries through the narrative. For example, Ludie does not like to tell her grandchildren about her own childhood since they would fail to comprehend that Ludie was once a teenager. Additionally, the novel puts the reader in a different time period, which allows the reader to see how environment, personality, and the need to survive can affect one’s outlook on love, family, and life. While there is love in Ludie’s life, there is also realism that prevails throughout the book. In fact on the first page she admits that she could have lived her life differently. Nevertheless, Ludie’s Life is an intriguing story which is supported by the free verse narration.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Do you know what it is like to feel isolation, regret, and yet, know love? Written in free verse, Ludie’s Life examines the life of a rural coal miner’s wife in West Virginia.

5. Information about the Author
Cynthia Rylant had an emotional childhood. Growing up predominantly in West Virginia, Rylant was sent to live with her grandparents following the divorce of her parents. She lived in poverty throughout her childhood, which would later reflect some of the issues that some characters have in her works. Her father rarely wrote, until he contacted her at thirteen in hopes of reconnecting with his daughter. Unfortunately, before they could meet, her father died due to alcoholism and hepatitis. Nevertheless, Rylant used this loss to become a writer. She has written over 100 books, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon.

6. Genre
Poetry

7. Curriculum Ties
This book might be helpful for English students who wish to use lyrical prose in order to tell a story. Additionally, I would consider Ludie’s Life to be helpful for a history class if they were learning about rural life in the 20th century.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-How does free verse help/hinder the reader’s ability to connect with Ludie?
-How does Ludie’s voice change the way you look at poverty? Rural living? Aging?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that older teens aged 17-18, would be more likely to understand the context, use of lyrical prose, and themes of the story.

10. Challenge Issues
Ludie’s Life does not seem to have explicit material or objectionable material. Although there are themes of death and aging, there should not be an issue with challenges. Nevertheless, if a challenge did occur, I would recommend referencing the ALA’s website on guidelines and forms regarding challenges found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it Selected?
I wanted to include another example of poetry written for older teens. I found this book on my library’s shelves.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Educational Book and Media Association. (2010). Cynthia Rylant. Retrieved from http://www.edupaperback.org/showauth.cfm?authid=40

Picture
Harcourt Trade Publishers. (2010). Ludie’s life: Cynthia Rylant. Retrieved from http://www.harcourtbooks.com/bookcatalogs/bookpages/9780152053895.asp

13. Awards
Ohioana Award for Children's Literature • Author Award

16. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing Traitor to the Nation, Vol. 1 by M.T. Anderson

1. Bibliographic Information
Anderson, M. (2006). The astonishing life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the nation, Volume 1: The pox party. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.
351 pages
ISBN: 0-7636-2402-0

2. Plot Summary
Octavian Nothing is a young boy living in the Americas in the 1700s. Along with his mother, he lives with the men of the Novanglian College of Lucidity. These men, who go by numbers rather than names, provide Octavian with a classical education, reinforcing scientific theory, music, and classic Greek literature. Although treated like royalty, Octavian is also submitted to strict tests which study his eating habits, weighing his feces, and recording his answers to specific questions. Thus, Octavian’s childhood is far from normal, and the stress of observation and study has greatly affected his ability to connect with people, especially that of his mother who thrives on the noble attention of the college. This college however is based upon the patronage of wealthy benefactors, and when Octavian’s mother spurns the attention of Lord Cheldthorpe, the college’s experiments take on a more sinister meaning. Can Octavian come to terms with his role in the Novanglian College of Lucidity, and thus his own identity?

3. Critical Evaluation
Anderson’s gift of writing becomes amazingly apparent with his skill in making the reader feel that The Pox Party is in fact a historical narrative written during the eve of the Revolutionary War. Anderson’s word choice, plot lines, and overall writing style has been clearly researched and cleverly written. It is interesting to read about the dynamic between Octavian and the rest of his “family,” especially his mother. His distant relationships, and yet brutal observations allow the reader to understand the social climate of the time, without forcing Anderson to explicitly state certain facts. Furthermore, Anderson deftly paints a picture of American Revolutionary History not often taught in history classes. His emphasis on a slave’s unique life in the colonies allows comparisons to be drawn from the idealistic view that many people have of the time period. In Octavian Nothing, Anderson has pushed the boundaries of Teen Historical Fiction, surpassing the genre’s standards not only based upon content, but also literary merit.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Octavian Nothing is a young black boy living in the American colonies just prior to the Revolutionary War. Little does he know that his different, yet privileged upbringing serves a sinister purpose.

5. Information about the Author
M.T. Anderson lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has written numerous books for all ages including Feed, Thirsty, Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware, and Me, All Alone, at the End of the World. The sequel to The Pox Party, subtitled The Kingdom on the Waves was published in 2008.

6. Genre
Historical Fiction

7. Curriculum Ties
I think that this novel could be included in History and English instruction. The novel is a great example of superior writing for young adults, as well as a great introduction to well-written historical fiction. The contents of the novel are based upon true events in history, and in the Author’s Note, Anderson writes about his own research for this novel.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-How does this book relate to other ideas of ethnocentrism (i.e. Social Darwinism)?
-Teenagers today often have trouble defining their individuality, how do Octavian’s experiences affect his ability to come to terms with himself? How does his name reinforce these ideas?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the writing style, themes, and overall quality of this book, I would consider this book to be appropriate for older teens aged 16 and up.

10. Challenge Issues
This book takes a different approach at American Revolutionary history, as well as beliefs about the superiority of certain races. This novel does talk about slavery, both in terms of sale and the treatment of African Americans and Native Africans during this time period; there are examples of beatings. However, I think that when placed in context with the story this book can serve as a good teaching example, rather than controversial. Nevertheless, if someone did wish to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s guidelines and challenge form found at

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I heard good reviews about the book.

12. Citations

Anderson, M.T. (2010). Him: His life. Retrieved from http://mt-anderson.com/

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Picture Retrieved from
Amazon.com. (2010). The astonishing life of octavian nothing, traitor to the nation, vol. 1: The pox party (Hardcover). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-Octavian-Nothing-Traitor-Nation/dp/0763624020/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272339632&sr=1-1

13. Awards

National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2006)
British Fantasy Award (2007)
Book Sense Book of the Year Award Nominee for Children's Literature (2007)
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Fiction and Poetry (2007)
Horn Book Fanfare Best Book (2006)
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book (2006)
Printz Honor (2007)

20. Hole In My Life by Jack Gantos

1. Bibliographic Information
Gantos, J. (2002). Hole in my life. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
ISBN: 0-374-39988-3
200 pages

2. Plot Summary
In Hole in my Life, Jack Gantos recounts the journey of his teenage life, beginning with his last year in high school, through his stint in prison. Gantos was a young boy living on his own in Florida, when he decided to try to help his father in the Virgin Islands. He had dreams for himself, wanting to become a writer and using drugs and the chance of travel as a means of inspiration, Jack slowly makes his way to the islands. There, a man approaches Jack to smuggle drugs up the Atlantic seaboard to New York for $10,000. When he accepts, Jack and a British man named Hamilton man the boat as they make their way to the delivery point. However, when they arrive, all is not what it seems. Federal Agents have inspected their boat, and Jack feels as if he is being followed. When the men are captured can Gantos find a way to redeem himself, or is he lost to an underworld of drugs, depression, and despair?

3. Critical Evaluation
Jack Gantos’ biography is a well written account of life in the 1970s. Gantos’ writing style effortlessly blends his own thought process with literary figures which influenced his writing. It also provides the reader with a context to which Gantos’ life closely modeled. Taking inspiration from many different authors throughout literature, Gantos’ work however, forces the reader to question his actions. Like Kerouac and other Beat Writers such as William S. Burroughs, Gantos’ drug use seems like a misguided attempt to run from reality. Nevertheless, Gantos’ narrative never makes excuses for his behavior, nor does he try to blame his parents or upbringing. Though ultimately an anti-drug message, the book does not become preachy. Gantos simply presents the consequences in such a way that offers readers the ability to see into his life. While the book never fully answers whether or not Gantos was sorry for his actions or simply sorry for getting caught, I think that upon reading this book it does not really matter. The experiences that Gantos faces in his life leads him to make better choices, thus Gantos shows how people can redeem themselves.

4. Reader’s Annotation
In 1971, Jack Gantos is offered $10,000 to sail a boat from the Virgin Islands to New York. Being a drug runner, though, might be more than he bargained for.

5. Information about the Author
Jack Gantos was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. His first book, Rotten Ralph, a children’s book was published in 1976. He currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and daughter.

6. Genre
Biography

7. Curriculum Ties
This might be a good book for students who wish to learn more about the 1970s for say a history class, or it could be a great introduction to biographies for and about teenagers.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-The book suggests that the judge felt that Jack Gantos had no remorse for what he had done. What do you think?

-Do you think that a teenager today could have done the same thing that Jack Gantos did? How would today’s world be similar or different?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that this book would interest readers aged 16-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This book has instances of drug use, illegal activities, and prison life. If anyone wished to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s website on guidelines and challenges found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why Was it Selected?
I wanted to include a biography and the Cole text listed this book as a good example.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Cole, P. B. (2009). Young adult literature in the 21st century. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Gantos, J. (2002). Hole in my life. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Gantos, J. (2010). Jack Gantos. Retrieved from http://www.jackgantos.com/jackgantos.html

Picture from
Gantos, J. (2010). Jack Gantos: Young adult. Retrieved from http://www.jackgantos.com/youngadult.html

13. Awards
American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults
American Library Association Notable Children's Books
Booklist Editors' Choice
Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
Bulletin Blue Ribbon, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Horn Book Magazine Fanfare List
Massachusetts Children's Book Award
Michael L. Printz Award - Honor
Parents' Choice Award
Robert F. Sibert Award - Honor
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

21. Confessions of a High School Word Nerd: Increase Your SAT Verbal Score... by Arianne Cohen and Colleen Kinder

1. Bibliographic Information
Cohen, A. and Kinder, C. (2006). Confessions of a high school word nerd: Increase your SAT verbal score while laughing your Gluteus* off. New York: Penguin Books.
ISBN: 978-0-14-303836-8
205 pages

2. Plot Summary
This collections of short stories by recent high school graduates offer readers a new way of increasing their vocabulary for the SAT. The book is an attempt to give students a fresh way to study for the verbal portion of the SAT, rather than countless practice exams and flash cards. By integrating vocabulary words, this book offers teenagers a way to better understand the definitions by providing context clues with the story itself, a footnote at the end of the page defining the word, and lastly, including a glossary of all terms at the end of the book. The end of each story also includes a brief biography of the individual authors. These short stories emphasize the trials and tribulations of teenage life including first kisses, being a band geek, joy-riding, being a summer camp counselor, sports teams, internships, being homeschooled, and pulling pranks. The stories are meant to be humorous anecdotes of the authors’ lives, providing teens with a relaxed way of learning.

3. Critical Evaluation
While this book has a great idea, the practicality of its overall purpose seems a little shaky. Integration does provide readers with the ability to discern the meaning of words within the text; however will readers be able to recall the words and their meanings after they are finished? Understandably different people have different ways of studying for a test. Furthermore, it could be assumed that if a student is reading this book, it is probably because they do retain information through reading. Nevertheless, I am not entirely sure that this book will appeal to a wide audience. Many teens need repetition in order to fully grasp concepts and definitions, so while reading the book might be initially helpful students might still need flashcards to learn the definitions. Furthermore, while the short stories do provide the reader with common themes in high school and teenage life, the constant bold SAT words sometimes become a distraction. Ultimately, the idea is nice; but its application is somewhat questionable.

4. Readers Annotation
Read short stories about the trials and tribulations of high school, including a first kiss, summer camp, sports rivalries, Senior pranks, and more, all while studying for the SAT!

5. Information about the Editors
Arianne Cohen graduated from Harvard in 2003, and is currently writes a weekly column for Metro (New York). She has also written the book, Help, It’s Broken!: The Fix-It Bible for the Repair-Impaired as well as articles for Life and the New York Times.

Colleen Kinder graduated from Yale University in 2003. She has also written Delaying the Real World: A Twentysomething’s Guide to Seeking Adventure. She currently lives in Iowa.

6. Genre
Short Stories, Education/SAT Prep

7. Curriculum Ties
This book of short stories would be useful for teens in a English class to help learn new vocabulary, as well as writing about personal experiences, learning about writing comedic stories, and integrating vocabulary into a work without appearing to patronize the audience.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-How do you use context clues to help define a word?
-What are other ways you use to better understand new words?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I would encourage students aged 15-17 to read this book.

10. Challenge Issues

While some short stories do have delinquent behavior like joy-riding, Senior pranks, water balloon fights, and a few references to drug use, the intent of the short stories are not to influence readers to try such behaviors. Therefore, while I do not feel this book to be in danger of being challenged, certain themes might not be acceptable to all readers. If the book was challenged I would encourage people to understand what the intent of this book is: an SAT prep. If an issue still arose, I would encourage readers to view the ALA guidelines and challenge form found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it Selected?
Seeing as the SAT is one of the most stressful exams in high school, I thought it would be helpful to include a prep book.

12. Citations

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Cohen, A. and Kinder, C. (2006). Confessions of a high school word nerd: Increase your SAT verbal score while laughing your Gluteus* off. New York: Penguin Books.

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Confessions of a high school word nerd: Laugh your Gluteus* off and increase your SAT verbal xcore (Paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-High-School-Word-Nerd/dp/0143038362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270361288&sr=1-1

13. Awards
No awards known.

22. Take Me There by Susane Colasanti

1. Bibliographic Information
Colasanti, S. (2008). Take me there. New York: Viking.
ISBN: 978-0-670-06333-8
290 pages

2. Plot Summary
Rhiannon, Nicole and James are best friends in high school trying to deal with life. Rhiannon has just broken up with her boyfriend Steve. She is heartbroken and plans ways of trying to get him back. Unfortunately, Gloria, a girl with a bad reputation, has other plans with Steve. Nicole, a girl who decided to “reinvent” herself in high school struggles with her own relationship issues. Three weeks ago Nicole broke up with Danny, but now she does not know if she still has feelings for him or her 24 year old math teacher, Mr. Farrell. James is trying to deal with his home-life in a small overstuffed apartment and taking care of an elderly neighbor. He has also just broken up with his girlfriend who accused him of hanging out with Rhiannon too much. In the midst of their high school lives, these three friends look after each other, find themselves, and slowly decide what type of person they want to be.

3. Critical Evaluation
While the plot of this story tends to be overused in the Romance genre, Colasanti’s use of different perspectives makes this novel more believable as well as fresh. The reader is able to “see” how each of the three characters view different events in their lives, and thus draw characterization of Rhiannon, Nicole and James based upon what they do or do not say in addition to what aspects of their day is represented and how. For example, sometimes events are discussed in a different way and some conversations are omitted to a specific person’s narrative. This writing style also appears more authentic with Colasanti’s word choice. There is a distinct difference between the three characters’ narratives. For example while Nicole tends to focus on her emotions as she writes her narrative, James tends to simplify events and state them as fact rather than analyzing why something happened and how he felt because of it. Ultimately, Take Me There provides readers with an age-old plot, but well written in terms of an authentic voice and point of view.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Meet Rhiannon, Nicole, and James: three best friends trying to understand themselves while they go through the trials, tribulations, and successes of life during one week of high school.

5. Information about the Author
Susane Colasanti was born in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Major: Astrophysics / Earth & Space Science and a minor in Psychology. She then went to the University of New York obtaining her Master’s Degree in Secondary Science Education with a minor in Physics. She wrote her first book, When It Happens in 2006. She has two other novels which will be released in 2010 entitled Waiting for You and Something Like Fate.

6. Genre
Romance

7. Curriculum Ties
This book would most likely be used as an outside reading book for an English class. However, it might be interesting to use as an example to show perceptions in writing.

8. Booktalking Ideas
- How does Colasanti’s writing allow the reader to judge the truthfulness of eye-witness accounts?
- How accurately does Colasanti’s characters reflect teenagers’ lives in high school?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that this book would appeal mostly to girls aged 15-17.

10. Challenge Issues
James does use some profanity in his accounts. The book also looks at bullying, sexual abuse, and teenagers having sex.

If anyone wished to challenge this book, I would refer them to the ALA’s website and challenge form found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I liked how the book was told in differing viewpoints, so I thought I would give it a try.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Colasanti, S. (2010). Susane Colasanti [MySpace]. Retrieved from http://www.myspace.com/susanecolasanti

Picture
Colasanti, S. (2010). Susane Colasanti [MySpace]. Retrieved from http://www.myspace.com/susanecolasanti

13. Awards
No awards known.

24. Full House: 10 Stories about Poker edited by Pete Hautman

1. Bibliographic Information
Hautman, P. (Ed.). (2007). Full house : 10 stories about poker. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons.
ISBN: 978-0-399-24528-2
161 pages

2. Plot Summary
Full House is a collection of 10 short stories each having to do with poker. The first story, “Poker for the Complete Idiot” by K.L. Going is about a young boy who visits his lower-class girlfriend’s family to play poker. Scared about how the family will view him, Dale plans on bluffing his way through the night. In “Positively Cheat Street” by Francine Pascal, a young girl must decide what to do when she notices that one of the players is cheating. “Dealing with the Devil” by Adam Stemple reads more like a oral history about playing poker. “The Cards that are Hidden” by Alex Flinn is the story about a young girl who must come to terms with her mother’s boyfriend and his addictions. “Sportin’ Men” by Gary Phillips looks at how poker can be a front for more devious activities. “The Royal Couple” by Mary Logue shows the possible sacrifices players make when they play poker against people they care about. “Fiddy Dolla Smile” by Bill Fitzhugh looks at how two boys con a bully in a local house game. “Suicide King” by Walter Sorrells is somewhat a retelling of the “Boy Who Cried Wolf” story. “The Scholarship Game” by Pete Hautman is a story about a group of boys from a small town who play in a poker scholarship game, when Adrian confronts Tom about coaching him during the game, can Tom win the money? Lastly, Will Weaver’s “Up the River” looks at the current cheating issues that occur in online poker games. Each story includes a short biography of the author. The editor has also inserted a page about poker hand rankings as well as a glossary of terms.

3. Critical Evaluation
This collection of short stories about poker might initially deter readers who feel uncomfortable with Poker. However, each author did an excellent job weaving poker jargon, strategy, and rules throughout their narratives. In fact, many of the short stories used poker as a catalyst to emphasize a different if not entirely unrelated problem. Many authors make the comparison that poker is like life: black and white. There is no way you can change the rules. While an element of luck is inevitable, players must use their skills against other players as well as what they are dealt in order to determine their next move. This is where the authors of each story succeed. Some authors use this knowledge to show the underbelly of the game as well as the successes it can create. Ultimately, each story allows the reader in some way to relate to a character. Every teen has felt the need to uphold the rules when someone is cheating, to want to cheat, to want to be a part of something bigger than their daily lives, and finally to want recognition. Most of the stories are realistic, and all are entertaining.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Full House: 10 Stories about Poker chronicles the successes and pitfalls in a game that heavily relies on skill and some luck. Follow the lives of teenagers as some learn, others make mistakes, and few succeed in the unrelenting game of Poker.

5. Information about the author
Pete Hautman is a young adult novelist who has also written Rash, Invisible and Godless. He lives in Minnesota with his partner and fellow author, Mary Logue. He has been playing poker since he was 8 (Hautman, 2007, p 140).

6. Genre
Short Stories

7. Curriculum Ties
I would encourage students to read this collection of stories for an outside reading book in an English class.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-How do the authors use Poker to emphasize real-life problems?
-Do you agree with the editor that poker is mostly a game of skill with a little luck?

9. Reading Level/ Interest Age
Though some of the stories have an advanced writing style and more adult themes, I think that this collection of short stories would mostly appeal to 15-17 year olds.

10. Challenge Issues
The story, “The Cards That Are Hidden,” by Alex Flinn looks at how poker can lead to addiction and even abuse (2007).

The story, “Fiddy Dolla Smile” by Bill Fitzhugh includes offensive language including racial slurs (2007).

The story, “Suicide King” by Walter Sorrells looks at mental illness (2007).

Taken separately, there are instances that could cause some concern; however, by looking at the aspects of these stories instead of the overall picture, some readers will have a skewed view of the authors and their contributions. If a challenge arose I would encourage that person to read the short stories in their entirety before passing judgment. If a person still wished to challenge this book I would refer he or she to the ALA’s challenge form found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I wanted to include an example of short stories in my blog, and I thought that a book about poker might be interesting to teens.

12. Citations

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Hautman, P. (Ed.). (2007). Full house : 10 stories about poker. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Full house: 10 stories about Poker (Hardcover). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Full-House-Stories-About-Poker/dp/0399245286/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270058965&sr=1-1

13. Awards

No awards known.

25. Gravel Queen by Tea Benduhn

1. Bibliographic Information
Benduhn, T. (2003). Gravel queen. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 0-689-84994-X
152 pages

2. Plot Summary
Aurin and her friends Kenney and Fred have a routine friendship with each other. Aurin and Kenney join Fred at the park while he watches Grant play Ultimate Frisbee. Kenney dictates to the other two, especially when it comes to hanging out and shopping. Aurin, is well, just Aurin, going along with the flow. One day though while the three friends are sitting at the park watching Grant, Aurin notices Neila, Grant’s cousin. When Neila also shows up to a ballroom dancing class that Kenney forced Fred and Aurin to participate in, Aurin and Neila dance with one another and they become friends. As Neila and Aurin become closer, Aurin begins to realize her feelings for her. She begins to hang out less and less with Kenney, thus upsetting the friends’ established routines. Will Aurin tell her friends about her relationship with Neila? Can Kenney learn to adapt to her friend’s need to establish a relationship outside of their friendship?

3. Critical Evaluation
This book is a lighthearted introduction to a girl’s first crush with another girl. It was interesting that the novel never labeled Aurin as a lesbian. This characterization is starkly contrasted with the other two characters. Kenney is described as a striking red-head who purposely makes an attempt to attract guys, while Fred can be very flamboyant. Interestingly, the novel really does not examine Aurin’s feelings or even any confusion on her part. She is merely attracted to Neila and though she wants to take her relationship to the next level, it is Neila who must instigate this. The lack of questioning and confusion appears to be somewhat contradictory to normal teenage development in questioning their identity. Perhaps though, the light read becomes an explanation to how Tea Benduhn views attraction, love and sexuality. Since Aurin simply acts on her infatuations, then maybe Benduhn is commenting on how sexuality is an emotion dependent on instinct rather than choice.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Aurin, Kenney and Fred are inseparable friends; hanging out on weekends, going to the park and taking dance lessons. However, when Aurin begins to have feelings for Neila can Kenney understand Aurin’s motivations and accept this change?

5. Information about the Author
Tea Benduhn completed her bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from Guildford College in Greensboro, North Carolina as well as a Master’s degree in creative writing from Emerson College in Boston. She wrote the novel Graven Queen “…to write an uplifting story about teen love that had a positive outcome” (Benduhn, 2003).

6. Genre
Realistic Fiction

7. Curriculum Ties
I would recommend this book as an outside reading book for English.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-Do you feel that this book presents teens and their sexual identities in a realistic light?
- Have you ever felt like you and your friend are growing apart?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I would recommend this novel for teens aged 15-17.

10. Challenge Issues
This novel looks at the lives of Aurin and even Fred who is gay. Aurin’s sexuality is not necessarily defined; however, she is attracted to another woman. While the novel does not pass judgment on this lifestyle or those who chose not to agree with this lifestyle, parents who feel strongly about homosexuality should be cautioned. There is an example of Aurin and Neila making out, but the author writes it in a tame and almost innocent way.

The book also shows interracial dating, and while this should not be an issue, if anyone has a problem, they might want to avoid this novel.

If anyone wishes to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s website and challenge form found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
When I saw this book at the local library, I liked how the author wanted this book to be a positive experience for teens.

12. Citations

Benduhn, T. (2003). Gravel queen. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

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Amazon.com (2010). Gravel queen (Hardcover). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Gravel-Queen-Tea-Benduhn/dp/068984994X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269930699&sr=1-1

13. Awards

Nominated for 2003's Lambda Literary Award

26. I Just Hope It's Lethal: Poems of Sadness, Madness & Joy Collected by Liz Rosenberg and Deena November

1. Bibliographic Information
Rosenberg, L. & November, D. (2005). I just hope it’s lethal: Poems of sadness, madness, & joy. Boston, Massachusetts: Graphia.
ISBN: 0-618-564-52-7
190 pages

2. Plot Summary
I Just Hope its Lethal is a collection of poems compiled by Liz Rosenberg and Deena November. The authors wanted to give teenagers an opportunity to realize that while their own personal experiences with depression and life is unique, there are many people who can empathize with their feelings. This book is divided into 5 parts: moods, world, love, tumble, and return. All of these headings attempt to help teens throughout their journeys in life. The authors have included a variety of poets/authors, some living, some dead, some famous, and some not. The poems themselves are different in structure, form and sometimes language. In the back of the book, there is a short biographical list of these poets. These poets include, but are not limited to: Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Bukowski, Sylvia Plath, and Emily Dickinson. The authors have also included indexes organized by author, title, and first line of work.

3. Critical Evaluation
I thought that this book is a great example of how books have the ability to connect with the reader. Whether or not teens suffer from depression, the poems included in this collection offer a variety of emotions and experiences that can help teenagers regardless of their current situations. While these poems offer a look at how debilitating depression, home life, and life in general can be, it also provides readers with the ability to hope. I really enjoyed “For Years, Copying Other People, I Tried to Know Myself." It is a poem of empowerment and letting go of insecurities. Not all readers will necessarily find connections with all poems, but such is the case with poetry as a whole. Nevertheless, this book will succeed on all counts if a reader connects with any one poem, and thus be impacted by its individual meaning. Readers, though, can also see how serious depression is. Unfortunately, due to its content, the book does feature poets who did commit suicide. I think what is most telling about this book is that it does not judge the actions of these poets, but rather allows readers to hopefully learn from the demons in these author’s lives and overcome their own individual obstacles.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Teenage years are full of emotion; sometimes happiness prevails in your outlook, while other times darker moments invade your thoughts. I Just Hope It’s Lethal recognizes these moments in your life when sometimes you just need someone to understand what you’re going through.

5. Information about the Authors
Liz Rosenberg was born on Long Island. She teaches English and Creative Writing at the State University of New York at Binghamton since 1979. While she is happily married with children, she has suffered from depression for most of her life.

Deena November was born in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a student in one of Liz Rosenberg’s classes at the State University of New York. Due to shared experiences with depression, the two women decided to compile a list of poems for this book.

6. Genre
Poetry

7. Curriculum Ties
This collection of poems could be used in an English, History or Health class. An English class could analyze the poems, the History class might be able to compare the poems to the social and historical context of when they were written and a Health class can look at the effects of depression on writers and their audience (in this case, teens).

8. Booktalking Ideas
- Explain how poetry affects your views of life?
- How do you think teens might respond to some of these poems?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the more adult content of this collection of poems, I would encourage older teens aged 15-18 to read this book.

10. Challenge Issues
This book does include poems about sadness, depression and suicide. In fact, many of the authors highlighted in this collection have attempted suicide if not been successful.

I would hope that any person who challenges this book could realize the positive effects this book could have on a depressed teenager. However, if there was a petition against this book, I would recommend ALA’s challenge form found at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I think that poetry is an effective form of self-expression.

12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Rosenberg, L. & November, D. (2005). I just hope it’s lethal: Poems of sadness, madness, & joy. Boston, Massachusetts: Graphia.

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Amazon.com (2010). I just hope it's lethal: Poems of sadness, madness, and joy (Paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618564527/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0JSSC8NRPHJQ4V7KFAHZ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

13. Awards

No awards known.

27. Something Rotten: A Horatio Wilkes Mystery by Alan Gratz

1. Bibliographic Information
Gratz, A. (2007). Something rotten: A Horatio Wilkes mystery. New York: Dial Books.
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3216-2
207 pages

2. Plot Summary
While visiting his friend, Hamilton Prince in Denmark, Tennessee, Horatio Wilkes notices that all is not what it seems. Two months after the death of Hamilton’s father, Hamilton’s mother, Trudy, marries her brother-in-law, Claude. Hamilton, still grieving over the death of his father, takes an active dislike towards his uncle/step-father. Olivia, Hamilton’s ex-girlfriend and daughter of the Prince’s family lawyer, is an environmental activist who opposes the water pollution that the paper mill creates. Candy, a servant with a fetish for western wear, seems too aggressive as the Prince’s hired help. Ford Branff, Trudy’s ex-boyfriend is trying to blackmail the paper company into selling to him. Lastly, Claude has always been jealous of his older brother’s success. After Hamilton shows Horatio a video showing Hamilton’s father stating he was poisoned; Horatio agrees to help Hamilton discover the truth behind his father’s death. With a slew of suspects, can Horatio confirm that Rex Prince was murdered or was he simply a casualty of cancer?

3. Critical Evaluation
This modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is a fun and fast-paced read. Gratz success stems from his ability to take a well-known play and make the story appear fresh. Horatio is a likeable if not conceited narrator. As a high school senior, his behaviors do seem somewhat unrealistic. As a detective of sorts, Horatio is similar to the likes of Poirot and Columbo; he uses other people’s stereotypes of him to further his investigation. In this case, it is Horatio’s age and conceit that people tend to misread. While Horatio’s character is not always believable when put in context with his age, his interactions and dialogues with the other characters does sound like a teenager’s. Horatio is constantly belittling and insulting Candy, Claude, Branff and even Hamilton. As stated previously, the novel succeeds in its fresh interpretation. The author is able to create a believable story with a quirky setting. Current ideas about the need to protect the environment are also an added element to the story’s conclusion. Ultimately, it is an enjoyable read.

4. Reader’s Annotation
When Rex Prince the owner of Elsinore Paper dies, his son Hamilton wonders if his uncle is to blame. Sound all too familiar? See if Hamilton and his friend Horatio can get to the bottom of this mystery in Alan Gratz’s Something Rotten.

5. Information about the Author
Alan Gratz was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. Alan graduated from the University of Tennessee with a College Scholars degree with a specialization in creative writing. He also obtained a Master’s degree in English education. His other novels include Samurai Shortstop, The Brooklyn Nine, and the sequel to Something Rotten entitled, Something Wicked.

6. Genre
Mystery, however, for those who have read Hamlet, it should not be difficult to figure out the ending.

7. Curriculum Ties
This novel would be an interesting adaptation to include in an English class’ lesson on Hamlet/Shakespeare.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-What are some similarities and differences between Something Rotten and Hamlet?
-How well do you think this adaptation lives up to the original?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that this novel would be appropriate for readers aged 15-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This novel does have instances of drinking, and violence. The violence includes cars blowing up, and someone getting shot. There is mention of murder; however, the novel does not implicitly describe the murder.

If a parent did ask to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s challenge form and website at:

http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I enjoy reading adaptations of classics.

12. Citation Page

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Gratz, A. (2010). Alan Gratz: About me. Retrieved from http://www.alangratz.com/about.htm

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Amazon.com. (2010). Something rotten (a Horatio Wilkes mystery). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014241297X/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0Y61Z1ZMP29531JMFWS8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

13. Awards
2008 ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Readers

28. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

1. Bibliographic Information
Ryan, C. (2009). The forest of hands and teeth. New York: Delacourte Press.
ISBN: 978-0-385-90631-9
310 pages

2. Plot Summary
Mary lives within the confines of the village run by the Sisterhood. The Sisterhood is an all female, governing organization which reinforces the village’s religious faith as well as protection from the unconsecrated. When Mary’s mother dies, her brother feels that it is her fault and leaves her to the care of the sisterhood since no man is willing to claim her. There Mary realizes that the Sisterhood is not as benevolent as it may seem. The old monastery hides many secrets including a trail that ventures outside of the confines of the village. Questioning its purpose, Mary wonders if the Sisterhood’s secrets deny its people the chance to see if other people have still survived. Mary constantly wonders whether her mother’s stories about the ocean could truly be real. When one of Mary’s childhood friend’s asks for her hand, Mary is unsure if a life of assumed security is enough for her. Can she marry a man she does not love? When will the unconsecrated break through the village’s protections, and does a world exist outside of the confines?

3. Critical Evaluation
Like other zombie fiction, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, offers readers more questions than answers. What is most appealing about this book, however, is its treatment of women. The Sisterhood holds a strong sway over the rest of the village, shaping the religious doctrine, filtering the information that the village receives, determining the types of defenses the village creates, as well as the cultural roles that women are supposed to take on. In this particular village, women are expected to marry and have children or become a sister in the sisterhood. In either case, no woman is expected to question the status quo or the power of the sisterhood. Mary then becomes an interesting character, not only because she spurns the idea of a loveless marriage, but also because she questions the role of love and the sisterhood, while maintaining hope of a better life. She is a difficult character to understand. Her overriding characteristic is her desire to find the ocean, and even when she has the possibility to stay with the man she loves, it is not enough. Through Mary, Carrie Ryan makes a distinct statement about women today and their need to establish their own identity before deciding to get married. She is not opposed to marriage or children, but rather, focuses on the need of women to make their own choices.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Mary feels trapped within the village confines deep within the forest of hands and teeth. She dreams instead of the stories her mother told her about the ocean, but how can she get there when the fear of the unconsecrated and law of the Sisterhood deny her freedoms?

5. Information about the Author
Carrie Ryan was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. The Forest of Hands and Teeth is her first published novel, and the sequel, The Dead-Tossed Waves has already been published. These books will make up a trilogy with the third book being released in 2011.

6. Genre
Horror

7. Curriculum Ties
I would only consider this book to be an outside reading book.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-How does the novel depict women?
-How do you think this novel compares to with other zombie literature and movies?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the graphic descriptions I would recommend this book mostly for girls who love horror aged 16-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This novel is about zombies; therefore, some people may be opposed to the whole idea of the undead. There is some violence including descriptions of the undead eating the living. Additionally, the book does make some references to the controlling power of a religious institution. While the book does not state which religion the “Sisterhood” believes in, they do study the bible.

If someone did wish to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s challenge form found at: http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

11. Why was it selected?
I enjoy zombie films, so I thought I would give this book a try.

12. Citations

Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm

Ryan, C. (2010). Carrie. Retrieved from http://www.carrieryan.com/carrie.php

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Ryan. C. (2010). Books. Retrieved from http://www.carrieryan.com/forest-hands-teeth.php#trailer

13. Awards
A New York Times best-seller
A Junior Library Guild selection
#4 on the IndieBound Kids' Indie Next List for Spring 2009
A Borders Original Voices selection for April 2009
Selected as an American Library Association "Best Book for Young Adults"
Selected for the Texas Library Association TAYSHAS High School Reading list
Selected by librarians at the Denver Public Library as one of the Best Teen Books of 2009
Nominated for the North Carolina School Library Media Association Young Adult Book Award
Nominated for the 2010-2011 Georgia Peach Book Award