14. The Amazing "True" Story of a Teenage Single Mom by Katherine Arnoldi

1. Bibliographic Information
Arnoldi, K. (1998). The amazing “true” story of a teenage singe mom. New York: Hyperion.

176 pages
ISBN: 0-7868-6420-6

2. Plot Summary
In a semi-autobiographical story told in graphic novel format, Katherine Arnoldi writes and illustrates a novel showing the hardships and the overcoming of those obstacles as a teenage mom. The story begins with the narrator at seventeen and having just given birth to her daughter, Stacie. However, the narrator realizes that she still has the same dreams as she did before having her baby. She continues to dream and work at a surgical glove factory in order to make ends meet and that hopefully through saving money she can find a way to go to college. However, she soon finds herself out of a job, and travelling cross country to Arizona with her roommate and a man named Dave. When Dave becomes abusive, she leaves, however it is not before the reader fully realizes the experiences that placed the mother to where she is now. Depending upon the kindness of strangers, can this young mother overcome her difficult life to make something better of herself and better for her son?

3. Critical Evalutation
The Amazing “True” Story of a Teenage Single Mom is an uplifting story about overcoming personal insecurities along with an unhappy childhood, an abusive boyfriend, and rape. Katherine Arnoldi’s tale might at first appear childish; however, Arnoldi’s ability to reinforce positive messages of self-worth, responsibility and overcoming obstacles allows teenage moms to focus on what is most important: the mother and child. She reinforces the idea that having a child is not the end of one’s life, but rather the beginning. Teens are able to use Arnoldi’s experiences to find shared comfort, support, and the courage to do what’s best for themselves and their children. The only drawback to this story that might be off-putting to readers is the author’s own admission that some of the aspects of the story were generalized, hence the quotations around true. However, hopefully teenagers in similar situations can use this book as a means of encouragement. Arnoldi includes advice for teenage moms for more information on college admissions, financial aid, housing and day care. She also warns people about the dangers of hitchhiking and some hotlines people can call if they are victims of abuse, rape, and domestic violence.

4. Reader’s Annotation
How can one teenage mother get past her own experiences and society’s expectations to accomplish her dreams?

5. Information about the Author
Katherine Arnoldi is an advocate for equal rights to education for single moms. She has also written All Things Are Labor: Stories. She currently lives in New York City.

6. Genre
Graphic Novel: Teen Pregnancy

7. Curriculum Ties
I could see this book being used in a health class or a class on women’s rights to help empower young girls to know what is available to them if they do have a child. Additionally, if students were interested in penning their own autobiography, this story could be used to show how the graphic novel format can be used.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-Do you find this graphic novel an oversimplified view of teenage pregnancy, or a means for positive reinforcement for those in a similar situation?
- This graphic novel is semi-autobiographical of Katherine Arnoldi’s life. How does the graphic novel format help tell this story that a traditional book would not be able to accomplish?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
While the reading level might be appropriate for a younger teen, I think that the content of this novel might be better suited for older teens aged 15-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This graphic novel has instances of rape, physical violence, homelessness, dysfunctional families, and teenage pregnancy. The overall purpose of this novel is to empower teenage mother; however if one wished to challenge this novel I would recommend the ALA’s website guidelines and challenge form found at:

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

11. Why was it selected?
I wanted to include a story about teenage pregnancy.

12. Citations
Arnoldi, K. (1998). The amazing “true” story of a teenage singe mom. New York: Hyperion.

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

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). The amazing true story of a teenage single mom (Hardcover). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-True-Story-Teenage-Single/dp/0786864206/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272588823&sr=1-1

13. Awards
Named a Top 10 Book of the Year by Entertainment Weekly
Nominated for the Will Eisner award in graphic novel category
Winner—New York Foundation for the Arts Award in Drawing
ALA Notable book
ALA Top 10 quick picks for reluctant teen readers

19. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel by Frazer Irving

1. Bibliographic Information
Irving, F. (2005). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The graphic novel. New York: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 0-14-240407-1
176 pages

Note about the text and illustrations: Frazer Irving completed the illustrations for the graphic novel, and is cited as the main author. Gary Reed completed the script for this version.

2. Plot Summary
Dr. Victor Frankenstein sets out to understand the boundaries of science. Becoming interested in the building blocks of life, the doctor sets out to recreate life in a laboratory. Obsessed with his work, Dr. Frankenstein finally defies modern science and reanimates a being using human cadavers. However, his attempt becomes a failure when the being escapes. The narrative then turns to the monster showing his inability to connect with humanity, and thus setting out to destroy everyone who has wronged him. During this time, the Doctor has returned to his home. Trying to return to a normal lifestyle, the doctor begins to find solace in routine. However, when he finds that his best friend and brother have died due to suspicious circumstances, Dr. Frankenstein begins to wonder. When it is confirmed to the doctor that his creation is destroying his life, both become consumed by their hatred for each other. Can Dr. Frankenstein stop the monster before it finds him?

3. Critical Evaluation
Shelly’s original work questions the idea of what it means to be human, and how far the realm of science should go to determine such ideas. However, Irving’s graphic novel, though consistent with the plot of the book, fails to retain much of Shelley’s original language. In some ways, this detracts from the graphic novel. The reader is not allowed to read some of the stylistic differences and word choice. Nevertheless, the book allows readers to understand the general ideas of the story, as well as the darkness that pervades the original novel. The book also includes a biography of Mary Shelley’s life which allows the reader to get a feel for the author and some of the hardships she had to face during her lifetime. Hopefully, this will push the reader to see how Shelley’s original work was modeled after her own experiences, and will encourage readers to try her version.

4. Reader’s Annotation
The classic story of Frankenstein is now retold in a Graphic Novel format. Read the story all over again and experience the despair of knowing what Dr. Frankenstein has created and the horror of the monster himself.

5. Information about the Author
Frazer Irving was born in London, and has been reading comics since he was a young boy. He has worked for many popular comic book publishers including DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics.

Gary Read has written over 200 comics, as well as serving as the president of Caliber Press, a specialty publisher of comics and books.

6. Genre
Classic Novel Adaptation

7. Curriculum Ties
While I do not feel that this book is of the same quality of the original, I could see an English class using this graphic novel as a means of comparison.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-Where do you feel the boundaries of science should be contained?

-How does this Graphic Novel compare to other renditions of Frankenstein? What about to the original text?

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

10. Challenge Issues
This graphic novel is a recent adaptation of an original classic. Like the classic, the book questions the role of science. The question of science versus religion, is not explicitly stated in this graphic novel, however, one could pose an argument that Dr. Frankenstein’s ability to create life goes against some of the religious ideas of today. Additionally, this book includes instances of violence, death and murder. Furthermore, Dr. Frankenstein’s actions border on the extreme and obsessive. Since these ideas are used to question the actions of the characters and are also prevalent in the original novel, I do not think that this book would be challenged. However, if there were such a challenge I would refer patrons to the ALA’s website on guidelines and challenge forms found at:

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

11. Why it was selected?
I thought that teenagers might be more inclined to read these graphic novels rather than the classic originals.

12. Citations

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

Irving, F. (2005). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The graphic novel. New York: Puffin Books.

Picture from
Amazon.com. (2010). Puffin graphics: Frankenstein (Puffin graphics (Graphic novels)) (Paperback). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Puffin-Graphics-Frankenstein-Graphic-Novels/dp/0142404071

13. Awards

No awards known.

33. Far Arden by Kevin Cannon

1. Bibliographic Information:
Cannon, K. (2009). Far arden. Marietta, Georgia: Top Shelf Productions.
ISBN 1603090363
400 Pages

2. Plot Summary
Army Shanks, a former member of the Royal Canadian Arctic Navy (RCAN) turned pirate, is searching for the mythical, tropical island, Far Arden in Canada’s Arctic. He always promised his mentor and friend Simon Arctavius that they would both find the island. After Army Shanks was marooned, and for three years presumed dead, Simon Arctavius left to find the island. When he returns, Army Shanks feels compelled to finish what he started and decides to find Far Arden and Simon Arctavius. However, Shanks is sidetracked by the RCAN, his long lost nephew, his on-again off-again love Fortuna, circus members, his once peer turned enemy, and a horde of other characters. Filled with mistaken agendas, deception and conspiracies, Shanks must now embark on a zany adventure. Will Shanks be reunited with Arctavius, and find the tropical island of Far Arden or is Far Arden just a figment of the imagination?

3. Critical Evaluation
I was pleasantly surprised about the quality and complexity of this graphic novel. The plot line initially seemed ridiculous, but the author was able to tie multiple plot lines together to weave an interesting and comical look at Shanks’ adventures. The themes can actually be quite serious despite the humor of the story. Looking at the role of the military and government bureaucracy, Cannon makes some pretty scathing assertions about how corrupt and self-serving these political and military organizations can be. Additionally, Cannon looks at the role of the environment, in which he seems to feel somewhat skeptical. There are examples of boring lectures about global warming, a murderous polar bear on the loose, and an island that produces hazardous gases. Through these adventures, the reader gets a feel for Canada’s culture and, surprisingly, even current events: the idea of exploration and undiscovered territories, as well as global warming and its effects on Polar Bears. Ultimately, this graphic novel is an interesting example of political satire and comedy.

4. Reader’s Annotation
Meet Army Shanks, a former member of the Royal Canadian Arctic Navy. He is currently searching for the mysterious island of Far Arden rumored to be a tropical island, but not all is what it seems.

5. Information about the Author:
Kevin Cannon lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Ginnell College in central Iowa. His graphic novel, Far Arden is also available online at
http://www.kevincannon.org/288hour/

6. Genre
Graphic Novel: Comedy

7. Curriculum Ties
Learning about other cultures: Canada

8. Booktalking Ideas:
- How does this graphic novel play off of Canadian stereotypes?
- How does this graphic novel examine global issues?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age
There are many plot lines, which would be difficult for a young reader to follow; therefore, I would recommend that this book would be best suited for older teen readers between the ages of 15-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This graphic novel has instances of cursing, violence, nudity and sexual innuendo. Therefore, some adults might not want their children to read this graphic novel. If challenges occurred I would refer angry patrons to the American Library Association’s challenge form found at:

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

11. Why was it selected?
This was one of the books I chose for another class on Canadian Literature (LIBR 271A). However, when I found out that the author was not Canadian and I could not use it for that class, I immediately thought of this assignment.

12. Citations

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

Cannon, K. (2010). Bio. Retrieved from http://kevincannon.org/

Cannon, K. (2006). Far Arden. Retrieved from http://www.kevincannon.org/288hour/

Picture
Amazon.com. (2010). Far Arden. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Far-Arden-Kevin-Cannon/dp/1603090363/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268701190&sr=1-1

13. Awards
2010 Eisner Award Nominee
2010 Izzer Award

34. Uzumaki: Spiral Into Horror by Junji Ito

1. Bibliographic Information
Ito, J. (2001). Uzumaki: Spiral into horror. Volume 1. San Fransisco, California: VIZ Media, LLC.
ISBN: 1-4215-1389-7
208 pages

2. Plot Summary
Divided into four chapters, Uzumaki chronicles the sudden obsession with spirals and the sinister feeling that it has something to do with either the town or its lake. Kirie Goshima lives in the small Japanese town of Kurôzu-cho. When her boyfriend, Shuichi Saito, comes back to visit Kirie and his family in the town, he tells Kirie his hesitancy in visiting his father. According to Shuichi, the town is starting to make him feel dizzy and his father is suddenly becoming obsessed with spirals. Initially, Kirie does not believe her boyfriend, but when she sees the father looking attentively at a snail shell she begins to wonder. Things start getting worse, though, when Kirie’s father is commissioned by Shuichi’s father to build him a sculpture. However, when Shuichi’s father begins to create spirals on his own body, he begins to wrap himself into a barrel. When Shuichi and his mother find him, he has suffocated himself in the spiral. When Kirie begins to see the warning signs that the rest of the town is affected by an obsession of spirals will she be able to avoid it?

3. Critical Evaluation
This graphic novel felt somewhat unfinished. The six chapters highlight different stories, each involving the town’s mysterious fascination with spirals as well as how it affects Kirie. While the storyline provides the reader with some theories as to why this obsession might be happening, there are no explicit explanations, nor has the author really narrowed where the plot will move to next. This is a multi-volume work; therefore, upon reading the subsequent sequels the reader will probably have a better understanding of where the author is taking this story. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the campy style of horror. The illustrations were very interesting, adding to the overall feel to the graphic novel. I think that the illustrations above all are what add the horror to this piece. Ito’s ability to portray the issues that the townspeople have with spirals makes this graphic novel more disturbing. The text just reinforces the emotions provoked by the illustrations.

4. Reader’s Annotation
When Kirie realizes that her small home town of Kurôzu-cho, Japan is cursed. Plagued by an obsession with spirals, the townspeople begin acting strangely. Can Kirie find a way to escape these odd events before it’s too late?

5. Information about the Author
Junji Ito was born July 31, 1963 in Gifu-ken, Japan. Uzumaki first appeared in the mainstream publication, Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits. It was later created as a live-action film and has been released in America. Uzumaki was nominated for an Eisner Award (Official website: http://www.willeisner.com/).

6. Genre
Horror

7. Curriculum Ties
N/A

8. Booktalking Ideas
- How does Junito Ito use people to convey fear?
- Do you feel that people can be possessed by nature or the supernatural?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age:
I would recommend this graphic novel for teens aged 16-18.

10. Challenge Issues
This graphic novel is rated “T” for older teens. It contains violence and disturbing images.

If a person 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 saw it at my local library and I thought it looked interesting.

12. Citations

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

Eisner, W. (2010). Will Eisner.com. Retrieved from http://www.willeisner.com/

Ito, J. (2001). Uzumaki: Spiral into horror. Volume 1. San Fransisco, California: VIZ Media, LLC.

Picture from

Amazon.com (2010). Uzumaki, Spiral into horror. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Uzumaki-Spiral-into-Horror-Junji/dp/1421513897/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268696037&sr=1-1

13. Awards
nominated in 2002 for an Eisner Award in the Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material category

43. King of Thorn by Yuji Iwahara

1. Bibliographic Information:
Iwahara, Y. (2007). King of Thorn (Volume 1). Los Angeles, California: TOKYOPOP Inc.
ISBN: 9781598162356
192 Pages
Action Manga

2. Plot Summary:
The Medusa Virus has become a worldwide epidemic, causing people to slowly turn to stone. There are no known cures and the dead toll is steadily rising. Kasumi, a teenage girl with the virus, has been chosen to participate in a medical study which puts her in a cryogenic sleep until doctors can find a cure. Kasumi is heartbroken, though, because her twin sister, who had also contracted the Medusa Virus, was not chosen. When Kasumi and other patients awake, she sees that the lab is destroyed. Plants are everywhere, and mysterious dinosaur-like animals roam the hallways. Kasumi and ten other patients, namely a young boy, a scientist, a senator, and a mysterious ex-con, computer whiz named Marcus Owen, begin to work together to find their way out of the laboratory. However, with these dangerous conditions and paranoia mounting, can the group work together long enough to survive and figure out what is going on?

3. Critical Evaluation:
This was my first introduction to Manga and graphic novels as a format. While reading from the back to the front, right to left took some getting used to, I enjoyed King of Thorn. The author was able to convey so much emotion and characterization through the illustrations and the captions. Though, having little experience with the format and genre, I can only assume that this is a good example of the craft. The plot itself is nothing new, especially when it comes to survivor fiction: a group of people stranded, with no apparent ways to escape, and danger lurking around every corner. Furthermore, all supporting characters seem to be stereotypes in one way or another with the mysterious ex-con, the doctor who is hiding something, and the senator who is corrupt. However, I found the story fast pace and fun. Readers who are willing to take the plotline and characters with a grain of salt and suspend belief will enjoy King of Thorn for its entertainment value.

4. Reader’s Annotation:
The Medusa Virus is threatening the world’s population. The Sir Henry Abstein Cryogenics Center has promised 160 patients to be cryogenically frozen until a cure can be found. However, something has gone deadly wrong.

5. Information about the Author
Yuji Iwahara was born in Japan. He has worked for a Marvel Comic imprint in Japan called Tsunami. King of Thorn is a six series manga. It is currently being made as an anime movie and will be released in Japan in 2010

6. Genre
Action Manga: Horror

7. Curriculum Ties:
This book could be used as an outside reading book for an English class.

8. Booktalking Ideas
-How would you feel if you were one of the few survivors of an epidemic?
-Do you trust Marcus or any of the other survivors?

9. Reading Level/Interest Age:
I think that young adults aged 15-18 would enjoy this book.

10. Challenge Issues:
I do not feel that this book would be challenged but if there were,
refer to the American Library Association’s website:

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



11. Why it was selected:
The teen librarian at my local library recommended it to me as an introduction to graphic novels.

12. Citation Page

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

Wikipedia. (2009). Yuji Iwahara. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%ABji_Iwahara


Wikipedia. (2010). King of thorn. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_Thorn

Picture from:
TVTropes.org (2009) King of thorn. Retrieved from http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KingOfThorn

13. Awards

ALA's 2008 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens