READ, LIRE, LEE, Y.A.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Hi, Y.A.!

I put this collection together imagining a small rural public library with a very limited materials budget. I wanted to offer as much variety within this small collection. I hope that you enjoy my finished product!

A few notes about this collection:

All collection items are listed alphabetically to your left. There is also an archive below the collection list that lists each item by the month and original order that it was entered.
All items in the alphabetical collection list that begin with "the" will have the "the" at the end in the following format: "Title Title Title- The." I did this in order to ensure that all my items appeared in the correct alphabetical sequence.
All genres and subgenres are taken from Diana Tixier Herald table of contents in Teen Reflecting.
All bibliographic, age range, and reading level details are taken from the publisher tool, Follett's TITLEWAVE iPhone Application (App) version. This is cited accordingly in each entry.

Thank you for your time!

(The United States printable is from The Vintage Lemon)

Monday, August 6, 2012

Death by Bikini

Bibliographic Information: Gerber, L. (2008). Death by bikini. New York: Sleuth.
ISBN: 978-0329066220-2

Plot Summary: Aphra Connolly had no choice in her father's decision to move them to a remote volcanic island four years earlier. Far from her prior home in South Carolina, Aphra spends her time assisting her father at their beachside resort and swimming in the ocean. Everything suddenly changes when a mysterious family appears on the island, a dead body washes up on the shore, and Aphra realizes that not everyone is what they seem.

Critical Evaluation: The setting, a distant volcanic island, plays a great role in Death by Bikini. The characters are enveloped by elements of the wild ocean, the untamed tropical wilderness, and secluded destinations around the island that carry along the suspense of the plotline. It's this element of the unknown that carries forward the first unsolved murder and adds a sense of abandoned foreboding to the overall storyline. This aspect, along with a climactic thunderhead, function almost like soundtrack cues that indicate to the reader what they should be feeling at that point in the narrative. It is also the surroundings that dictate the mood and state of mind of each of the characters. The "Smith Family," the island celebrities, and even Aphra's father feel like the secluded island may actually function as a haven and act accordingly. Aphra, on the other hand, feels both soothed and imprisoned by the surrounding presence of the ocean and the isolation that it imposes on her life. To Aphra, the ocean symbolizes the many miles between her and her past life in South Carolina; a thought that isn't very comforting. The setting continues to change and develop similarly to each character. The setting in the end may be one of the biggest players of the story; constantly indicating where the plot and characters are going

Reader’s Annotation: Aphra's island life is suddenly turned upside down by a bikini, the appearance of a secretive family, and dangerous figures that suddenly lurk throughout the island.

Information About the Author: Linda Gerber has always had three passions in life: books, writing, and traveling (Gerber: Bio, 2012). Gerber has spent so much traveling that it took her a little longer to graduate college since she was always going somewhere new (Gerber: Bio, 2012). To date she has traveled and/or lived in the following cities and countries: Utah, California, Arizona, Ohio, Michigan, Washington, D. C., Finland, Japan, Europe, Asia, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii, and Micronesia (Gerber: Bio, 2012). Gerber currently lives in Ohio (Gerber: Bio, 2012). A few things Gerber enjoys: sushi, spending time with her family, and classic rock (Gerber: Bio, 2012).

Some other books Linda Gerber has written: Lights, Camera, Cassidy series, Trance, Death by Denim, Death by Latte, The Finnish Line: Students Across the Seven Seas (Gerber: Books, 2012)

To learn more about Linda Gerber visit:

Linda Gerber's Website

Genre: Mystery, Horror, and Suspense, Romance, Adventure

Subgenre: Murder Mystery

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Did Aphra's father make the right decision in hiding the letters that Aphra's mother sent her?
2). Is Aphra old enough to understand the importance of keeping secrets?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Lexile Reading Level: 640/YA (Follett's Titlewave, 2012)

Challenge Issues: Includes murder, violence, and some strong language. I would use the following items to defend this book if it was ever challenged:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml). Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

4) Refer t0 American Association for School, Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner (http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf)

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

Boys Over Flowers

Bibliographic Information: Yoko, K. (2003). Boys over flowers (Hana yori dango), vol. 1. San Francisco: Viz Media

Plot Summary: Makino Tsukushi has been given the opportunity to enroll in a high school for the elite, Eitoku Academy. Her parents refuse to let her pass up the chance, because they believe that it will change her life. Tsukushi is extremely nervous because she knows that she will be surrounded by the sons and daughters of CEO's and wealthy businessmen; while she comes from a low middle class working family.

Upon arriving at the academy,Tsukushi immediately learns that the entire academy is run by the whims of a very wealthy group that calls themselves the F4 for the " the Flowery Four." The F4 rule the halls of Eitoku Academy by both bullying and charming their fellow peers. All the students live in fear of the F4, knowing that crossing them means being "red carded" and ostracized by the entire student body. Tsukushi learns this the hard way when she makes the choice to stand up for her friend, Yuuki Matsuoka, who has accidentally offended the leader of the F4, Tsukasa Domyoji. Tsukushi, unlike others, refuses to back down to Tsukasa and immediately finds herself amidst of a battle. In the midst of all the struggle,Tsukushi finds herself unexpectedly attracted to Rui Hanazawa, the kindest of the F4, while Tsukasa begins to take a strange interest in Tsukushi. Tsukushi realizes that she must learn her way around Eitoku Academy or risk losing her way and disappointing her family!

Critical Evaluation: Through Makino Tsukushi point of view in Boys Over Flowers, the reader can see a look into class issues of Japanese society. Tsukushi's narration, coupled with the elite setting, draws a sharp picture of what it means to be middle to low class in a world of extremly wealthy characters. Tsukushi is constantly reminded that she is not good enough because she both holds a job and can't afford to purchase a new Louis Vuitton bag each weekend. Tsukushi is also ridiculed for helping to take the trash out and is even called "middle class trash" when she chooses to stand up for her friend. It is this moment of rebellion that sets the tone for the rest of the novel and essentially forces Tsukushi into the role of the outsider. Tsukushi's refusal to be ashamed and her adoption of the nickname "the weed" (in reference to her being a weed among the "flowers" or F4) transforms her into a dangerous free radical that wont be silenced or pressured into "knowing her place." Tsukushi is constantly encouraged to want to be more, to be impressed with the materialistic aspect of wealth, and to strip herself of everything that makes her middle class. Most interestingly yet, is Tsukasa's attempt to buy Tsukushi over when he finds that he cannot squash her spirit. Tsukushi becomes a symbol of the honest and sincere middle to working class that will not be forced into changing who they are in order to please the whims of the rich.

Reader’s Annotation: Tsukushi stands up for what is right, no matter the consequences.

Information About the Author: Yoko Kamio, born on June 29, 1966 is best known for Hana Yori Dango, or Boys over Flowers (scholastic.com, 2012). Boys over Flowers broke records by becoming the best selling shojo manga series in Japan, it sold over 35 million copies (scholastic.com, 2012). Boys over Flowers even won a Shogakukan comic Award in 1996. Boys over Flowers was even made into a succesful Korean television series which has been featured on Hulu.

Yoko Kamio has also written Mamade Matteiru (Waiting Until 20), Suki Suki Daisuki (I Really, Really Like You), and Mary-San No Hitsuji (Mary's Lamb) (scholastic.com, 2012).

Boys Over Flowers Korean Series Trailer

Genre: Graphic Novel, Romance

Subgenre: Humorous Romance, Japanese Manga

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas:
1) Why does Tsukasa change his opinion about Tsukushi?
2). Should Tsukushi be impressed by the F4's wealth and power?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Rated T (for Teen) (www.viz.com, 2012)

Challenge Issues: Some themes of rape and violence. I would use the following items to defend this graphic novel if it was challenged:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml). Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

scholastic.com. (2012). Yoko Kamio bio. Retrieved August 6, 2012 from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/yoko-kamio

viz.com. (2012). Products: Boys over flowers, vol. 1. Retrieved August 6, 2012 from http://www.viz.com/product?id=1596

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Only Alien on the Planet

Bibliographic Information: Randle, K. D. (2009). The only alien on the planet. Naperville: Sourcebooks.
ISBN: 978-1-40222-669-4

Plot Summary: Seventeen year old Ginny Christianson would give anything to keep her parents from uprooting her and her three brothers in a move east coast. On top of it all, Ginny's best friend, her older brother Paul, has left for his first year of college; essentially abandoning her. Ginny is soon forced to adapt to things in her new home as she enrolls in the local high school for her senior year. In the process Ginny makes friends with the popular Hally and her new next door neighbor, Caulder. Everything is going great for Ginny until she becomes obsessed with the beautiful anomaly known as "The Alien," or Smitty Tibbs. Smitty is known as "The Alien" because he hasn't spoken or reacted to the world around him since a traumatic experience at the age of two. Caulder and Ginny make it their mission to pull Smitty into their world, until their actions are met with serious consequences.

Critical Evaluation: One of the biggest themes in The Only Alien on the Planet is that of the characters trying to find or establish some sense of "normalcy." Ginny, or Virginia, Christianson, the protagonist of The Only Alien on the Planet, tells the story from her point of view. Ginny begins her narrative wanting to constantly find the "norm" in her life, the balance that sets her apart from other unbalanced individuals. Ginny's world is shaken when her parents make an unexpected move to the east coast and leave their kids mostly in their own care while they (the parents) work hard to establish their business in the new town. To Ginny this symbolizes a move away from the norm, a fracture in the family unit. Ginny is further forced to reanalyze her standards of what she thinks is "normal" when she meets the beautiful and mysterious figure of Smitty Tibbs. Through Smitty, Ginny begins to understand that "normal" is different for each and every person. This fact forces her to reexamine her own life and really understand just how lucky she really is. Ginny is able to understand that her small discomforts do not take away from the love and support that her parents present to her, but rather show the lengths her parents will go to make a great life for her and her brothers. This realization changes the entire tone of the plot as Ginny works hard to both understand the misfortunes in Smitty's life and the blessings in her own life. The ending message of this book may be one of not only learning to accept others, but of also recognizing the great things in one's own life.

Reader’s Annotation: Ginny and Caulder learn that some mysteries are meant to be left alone.

Information About the Author: Kristen D. Randle lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband and animals (five horses and two dogs) (Randle, 2012). She helps her husband manage a sound recording studio which has a series of ongoing projects (Randle, 2012). Randle's last few years have been spent with her children and grandchildren chaperoning choir tours and having fun (Randle, 2012). Randle is a part of the Church of Latter Day Saints and quotes it as influencing both her personal relationships and her work (Randle, 2012).

Randle's works include: The Gardner, Who can Ginny Trust—And Why Would She Even Try?, Breaking Rank, The Golden Boy, and The Lady and the Fool (Randle, 2012).

Kristen D. Randle's Website

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery and Suspense

Subgenre: Mental Illness, Suicide and Self-destruction

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What does it mean to not be "the only alien on the planet?"
2). What kind of religious allusions are made throughout the text?
3). Why does Smitty finally respond to Ginny?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Gr. 8-12 (O'Malley, 1995)

Challenge Issues: Has some themes of suicide and abuse. I would use the following items to defend this book if it was ever challenged:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml). Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

Math Word Problems in 15 Minutes a Day

Bibliographic Information: Math word problems in 15 minutes a day. (2009). New York: LearningExpress.

ISBN: 978-1-57685-691-8

Plot Summary: This excellent math study companion begins with a pretest which indicates what each student should be focusing on. The book is made up of 30 lessons that are broken into five sections. Each section builds on itself and allows the student to see how each lesson is interconnected. The chapters are also full of tips and examples that make figuring out the world problems both easier and fun. The book ends with a "posttest" that shows the student just how far they have progressed from day one. The book also includes a small glossary if a student doesn't understand a particular word or concept.

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: Learn how to do math problems better and faster by practicing just 15 minutes a day!

Information About the Author: LearningExpress, LLC is an educational technology company that works hard to help students and adults improve their skills from the bottom up (learningexpressllc.com- Company Overview, 2012). LearningExpress, LLC works with 4,000 public libraries, 5,000 schools, and 1,2000 colleges across Canada and the United States (learningexpressllc.com- Company Overview, 2012).

LearningExpress, LLC also offers the following books: Learning in 20 Minutes series, Learning in 15 Minutes a Day series, 501 Questions, Resumes That Get You Hired, and ob Interviews That Get You Hired (learningexpressllc.com -Books & eBooks, 2012).

Genre: Nonfiction

Subgenre: Mathematics

Curriculum Ties: Can be used in a lesson on math word problems.

Booktalking Ideas: N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age: YA (Follett's Titlewave, 2012)

Challenge Issues: No challenge issues.

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml). Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

6) Refer to legitimate book reviews, such as: School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book and others; found on either Academic Search Premier, Follett's TITLEWAVE, or Amazon.com.

Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?: It was noted in 2009 by the Wall Street Journal that fewer than four out of 10, 4th to 8th grade students are proficient in math (Tomsho, 2012). This makes it extremely important to provide books that help students further develop their mathematical skills. Word problems also appear on many standardized tests. It is crucial to help children gain the confidence and skills necessary to complete these types of problems.

Reference Page:

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). Math Word Problems in 15 Minutes a Day. Retrieved August 5, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave iPhone App.

learningexpressllc.com. (2012). Books & eBooks. Retrieved August 5, 2012 from http://www.learningexpressllc.com/products/publishing.cfm

learningexpressllc.com. (2012). Company overview. Retrieved August 5, 2012 from http://www.learningexpressllc.com/company/home.cfm

Tomsho, R. (2009). U. S. math scores hit a wall. Retrieved August 5, 2012 from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125552998655384945.html

cover art: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/math-word-problems-in-15-minutes-a-day-with-access-code-learning-express-llc/1101936951

Romeo and Juliet

Bibliographic Information: Shakespeare, W. (2011). Romeo and Juliet (The Folger Shakespeare library). New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.
ISBN: 978-1451621709

Plot Summary: The fair city of Verona has been long terrorized by the ongoing feud between the Capulet and Montague families. The play begins with another scene of violence as servants of the Montague and Capulet families come head to head in yet another scuffle. Sick of the constant violence, the Prince vows to put the next violator to death.

Elsewhere Benvolio, a cousin of the Montagues, runs into Romeo and asks him why he is so depressed. Romeo finally shares that she is in love with a girl named Rosaline that does not share his feelings. Both Benvolio and Romeo come across a Capulet servant with invitations to a Capulet feast. Benvolio then talks Romeo into going to the feast of their enemies, in order to get over Rosaline. Romeo at first refuses but then agrees.

Meanwhile, Juliet's father is arranging a big ball in which Paris will propose to his daughter (even though she is only 13). Juliet's father has decided that she must become engaged but will hold off on actually marrying her off for another two years. It is during this feast that Romeo lays eyes upon Juliet, forgetting all about Rosaline. Romeo, at the time, does not realize that Juliet is a Capulet and pursues her. It is not until Romeo has departed that they both realize the truth about each other's lineage. Romeo, unable to leave, returns and exchanges love vows with Juliet quickly complicating their lives

These vows set a whole mess of events into motion, in which the two fair lovers are secretly married, but cannot be together due to a grievous mistake by Romeo. The story crescendo's in an irreversible miscommunication that seals the fate of both Romeo and Juliet. At the end, both the Capulet and Montague family realize too late that they must change their warring ways or risk having no future at all.

Critical Evaluation: William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet plays on the central theme of "only fools rush in." Every character can be seen making decisions without ever thinking through the consequences from the first scene where the Capulet and Montague servants are seen fighting for the sake of the feud until the ending scene, where Romeo makes his tragic decision without thinking of its permanent consequences. The entire city of Verona is overwrought by badly made decisions that force a series of events that end terribly.

Juliet's downfall can also be attributed to both her young age and also to her father's need to see her carefully squared away in a planned marriage. His direct, and thoughtless, actions force Juliet to search for an exit out- an exit that Romeo offers. Juliet, in this way, may have confused the sense of relief and happiness for new love for Romeo. She may have accepted Romeo's offer because to her, anything was better than being forced into a marriage with Paris. Similarly, Romeo can be seen making questionable decisions as he almost instantly forgets about Rosaline, the girl he previously spent so much time obsessing over. Overall, Shakespeare did not give a single character in Romeo and Juliet the ability to reason and carefully decide what is best. Instead Shakespeare created a world of chaos, in which everything depends on hasty terrible decision after terrible decision.

Reader’s Annotation: Two star crossed loves risk everything to be together, even life.

Information About the Author: Experts speculate that William Shakespeare was born circa April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, due to his baptism being on April 26, 1564 (biography.com, 2012). Though his plays are popular throughout the whole world not much is known about his personal life (biography.com, 2012). Shakespeare came from a family of six children, being third eldest (biography.com, 2012). No one knows whether or not Shakespeare was educated as a child, some even question if he ever existed (biography.com, 2012).

At the age of 18, Shakespeare married 26 year old Anne Hathaway on November 28, 1582 (biography.com, 2012). They had their first child shortly thereafter and twins 2 years later, only two of these children lived past childhood (biography.com, 2012). Many are unclear about what occurred in the seven years after the twins were born and call these the "lost years" (biography.com, 2012). Shakespeare then appeared on London's theatrical scene in the 1590's (biography.com, 2012). By 1597, Shakespeare had established himself having written 17 of the 35 plays he is known for (biography.com, 2012). By 1599, Shakespeare and a business partner had built the popular theater, the Globe (biography.com, 2012). Shakespeare is said to have died on his birthday (April 23) in 1616.

Shakespeare also wrote the plays (in no particular order): A Midsummer's Night Dream, Merchant of Venice, Henry IV (Part I and II), As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, and many others (biography.com, 2012).

Romeo and Juliet - Animated Summary

Genre: Historical, Romance

Subgenre: Drama

Curriculum Ties: Could tie into a lesson on Shakespearean plays and classic literature.

Booktalking Ideas:

Reading Level/Interest Age: YA (Follett's Titlewave, 2012)

Challenge Issues: Does contain violence, sexual themes, and suicide. I would use the following items to defend this book if it was challenged:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml). Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

The Great Gatsby

Bibliographic Information: Fitzderald, F. S. (1925). The great Gatsby. New York: Scribner.

ISBN: 978-0-7432-7356-5

Plot Summary: Set in the roaring 20's, or Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby is a critical look at society's lack of values and finicky nature. Nick Carraway, the narrator, has recently moved to New York (Long Island, specifically) to pursue a fast life of business. Nick moves into the West Egg neighborhood, which is inhabited by people with new money. West Egg happens to be across the water from East Egg, where those with old money and high social standing live; amongst them, Nick's cousin, Daisy Buchannan. Nick soon learns that he is living next to the mysterious Jay Gatsby (originally James Gatz) a man of new money, with a questionable past, that regularly throws lavish parties for the surrounding rich socialites. Nick also learns that fidelity is a lost value amongst the rich as he witnesses several relationships fall apart around him. Upon becoming closer to Gatsby, Nick discovers the true reason behind Gatsby's parties as Gatsby asks Nick to arrange a meeting between Gatsby and Daisy (a love from his past). Nick, though a non-judgmental narrator, can no longer ignore the true nature of East and West Egg as events culminate into lies, infidelity, murder, and careless destruction of the lives of others.

Critical Evaluation: "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And then one fine morning—

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past" (p. 180).

Fitzgerald's closing quote resonates a theme of unrealized dreams that is played within most characters in The Great Gatsby. Each character runs towards the distant future thinking it will provide them bigger and better things ("the illusive green light" on the other dock) but find that as they run towards their ideal futures that they get seemingly farther and farther away. This can be seen in Nick's move to New York where he is both attracted and repelled by the culture of high rollers and excitement. Being shocked and disheartened by the realities of Long Island, Nick eventually finds that the future he wants is actually in his past and returns to the Midwest. This can also be seen in Daisy, who despite being in love with Gatsby, marries Tom Buchanan in order to ensure that her future will be comfortable and taken care of. Daisy, can always be seen on the cusp of changing her mind and returning to a past life, until terrible events permanently force her into a life with Tom Buchanan. And, lastly, it can be seen in the main character, Jay Gatsby (James Gatz) who has changed his entire world in order to chase the promise of a possible future with Daisy. Gastby completely reconstructs himself, becoming wealthy (even if illegally) in order to please and attract the woman he believes to be the love of his life, Daisy. Unfortunately, Gatsby, like the others, finds that although he kept beating towards the future that he thought could be possible, that all he was really seeing was a reflection of a past (when Daisy truly loved him) that he can never return to. The green light, in this sense, becomes an ephemeral echo of not a future but an idyllic past that neither Gatsby, or anyone else, can ever return to.

Reader’s Annotation: Nick finds that love makes fools of us all.

Information About the Author: Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was named after a distant cousin, Francis Scott Key who wrote the "Star Spangled Banner" (biography.com, 2012). Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896 in St. Paul, Minnesota (biography.com, 2012). Fitzgerald grew up writing for school publications, but eventually enlisted to fight in WWI. It was during this time that he met his future wife, 18 year old Zelda Sayre (biography.com, 2012). It is said that Zelda was inspiration for the character, Daisy, in The Great Gatsby (biography.com, 2012). Fitzgerald received some critical acclaim for This Side of Paradise, his first novel, which instantly transformed his life (biography.com, 2012). Unfortunately, this also kept critics from taking Fitzgerald seriously due to his partying ways (biography.com, 2012). Fitzgerald eventually moved to France in search of more inspiration (biography.com, 2012). Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby while in France, but also turned more and more to alcohol becoming an alcoholic (biography.com, 2012). Fitzgerald's wife, Zelda, also suffered a series of breakdowns which made them move from the United States to France on separate occasions. She was ultimately institutionalized in Baltimore, Maryland (biography.com, 2012).

Fitzgerald died from a heart attack at the age off 44 in 1940 (biography.com, 2012). Fitzgerald is known for several novels and stories: Tender is the Night, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and several others (biography.com, 2012). Fitzgerald left one last unfinished novel at the time of his death, The Love of the Last Tycoon (biography.com, 2012).

F. Scott Fitzgerald Biography Video

Genre: Historical, Romance

Subgenre: Roaring 20's

Curriculum Ties: Can tie into lessons on the 18th amendment and the 1920's.

Booktalking Ideas:

1). What is Fitzgerald saying about the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?

2). Is Daisy really the vain character she is written to be? Is there anything below the surface?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Lexile Reading Level: 1070/YA (Follett's Titlewave, 2012)

Challenge Issues: This book includes references, to alcohol, some sexual themes, and murder. I would use the following items to defend this book if it was every challenged:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml). Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). The great Gatsby. Retrieved August 5, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave iPhone app.

cover art: http://hemingwayheroine.blogspot.com/2012/06/great-gatsby-f-scott-fitzgerald.html

Pages

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Hi, Y.A.!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Death by Bikini

Boys Over Flowers

Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Only Alien on the Planet

Math Word Problems in 15 Minutes a Day

Romeo and Juliet

The Great Gatsby