Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Bibliographic Information: Flynn, B. [Producer], & Peyton, B. [Director].  (2012).  Journey 2: The mysterious island [Motion Picture].  USA: New Line Cinema. 

Plot Summary: 17 year old Sean Anderson has a new step-father, Hank, who he refers to as "legal guardian." Sean is not happy about the new addition to his family and is constantly acting out. The movie opens with Sean fleeing on a motorcycle in a high speed chase as numerous cop cars attempt to catch him. In a last ditch effort to run away, Sean flies over a play structure and into a backyard pool. Sean's stepfather, who seems to have connections with the local police, is called in and takes Sean home. 

When back at home, in an effort to try to bond with Sean, Hank visits Sean in his room and tries getting him to open up about what's going on in his life. Sean makes obvious efforts to not talk to Hank and continues working on a project at his desk. Hank leans in to take a look and notices that it's an encoded message. Sean then tells Hank that he is sure the message is from his grandfather who may be stranded on a mythical island. With Hank's help, Sean soon cracks the message sending him into a traveling frenzy. Realizing the perfect opportunity to bond with his stepson, Hank buys them both tickets to find the island together.

Soon, Sean and Hank set off to the nearest island to the mythical island meeting Gabato and Kailani who attempt to take them to their desired location in a helicopter. Soon they are sucked down into a category 5 tornado, where their true adventure begins. 

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island trailer

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: An unscrambled message sets, Sean Anderson and his stepfather, Hank, on an adventure to save his grandfather that may be stranded on a mythical island.
 

Information About the Director: Brad Peyton was born in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador (tribute, 2012). He first received recognition for his short Evelyn: The Cutest Evil Dead Girl in 2002 (tribute, 2012). Peyton has also directed: Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) and Cats & Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010) (tribute, 2012).

Genre: Adventure, Action, Comedy, Fantasy
 

Curriculum Ties: Can tie into a lesson about Jules Verne's Journey

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Does Hank's effort to get closer to his stepson work?
2). What influence does Jules Vere's book The Mysterious Island have on this movie?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues: This movie contains some elements of high intensity action. I would use the following items to defend this movie 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).

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.

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 movie in the titles you selected?: I selected this movie because its main protagonist, Sean Anderson, is adventurous teen who isn't afraid of the unknown. Many teenagers can relate to Sean's need for rebellion, individuality, and adventure as he tries to accept and understand his mother's new marriage to Hank. This movie has a lot of action and adventure that will interest students with great imaginations and curiosity. 

Reference Page:

tribute.ca.  (2012).  Brad Peyton biography.  Retrieved July 21, 2012 from http://www.tribute.ca/people/brad-peyton/32859/

cover art:
http://iamquirah.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/journey-2-the-mysterious-island/

Freaky Friday

Bibliographic Information: Gunn, A. [Producer], & Waters, M. [Director].  (2003).  Freaky friday [Motion Picture]. USA: Walt Disney Pictures.

Plot Summary: Dr. Anna Coleman and her 15 year old daughter, Tess, are constantly butting heads and can't seem to agree on any subject. Anna is forever miffed by her daughter's rebellious style and irritating rock band aspirations, while Tess can't understand why her mother needs to act so stuffy and remarry. One night they go out to Chinese food and end up in another uproarious argument. Overhearing their squabble, the restaurant host sneaks them magical fortune cookies. Soon after breaking into the cookies an earthquake is felt, foreshadowing disruptive events to come.

The next day both Anna and Tess wake up shockingly discovering that they have switched bodies. This sets off a series of comedic events that force both Anna and Tess to understand a little bit more about why they are the people that they are. This twist of events finally engenders some understanding between the two fighting groups.

Critical Evaluation: The theme of Freaky Friday is one of changing views in order to understand other people better. This theme manifests in Freaky Friday as the characters literally change bodies. This forces them to deal with each other's problems and everyday dilemmas like never before. This essentially forces them to change their views of each other and to be more sensitive about what each has to deal with. The fortune cookie triggering their physical change is not in itself enough for them to change their views, but seeing the world through each other's eyes is really what makes the difference.

This theme is a very important when it comes to teens and their parents. Often time teens are not able to understand why their parents do what they do. Similarly, parents frequently do not understand their teens. These kinds of misunderstandings make being close very difficult. The only solution often is to try to understand each other a little bit better, to change their point of view of each other's lives, and to not make assumptions. For Anna and Tess, the fortune cookie makes this possible.  

Freaky Friday trailer

 Reader’s Annotation: One little fortune cookies forces mother and daughter to understand each other a little bit more as they frantically learn to walk in each other's shoes.
 

Information About the Director: Mark Waters was born June 30, 1964 in South Bend, Indiana (Tribute, 2012). He attended the University of Pennsylvania and spent time studying theater (Tribute, 2012). Waters graduated in 1986 and soon after moved to San Francisco (Tribute, 2012). Waters' first movie success was House of Yes in 1997 (Tribute, 2012).

Some other films by Waters: Head over heels (2001), Freaky Friday (2003), Just Like Heaven (2005),  Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) (Tribute, 2012). Waters received the Franklin J. Schaffner Award by the American Film Institute (Tribute, 2012).
Genre: Science Fiction, Comedy

Curriculum Ties: Ties into a lesson on inter-generational relationships.

Booktalking Ideas: 
1). Does switching bodies give Anna and Tess a better sense of each other's points of view?
2). What kind of magical do the fortune cookies bring to the story?
3). Do Anna and Tess have a typical relationship?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15+

Challenge Issues: No challenge issues. If any issues arise I will use the following materials to defend this item:

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.

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 movie in the titles you selected?: I included this item in my collection because it highlights important elements of relationship building between teens and their parents. Although this movie does have a science fiction component, it still reflects some of the issues that the modern day teen faces when trying to reach out to their parents (and vice versa).

Reference Page:
 
tribute.ca.  (2012).  Mark Waters biography.  Retrieved July 15, 2012 from http://www.tribute.ca/people/mark-waters/4122/

cover art:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freaky_Friday_%282003_film%29

Edward Scissorhands

Bibliographic Information: Di Novi, D.  [Producer], & Burton, T.  [Director]. (1990). Edward scissorhands [Motion Picture].  USA: Twentieth Century Fox Film.

Plot Summary: Finding herself in need of new clientele, Peg, the local Avon lady, ventures up a deserted area of the neighborhood in search of new customers. What Peg finds instead of customers amongst the dark ruins, is a timid, quiet, and somewhat strange young man named Edward. Edward, a product of his beloved master, has never been around people and has been alone since his master's untimely death. Before Edward knows what is happening he has been plied with layers of women's makeup foundation and is given an invitation to move in with Peg and her family.

Soon after going with Peg and her family,  Edward finds himself the object of interest and excitement in Peg's neighborhood. Peg's family is unsure of what to make of Edward but accepts him nonetheless. Edward, though extremely shy, quickly finds himself entranced by Peg's daughter, Kim. Not thrilled by the new guest, Kim's jealous boyfriend devises a way to get rid of Edward.

Through a series of unfortunate and misunderstood events, Edward becomes the center of the town's rage and disgust. As emotions rise, it becomes obvious that things must change or Edward will pay the ultimate price.

Critical Evaluation: Edwards hands play a very important role throughout the movie. Edwards hands, or lack of hands, are what divide him from the people of the neighborhood. His hands, or scissors, become the symbol of his inability to fully transition into being a simple human being. The scissors that he has literally cut him off from the things he wants most, from the tender love he craves so much from Peg and Kim, and that he once had from his maker. This divide makes it clear that Edward could never just be one of the neighborhood people, no matter how hard he may try. Although at one point Edward's scissors allow him to become a useful part of society by cutting hair and lawn bushes, the people of the town still fear him and the possible threat that his scissors may pose. Edward is never seen as more than a tool or a weapon, meaning that his quiet, sensitive soul is always overlooked. It isn't until Kim realizes what a gentle soul Edward is, that Edward is finally seen for who he really is. This moment does not last long when Edward accidentally cuts Kim's hand further escalating the divide between him and the people of the town. The incident with Kim's hand getting cut is only further intensified when Edward tries saving her younger brother, Kevin, and ends up cutting up his face. These events become a significant tipping point in the way in which Edward is viewed by those around him, even by Peg and her family. Edward immediately transforms from misguided, quiet young man to monster. Ultimately, Edward knows that without the hands that were promised to him by his master that he will never be more than a feared monster.

Edward Scissorhands trailer

Reader’s Annotation: Made with tender love but left uncompleted, Edward Scissorhands is cast into the world unexpectedly only to find that the world below is darker than any corner of his empty haven.
 

Information About the Director: Born August 25, 1958 in Burbank, CA, Timothy William Burton  (Tim Burton) started off as a quiet outsider slowly developing his talent for art (Burton: Bio, 2012). Burton went on to enroll in California Institute of the Arts, a Disney school geared towards developing animators, and began his career as an animator (Burton: Bio, 2012). Burton was also a huge fan of Vincent Price, a fact that has greatly influenced him throughout his career (Burton: Bio, 2012). Burton then went on to start a career as an animator for Disney, working on Fox and the Hound Burton: Bio, 2012). Finding that he did not enjoy the repetitious nature of being an animator, Burton was sound moved up to the position of conceptual artist (Burton: Bio, 2012). Burton soon made a series of short films that were never released due to being marked "innapropriate for children" (Burton: Bio, 2012). One of these films came to the attention of Pee-wee who then asked Burton to direct his movie which was later Pee-wee's Big Adventure (Burton: Bio, 2012). Through a series of connection and referrals, Burton then received the idea of Beetlejuice (1988) three years later. The success of Beettlejuice then led to several other high profile and lucrative movies.

A look at Burton's films:  Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Ed Wood (1994), Mars Attacks! (1996), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Planet of the Apes (2001), Big Fish (2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), Sweeney Todd (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010),

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) (Burton: Movies, 2012).

The Official Tim Burton Site

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Curriculum Ties: Can tie into a discussion on American suburban culture and standards.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What did the hands mean to Edward?
2). How does the snow represent the love Edward had for the daughter, Kim?

Reading Level/Interest Age: PG-13, suitable for teens over 13 years of age.  

Challenge Issues: Does include topics on crime, teen partying, and violence. I would use the following items to defend this movie 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).

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.

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 movie in the titles you selected?: This fantasy/science fiction movie expresses the complexity of high school love and the teens that experience it. Interlaced with fantasy, this classic portrays the reality of love's difficulties and the unsettling truth that sometimes love is not enough.

Reference Page:

Burton, T.  (2012).  Bio.  Retrieved July 15, 2012 from  http://www.timburtoncollective.com/bio.html

Burton, T.  (2012).  Movies.  Retrieved July 15, 2012 from  http://www.timburtoncollective.com/movies.html

Twentieth Century Fox Film. (1990).  Edward scissorhands movie poster. Retrieved July 15, 2012 from http://swotti.starmedia.com/movies/edward-scissorhands_16070.htm

Mean Girls

Bibliographic Information: Micheals, L.  [Producer], & Waters, M. [Director].  (2004).  Mean girls [Motion Picture].  USA: Paramount Pictures. 

Plot Summary: At the age of 16, Cady Heron enters the public school system for the first time in her life. Having recently moved back to the U.S from Africa, Cady is slow to understand the customs of the average high school student. Making friends with Janis and Damien, two outcasted students, Cady quickly learns that the school is rife with different social groups-- all of which are are "ruled" by the "Plastics." Soon after Cady catches the attention of the "Plastic" Queen Bee and she, Janis, and Damien devise a plan to infiltrate the "Plastics" as a means of revenge for all past wrong doings.

In the end, Cady finds that playing "Plastic" means becoming "Plastic" and must deal with the consequences of living a double life. 

Critical Evaluation: The motif of being plastic or being a "Plastic" is repeated throughout the entire movie. This idea of being plastic is a remark on society's need to be perfect in all senses: beauty, appearance, clothing etc. Being plastic puts an impossible standard of perfection on each of the characters in the movie, basically draining them of the emotions and imperfections that make them average high school students. Cady represents the transition from unencumbered high school student to obsessive "plastic." It is not until Cady sees the ramifications of her "Plastic" identity that she begins to soften and notice the ways in which she has hurt those who mean most to her. Ultimately, being plastic or a "Plastic" is a complete divorce from the emotions and flaws that make people genuine. 

Mean Girls trailer

Reader’s Annotation: Braving the wilds of high school, high school student, Cady Heron, learns that being genuine is more important than being perfect.
 

Information About the Director: Mark Waters was born June 30, 1964 in South Bend, Indiana (Tribute, 2012). He attended the University of Pennsylvania and spent time studying theater (Tribute, 2012). Waters graduated in 1986 and soon after moved to San Francisco (Tribute, 2012). Waters' first movie success was House of Yes in 1997 (Tribute, 2012). 

Some other films by Waters: Head over heels (2001), Freaky Friday (2003), Just Like Heaven (2005),  Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009) (Tribute, 2012). Waters received the Franklin J. Schaffner Award by the American Film Institute (Tribute, 2012).

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Comedy

Curriculum Ties: Could tie into a lesson on bullying, friendships, and high school life.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Is Cady still just pretending to be plastic at the end of the movie?
2). What function does bullying play in the movie?

Reading Level/Interest Age: PG-13, mature content suitable for 15 and older. 

Challenge Issues: Does include sex, some strong language, and bullying. I would use the following items to defend this movie 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).

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.

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 movie in the titles you selected?: This movie focuses on the important issue of bullying in high schools and may help teens better understand the effects of bullying on their peers. It also breaks down society's pressure to be "perfect" and "popular."

Reference Page:

tribute.ca.  (2012).  Mark Waters biography.  Retrieved July 15, 2012 from http://www.tribute.ca/people/mark-waters/4122/

Cover art:

Paramount Pictures.  (2004).  Mean girls poster.  Retrieved July 15, 2012 from http://thecelebritycafe.com/movies/full_review/376.html

Alice in Wonderland

Bibliographic Information: Zabuck, R.  (Producer), & Burton, T.  (Director).  (2010).  Alice in wonderland [Motion Picture].  USA: Walt Disney Pictures.

Plot Summary: On the day of a forced engagement to an awkward nobleman, 19 year old Alice follows a rabbit through the garden only to fall into a magical hole. Reaching the bottom of the hole Alice is confronted with several characters who wonder whether or not she is the "Real Alice." Not understanding why the creatures of the land keep questioning whether or not she is the "Real Alice," Alice continues on frequently reminding herself that it is all merely a "dream." Alice finds that this new land, "Underland," reminds her of nightmares she had as a child and begins to question whether or not she has ever been there before. Meeting a series of characters, including: the caterpillar, the Cheshire cat, the mad hatter, and many others, Alice is immediately swept up in the fray learning that her true destiny lies in her defeat of the wrongful queen only if she is able to muster the courage, or "muchness," necessary of a hero. 

Inspired by Lewis Caroll's, Through the Looking Glass, this computer graphic styled movie captures the strangeness of an upside down land in search of a hero.

Critical Evaluation: A reoccurring theme in Alice in Wonderland is the question of identity as the creatures of underland question whether or not Alice is the "Real Alice." Alice's identity is pivotal in the film and represents the role of the hero as the creatures search for someone to free them from the Red Queen's tyranny. Alice's identity changes drastically from the girl being forced to become engaged to a boorish lord to the girl that triumphs for the people of Underland. This change in identity can only be described as a claiming of her "muchness" a term that the Mad Hatter uses for the spirit and fiery determination that he once knew in the "Real Alice."

As Alice begins to understand, care for, and love the creatures around her- her identity begins to shift. Although Alice has always been the "Real Alice," she is only able to become her truest self when she asserts herself and faces the scariness of the task before her:

"From the moment I fell down that rabbit hole I’ve been told what I must do and who I must be. I’ve been shrunk, stretched, scratched, and stuffed into a teapot. I’ve been accused of being Alice and of not being Alice but this is my dream. I’ll decide where it goes from here… I make the path!”

Alice is then able to take this new found "muchness" into her real life, becoming her own hero in the face of forced marriage. 

Alice in Wonderland: Alice Returns to Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland Official Site

Reader’s Annotation: Finding her "muchness," Alice becomes the hero of both "underland" and her own life. 

Information About the Director: Born August 25, 1958 in Burbank, CA, Timothy William Burton  (Tim Burton) started off as a quiet outsider slowly developing his talent for art (Burton: Bio, 2012). Burton went on to enroll in California Institute of the Arts, a Disney school geared towards developing animators, and began his career as an animator (Burton: Bio, 2012). Burton was also a huge fan of Vincent Price, a fact that has greatly influenced him throughout his career (Burton: Bio, 2012). Burton then went on to start a career as an animator for Disney, working on Fox and the Hound Burton: Bio, 2012). Finding that he did not enjoy the repetitious nature of being an animator, Burton was sound moved up to the position of conceptual artist (Burton: Bio, 2012). Burton soon made a series of short films that were never released due to being marked "innapropriate for children" (Burton: Bio, 2012). One of these films came to the attention of Pee-wee who then asked Burton to direct his movie which was later Pee-wee's Big Adventure (Burton: Bio, 2012). Through a series of connection and referrals, Burton then received the idea of Beetlejuice (1988) three years later. The success of Beettlejuice then led to several other high profile and lucrative movies.

A look at Burton's films:  Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), Batman Returns (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Ed Wood (1994), Mars Attacks! (1996), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Planet of the Apes (2001), Big Fish (2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), Sweeney Todd (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010),

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) (Burton: Movies, 2012).

The Official Tim Burton Site

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Historical

Curriculum Ties: Could be used in section on fantasy, identity, and heroes.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What is "muchness"?
2). What similarities can be seen between "Underland" and Alice's real world?

Reading Level/Interest Age: PG, 19 year old main character attracts older audience of 15+.

Challenge Issues: Does contain violent scenes. I would use the following items to defend this movie 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).

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.

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 movie in the titles you selected?: This movie is based off of a classic book and could be part of an excellent section on comparing past and current interpretations of fantasy lands. This movie also includes a strong female hero, Alice, who is ultimately able to dictate the direction of her own life. Teens will also be able to relate to many of the struggles of identity and indecision that Alice faces in her own life.

Reference Page:

 Burton, T.  (2012).  Bio.  Retrieved July 15, 2012 from  http://www.timburtoncollective.com/bio.html

Burton, T.  (2012).  Movies.  Retrieved July 15, 2012 from  http://www.timburtoncollective.com/movies.html

cover art:

Disney.  (2010).  Alice in wonderland.  Retrieved July 14, 2012 from http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/AliceInWonderland